Patents by Inventor Matthew J. King

Matthew J. King 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: 10658380
    Abstract: In an example, a method of forming a stacked memory array includes forming a stack of alternating first and second dielectrics, forming a termination structure through the stack, the termination structure comprising a dielectric liner around a conductor, forming a set of contacts concurrently with forming the termination structure, forming a third dielectric over an upper surface of the stack and an upper surface of the termination structure, forming a first opening through the third dielectric and the stack between first and second groups of semiconductor structures so that the first opening exposes an upper surface of the conductor, and removing the conductor from the termination structure to form a second opening lined with the dielectric liner. In some examples, the dielectric liner can include a rectangular or a triangular tab or a pair of prongs that can have a rectangular profile or that can be tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. King, Anilkumar Chandolu, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt, Gordon Haller, Thomas George, Brett D. Lowe, David A. Daycock
  • Publication number: 20200119036
    Abstract: A termination opening can be formed through the stack alternating dielectrics concurrently with forming contact openings through the stack. A termination structure can be formed in the termination opening. An additional opening can be formed through the termination structure and through the stack between groups of semiconductor structures that pass through the stack. In another example, an opening can be formed through the stack so that a first segment of the opening is between groups of semiconductor structures in a first region of the stack and a second segment of the opening is in a second region of the stack that does not include the groups of semiconductor structures. A material can be formed in the second segment so that the first segment terminates at the material. In some instances, the material can be implanted in the dielectrics in the second region through the second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew J. King, Anilkumar Chandolu, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt, Gordon Haller, Thomas George, Brett D. Lowe, David A. Daycock
  • Publication number: 20200119040
    Abstract: In an example, a method of forming a stacked memory array includes forming a stack of alternating first and second dielectrics, forming a termination structure through the stack, the termination structure comprising a dielectric liner around a conductor, forming a set of contacts concurrently with forming the termination structure, forming a third dielectric over an upper surface of the stack and an upper surface of the termination structure, forming a first opening through the third dielectric and the stack between first and second groups of semiconductor structures so that the first opening exposes an upper surface of the conductor, and removing the conductor from the termination structure to form a second opening lined with the dielectric liner. In some examples, the dielectric liner can include a rectangular or a triangular tab or a pair of prongs that can have a rectangular profile or that can be tapered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew J. King, Anilkumar Chandolu, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt, Gordon Haller, Thomas George, Brett D. Lowe, David A. Daycock
  • Patent number: 10600682
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial material over a stack comprising alternating levels of a dielectric material and another material, forming an opening through the sacrificial material and at least some of the alternating levels of the dielectric material and the another material, forming at least one oxide material in the opening and overlying surfaces of the sacrificial material, an uppermost surface of the at least one oxide material extending more distal from a surface of a substrate than an uppermost level of the dielectric material and the another material, planarizing at least a portion of the at least one oxide material to expose a portion of the sacrificial material, and removing the sacrificial material while the uppermost surface of the at least one oxide material remains more distal from the surface of the substrate than the uppermost level of the alternating levels of the dielectric material and the another material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Matovu, David S. Meyaard, Gowrisankar Damarla, Sri Sai Sivakumar Vegunta, Kunal Shrotri, Shashank Saraf, Kevin R. Gast, Jivaan Kishore Jhothiraman, Suresh Ramarajan, Lifang Xu, Rithu K. Bhonsle, Rutuparna Narulkar, Matthew J. King
  • Patent number: 10566241
