Patents by Inventor Russell Benson

Russell Benson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240038588
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming interlayer dielectric material over a base structure comprising semiconductive structures separated from one another by insulative structures. Sacrificial line structures separated from one another by trenches are formed over the interlayer dielectric material. The sacrificial line structures horizontally overlap some of the semiconductive structures, and the trenches horizontally overlap some other of the semiconductive structures. Plug structures are formed within horizontal areas of the trenches and extend through the interlayer dielectric material and into the some other of the semiconductive structures. The sacrificial line structures are replaced with additional trenches. Conductive contact structures are formed within horizontal areas of the additional trenches and extend through the interlayer dielectric material and into the some of the semiconductive structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Terrence B. McDaniel, Vinay Nair, Russell A. Benson, Christopher W. Petz, Si-Woo Lee, Silvia Borsari, Ping Chieh Chiang, Luca Fumagalli
  • Publication number: 20230345708
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to a sense line and cell contact for a semiconductor structure are described. An example apparatus includes a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region, where the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region are separated by a channel, a gate opposing the channel, a sense line material coupled to the first source/drain region by a cell contact, where the cell contact is made from a combination of a first polysilicon material and a second polysilicon material, and a storage node coupled to the second source/drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Kuo-Chen Wang, Terrence B. McDaniel, Russell A. Benson, Vinay Nair
  • Patent number: 11563011
    Abstract: A method used in forming integrated circuitry comprises forming conductive material over a substrate. The conductive material is patterned into a conductive line that is horizontally longitudinally elongated. The conductive material is vertically recessed in longitudinally-spaced first regions of the conductive line to form longitudinally-spaced conductive pillars that individually are in individual longitudinally-spaced second regions that longitudinally-alternate with the longitudinally-spaced first regions along the conductive line. The conductive pillars project vertically relative to the conductive material in the longitudinally-spaced and vertically-recessed first regions of the conductive line. Electronic components are formed directly above the conductive pillars. Individual of the electronic components are directly electrically coupled to individual of the conductive pillars. Additional methods, including structure independent of method, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinay Nair, Silvia Borsari, Ryan L. Meyer, Russell A. Benson, Yi Fang Lee
  • Publication number: 20220246622
    Abstract: A method used in forming integrated circuitry comprises forming horizontally-spaced conductive vias above a substrate. Conducting material is formed directly above and directly against the conductive vias. The conducting material is patterned to form individual conductive lines that are individually directly above a plurality of the conductive vias that are spaced longitudinally-along the respective individual conductive line. The patterning forms the individual conductive lines to have longitudinally-alternating wider and narrower regions. The wider regions are directly above and directly against a top surface of individual of the conductive vias and are wider in a horizontal cross-section that is at the top surface than are the narrower regions in the horizontal cross-section. The narrower regions are longitudinally-between the wider regions. Other embodiments, including structure independent of method, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Benson
  • Patent number: 11342336
    Abstract: A method used in forming integrated circuitry comprises forming horizontally-spaced conductive vias above a substrate. Conducting material is formed directly above and directly against the conductive vias. The conducting material is patterned to form individual conductive lines that are individually directly above a plurality of the conductive vias that are spaced longitudinally-along the respective individual conductive line. The patterning forms the individual conductive lines to have longitudinally-alternating wider and narrower regions. The wider regions are directly above and directly against a top surface of individual of the conductive vias and are wider in a horizontal cross-section that is at the top surface than are the narrower regions in the horizontal cross-section. The narrower regions are longitudinally-between the wider regions. Other embodiments, including structure independent of method, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Benson
  • Publication number: 20220102348
    Abstract: A method used in forming integrated circuitry comprises forming conductive material over a substrate. The conductive material is patterned into a conductive line that is horizontally longitudinally elongated. The conductive material is vertically recessed in longitudinally-spaced first regions of the conductive line to form longitudinally-spaced conductive pillars that individually are in individual longitudinally-spaced second regions that longitudinally-alternate with the longitudinally-spaced first regions along the conductive line. The conductive pillars project vertically relative to the conductive material in the longitudinally-spaced and vertically-recessed first regions of the conductive line. Electronic components are formed directly above the conductive pillars. Individual of the electronic components are directly electrically coupled to individual of the conductive pillars. Additional methods, including structure independent of method, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinay Nair, Silvia Borsari, Ryan L. Meyer, Russell A. Benson, Yi Fang Lee
