Patents by Inventor Michael K. Harper

Michael K. Harper 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: 11594637
    Abstract: Gate-all-around integrated circuit structures having fin stack isolation, and methods of fabricating gate-all-around integrated circuit structures having fin stack isolation, are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a sub-fin structure on a substrate, the sub-fin structure having a top and sidewalls. An isolation structure is on the top and along the sidewalls of the sub-fin structure. The isolation structure includes a first dielectric material surrounding regions of a second dielectric material. A vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires is on a portion of the isolation structure on the top surface of the sub-fin structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard P. Guler, Stephen Snyder, Biswajeet Guha, William Hsu, Urusa Alaan, Tahir Ghani, Michael K. Harper, Vivek Thirtha, Shu Zhou, Nitesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 11569231
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for non-planar transistors having varying channel widths (Wsi). In some instances, the resulting structure has a fin (or nanowires, nanoribbons, or nanosheets) comprising a first channel region and a second channel region, with a source or drain region between the first channel region and the second channel region. The widths of the respective channel regions are independent of each other, e.g., a first width of the first channel region is different from a second width of the second channel region. The variation in width of a given fin structure may vary in a symmetric fashion or an asymmetric fashion. In an embodiment, a spacer-based forming approach is utilized that allows for abrupt changes in width along a given fin. Sub-resolution fin dimensions are achievable as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D Snyder, Leonard Guler, Richard Schenker, Michael K Harper, Sam Sivakumar, Urusa Alaan, Stephanie A Bojarski, Achala Bhuwalka
  • Publication number: 20220093589
    Abstract: Gate-all-around integrated circuit structures having adjacent island structures are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor island on a semiconductor substrate. A first vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires is above a first fin protruding from the semiconductor substrate. A channel region of the first vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires is electrically isolated from the fin. A second vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires is above a second fin protruding from the semiconductor substrate. A channel region of the second vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires is electrically isolated from the second fin. The semiconductor island is between the first vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires and the second vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Leonard P. GULER, William HSU, Biswajeet GUHA, Martin WEISS, Apratim DHAR, William T. BLANTON, John H. IRBY, IV, James F. BONDI, Michael K. HARPER, Charles H. WALLACE, Tahir GHANI, Benedict A. SAMUEL, Stefan DICKERT
  • Publication number: 20220093592
    Abstract: Gate-all-around integrated circuit structures having pre-spacer-deposition cut gates are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a first vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires and a second vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires. A first gate stack is over the first vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires, and a second gate stack is over the second vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires. An end of the second gate stack is spaced apart from an end of the first gate stack by a gap. The integrated circuit structure also includes a dielectric structure having a first portion forming a gate spacer along sidewalls of the first gate stack, a second portion forming a gate spacer along sidewalls of the second gate stack, and a third portion completely filling the gap, the third portion continuous with the first and second portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Leonard P. GULER, Michael K. HARPER, William HSU, Biswajeet GUHA, Tahir GHANI, Niels ZUSSSBLATT, Jeffrey Miles TAN, Benjamin KRIEGEL, Mohit K. HARAN, Reken PATEL, Oleg GOLONZKA, Mohammad HASAN
  • Publication number: 20210408257
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include semiconductor devices and methods of making such devices. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device comprises a plurality of stacked semiconductor channels comprising first semiconductor channels and second semiconductor channels over the first semiconductor channels. In an embodiment a spacing is between the first semiconductor channels and the second semiconductor channels. The semiconductor device further comprises a gate dielectric surrounding individual ones of the semiconductor channels of the plurality of stacked semiconductor channels. In an embodiment, a first workfunction metal surrounds the first semiconductor channels, and a second workfunction metal surrounds the second semiconductor channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Nicole THOMAS, Michael K. HARPER, Leonard P. GULER, Marko RADOSAVLJEVIC, Thoe MICHAELOS
