Patents by Inventor Karen A. Nummy

Karen A. Nummy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9412640
    Abstract: A method of forming a contact on a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes: forming a mask on the semiconductor device, the mask exposing at least one contact node disposed within a trench in a substrate of the semiconductor device; performing a first substrate contact etch on the semiconductor device, the first substrate contact etch recessing the exposed contact node within the trench; removing a set of node films disposed above the exposed contact node and on the sides of the trench; and forming a contact region within the trench above the exposed contact node, the contact region contacting the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen A. Nummy, Ravi M. Todi
  • Patent number: 9269607
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide structures and methods for controlling stress in semiconductor wafers during fabrication. Features such as deep trenches (DTs) used in circuit elements such as trench capacitors impart stress on a wafer that is proportional to the surface area of the DTs. In embodiments, a corresponding pattern of dummy (non-functional) DTs is formed on the back side of the wafer to counteract the electrically functional DTs formed on the front side of a wafer. In some embodiments, the corresponding pattern on the back side is a mirror pattern that matches the functional (front side) pattern in size, placement, and number. By creating the minor pattern on both sides of the wafer, the stresses on the front and back of the wafer are in balance. This helps reduce topography issues such as warping that can cause problems during wafer fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Engbrecht, Donghun Kang, Rishikesh Krishnan, Oh-jung Kwon, Karen A. Nummy
  • Patent number: 9257433
    Abstract: A memory device is provided including a semiconductor on insulator (SOI) substrate including a first semiconductor layer atop a buried dielectric layer, wherein the buried dielectric layer is overlying a second semiconductor layer. A capacitor is present in a trench, wherein the trench extends from an upper surface of the first semiconductor layer through the buried dielectric layer and extends into the second semiconductor layer. A protective oxide is present in a void that lies adjacent the first semiconductor layer, and a pass transistor is present atop the semiconductor on insulator substrate in electrical communication with the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Herbert L. Ho, Naoyoshi Kusaba, Karen A. Nummy, Carl J. Radens, Ravi M. Todi, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 9240482
    Abstract: A stressor structure is formed within a drain region of an access transistor in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate without forming any stressor structure in a source region of the DRAM cell. The stressor structure induces a stress gradient within the body region of the access transistor, which induces a greater leakage current at the body-drain junction than at the body-source junction. The body potential of the access transistor has a stronger coupling to the drain voltage than to the source voltage. An asymmetric etch of a gate dielectric cap, application of a planarization material layer, and a non-selective etch of the planarization material layer and the gate dielectric cap can be employed to form the DRAM cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Dasaka, Shreesh Narasimha, Ahmed Nayaz Noemaun, Karen A. Nummy, Katsunori Onishi, Paul C. Parries, Chengwen Pei, Geng Wang, Bidan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150364362
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide structures and methods for controlling stress in semiconductor wafers during fabrication. Features such as deep trenches (DTs) used in circuit elements such as trench capacitors impart stress on a wafer that is proportional to the surface area of the DTs. In embodiments, a corresponding pattern of dummy (non-functional) DTs is formed on the back side of the wafer to counteract the electrically functional DTs formed on the front side of a wafer. In some embodiments, the corresponding pattern on the back side is a mirror pattern that matches the functional (front side) pattern in size, placement, and number. By creating the minor pattern on both sides of the wafer, the stresses on the front and back of the wafer are in balance. This helps reduce topography issues such as warping that can cause problems during wafer fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Edward Engbrecht, Donghun Kang, Rishikesh Krishnan, Oh-jung Kwon, Karen A. Nummy
  • Publication number: 20150349121
    Abstract: A stressor structure is formed within a drain region of an access transistor in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate without forming any stressor structure in a source region of the DRAM cell. The stressor structure induces a stress gradient within the body region of the access transistor, which induces a greater leakage current at the body-drain junction than at the body-source junction. The body potential of the access transistor has a stronger coupling to the drain voltage than to the source voltage. An asymmetric etch of a gate dielectric cap, application of a planarization material layer, and a non-selective etch of the planarization material layer and the gate dielectric cap can be employed to form the DRAM cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Ravi K. Dasaka, Shreesh Narasimha, Ahmed Nayaz Noemaun, Karen A. Nummy, Katsunori Onishi, Paul C. Parries, Chengwen Pei, Geng Wang, Bidan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150279843
    Abstract: A memory device is provided including a semiconductor on insulator (SOI) substrate including a first semiconductor layer atop a buried dielectric layer, wherein the buried dielectric layer is overlying a second semiconductor layer. A capacitor is present in a trench, wherein the trench extends from an upper surface of the first semiconductor layer through the buried dielectric layer and extends into the second semiconductor layer. A protective oxide is present in a void that lies adjacent the first semiconductor layer, and a pass transistor is present atop the semiconductor on insulator substrate in electrical communication with the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Herbert L. Ho, Naoyoshi Kusaba, Karen A. Nummy, Carl J. Radens, Ravi M. Todi, Geng Wang
