Patents by Inventor Kunal Parekh

Kunal Parekh 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).

  • Publication number: 20050009270
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming memory circuitry. In one implementation, a semiconductor substrate includes a pair of word lines having a bit node received therebetween. A bit node contact opening is formed within insulative material over the bit node. Sacrificial plugging material is formed within the bit node contact opening between the pair of word lines. Sacrificial plugging material is removed from the bit node contact opening between the pair of word lines, and it is replaced with conductive material that is in electrical connection with the bit node. Thereafter, the conductive material is formed into a bit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Inventors: Kunal Parekh, Byron Burgess
  • Patent number: 6787839
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrication of a capacitor formed with a substantially concave shape and having optional folded or convoluted surfaces. The concave shape optimizes surface area within a small volume and thereby enables the capacitor to hold a significant charge so as to assist in increased miniaturization efforts in the microelectronic field. The capacitor is fabricated in microelectronic fashion consistent with a dense DRAM array. Methods of fabrication include stack building with storage nodes that extend above a semiconductor substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Kunal Parekh, Li Li
  • Patent number: 6756627
    Abstract: A method of the present invention forms a vertically oriented structure connected with a source/drain region through open space. In one embodiment of the method wherein a capacitor storage node is formed, the open space is located between two word line gate stacks in a MOS DRAM memory circuit. A thin landing pad is formed of conducting material in the open space extending to the source/drain region and over the tops of the gate stacks. An insulating layer is formed over the gate stacks and the landing pad. A recess is etched down through the insulating layer to expose an annular portion of the landing pad. A volume of the insulating material is left upon the landing pad in the open space. A conductive layer is deposited in the recess making contact with the exposed annular portion of the landing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiquiang Wu, Li Li, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 6740923
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrication of a capacitor formed with a substantially concave shape and having optional folded or convoluted surfaces. The concave shape optimizes surface area within a small volume and thereby enables the capacitor to hold a significant charge so as to assist in increased miniaturization efforts in the microelectronic field. The capacitor is fabricated in microelectronic fashion consistent with a dense DRAM array. Methods of fabrication include stack building with storage nodes that extend above a semiconductor substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Kunal Parekh, Li Li
  • Patent number: 6682984
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrication of a capacitor formed with a substantially concave shape and having optional folded or convoluted surfaces. The concave shape optimizes surface area within a small volume and thereby enables the capacitor to hold a significant charge so as to assist in increased miniaturization efforts in the microelectronic field. The capacitor is fabricated in microelectronic fashion consistent with a dense DRAM array. Methods of fabrication include stack building with storage nodes that extend above a semiconductor substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Kunal Parekh, Li Li
  • Publication number: 20020140020
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrication of a capacitor formed with a substantially concave shape and having optional folded or convoluted surfaces. The concave shape optimizes surface area within a small volume and thereby enables the capacitor to hold a significant charge so as to assist in increased miniaturization efforts in the microelectronic field. The capacitor is fabricated in microelectronic fashion consistent with a dense DRAM array. Methods of fabrication include stack building with storage nodes that extend above a semiconductor substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Kunal Parekh, Li Li
  • Patent number: 6459116
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrication of a capacitor formed with a substantially concave shape and having optional folded or convoluted surfaces. The concave shape optimizes surface area within a small volume and thereby enables the capacitor to hold a significant charge so as to assist in increased miniaturization efforts in the microelectronic field. The capacitor is fabricated in microelectronic fashion consistent with a dense DRAM array. Methods of fabrication include stack building with storage nodes that extend above a semiconductor substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Kunal Parekh, Li Li
  • Publication number: 20020135011
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrication of a capacitor formed with a substantially concave shape and having optional folded or convoluted surfaces. The concave shape optimizes surface area within a small volume and thereby enables the capacitor to hold a significant charge so as to assist in increased miniaturization efforts in the microelectronic field. The capacitor is fabricated in microelectronic fashion consistent with a dense DRAM array. Methods of fabrication include stack building with storage nodes that extend above a semiconductor substrate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Kunal Parekh, Li Li