  • Publication number: 20220059469
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming a conductive shielding material over a conductive shielding structure and a first dielectric structure horizontally adjacent the conductive shielding structure. A second dielectric structure is formed on first dielectric structure and horizontally adjacent the conductive shielding material. The conductive shielding material and the second dielectric structure are patterned to form fin structures extending in parallel in a first horizontal direction. Each of the fin structures comprises two dielectric end structures integral with remaining portions of the second dielectric structure, and an additional conductive shielding structure interposed between the two dielectric end structures in the first horizontal direction. Conductive lines are formed to extend in parallel in the first horizontal direction and to horizontally alternate with the fin structures in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Russell A. Benson, Davide Colombo, Yan Li, Terrence B. McDaniel, Vinay Nair, Silvia Borsari
  • Patent number: 11257766
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming a conductive shielding material over a conductive shielding structure and a first dielectric structure horizontally adjacent the conductive shielding structure. A second dielectric structure is formed on first dielectric structure and horizontally adjacent the conductive shielding material. The conductive shielding material and the second dielectric structure are patterned to form fin structures extending in parallel in a first horizontal direction. Each of the fin structures comprises two dielectric end structures integral with remaining portions of the second dielectric structure, and an additional conductive shielding structure interposed between the two dielectric end structures in the first horizontal direction. Conductive lines are formed to extend in parallel in the first horizontal direction and to horizontally alternate with the fin structures in a second horizontal direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Benson, Davide Colombo, Yan Li, Terrence B. McDaniel, Vinay Nair, Silvia Borsari
  • Patent number: 11189484
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to a semiconductor nitridation passivation are described. An example method includes performing a dry etch process on a semiconductor structure on a wafer in a semiconductor fabrication process. The method further includes performing a dry strip process on the semiconductor structure. The method further includes performing a first wet strip clean process on the semiconductor. The method further includes performing a second wet strip clean process on the semiconductor. The method further includes performing a nitridation passivation on the semiconductor structure to avoid oxidization of the semiconductor structure. The method further performing a spacer material deposition on the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Benson, Silvia Borsari, Vinay Nair, Ying Rui, Somik Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 11164876
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to atom implantation for passivation of pillar material are described. An example apparatus includes a pillar of a semiconductor device. The pillar may include a first portion (e.g., a passivation material) formed from silicon nitride and an underlying second portion formed from a conductive material. A region of the first portion opposite from an interface between the first portion and the underlying second portion may be implanted with atoms of an element different from silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N) to enhance passivation of the implanted region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Benson
  • Publication number: 20210193460
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to a semiconductor nitridation passivation are described. An example method includes performing a dry etch process on a semiconductor structure on a wafer in a semiconductor fabrication process. The method further includes performing a dry strip process on the semiconductor structure. The method further includes performing a first wet strip clean process on the semiconductor. The method further includes performing a second wet strip clean process on the semiconductor. The method further includes performing a nitridation passivation on the semiconductor structure to avoid oxidization of the semiconductor structure. The method further performing a spacer material deposition on the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Russell A. Benson, Silvia Borsari, Vinay Nair, Ying Rui, Somik Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 11011378
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to atom implantation for reduction of compressive stress are described. An example method may include patterning a working surface of a semiconductor, the working surface having a hard mask material formed over a dielectric material and forming a material having a lower refractive index (RI), relative to a RI of the hard mask material, over the hard mask material. The method may further include implanting atoms through the lower RI material and into the hard mask material to reduce the compressive stress in the hard mask material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yiping Wang, Caizhi Xu, Pengyuan Zheng, Ying Rui, Russell A. Benson, Yongjun J. Hu, Jaydeb Goswami
