Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Graettinger

Thomas M. Graettinger 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: 20240057348
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for pillar and word line plate architecture for a memory array are described to support a memory array that may include a word line plate at each vertical level of the memory array, where the word line plate may be coupled with each memory cell of a word line tile at the respective level. The memory array includes multiple pillars, where each pillar includes two or more electrodes that run the vertical length of the pillar and which are separated by an insulating dielectric material. Each electrode of the pillar is coupled with a corresponding set of memory cells, with each memory cell located at a different level of the array. An electrode of the pillar mis addressed, along with a word line plate of the memory array, to access a memory cell associated with the electrode and word line plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Lorenzo Fratin, Enrico Varesi, Paolo Fantini, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 11864475
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a memory device with laterally formed memory cells are described. A material stack that includes a conductive layer between multiple dielectric layers may be formed, where the conductive layer and dielectric layers may form a channel in a sidewall of the material stack. The channel may be filled with one or more materials, where a first side of an outermost material of the one or more materials may be exposed. An opening may be formed in the material stack that exposes a second side of at least one material of the one or more materials. The opening may be used to replace a portion of the at least one material with a chalcogenide material where the electrode materials may be formed before replacing the portion of the at least one material with the chalcogenide material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Graettinger, Lorenzo Fratin, Patrick M. Flynn, Enrico Varesi, Paolo Fantini
  • Patent number: 11790987
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for decoding for a memory device are described. A decoder of a memory device may include transistors in a first layer between a memory array and a second layer that includes one or more components associated with the memory array. The second layer may include CMOS pre-decoding circuitry, among other components. The decoder may include CMOS transistors in the first layer. The CMOS transistors may control which voltage source is coupled with an access line based on a gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor and a n-type transistor. For example, a first gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor may couple a source node with the access line and bias the access line to a source voltage. A second gate voltage applied to the n-type transistor may couple a ground node with the access line and bias the access line to a ground voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Fratin, Paolo Fantini, Fabio Pellizzer, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20230282730
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods for replacement gate formation in memory, and apparatuses and systems including memory formed accordingly. An embodiment includes forming a first oxide material in an opening through alternating layers of a second oxide material and a nitride material. An array of openings can be formed through the first oxide material formed in the opening. The layers of the nitride material can be removed. A metal material can be formed in voids resulting from the removal of the layers of the nitride material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 11652153
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods for replacement gate formation in memory, and apparatuses and systems including memory formed accordingly. An embodiment includes forming a first oxide material in an opening through alternating layers of a second oxide material and a nitride material. An array of openings can be formed through the first oxide material formed in the opening. The layers of the nitride material can be removed. A metal material can be formed in voids resulting from the removal of the layers of the nitride material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20220415392
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for decoding for a memory device are described. A decoder of a memory device may include transistors in a first layer between a memory array and a second layer that includes one or more components associated with the memory array. The second layer may include CMOS pre-decoding circuitry, among other components. The decoder may include CMOS transistors in the first layer. The CMOS transistors may control which voltage source is coupled with an access line based on a gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor and a n-type transistor. For example, a first gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor may couple a source node with the access line and bias the access line to a source voltage. A second gate voltage applied to the n-type transistor may couple a ground node with the access line and bias the access line to a ground voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Lorenzo Fratin, Paolo Fantini, Fabio Pellizzer, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20220384722
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a memory device with laterally formed memory cells are described. A material stack that includes a conductive layer between multiple dielectric layers may be formed, where the conductive layer and dielectric layers may form a channel in a sidewall of the material stack. The channel may be filled with one or more materials, where a first side of an outermost material of the one or more materials may be exposed. An opening may be formed in the material stack that exposes a second side of at least one material of the one or more materials. The opening may be used to replace a portion of the at least one material with a chalcogenide material where the electrode materials may be formed before replacing the portion of the at least one material with the chalcogenide material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas M. Graettinger, Lorenzo Fratin, Patrick M. Flynn, Enrico Varesi, Paolo Fantini
  • Publication number: 20220359716
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods for replacement gate formation in memory, and apparatuses and systems including memory formed accordingly. An embodiment includes forming a first oxide material in an opening through alternating layers of a second oxide material and a nitride material. An array of openings can be formed through the first oxide material formed in the opening. The layers of the nitride material can be removed. A metal material can be formed in voids resulting from the removal of the layers of the nitride material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 11417394
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for decoding for a memory device are described. A decoder of a memory device may include transistors in a first layer between a memory array and a second layer that includes one or more components associated with the memory array. The second layer may include CMOS pre-decoding circuitry, among other components. The decoder may include CMOS transistors in the first layer. The CMOS transistors may control which voltage source is coupled with an access line based on a gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor and a n-type transistor. For example, a first gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor may couple a source node with the access line and bias the access line to a source voltage. A second gate voltage applied to the n-type transistor may couple a ground node with the access line and bias the access line to a ground voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Fratin, Paolo Fantini, Fabio Pellizzer, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20220189549
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for decoding for a memory device are described. A decoder of a memory device may include transistors in a first layer between a memory array and a second layer that includes one or more components associated with the memory array. The second layer may include CMOS pre-decoding circuitry, among other components. The decoder may include CMOS transistors in the first layer. The CMOS transistors may control which voltage source is coupled with an access line based on a gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor and a n-type transistor. For example, a first gate voltage applied to a p-type transistor may couple a source node with the access line and bias the access line to a source voltage. A second gate voltage applied to the n-type transistor may couple a ground node with the access line and bias the access line to a ground voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Lorenzo Fratin, Paolo Fantini, Fabio Pellizzer, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 11257838