  • Publication number: 20210305430
    Abstract: Gate-all-around integrated circuit structures having fin stack isolation, and methods of fabricating gate-all-around integrated circuit structures having fin stack isolation, are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a sub-fin structure on a substrate, the sub-fin structure having a top and sidewalls. An isolation structure is on the top and along the sidewalls of the sub-fin structure. The isolation structure includes a first dielectric material surrounding regions of a second dielectric material. A vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires is on a portion of the isolation structure on the top surface of the sub-fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Leonard P. GULER, Stephen SNYDER, Biswajeet GUHA, William HSU, Urusa ALAAN, Tahir GHANI, Michael K. HARPER, Vivek THIRTHA, Shu ZHOU, Nitesh KUMAR
  • Publication number: 20200295002
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for non-planar transistors having varying channel widths (Wsi). In some instances, the resulting structure has a fin (or nanowires, nanoribbons, or nanosheets) comprising a first channel region and a second channel region, with a source or drain region between the first channel region and the second channel region. The widths of the respective channel regions are independent of each other, e.g., a first width of the first channel region is different from a second width of the second channel region. The variation in width of a given fin structure may vary in a symmetric fashion or an asymmetric fashion. In an embodiment, a spacer-based forming approach is utilized that allows for abrupt changes in width along a given fin. Sub-resolution fin dimensions are achievable as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Snyder, Leonard Guler, Richard Schenker, Michael K. Harper, Sam Sivakumar, Urusa Alaan, Stephanie A. Bojarski, Achala Bhuwalka
  • Patent number: 9905693
    Abstract: Techniques related to integrated circuits having MOSFETs with an unrecessed field insulator and thinner electrodes over the field insulator of ICs, systems incorporating such integrated circuits, and methods for forming them are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Hattendorf, Pragyansri Pathi, Michael K. Harper
  • Publication number: 20170323965
    Abstract: Techniques related to integrated circuits having MOSFETs with an unrecessed field insulator and thinner electrodes over the field insulator of ICs, systems incorporating such integrated circuits, and methods for forming them are discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Michael L. HATTENDORF, Pragyansri PATHI, Michael K. HARPER
  • Patent number: 9768249
    Abstract: Techniques related to integrated circuits having MOSFETs with an unrecessed field insulator and thinner electrodes over the field insulator of ICs, systems incorporating such integrated circuits, and methods for forming them are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Hattendorf, Pragyansri Pathi, Michael K. Harper
  • Publication number: 20160204193
    Abstract: Techniques related to integrated circuits having MOSFETs with an unrecessed field insulator and thinner electrodes over the field insulator of ICs, systems incorporating such integrated circuits, and methods for forming them are discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Michael L. HATTENDORF, Pragyansri PATHI, Michael K. HARPER
  • Patent number: 8629039
    Abstract: A device includes a number of fins. Some of the fins have greater heights than other fins. This allows the selection of different drive currents and/or transistor areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Willy Rachmady, Justin S. Sandford, Michael K. Harper
  • Publication number: 20130273710
    Abstract: A device includes a number of fins. Some of the fins have greater heights than other fins. This allows the selection of different drive currents and/or transistor areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Willy Rachmady, Justin S. Sandford, Michael K. Harper
  • Patent number: 8441074
    Abstract: A device includes a number of fins. Some of the fins have greater heights than other fins. This allows the selection of different drive currents and/or transistor areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Willy Rachmady, Justin S. Sandford, Michael K. Harper
  • Patent number: 8377771
    Abstract: A transistor gate comprises a substrate having a pair of spacers disposed on a surface, a high-k dielectric conformally deposited on the substrate between the spacers, a recessed workfunction metal conformally deposited on the high-k dielectric and along a portion of the spacer sidewalls, a second workfunction metal conformally deposited on the recessed workfunction metal, and an electrode metal deposited on the second workfunction metal. The transistor gate may be formed by conformally depositing the high-k dielectric into a trench between the spacers on the substrate, conformally depositing a workfunction metal atop the high-k dielectric, depositing a sacrificial mask atop the workfunction metal, etching a portion of the sacrificial mask to expose a portion of the workfunction metal, and etching the exposed portion of the workfunction metal to form the recessed workfunction metal. The second workfunction metal and the electrode metal may be deposited atop the recessed workfunction metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Willy Rachmady, Brian McIntrye, Michael K. Harper, Subhash M. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8314034