  • Publication number: 20150279844
    Abstract: A memory device is provided including a semiconductor on insulator (SOI) substrate including a first semiconductor layer atop a buried dielectric layer, wherein the buried dielectric layer is overlying a second semiconductor layer. A capacitor is present in a trench, wherein the trench extends from an upper surface of the first semiconductor layer through the buried dielectric layer and extends into the second semiconductor layer. A protective oxide is present in a void that lies adjacent the first semiconductor layer, and a pass transistor is present atop the semiconductor on insulator substrate in electrical communication with the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Herbert L. Ho, Naoyoshi Kusaba, Karen A. Nummy, Carl J. Radens, Ravi M. Todi, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 9059320
    Abstract: A memory device is provided including a semiconductor on insulator (SOI) substrate including a first semiconductor layer atop a buried dielectric layer, wherein the buried dielectric layer is overlying a second semiconductor layer. A capacitor is present in a trench, wherein the trench extends from an upper surface of the first semiconductor layer through the buried dielectric layer and extends into the second semiconductor layer. A protective oxide is present in a void that lies adjacent the first semiconductor layer, and a pass transistor is present atop the semiconductor on insulator substrate in electrical communication with the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Ho, Naoyoshi Kusaba, Karen A. Nummy, Carl J. Radens, Ravi M. Todi, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 9029862
    Abstract: A trench is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and is filled with a node dielectric layer and at least one conductive material fill portion that functions as an inner electrode. The at least one conductive material fill portion includes a doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. A gate stack for an access transistor is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate spacer is formed around the gate stack. A source/drain trench is formed between an outer sidewall of the gate spacer and a sidewall of the doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. An epitaxial source region and a polycrystalline semiconductor material portion are simultaneously formed by a selective epitaxy process such that the epitaxial source region and the polycrystalline semiconductor material portion contact each other without a gap therebetween. The polycrystalline semiconductor material portion provides a robust low resistance conductive path between the source region and the inner electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Karen A. Nummy, Chengwen Pei, Werner A. Rausch, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 8836003
    Abstract: Deep trench capacitor structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a deep trench structure in a wafer including a substrate, buried oxide layer (BOX) and silicon (SOI) film. The structure includes a wafer including a substrate, buried insulator layer and a layer of silicon on insulator layer (SOI) having a single crystalline structure throughout the layer. The structure further includes a first plate in the substrate and an insulator layer in direct contact with the first plate. A doped polysilicon is in direct contact with the insulator layer and also in direct contact with the single crystalline structure of the SOI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Ervin, Brian Messenger, Karen A. Nummy, Ravi M. Todi
  • Publication number: 20140213053
    Abstract: A method of forming a contact on a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes: forming a mask on the semiconductor device, the mask exposing at least one contact node disposed within a trench in a substrate of the semiconductor device; performing a first substrate contact etch on the semiconductor device, the first substrate contact etch recessing the exposed contact node within the trench; removing a set of node films disposed above the exposed contact node and on the sides of the trench; and forming a contact region within the trench above the exposed contact node, the contact region contacting the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karen A. Nummy, Ravi M. Todi
  • Patent number: 8692307
    Abstract: Deep trench capacitor structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a deep trench structure in a wafer comprising a substrate, buried oxide layer (BOX) and silicon (SOI) film. The structure includes a wafer comprising a substrate, buried insulator layer and a layer of silicon on insulator layer (SOI) having a single crystalline structure throughout the layer. The structure further includes a first plate in the substrate and an insulator layer in direct contact with the first plate. A doped polysilicon is in direct contact with the insulator layer and also in direct contact with the single crystalline structure of the SOI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Ervin, Brian Messenger, Karen A. Nummy, Ravi M. Todi
  • Publication number: 20140084418
    Abstract: Deep trench capacitor structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a deep trench structure in a wafer including a substrate, buried oxide layer (BOX) and silicon (SOI) film. The structure includes a wafer including a substrate, buried insulator layer and a layer of silicon on insulator layer (SOI) having a single crystalline structure throughout the layer. The structure further includes a first plate in the substrate and an insulator layer in direct contact with the first plate. A doped polysilicon is in direct contact with the insulator layer and also in direct contact with the single crystalline structure of the SOI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph ERVIN, Brian MESSENGER, Karen A. NUMMY, Ravi M. TODI
  • Publication number: 20130260520
