Patents by Inventor Mark Jost

Mark Jost 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: 7955976
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of forming semiconductor structures. The methods may include disposing electrically conductive material within an opening in a first dielectric material, passivating an upper surface of the electrically conductive material and introducing materials to form an interlayer dielectric upon the passivated upper surface. The present invention also includes methods of passivating surfaces of a semiconductor structure with a nitrogen-containing species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiping Yin, Mark Jost
  • Publication number: 20070278695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to metallic interconnect having an interlayer dielectric thereover, the metallic interconnect having an upper surface substantially free from oxidation. The metallic interconnect may have an exposed upper surface thereon that is passivated by a nitrogen containing compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Zhiping Yin, Mark Jost
  • Patent number: 7279414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of an ILD layer while preventing or reducing oxidation of the upper surface of a metallic interconnect. Avoidance of oxidation of the upper surface of a metallic interconnect is achieved according to the present invention by passivating the exposed upper surface of the metallic interconnect prior to formation of the ILD. In order to avoid the oxidation of an upper surface of an interconnect during the formation of an ILD layer, an in situ passivation of the upper surface of the interconnect, immediately prior to or simultaneously with the formation of the ILD layer avoids the problems of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiping Yin, Mark Jost
  • Publication number: 20070049038
    Abstract: A method for use in fabrication of a semiconductor device comprises forming a conformal conductive layer over a planarized surface of a dielectric layer, and within an opening formed in the dielectric layer. The opening will typically have an aspect ratio of about 4:1 or greater. An etch is performed with specified gasses under a range of specified conditions which removes the conformal conductive layer from the planarized surface, but which leaves unetched the conformal conductive layer within the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Alex Schrinksy, Mark Jost
  • Publication number: 20060024973
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition method includes providing a semiconductor substrate within a chemical vapor deposition chamber. At least one liquid deposition precursor is vaporized with a vaporizer to form a flowing vaporized precursor stream. The flowing vaporized precursor stream is initially bypassed from entering the chamber for a first period of time while the substrate is in the deposition chamber. After the first period of time, the flowing vaporized precursor stream is directed to flow into the chamber with the substrate therein under conditions effective to chemical vapor deposit a layer over the substrate. A method of etching a contact opening over a node location on a semiconductor substrate is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Chris Hill
  • Patent number: 6790762
    Abstract: As an alternative embodiment and in connection with the reduction of the amount of ammonia in the mixture, processing conditions may be altered from conditions that are less likely to cause formation to oxide husk 20 to conditions that are more likely. For example, processing temperatures sufficient to form passivation layer 32 may be initiated with an ammonia-rich mixture under conditions not likely to cause formation of oxide husk 20. As the amount of ammonia in the mixture is reduced, processing temperatures may be increased proportionally under conditions that are more likely to cause formation of oxide husk 20 than under conditions previously established when the amount of ammonia in the mixture is greater. The initial formation of some of passivation layer 32, however, resists the formation of oxide husk 20. Preferably, the processing temperature will be the same as the deposition temperature for ILD layer 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiping Yin, Mark Jost
  • Patent number: 6418008
    Abstract: A capacitor having a pear-shaped cross section is provided. In one embodiment, the pear-shaped capacitor is a stacked container capacitor used in a dynamic random access memory circuit with a bit-line-over-capacitor construction. Each capacitor is at a minimum bit line distance from all adjacent bit line contacts, and also at a minimum capacitor distance from all adjacent capacitors along a substantial portion of its perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, William Stanton, Christophe Pierrat
  • Patent number: 6391709
    Abstract: A capacitor having a pear-shaped cross section is provided. In one embodiment, the pear-shaped capacitor is a stacked container capacitor used in a dynamic random access memory circuit with a bit-line-over- capacitor construction. Each capacitor is at a minimum bit line distance from all adjacent bit line contacts, and also at a minimum capacitor distance from all adjacent capacitors along a substantial portion of its perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, William Stanton, Christophe Pierrat
  • Publication number: 20020048141
    Abstract: A capacitor having a pear-shaped cross section is provided. In one embodiment, the pear-shaped capacitor is a stacked container capacitor used in a dynamic random access memory circuit with a bit-line-over-capacitor construction. Each capacitor is at a minimum bit line distance from all adjacent bit line contacts, and also at a minimum capacitor distance from all adjacent capacitors along a substantial portion of its perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Jost, William Stanton, Christophe Pierrat
  • Patent number: 6369432
    Abstract: A capacitor having a pear-shaped cross section is provided. In one embodiment, the pear-shaped capacitor is a stacked container capacitor used in a dynamic random access memory circuit with a bit-line-over- capacitor construction. Each capacitor is at a minimum bit line distance from all adjacent bit line contacts, and also at a minimum capacitor distance from all adjacent capacitors along a substantial portion of its perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, William Stanton, Christophe Pierrat
  • Patent number: 6150257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of an ILD layer while preventing or reducing oxidation of the upper surface of a metallic interconnect. Avoidance of oxidation of the upper surface of a metallic interconnect is achieved according to the present invention by passivating the exposed upper surface of the metallic interconnect prior to formation of the ILD. In order to avoid the oxidation of an upper surface of an interconnect during the formation of an ILD layer, an in situ passivation of the upper surface of the interconnect is formed immediately prior to or simultaneously with the formation of the ILD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiping Yin, Mark Jost
  • Patent number: 6110774
    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; the capacitor comprising an inner storage node, a capacitor dielectric layer, and an outer cell node; the inner storage node electrically connecting with the one active area, the inner storage node having an upper surface at an elevation; e) a bit line; f) a dielectric insulating layer positioned intermediate the bit line and the other active area; and g) an electrically conductive bit line plug extending through the insulating layer to contact with the other active area and electrically interconnect the bit line with the other active area, the bit line plug being homogeneous in composition between the other active area and the elevation of the inner storage node upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Charles Dennison
  • 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: 5900660
    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; the capacitor comprising an inner storage node, a capacitor dielectric layer, and an outer cell node; the inner storage node electrically connecting with the one active area, the inner storage node having an upper surface at an elevation; e) a bit line; f) a dielectric insulating layer positioned intermediate the bit line and the other active area; and g) an electrically conductive bit line plug extending through the insulating layer to contact with the other active area and electrically interconnect the bit line with the other active area, the bit line plug being homogeneous in composition between the other active area and the elevation of the inner storage node upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Charles Dennison
  • 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: 5705838
    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; the capacitor comprising an inner storage node, a capacitor dielectric layer, and an outer cell node; the inner storage node electrically connecting with the one active area, the inner storage node having an upper surface at an elevation; e) a bit line; f) a dielectric insulating layer positioned intermediate the bit line and the other active area; and g) an electrically conductive bit line plug extending through the insulating layer to contact with the other active area and electrically interconnect the bit line with the other active area, the bit line plug being homogeneous in composition between the other active area and the elevation of the inner storage node upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Charles Dennison
  • Patent number: 5702990
    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; the capacitor comprising an inner storage node, a capacitor dielectric layer, and an outer cell node; the inner storage node electrically connecting with the one active area, the inner storage node having an upper surface at an elevation; e) a bit line; f) a dielectric insulating layer positioned intermediate the bit line and the other active area; and g) an electrically conductive bit line plug extending through the insulating layer to contact with the other active area and electrically interconnect the bit line with the other active area, the bit line plug being homogeneous in composition between the other active area and the elevation of the inner storage node upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jost, Charles Dennison
  • 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