Patents by Inventor Michael P. Violette

Michael P. Violette 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: 8802520
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method of forming a field effect transistor includes etching an opening into source/drain area of a semiconductor substrate. The opening has a base comprising semiconductive material. After the etching, insulative material is formed within the opening over the semiconductive material base. The insulative material less than completely fills the opening and has a substantially uniform thickness across the opening. Semiconductive source/drain material is formed within the opening over the insulative material within the opening. A transistor gate is provided operatively proximate the semiconductive source/drain material. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Michael P. Violette, Robert Burke
  • Patent number: 8716075
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a floating body field-effect transistor includes a pair of source/drain regions having a floating body channel region received therebetween. The source/drain regions and the floating body channel region are received over an insulator. A gate electrode is proximate the floating body channel region. A gate dielectric is received between the gate electrode and the floating body channel region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor silicon-comprising region received between the semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region and the gate dielectric. The semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region has greater quantity of Ge than any quantity of Ge within the semiconductor silicon-comprising region. Other embodiments are contemplated, including methods of forming floating body field-effect transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette, Chandra Mouli, Howard Kirsch, Di Li
  • Publication number: 20140051214
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a floating body field-effect transistor includes a pair of source/drain regions having a floating body channel region received therebetween. The source/drain regions and the floating body channel region are received over an insulator. A gate electrode is proximate the floating body channel region. A gate dielectric is received between the gate electrode and the floating body channel region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor silicon-comprising region received between the semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region and the gate dielectric. The semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region has greater quantity of Ge than any quantity of Ge within the semiconductor silicon-comprising region. Other embodiments are contemplated, including methods of forming floating body field-effect transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette, Chandra Mouli, Howard Kirsch, Di Li
  • Publication number: 20140015001
    Abstract: Memory devices and methods of making memory devices are shown. Methods and configurations as shown provide folded and vertical memory devices for increased memory density. Methods provided reduce a need for manufacturing methods such as deep dopant implants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, John K. Zahurak, Michael P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20130313510
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory device with diodes coupled to memory elements. Each diode may be formed in a recess of the memory device. The recess may have a polygonal sidewall. The diode may include a first material of a first conductivity type (e.g., n-type) and a second material of a second conductive type (e.g., p-type) formed within the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette
  • Patent number: 8535992
    Abstract: Memory devices and methods of making memory devices are shown. Methods and configurations as shown provide folded and vertical memory devices for increased memory density. Methods provided reduce a need for manufacturing methods such as deep dopant implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, John K. Zahurak, Michael P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20130230959
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method of forming a field effect transistor includes etching an opening into source/drain area of a semiconductor substrate. The opening has a base comprising semiconductive material. After the etching, insulative material is formed within the opening over the semiconductive material base. The insulative material less than completely fills the opening and has a substantially uniform thickness across the opening. Semiconductive source/drain material is formed within the opening over the insulative material within the opening. A transistor gate is provided operatively proximate the semiconductive source/drain material. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Michael P. Violette, Robert Burke
  • Patent number: 8502182
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory device with diodes coupled to memory elements. Each diode may be formed in a recess of the memory device. The recess may have a polygonal sidewall. The diode may include a first material of a first conductivity type (e.g., n-type) and a second material of a second conductive type (e.g., p-type) formed within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette
  • Patent number: 8440515
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method of forming a field effect transistor includes etching an opening into source/drain area of a semiconductor substrate. The opening has a base comprising semiconductive material. After the etching, insulative material is formed within the opening over the semiconductive material base. The insulative material less than completely fills the opening and has a substantially uniform thickness across the opening. Semiconductive source/drain material is formed within the opening over the insulative material within the opening. A transistor gate is provided operatively proximate the semiconductive source/drain material. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Michael P. Violette, Robert Burke
  • Patent number: 8395214
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a floating body field-effect transistor includes a pair of source/drain regions having a floating body channel region received therebetween. The source/drain regions and the floating body channel region are received over an insulator. A gate electrode is proximate the floating body channel region. A gate dielectric is received between the gate electrode and the floating body channel region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor silicon-comprising region received between the semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region and the gate dielectric. The semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region has greater quantity of Ge than any quantity of Ge within the semiconductor silicon-comprising region. Other embodiments are contemplated, including methods of forming floating body field-effect transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Di Li, Michael P. Violette, Chandra Mouli, Howard Kirsch