    Abstract: Methods for semiconductor device fabrication are provided. Features are created using spacers. Methods include creating a pattern comprised of at least two first features on the substrate surface, depositing a first conformal layer on the at least two first features, depositing a second conformal layer on the first conformal layer, partially removing the second conformal layer to partially expose the first conformal layer, and partially removing the first conformal layer from between the first features and the second conformal layer thereby creating at least two second features. Optionally the first conformal film is partially etched back before the second conformal film is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Elliot N. Tan, Michael K. Harper
  • Publication number: 20120264285
    Abstract: A transistor gate comprises a substrate having a pair of spacers disposed on a surface, a high-k dielectric conformally deposited on the substrate between the spacers, a recessed workfunction metal conformally deposited on the high-k dielectric and along a portion of the spacer sidewalls, a second workfunction metal conformally deposited on the recessed workfunction metal, and an electrode metal deposited on the second workfunction metal. The transistor gate may be formed by conformally depositing the high-k dielectric into a trench between the spacers on the substrate, conformally depositing a workfunction metal atop the high-k dielectric, depositing a sacrificial mask atop the workfunction metal, etching a portion of the sacrificial mask to expose a portion of the workfunction metal, and etching the exposed portion of the workfunction metal to form the recessed workfunction metal. The second workfunction metal and the electrode metal may be deposited atop the recessed workfunction metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Willy Rachmady, Brian Mclntyre, Michael K. Harper, Subhash M. Joshi
  • Publication number: 20120164837
    Abstract: Methods for semiconductor device fabrication are provided. Features are created using spacers. Methods include creating a pattern comprised of at least two first features on the substrate surface, depositing a first conformal layer on the at least two first features, depositing a second conformal layer on the first conformal layer, partially removing the second conformal layer to partially expose the first conformal layer, and partially removing the first conformal layer from between the first features and the second conformal layer thereby creating at least two second features. Optionally the first conformal film is partially etched back before the second conformal film is deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Elliot N. Tan, Michael K. Harper
  • Patent number: 8193641
    Abstract: A transistor gate comprises a substrate having a pair of spacers disposed on a surface, a high-k dielectric conformally deposited on the substrate between the spacers, a recessed workfunction metal conformally deposited on the high-k dielectric and along a portion of the spacer sidewalls, a second workfunction metal conformally deposited on the recessed workfunction metal, and an electrode metal deposited on the second workfunction metal. The transistor gate may be formed by conformally depositing the high-k dielectric into a trench between the spacers on the substrate, conformally depositing a workfunction metal atop the high-k dielectric, depositing a sacrificial mask atop the workfunction metal, etching a portion of the sacrificial mask to expose a portion of the workfunction metal, and etching the exposed portion of the workfunction metal to form the recessed workfunction metal. The second workfunction metal and the electrode metal may be deposited atop the recessed workfunction metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Willy Rachmady, Brian McIntyre, Michael K. Harper, Subhash M. Joshi
  • Patent number: 7977248
    Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method includes forming a hard mask on a semiconductor substrate. A first resist layer is patterned on the hard mask as a first plurality of lines separated by a first defined pitch. The hard mask is etched to a portion of formed thickness to create a first plurality of fins in alignment with the first plurality of lines and the first resist layer is removed. A second resist layer is patterned on the hard mask as a second plurality of lines separated by a second defined pitch. The second plurality of lines is patterned between the first plurality of lines. The hard mask is etched to the portion of the formed thickness to create a second plurality of fins in alignment with the second plurality of lines. The first plurality of hard mask fins and the second plurality of hard mask fins are interwoven and have same thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Elliot Tan, Michael K. Harper, James Jeong