Abstract: A microelectronic device includes a lower isolation element and an upper isolation element, separated by an isolation dielectric layer stack. The microelectronic device includes a lower field reduction layer over the lower isolation element, under the isolation dielectric layer stack. The lower field reduction layer includes a first dielectric layer adjacent to the isolation dielectric layer stack, and a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer. A dielectric constant of the first dielectric layer is greater than a dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer. The dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer is greater than a dielectric constant of the isolation dielectric layer stack adjacent to the lower field reduction layer. Methods of forming example microelectronic device having lower field reduction layers are disclosed.

Abstract: A microelectronic device including an isolation device with a stabilized dielectric. The isolation device includes a lower isolation element, an upper isolation element, and an inorganic dielectric plateau between the lower isolation element and the upper isolation element. The dielectric sidewall of the inorganic dielectric plateau is stabilized in a nitrogen containing plasma which forms a SiOxNy surface on the dielectric sidewall of the inorganic dielectric plateau. The SiOxNy surface on the dielectric sidewall of the inorganic dielectric plateau reduces ingress of moisture into the dielectric stack of the inorganic dielectric plateau.

Abstract: A charge control method for an alkaline storage battery includes determining whether or not a temperature T of a battery is less than 0° C.; if the temperature T is equal to or higher than 0° C., determining whether or not the battery has been considered to be charged to a maximum capacity that can be stored in the battery; if the battery has not been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, determining the temperature T of the battery again; if the battery has been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, finishing the charging; if it is determined that the temperature T is less than 0° C.

Abstract: A charge control method for an alkaline storage battery includes determining whether or not a temperature T of a battery is less than 0° C.; if the temperature T is equal to or higher than 0° C., determining whether or not the battery has been considered to be charged to a maximum capacity that can be stored in the battery; if the battery has not been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, determining the temperature T of the battery again; if the battery has been considered to be charged to the maximum capacity, finishing the charging; if it is determined that the temperature T is less than 0° C.