  • Publication number: 20210005455
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to atom implantation for reduction of compressive stress are described. An example method may include patterning a working surface of a semiconductor, the working surface having a hard mask material formed over a dielectric material and forming a material having a lower refractive index (RI), relative to a RI of the hard mask material, over the hard mask material. The method may further include implanting atoms through the lower RI material and into the hard mask material to reduce the compressive stress in the hard mask material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Yiping Wang, Caizhi Xu, Pengyuan Zheng, Ying Rui, Russell A. Benson, Yongjun J. Hu, Jaydeb Goswami
  • Publication number: 20200258886
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to atom implantation for passivation of pillar material are described. An example apparatus includes a pillar of a semiconductor device. The pillar may include a first portion (e.g., a passivation material) formed from silicon nitride and an underlying second portion formed from a conductive material. A region of the first portion opposite from an interface between the first portion and the underlying second portion may be implanted with atoms of an element different from silicon (Si) and nitrogen (N) to enhance passivation of the implanted region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventor: Russell A. Benson
  • Patent number: 10134741
    Abstract: A method of forming an elevationally extending conductor laterally between a pair of conductive lines comprises forming a pair of conductive lines spaced from one another in at least one vertical cross-section. Conductor material is formed to elevationally extend laterally between and cross elevationally over the pair of conductive lines in the at least one vertical cross-section. Sacrificial material is laterally between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair in the at least one vertical cross-section. The sacrificial material is removed from between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair while the conductor material is crossing elevationally over the pair of conductive lines to form a void space laterally between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair in the at least one vertical cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangjun Yang, Russell A. Benson, Brent Gilgen, Alex J. Schrinsky, Sanh D. Tang, Si-Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20180019245
    Abstract: A method of forming an elevationally extending conductor laterally between a pair of conductive lines comprises forming a pair of conductive lines spaced from one another in at least one vertical cross-section. Conductor material is formed to elevationally extend laterally between and cross elevationally over the pair of conductive lines in the at least one vertical cross-section. Sacrificial material is laterally between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair in the at least one vertical cross-section. The sacrificial material is removed from between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair while the conductor material is crossing elevationally over the pair of conductive lines to form a void space laterally between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair in the at least one vertical cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Guangjun Yang, Russell A. Benson, Brent Gilgen, Alex J. Schrinsky, Sanh D. Tang, Si-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9754946
    Abstract: A method of forming an elevationally extending conductor laterally between a pair of conductive lines comprises forming a pair of conductive lines spaced from one another in at least one vertical cross-section. Conductor material is formed to elevationally extend laterally between and cross elevationally over the pair of conductive lines in the at least one vertical cross-section. Sacrificial material is laterally between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair in the at least one vertical cross-section. The sacrificial material is removed from between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair while the conductor material is crossing elevationally over the pair of conductive lines to form a void space laterally between the elevationally extending conductor material and each of the conductive lines of the pair in the at least one vertical cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangjun Yang, Russell A. Benson, Brent Gilgen, Alex J. Schrinsky, Sanh D. Tang, Si-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9276001
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a word line, an insulation material, and an etch stop material. The substrate comprises a pillar that may comprise an active area. The word line is formed in the substrate. The insulation material is formed on the word line. The etch stop material is formed on the insulating material and around the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: NANYA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guangjun Yang, Russell Benson
  • Publication number: 20140252589
    Abstract: Structures and methods for the dissipation of charge build-up during the formation of cavities in semiconductor substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Griffin, Russell A. Benson
  • Publication number: 20140077126
    Abstract: Methods and an etch gas composition for etching a contact opening in a dielectric layer are provided. Embodiments of the method use a plasma generated from an etch gas composed of C4F8 and/or C4F6, an oxygen source, and a carrier gas in combination with tetrafluoroethane (C2F4) or a halofluorocarbon analogue of C2F4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Benson, Theodore M. Taylor, Mark W. Kiehlbauch