    Abstract: A trench is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and is filled with a node dielectric layer and at least one conductive material fill portion that functions as an inner electrode. The at least one conductive material fill portion includes a doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. A gate stack for an access transistor is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate spacer is formed around the gate stack. A source/drain trench is formed between an outer sidewall of the gate spacer and a sidewall of the doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. An epitaxial source region and a polycrystalline semiconductor material portion are simultaneously formed by a selective epitaxy process such that the epitaxial source region and the polycrystalline semiconductor material portion contact each other without a gap therebetween. The polycrystalline semiconductor material portion provides a robust low resistance conductive path between the source region and the inner electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Karen A. Nummy, Chengwen Pei, Werner A. Rausch, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 8507915
    Abstract: A trench is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and is filled with a node dielectric layer and at least one conductive material fill portion that functions as an inner electrode. The at least one conductive material fill portion includes a doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. A gate stack for an access transistor is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate spacer is formed around the gate stack. A source/drain trench is formed between an outer sidewall of the gate spacer and a sidewall of the doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. An epitaxial source region and a polycrystalline semiconductor material portion are simultaneously formed by a selective epitaxy process such that the epitaxial source region and the polycrystalline semiconductor material portion contact each other without a gap therebetween. The polycrystalline semiconductor material portion provides a robust low resistance conductive path between the source region and the inner electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Karen A. Nummy, Chengwen Pei, Werner A. Rausch, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 8490029
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a device using a sequence of annealing processes is provided. More particularly, a logic NFET device fabricated using a low temperature anneal to eliminate dislocation defects, method of fabricating the NFET device and design structure is shown and described. The method includes forming a stress liner over a gate structure and subjecting the gate structure and stress liner to a low temperature anneal process to form a stacking force in single crystalline silicon near the gate structure as a way to memorized the stress effort. The method further includes stripping the stress liner from the gate structure and performing an activation anneal at high temperature on device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony G. Domenicucci, Terence L. Kane, Shreesh Narasimha, Karen A. Nummy, Viorel Ontalus, Yun-Yu Wang
  • Publication number: 20130134490
    Abstract: A trench is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and is filled with a node dielectric layer and at least one conductive material fill portion that functions as an inner electrode. The at least one conductive material fill portion includes a doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. A gate stack for an access transistor is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate spacer is formed around the gate stack. A source/drain trench is formed between an outer sidewall of the gate spacer and a sidewall of the doped polycrystalline semiconductor fill portion. An epitaxial source region and a polycrystalline semiconductor material portion are simultaneously formed by a selective epitaxy process such that the epitaxial source region and the polycrystalline semiconductor material portion contact each other without a gap therebetween. The polycrystalline semiconductor material portion provides a robust low resistance conductive path between the source region and the inner electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karen A. Nummy, Chengwen Pei, Werner A. Rausch, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 8343825
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes implanting an amorphizing species into a crystalline semiconductor substrate, the substrate having a transistor gate structure formed thereupon. Carbon is implanted into amorphized regions of the substrate, with specific implant conditions tailored such that the peak concentration of carbon species coincides with the end of the stacking faults, where the stacking faults are created during the recrystallization anneal. The implanted carbon pins partial dislocations so as to prevent the dislocations from disassociating from the end of the stacking faults and moving to a region in the substrate directly below the transistor gate structure. This removes the defects, which cause device leakage fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony G. Domenicucci, Shreesh Narasimha, Karen A. Nummy, Viorel C. Ontalus, Yun-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 8298907
    Abstract: A method for forming a memory device in a semiconductor on insulator substrate is provided, in which a protective oxide that is present on the sidewalls of the trench protects the first semiconductor layer, i.e., SOI layer, of the semiconductor on insulator substrate during bottle etching of the trench. In one embodiment, the protective oxide reduces back channel effects of the transistors to the memory devices in the trench that are formed in the semiconductor on insulator substrate. In another embodiment, a thermal oxidation process increases the thickness of the buried dielectric layer of a bonded semiconductor on insulator substrate by oxidizing the bonded interface between the buried dielectric layer and at least one semiconductor layers of the semiconductor on insulator substrate. The increased thickness of the buried dielectric layer may reduce back channel effects in devices formed on the substrate having trench memory structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert L. Ho, Naoyoshi Kusaba, Karen A. Nummy, Carl J. Radens, Ravi M. Todi, Geng Wang