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device comprises forming sacrificial structures and support pillars. The sacrificial structures comprise an isolated sacrificial structure in a slit region and connected sacrificial structures in a pillar region. Tiers are formed over the sacrificial structures and support pillars, and a portion of the tiers are removed to form tier pillars and tier openings, exposing the connected sacrificial structures and support pillars. The connected sacrificial structures are removed to form a cavity, a portion of the cavity extending below the isolated sacrificial structure. A cell film is formed over the tier pillars and over sidewalls of the cavity. A fill material is formed in the tier openings and over the cell film. A portion of the tiers in the slit region is removed, exposing the isolated sacrificial structure, which is removed to form a source opening. The source opening is connected to the cavity and a conductive material is formed in the source opening and in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anilkumar Chandolu, Matthew J. King, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt
  • Publication number: 20190371728
    Abstract: A method used in forming integrated circuitry comprises forming a stack of vertically-alternating tiers of different composition materials. A stair-step structure is formed into the stack and an upper landing is formed adjacent and above the stair-step structure. The stair-step structure is formed to comprise vertically-alternating tiers of the different composition materials. A plurality of stairs individually comprise two of the tiers of different composition materials. At least some of the stairs individually have only two tiers that are each only of a different one of the different composition materials. An upper of the stairs that is below the upper landing comprises at least four of the tiers of different composition materials. Structure independent of method is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gossman, M. Jared Barclay, Matthew J. King, Eldon Nelson, Matthew Park, Jason Reece, Lifang Xu, Bo Zhao
  • Publication number: 20190206727
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial material over a stack comprising alternating levels of a dielectric material and another material, forming an opening through the sacrificial material and at least some of the alternating levels of the dielectric material and the another material, forming at least one oxide material in the opening and overlying surfaces of the sacrificial material, an uppermost surface of the at least one oxide material extending more distal from a surface of a substrate than an uppermost level of the dielectric material and the another material, planarizing at least a portion of the at least one oxide material to expose a portion of the sacrificial material, and removing the sacrificial material while the uppermost surface of the at least one oxide material remains more distal from the surface of the substrate than the uppermost level of the alternating levels of the dielectric material and the another material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: John B. Matovu, David S. Meyaard, Gowrisankar Damarla, Sri Sai Sivakumar Vegunta, Kunal Shrotri, Shashank Saraf, Kevin R. Gast, Jivaan Kishore Jhothiraman, Suresh Ramarajan, Lifang Xu, Rithu K. Bhonsle, Rutuparna Narulkar, Matthew J. King
  • Patent number: 10269625
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial material over a stack comprising alternating levels of a dielectric material and another material, forming an opening through the sacrificial material and at least some of the alternating levels of the dielectric material and the another material, forming at least one oxide material in the opening and overlying surfaces of the sacrificial material, an uppermost surface of the at least one oxide material extending more distal from a surface of a substrate than an uppermost level of the dielectric material and the another material, planarizing at least a portion of the at least one oxide material to expose a portion of the sacrificial material, and removing the sacrificial material while the uppermost surface of the at least one oxide material remains more distal from the surface of the substrate than the uppermost level of the alternating levels of the dielectric material and the another material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Matovu, David S. Meyaard, Gowrisankar Damarla, Sri Sai Sivakumar Vegunta, Kunal Shrotri, Shashank Saraf, Kevin R. Gast, Jivaan Kishore Jhothiraman, Suresh Ramarajan, Lifang Xu, Rithu K. Bhonsle, Rutuparna Narulkar, Matthew J. King
  • Publication number: 20190097017
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a gate stack having a gate (e.g., polysilicon (poly) material) horizontally between shallow trench isolations (STIs), a tungsten silicide (WSix) material over the gate and the STIs, and a tungsten silicon nitride (WSiN) material on a top surface of the WSix material. Some embodiments disclose a gate stack having a gate between STIs, a first WSix material over the gate and the STIs, a WSiN interlayer material on a top surface of the first WSix material, and a second WSix material on a top surface of the WSiN interlayer material. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Yushi Hu, John Mark Meldrim, Eric Blomiley, Everett Allen McTeer, Matthew J. King
  • Publication number: 20190067306
    Abstract: A semiconductor device structure that comprises tiers of alternating dielectric levels and conductive levels and a carbon-doped silicon nitride over the tiers of the staircase structure. The carbon-doped silicon nitride excludes silicon carbon nitride. A method of forming the semiconductor device structure comprises forming stairs in a staircase structure comprising alternating dielectric levels and conductive levels. A carbon-doped silicon nitride is formed over the stairs, an oxide material is formed over the carbon-doped silicon nitride, and openings are formed in the oxide material. The openings extend to the carbon-doped silicon nitride. The carbon-doped silicon nitride is removed to extend the openings into the conductive levels of the staircase structure. Additional methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Jun Fang, Fei Wang, Saniya Rathod, Rutuparna Narulkar, Matthew Park, Matthew J. King
