Abstract: Aspects and embodiments disclosed herein include a method for forming a plurality of microfeatures, the method comprising: irradiating a starting multi-layer material with a pulsed laser beam at a plurality of locations of the multi-layer material; wherein: the starting multi-layer material comprises a plurality of starting layers comprising a first starting layer having a first composition and a second starting layer adjacent to the first starting layer and having a second composition different than the first composition; the plurality of microfeatures form in the multi-layer starting material during the step of irradiating; each microfeature comprises a plurality of microfeature layers comprising a first microfeature layer having the first composition and a second microfeature layer having the second composition. Optionally, each of the first and second composition is an inorganic material.

Abstract: An electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cell may include a substrate including at least one active region, a floating gate adjacent the substrate, a write/erase gate defining a write/erase path for performing high voltage write and erase operations, and a read gate defining a read path for performing low voltage read operations, wherein the read path is distinct from the write/erase path. This allows for a smaller read gate oxide, thus allowing the cell size to be reduced. Further, the EEPROM cell may include two independently controllable read gates, thereby defining two independent transistors which allows better programming voltage isolation. This allows the memory array to be drawn using a common source instead of each column of EEPROM cells needing its own source line. This makes the array more scalable because the cell x-dimension would otherwise be limited by each column needing two metal 1 pitches.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a resistive switching device includes an opening disposed within a first dielectric layer, a conductive barrier layer disposed on sidewalls of the opening, a fill material including an inert material filling the opening. A solid electrolyte layer is disposed over the opening. The solid electrolyte contacts the fill material but not the conductive barrier layer. A top electrode is disposed over the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a resistive switching device includes a bottom electrode, a switching layer, a buffer layer, and a top electrode. The switching layer is disposed over the bottom electrode. The buffer layer is disposed over the switching layer and provides a buffer of ions of a memory metal. The buffer layer includes an alloy of the memory metal with an alloying element, which includes antimony, tin, bismuth, aluminum, germanium, silicon, or arsenic. The top electrode is disposed over the buffer layer and provides a source of the memory metal.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a resistive switching device comprises a bottom electrode, a switching layer disposed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode disposed over the switching layer. The top electrode comprises an alloy of a memory metal and an alloying element. The top electrode provides a source of the memory metal. The memory metal is configured to change a state of the switching layer.

Abstract: An electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cell may include a substrate including at least one active region, a floating gate adjacent the substrate, a write/erase gate defining a write/erase path for performing high voltage write and erase operations, and a read gate defining a read path for performing low voltage read operations, wherein the read path is distinct from the write/erase path. This allows for a smaller read gate oxide, thus allowing the cell size to be reduced. Further, the EEPROM cell may include two independently controllable read gates, thereby defining two independent transistors which allows better programming voltage isolation. This allows the memory array to be drawn using a common source instead of each column of EEPROM cells needing its own source line. This makes the array more scalable because the cell x-dimension would otherwise be limited by each column needing two metal 1 pitches.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a resistive switching device comprises a bottom electrode, a switching layer disposed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode disposed over the switching layer. The top electrode comprises an alloy of a memory metal and an alloying element. The top electrode provides a source of the memory metal. The memory metal is configured to change a state of the switching layer.

Abstract: A buried local interconnect and method of forming the same counterdopes a region of a doped substrate to form a counterdoped isolation region. A hardmask is formed and patterned on the doped substrate, with a recess being etched through the patterned hardmask into the counterdoped region. Dielectric spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the recess, with a portion of the bottom of the recess being exposed. A metal is then deposited in the recess and reacted to form silicide at the bottom of the recess. The recess is filled with fill material, which is polished. The hardmask is then removed to form a silicide buried local interconnect.

Abstract: A present method of fabricating a memory device includes the steps of providing a dielectric layer, providing an opening in the dielectric layer, providing a first conductive body in the opening, providing a switching body in the opening, the first conductive body and switching body filling the opening, and providing a second conductive body over the switching body. In an alternate embodiment, a second dielectric layer is provided over the first-mentioned dielectric layer, and the switching body is provided in an opening in the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for programming and erasing an array of NMOS electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cells that minimizes bit disturbances and high voltage requirements for the memory array cells and supporting circuits. In addition, the array of N-channel memory cells may be separated into independently programmable memory segments by creating multiple, electrically isolated P-wells upon which the memory segments are fabricated. The multiple, electrically isolated P-wells may be created, for example, by p-n junction isolation or dielectric isolation.