  • Patent number: 6309973
    Abstract: Semiconductor processing methods of forming conductive projections and methods of increasing alignment tolerances are described. In one implementation, a conductive projection is formed over a substrate surface area and includes an upper surface and a side surface joined therewith to define a corner region. The corner region of the conductive projection is subsequently beveled to increase an alignment tolerance relative thereto. In another implementation, a conductive plug is formed over a substrate node location between a pair of conductive lines and has an uppermost surface. Material of the conductive plug is unevenly removed to define a second uppermost surface, at least a, portion of which is disposed elevationally higher than a conductive line. In one aspect, conductive plug material can be removed by facet etching the conductive plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, John K. Zahurak, Thomas M. Graettinger, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 6083803
    Abstract: Semiconductor processing methods of forming conductive projections and methods of increasing alignment tolerances are described. In one implementation, a conductive projection is formed over a substrate surface area and includes an upper surface and a side surface joined therewith to define a corner region. The corner region of the conductive projection is subsequently beveled to increase an alignment tolerance relative thereto. In another implementation, a conductive plug is formed over a substrate node location between a pair of conductive lines and has an uppermost surface. Material of the conductive plug is unevenly removed to define a second uppermost surface, at least a portion of which is disposed elevationally higher than a conductive line. In one aspect, conductive plug material can be removed by facet etching the conductive plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, John K. Zahurak, Thomas M. Graettinger, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 6043119
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to fabrication of a capacitor formed with a substantially concave shape and having optional folded or convoluted surfaces. The concave shape optimizes surface area within a small volume and thereby enables the capacitor to hold a significant charge so as to assist in increased miniaturization efforts in the microelectronic field. The capacitor is fabricated in microelectronic fashion consistent with a dense DRAM array. Methods of fabrication include stack building with storage nodes that extend above a semiconductor substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Kunal Parekh, Li Li
  • Patent number: 6010941
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing method of forming a stacked container capacitor includes, a) providing a pair of spaced conductive runners relative to a substrate, the conductive runners respectively having electrically insulative sidewall spacers and an electrically insulative cap, the caps having respective outer surfaces; b) providing a node between the runners to which electrical connection to a capacitor is to be made; c) providing an electrically conductive pillar in electrical connection with the node, the pillar projecting outwardly relative to the node between the runners and having a first outer surface positioned outwardly of both runner caps, the pillar completely filling the space between the pair of runners at the location where the pillar is located; d) providing an insulating dielectric layer outwardly of the caps and the conductive pillar; e) etching a container opening through the insulating dielectric layer to outwardly expose the conductive pillar first outer surface; f) etching the exposed con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Mark Jost, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 5962885
    Abstract: The invention encompasses capacitor constructions. In one aspect, the invention includes a stacked capacitor construction comprising: a) a substrate; b) an electrically conductive runner provided on the substrate, the runner having an outer conductive surface; c) a node on the substrate adjacent the electrically conductive runner; d) an electrically conductive pillar in electrical connection with the node, the pillar projecting outwardly relative to the node adjacent the conductive runner, the pillar having an outer surface; e) an electrically conductive storage node container layer in electrical connection with the pillar; f) a capacitor dielectric layer over the capacitor storage node layer; and g) an electrically conductive outer capacitor plate over the capacitor dielectric layer; and h) the pillar outer surface being elevationally inward of the runner outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Mark Jost, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 5821140
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes, a) a semiconductor substrate; b) a field effect transistor gate positioned outwardly of the semiconductor substrate; c) opposing active areas formed within the semiconductor substrate on opposing sides of the gate; d) a capacitor electrically connected with one of the active areas; e) a bit line; f) a dielectric insulating layer positioned intermediate the bit line and the active areas; g) a bit line plug extending through the insulating layer and electrically interconnecting the bit line with the other active area, the bit line plug comprising an electrically conductive annular ring. Integrated circuitry, beyond memory devices, utilizing an annular interconnection ring are also disclosed. Such constructions having additional radially inward insulating annular rings and conductive rings are also disclosed. A method of forming a bit line over capacitor array of memory cells having such rings is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Charles H. Dennison, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 5789304
