Patents by Inventor Michael E. Koltonski

Michael E. Koltonski 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: 12557289
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a cell region comprising stacks of alternating dielectric materials and conductive materials. A pillar region is adjacent to the cell region and comprises storage node segments adjacent to adjoining oxide materials and adjacent to a tunnel region. The storage node segments are separated by a vertical portion of the tunnel region. A high-k dielectric material is adjacent to the conductive materials of the cell region and to the adjoining oxide materials of the pillar region. Additional electronic devices are disclosed, as are methods of forming an electronic device and related systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2026
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shyam Surthi, Richard J. Hill, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Byeung Chul Kim, Francois H. Fabreguette, Chris M. Carlson, Michael E. Koltonski, Shane J. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20250379103
    Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure comprising alternating conductive structures and insulative structures. Memory cells vertically extend through the stack structure, and comprise a channel material vertically extending through the stack structure. An additional stack structure vertically overlies the stack structure and comprises additional conductive structures and additional insulative structures. First pillar structures extend through the additional stack structure and vertically overlie a portion of the memory cells. Second pillar structures are adjacent to the first pillar structures and extend through the additional stack structure and vertically overlie another portion of the memory cells. Slot structures are laterally adjacent to the first pillar structures and to the second pillar structures and extend through at least a portion of the additional stack structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2025
    Publication date: December 11, 2025
    Inventors: Chandra S. Tiwari, David A. Kewley, Deep Panjwani, Matthew Holland, Matthew J. King, Michael E. Koltonski, Tom J. John, Xiaosong Zhang, Yi Hu
  • Patent number: 12406886
    Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure comprising alternating conductive structures and insulative structures. Memory cells vertically extend through the stack structure, and comprise a channel material vertically extending through the stack structure. An additional stack structure vertically overlies the stack structure and comprises additional conductive structures and additional insulative structures. First pillar structures extend through the additional stack structure and vertically overlie a portion of the memory cells. Second pillar structures are adjacent to the first pillar structures and extend through the additional stack structure and vertically overlie another portion of the memory cells. Slot structures are laterally adjacent to the first pillar structures and to the second pillar structures and extend through at least a portion of the additional stack structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chandra S. Tiwari, David A. Kewley, Deep Panjwani, Matthew Holland, Matthew J. King, Michael E. Koltonski, Tom J. John, Xiaosong Zhang, Yi Hu
  • Publication number: 20250159889
    Abstract: A memory array comprises strings of memory cells. The memory array comprises laterally-spaced memory blocks individually comprising a vertical stack comprising alternating insulative tiers and conductive tiers above a conductor tier. Channel-material-string constructions of memory cells extend through the insulative tiers and the conductive tiers. The channel material of the channel-material-string constructions is directly electrically coupled to conductor material of the conductor tier. Substructure material is in the conductor tier and spans laterally-across and laterally-between bottoms of multiple of the channel-material-string constructions. The substructure material is of different composition from an upper portion of the conductor material. The substructure material comprises laterally-opposing sides that taper laterally-inward moving deeper into the conductor tier. Other embodiments, including method, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Damir Fazil, Michael E. Koltonski
  • Patent number: 12232317
    Abstract: A memory array comprises strings of memory cells. The memory array comprises laterally-spaced memory blocks individually comprising a vertical stack comprising alternating insulative tiers and conductive tiers above a conductor tier. Channel-material-string constructions of memory cells extend through the insulative tiers and the conductive tiers. The channel material of the channel-material-string constructions is directly electrically coupled to conductor material of the conductor tier. Substructure material is in the conductor tier and spans laterally-across and laterally-between bottoms of multiple of the channel-material-string constructions. The substructure material is of different composition from an upper portion of the conductor material. The substructure material comprises laterally-opposing sides that taper laterally-inward moving deeper into the conductor tier. Other embodiments, including method, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Damir Fazil, Michael E. Koltonski
  • Publication number: 20240321603
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a semiconductor device structure includes a tool comprising a chamber and a platform within the chamber configured to receive a semiconductor device structure thereon. The tool further includes a heating and cooling system in operable communication with the platform and configured to control a temperature of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventor: Michael E. Koltonski
  • Patent number: 12020955
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a semiconductor device structure includes a tool comprising a chamber and a platform within the chamber configured to receive a semiconductor device structure thereon. The tool further includes a heating and cooling system in operable communication with the platform and configured to control a temperature of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Koltonski
  • Publication number: 20240130124
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a cell region comprising stacks of alternating dielectric materials and conductive materials. A pillar region is adjacent to the cell region and comprises storage node segments adjacent to adjoining oxide materials and adjacent to a tunnel region. The storage node segments are separated by a vertical portion of the tunnel region. A high-k dielectric material is adjacent to the conductive materials of the cell region and to the adjoining oxide materials of the pillar region. Additional electronic devices are disclosed, as are methods of forming an electronic device and related systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Shyam Surthi, Richard J. Hill, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Byeung Chul Kim, Francois H. Fabreguette, Chris M. Carlson, Michael E. Koltonski, Shane J. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20230335439
    Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure comprising alternating conductive structures and insulative structures. Memory cells vertically extend through the stack structure, and comprise a channel material vertically extending through the stack structure. An additional stack structure vertically overlies the stack structure and comprises additional conductive structures and additional insulative structures. First pillar structures extend through the additional stack structure and vertically overlie a portion of the memory cells. Second pillar structures are adjacent to the first pillar structures and extend through the additional stack structure and vertically overlie another portion of the memory cells. Slot structures are laterally adjacent to the first pillar structures and to the second pillar structures and extend through at least a portion of the additional stack structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Chandra S. Tiwari, David A. Kewley, Deep Panjwani, Matthew Holland, Matthew J. King, Michael E. Koltonski, Tom J. John, Xiaosong Zhang, Yi Hu