  • Patent number: 8369139
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory element configured to store information and an access component configured to allow conduction of current through the memory element when a first voltage difference in a first direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a first voltage value and to prevent conduction of current through the memory element when a second voltage difference in a second direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a second voltage value, wherein the access component includes a material excluding silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette
  • Patent number: 8320181
    Abstract: 3D memory devices are disclosed, such as those that include multiple two-dimensional tiers of memory cells. Each tier may be fully or partially formed over a previous tier to form a memory device having two or more tiers. Each tier may include strings of memory cells where each of the strings are coupled between a source select gate and a drain select gate such that each tier is decoded using the source/drain select gates. Additionally, the device can include a wordline decoder for each tier that is only coupled to the wordlines for that tier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20120256153
    Abstract: A variable-resistance material memory (VRMM) device includes a container conductor disposed over an epitaxial semiconductive prominence that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM device may also include a conductive plug in a recess that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM array may also include a conductive plug in a surrounding recess that is coupled to a VRMM. Apparatuses include the VRMM with one of the diode constructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette
  • Patent number: 8212281
    Abstract: A variable-resistance material memory (VRMM) device includes a container conductor disposed over an epitaxial semiconductive prominence that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM device may also include a conductive plug in a recess that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM array may also include a conductive plug in a surrounding recess that is coupled to a VRMM. Apparatuses include the VRMM with one of the diode constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20110316042
    Abstract: Memory devices and methods of making memory devices are shown. Methods and configurations as shown provide folded and vertical memory devices for increased memory density. Methods provided reduce a need for manufacturing methods such as deep dopant implants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, John K. Zahurak, Michael P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20110233504
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory element configured to store information and an access component configured to allow conduction of current through the memory element when a first voltage difference in a first direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a first voltage value and to prevent conduction of current through the memory element when a second voltage difference in a second direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a second voltage value, wherein the access component includes a material excluding silicon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette
  • Publication number: 20110193165
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a floating body field-effect transistor includes a pair of source/drain regions having a floating body channel region received therebetween. The source/drain regions and the floating body channel region are received over an insulator. A gate electrode is proximate the floating body channel region. A gate dielectric is received between the gate electrode and the floating body channel region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor silicon-comprising region received between the semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region and the gate dielectric. The semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region has greater quantity of Ge than any quantity of Ge within the semiconductor silicon-comprising region. Other embodiments are contemplated, including methods of forming floating body field-effect transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette, Chandra Mouli, Howard Kirsch, Di Li
  • Patent number: 7961507
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory element configured to store information and an access component configured to allow conduction of current through the memory element when a first voltage difference in a first direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a first voltage value and to prevent conduction of current through the memory element when a second voltage difference in a second direction across the memory element and the access component exceeds a second voltage value, wherein the access component includes a material excluding silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette
  • Patent number: 7948008
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a floating body field-effect transistor includes a pair of source/drain regions having a floating body channel region received therebetween. The source/drain regions and the floating body channel region are received over an insulator. A gate electrode is proximate the floating body channel region. A gate dielectric is received between the gate electrode and the floating body channel region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region. The floating body channel region has a semiconductor silicon-comprising region received between the semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region and the gate dielectric. The semiconductor SixGe(1-x)-comprising region has greater quantity of Ge than any quantity of Ge within the semiconductor silicon-comprising region. Other embodiments are contemplated, including methods of forming floating body field-effect transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette, Chandra Mouli, Howard Kirsch, Di Li
  • Publication number: 20110076827
    Abstract: Memory devices having memory cells comprising variable resistance material include an electrode comprising a single nanowire. Various methods may be used to form such memory devices, and such methods may comprise establishing contact between one end of a single nanowire and a volume of variable resistance material in a memory cell. Electronic systems include such memory devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Michael P. Violette