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing method of forming a stacked container capacitor includes, a) providing a pair of spaced conductive runners relative to a substrate, the conductive runners respectively having electrically insulative sidewall spacers and an electrically insulative cap, the caps having respective outer surfaces; b) providing a node between the runners to which electrical connection to a capacitor is to be made; c) providing an electrically conductive pillar in electrical connection with the node, the pillar projecting outwardly relative to the node between the runners and having a first outer surface positioned outwardly of both runner caps, the pillar completely filling the space between the pair of runners at the location where the pillar is located; d) providing an insulating dielectric layer outwardly of the caps and the conductive pillar; e) etching a container opening through the insulating dielectric layer to outwardly expose the conductive pillar first outer surface; f) etching the exposed con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Mark Jost, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 5786250
    Abstract: A method of the present invention forms a vertically oriented structure connected with a source/drain region through an open space. In one embodiment of the method wherein a capacitor storage node is formed, the open space is located between two word line gate stacks in a MOS DRAM memory circuit. A thin landing pad is formed of conducting material in the open space extending to the source/drain region and over the tops of the gate stacks. An insulating layer is formed over the gate stacks and the landing pad. A recess is etched down through the insulating layer to expose an annular portion of the landing pad. A volume of the insulating material is left upon the landing pad in the open space. A conductive layer is deposited in the recess making contact with the exposed annular portion of the landing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Wu, Li Li, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 5686747
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes, a) a semiconductor substrate; b) a field effect transistor gate positioned outwardly of the semiconductor substrate; c) opposing active areas formed within the semiconductor substrate on opposing sides of the gate; d) a capacitor electrically connected with one of the active areas; e) a bit line; f) a dielectric insulating layer positioned intermediate the bit line and the active areas; g) a bit line plug extending through the insulating layer and electrically interconnecting the bit line with the other active area, the bit line plug comprising an electrically conductive annular ring. Integrated circuitry, beyond memory devices, utilizing an annular interconnection ring are also disclosed. Such constructions having additional radially inward insulating annular rings and conductive rings are also disclosed. A method of forming a bit line over capacitor array of memory cells having such rings is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Charles H. Dennison, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 5604147
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing method of forming a stacked container capacitor includes, a) providing a pair of spaced conductive runners relative to a substrate, the conductive runners respectively having electrically insulative sidewall spacers and an electrically insulative cap, the caps having respective outer surfaces; b) providing a node between the runners to which electrical connection to a capacitor is to be made; c) providing an electrically conductive pillar in electrical connection with the node, the pillar projecting outwardly relative to the node between the runners and having a first outer surface positioned outwardly of both runner caps, the pillar completely filling the space between the pair of runners at the location where the pillar is located; d) providing an insulating dielectric layer outwardly of the caps and the conductive pillar; e) etching a container opening through the insulating dielectric layer to outwardly expose the conductive pillar first outer surface; f) etching the exposed con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Mark Jost, Kunal Parekh
  • Patent number: 5563089
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes, a) a semiconductor substrate; b) a field effect transistor gate positioned outwardly of the semiconductor substrate; c) opposing active areas formed within the semiconductor substrate on opposing sides of the gate; d) a capacitor electrically connected with one of the active areas; e) a bit line; f) a dielectric insulating layer positioned intermediate the bit line and the active areas; g) a bit line plug extending through the insulating layer and electrically interconnecting the bit line with the other active area, the bit line plug comprising an electrically conductive annular ring. Integrated circuitry, beyond memory devices, utilizing an annular interconnection ring are also disclosed. Such constructions having additional radially inward insulating annular rings and conductive rings are also disclosed. A method of forming a bit line over capacitor array of memory cells having such rings is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Charles H. Dennison, Kunal Parekh