  • Publication number: 20230253465
    Abstract: A memory array comprises strings of memory cells. The memory array comprises laterally-spaced memory blocks individually comprising a vertical stack comprising alternating insulative tiers and conductive tiers above a conductor tier. Channel-material-string constructions of memory cells extend through the insulative tiers and the conductive tiers. The channel material of the channel-material-string constructions is directly electrically coupled to conductor material of the conductor tier. Substructure material is in the conductor tier and spans laterally-across and laterally-between bottoms of multiple of the channel-material-string constructions. The substructure material is of different composition from an upper portion of the conductor material. The substructure material comprises laterally-opposing sides that taper laterally-inward moving deeper into the conductor tier. Other embodiments, including method, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Damir Fazil, Michael E. Koltonski
  • Patent number: 11672118
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a cell region comprising stacks of alternating dielectric materials and conductive materials. A pillar region is adjacent to the cell region and comprises storage node segments adjacent to adjoining oxide materials and adjacent to a tunnel region. The storage node segments are separated by a vertical portion of the tunnel region. A high-k dielectric material is adjacent to the conductive materials of the cell region and to the adjoining oxide materials of the pillar region. Additional electronic devices are disclosed, as are methods of forming an electronic device and related systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shyam Surthi, Richard J. Hill, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Byeung Chul Kim, Francois H. Fabreguette, Chris M. Carlson, Michael E. Koltonski, Shane J. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20220077176
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a cell region comprising stacks of alternating dielectric materials and conductive materials. A pillar region is adjacent to the cell region and comprises storage node segments adjacent to adjoining oxide materials and adjacent to a tunnel region. The storage node segments are separated by a vertical portion of the tunnel region. A high-k dielectric material is adjacent to the conductive materials of the cell region and to the adjoining oxide materials of the pillar region. Additional electronic devices are disclosed, as are methods of forming an electronic device and related systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Shyam Surthi, Richard J. Hill, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Byeung Chul Kim, Francois H. Fabreguette, Chris M. Carlson, Michael E. Koltonski, Shane J. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20220005711
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a semiconductor device structure includes a tool comprising a chamber and a platform within the chamber configured to receive a semiconductor device structure thereon. The tool further includes a heating and cooling system in operable communication with the platform and configured to control a temperature of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventor: Michael E. Koltonski
  • Publication number: 20210381107
    Abstract: A material deposition system comprises a precursor source and a chemical vapor deposition apparatus in selective fluid communication with the precursor source. The precursor source configured to contain at least one metal-containing precursor material in one or more of a liquid state and a solid state. The chemical vapor deposition apparatus comprises a housing structure, a distribution manifold, and a substrate holder. The housing structure is configured and positioned to receive at least one feed fluid stream comprising the at least one metal-containing precursor material. The distribution manifold is within the housing structure and is in electrical communication with a signal generator. The substrate holder is within the housing structure, is spaced apart from the distribution assembly, and is in electrical communication with an additional signal generator. A microelectronic device and methods of forming a microelectronic device also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: John A. Smythe, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Sumeet C. Pandey, Michael E. Koltonski
  • Patent number: 11164759
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a semiconductor device structure includes a tool comprising a chamber and a platform within the chamber configured to receive a semiconductor device structure thereon. The tool further includes a heating and cooling system in operable communication with the platform and configured to control a temperature of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Koltonski
  • Patent number: 10943907
    Abstract: Integrated circuitry comprising an array comprises a plurality of conductive vias. Individual of the vias comprise an upper horizontal perimeter comprising opposing end portions. One of the opposing end portions comprises opposing straight sidewalls. The other of the opposing end portions comprises opposing curved sidewalls that join with the opposing straight sidewalls of the one opposing end portion. Other embodiments, including methods, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornel Bozdog, Abhilasha Bhardwaj, Byeung Chul Kim, Michael E. Koltonski, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Matthew Thorum
  • Publication number: 20200266197
    Abstract: Integrated circuitry comprising an array comprises a plurality of conductive vias. Individual of the vias comprise an upper horizontal perimeter comprising opposing end portions. One of the opposing end portions comprises opposing straight sidewalls. The other of the opposing end portions comprises opposing curved sidewalls that join with the opposing straight sidewalls of the one opposing end portion. Other embodiments, including methods, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornel Bozdog, Abhilasha Bhardwaj, Byeung Chul Kim, Michael E. Koltonski, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Matthew Thorum
  • Patent number: 10707211
    Abstract: Integrated circuitry comprising an array comprises a plurality of conductive vias. Individual of the vias comprise an upper horizontal perimeter comprising opposing end portions. One of the opposing end portions comprises opposing straight sidewalls. The other of the opposing end portions comprises opposing curved sidewalls that join with the opposing straight sidewalls of the one opposing end portion. Other embodiments, including methods, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornel Bozdog, Abhilasha Bhardwaj, Byeung Chul Kim, Michael E. Koltonski, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Matthew Thorum
  • Publication number: 20200098761
    Abstract: Integrated circuitry comprising an array comprises a plurality of conductive vias. Individual of the vias comprise an upper horizontal perimeter comprising opposing end portions. One of the opposing end portions comprises opposing straight sidewalls. The other of the opposing end portions comprises opposing curved sidewalls that join with the opposing straight sidewalls of the one opposing end portion. Other embodiments, including methods, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cornel Bozdog, Abhilasha Bhardwaj, Byeung Chul Kim, Michael E. Koltonski, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Matthew Thorum
  • Publication number: 20190348306
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a semiconductor device structure includes a tool comprising a chamber and a platform within the chamber configured to receive a semiconductor device structure thereon. The tool further includes a heating and cooling system in operable communication with the platform and configured to control a temperature of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventor: Michael E. Koltonski