Abstract: The present method of fabricating a memory device includes the steps of providing a dielectric layer, providing an opening in the dielectric layer, providing a first conductive body in the opening in the dielectric layer, providing a switching body in the opening, and providing a second conductive body in the opening.

Abstract: A buried local interconnect and method of forming the same counterdopes a region of a doped substrate to form a counterdoped isolation region. A hardmask is formed and patterned on the doped substrate, with a recess being etched through the patterned hardmask into the counterdoped region. Dielectric spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the recess, with a portion of the bottom of the recess being exposed. A metal is then deposited in the recess and reacted to form silicide at the bottom of the recess. The recess is filled with fill material, which is polished. The hardmask is then removed to form a silicide buried local interconnect.

Abstract: A memory device may include a substrate, a first dielectric layer formed over the substrate and a charge storage element formed over the first dielectric layer. The memory device may also include a second dielectric layer formed over the charge storage element and a control gate formed over the second dielectric layer. The memory device may further include an interlayer dielectric formed over the control gate and the substrate, where the interlayer dielectric includes a material that is substantially opaque to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A method for programming and erasing an array of NMOS electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cells that minimizes bit disturbances and high voltage requirements for the memory array cells and supporting circuits. In addition, the array of N-channel memory cells may be separated into independently programmable memory segments by creating multiple, electrically isolated P-wells upon which the memory segments are fabricated. The multiple, electrically isolated P-wells may be created, for example, by p-n junction isolation or dielectric isolation.

Abstract: A method for programming and erasing an array of NMOS electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cells that minimizes bit disturbances and high voltage requirements for the memory array cells and supporting circuits. In addition, the array of N-channel memory cells may be separated into independently programmable memory segments by creating multiple, electrically isolated P-wells upon which the memory segments are fabricated. The multiple, electrically isolated P-wells may be created, for example, by p-n junction isolation or dielectric isolation.

Abstract: The present method of fabricating a resistive memory device includes the steps of providing a first electrode, oxidizing a portion of the first electrode with an oxidizing agent, providing a metal body on the oxidized portion of the first electrode, oxidizing the entire metal body with an oxidizing agent, and providing a second electrode on the oxidized metal body.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for improving cell-to-cell repeatability of electrical performance in memory cells. The methods involve forming an electrically non-conducting material having ordered porosity over a passive layer. The ordered porosity can facilitate formation of conductive channels through which charge carriers can migrate across the otherwise non-conductive layer to facilitate changing a state of a memory cell. A barrier layer can optionally be formed over the non-conductive layer, and can have ordered porosity oriented in a manner substantially perpendicular to the conductive channels such that charge carries migrating across the non-conductive layer cannot permeate the barrier layer. The methods provide for the manufacture of microelectronic devices with cost-effective and electrically reliable memory cells.

Abstract: The present method of fabricating a resistive memory device includes the steps of providing a first electrode, oxidizing a portion of the first electrode with an oxidizing agent, providing a metal body on the oxidized portion of the first electrode, oxidizing the entire metal body with an oxidizing agent, and providing a second electrode on the oxidized metal body.

Abstract: A method for programming and erasing an array of NMOS electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) cells that minimizes bit disturbances and high voltage requirements for the memory array cells and supporting circuits. In addition, the array of N-channel memory cells may be separated into independently programmable memory segments by creating multiple, electrically isolated P-wells upon which the memory segments are fabricated. The multiple, electrically isolated P-wells may be created, for example, by p-n junction isolation or dielectric isolation.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact through a material includes forming a via through a dielectric material and cleaning the via using a dilute hydrofluoric (DHF) acid solution. The method further includes depositing a barrier layer within the via and depositing metal adjacent the barrier layer.