  • Patent number: 10164044
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a gate stack having a gate (e.g., polysilicon (poly) material) horizontally between shallow trench isolations (STIs), a tungsten silicide (WSix) material over the gate and the STIs, and a tungsten silicon nitride (WSiN) material on a top surface of the WSix material. Some embodiments disclose a gate stack having a gate between STIs, a first WSix material over the gate and the STIs, a WSiN interlayer material on a top surface of the first WSix material, and a second WSix material on a top surface of the WSiN interlayer material. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yushi Hu, John Mark Meldrim, Eric Blomiley, Everett Allen McTeer, Matthew J. King
  • Patent number: 9679964
    Abstract: Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having semiconductor material patterned into two mesas spaced from one another by at least one dummy projection. The dummy projection has a width along a cross-section of X and the mesas have widths along the cross-section of at least 3X. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a memory array region and a peripheral region adjacent the memory array region. Semiconductor material within the peripheral region is patterned into two relatively wide mesas spaced from one another by at least one relatively narrow projection. The relatively narrow projection has a width along a cross-section of X and the relatively wide mesas have widths along the cross-section of at least 3X.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Larsen, Alex J. Schrinsky, John D. Hopkins, Matthew J. King
  • Publication number: 20160308018
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a gate stack having a gate (e.g., polysilicon (poly) material) horizontally between shallow trench isolations (STIs), a tungsten silicide (WSix) material over the gate and the STIs, and a tungsten silicon nitride (WSiN) material on a top surface of the WSix material. Some embodiments disclose a gate stack having a gate between STIs, a first WSix material over the gate and the STIs, a WSiN interlayer material on a top surface of the first WSix material, and a second WSix material on a top surface of the WSiN interlayer material. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Yushi Hu, John Mark Meldrim, Eric Blomiley, Everett Allen McTeer, Matthew J. King
  • Publication number: 20160274694
    Abstract: A multilayer stack for use in a touch sensor is provided, including a base substrate covering viewing and border areas of the multilayer stack and an optically opaque border layer that defines a step proximate to and extending along a perimeter of the viewing area. The multilayer stack also includes an optically transparent adhesive layer disposed on the base substrate and the border layer and covering the viewing and border areas of the multilayer stack. The multilayer stack further includes a number of discrete spaced apart optically transparent electrodes disposed on the adhesive layer, each electrode extending across the step, and a number of discrete spaced apart electrically conductive pads disposed in the border, but not the viewing, area of the multilayer stack, each pad being posed on and making physical contact with a different corresponding electrode over a contact region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. King, Tanya Stanley, Michael T. Howard
  • Publication number: 20160005815
    Abstract: Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having semiconductor material patterned into two mesas spaced from one another by at least one dummy projection. The dummy projection has a width along a cross-section of X and the mesas have widths along the cross-section of at least 3X. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a memory array region and a peripheral region adjacent the memory array region. Semiconductor material within the peripheral region is patterned into two relatively wide mesas spaced from one another by at least one relatively narrow projection. The relatively narrow projection has a width along a cross-section of X and the relatively wide mesas have widths along the cross-section of at least 3X.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Larsen, Alex J. Schrinsky, John D. Hopkins, Matthew J. King
  • Publication number: 20140159132
    Abstract: Memory arrays and their formation are disclosed. The formation of one such memory array includes forming first and second spacers respectively adjacent to sidewalls of first and second conductors so that the first and second spacers extend into an opening between the first and second conductors and terminate above bottoms of the first and second conductors, and closing the opening with a material that extends between the first and second spacers so that an air gap is formed in the closed opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Daycock, Matthew J. King, Christopher J. Larsen