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed, such as those involving memory cell devices with improved charge retention characteristics. In one or more embodiments, a memory cell is provided having an active area defined by sidewalls of neighboring trenches. A layer of dielectric material is blanket deposited over the memory cell, and etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the active area. Dielectric material is formed over the active area, a charge trapping structure is formed over the dielectric material over the active area, and a control gate is formed over the charge trapping structure. In some embodiments, the charge trapping structure includes nanodots. In some embodiments, the width of the spacers is between about 130% and about 170% of the thickness of the dielectric material separating the charge trapping material and an upper surface of the active area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Weimer, Kyu S. Min, Thomas M. Graettinger, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20200203360
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed, such as those involving memory cell devices with improved charge retention characteristics. In one or more embodiments, a memory cell is provided having an active area defined by sidewalls of neighboring trenches. A layer of dielectric material is blanket deposited over the memory cell, and etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the active area. Dielectric material is formed over the active area, a charge trapping structure is formed over the dielectric material over the active area, and a control gate is formed over the charge trapping structure. In some embodiments, the charge trapping structure includes nanodots. In some embodiments, the width of the spacers is between about 130% and about 170% of the thickness of the dielectric material separating the charge trapping material and an upper surface of the active area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Weimer, Kyu S. Min, Thomas M. Graettinger, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10608005
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed, such as those involving memory cell devices with improved charge retention characteristics. In one or more embodiments, a memory cell is provided having an active area defined by sidewalls of neighboring trenches. A layer of dielectric material is blanket deposited over the memory cell, and etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the active area. Dielectric material is formed over the active area, a charge trapping structure is formed over the dielectric material over the active area, and a control gate is formed over the charge trapping structure. In some embodiments, the charge trapping structure includes nanodots. In some embodiments, the width of the spacers is between about 130% and about 170% of the thickness of the dielectric material separating the charge trapping material and an upper surface of the active area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Weimer, Kyu S. Min, Thomas M. Graettinger, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 9082714
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards use of an etch process post wordline definition to improve data retention in a flash memory device. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a plurality of wordline structures on a substrate, wherein individual wordline structures of the plurality of wordline structures include a control gate having an electrically conductive material and a cap having an electrically insulative material formed on the control gate, depositing an electrically insulative material to form a liner on a surface of the individual wordline structures, and etching the liner to remove at least a portion of the liner. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Randy J. Koval, Max F. Hineman, Ronald A. Weimer, Vinayak K. Shamanna, Thomas M. Graettinger, William R. Kueber, Christopher Larsen, Alex J. Schrinsky
  • Patent number: 8846542
    Abstract: The invention includes methods for selectively etching insulative material supports relative to conductive material. The invention can include methods for selectively etching silicon nitride relative to metal nitride. The metal nitride can be in the form of containers over a semiconductor substrate, with such containers having upwardly-extending openings with lateral widths of less than or equal to about 4000 angstroms; and the silicon nitride can be in the form of a layer extending between the containers. The selective etching can comprise exposure of at least some of the silicon nitride and the containers to Cl2 to remove the exposed silicon nitride, while not removing at least the majority of the metal nitride from the containers. In subsequent processing, the containers can be incorporated into capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20140162430
    Abstract: The invention includes methods for selectively etching insulative material supports relative to conductive material. The invention can include methods for selectively etching silicon nitride relative to metal nitride. The metal nitride can be in the form of containers over a semiconductor substrate, with such containers having upwardly-extending openings with lateral widths of less than or equal to about 4000 angstroms; and the silicon nitride can be in the form of a layer extending between the containers. The selective etching can comprise exposure of at least some of the silicon nitride and the containers to Cl2 to remove the exposed silicon nitride, while not removing at least the majority of the metal nitride from the containers. In subsequent processing, the containers can be incorporated into capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 8691704
    Abstract: The invention includes methods for selectively etching insulative material supports relative to conductive material. The invention can include methods for selectively etching silicon nitride relative to metal nitride. The metal nitride can be in the form of containers over a semiconductor substrate, with such containers having upwardly-extending openings with lateral widths of less than or equal to about 4000 angstroms; and the silicon nitride can be in the form of a layer extending between the containers. The selective etching can comprise exposure of at least some of the silicon nitride and the containers to Cl2 to remove the exposed silicon nitride, while not removing at least the majority of the metal nitride from the containers. In subsequent processing, the containers can be incorporated into capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20130264628
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques and configurations relating to use of an etch process post wordline definition to improve data retention in a flash memory device. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a plurality of wordline structures on a substrate, wherein individual wordline structures of the plurality of wordline structures include a control gate having an electrically conductive material and a cap having an electrically insulative material formed on the control gate, depositing an electrically insulative material to form a liner on a surface of the individual wordline structures, and etching the liner to remove at least a portion of the liner. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Randy J. Koval, Max F. Hineman, Ronald A. Weimer, Vinayak K. Shamanna, Thomas M. Graettinger, William R. Kueber, Christopher Larsen, Alex J. Schrinsky
  • Publication number: 20130252398
    Abstract: The invention includes methods for selectively etching insulative material supports relative to conductive material. The invention can include methods for selectively etching silicon nitride relative to metal nitride. The metal nitride can be in the form of containers over a semiconductor substrate, with such containers having upwardly-extending openings with lateral widths of less than or equal to about 4000 angstroms; and the silicon nitride can be in the form of a layer extending between the containers. The selective etching can comprise exposure of at least some of the silicon nitride and the containers to Cl2 to remove the exposed silicon nitride, while not removing at least the majority of the metal nitride from the containers. In subsequent processing, the containers can be incorporated into capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 8519463
    Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor constructions, and also includes methods of forming pluralities of capacitor devices. An exemplary method of the invention includes forming conductive storage node material within openings in an insulative material to form conductive containers. A retaining structure lattice is formed in physical contact with at least some of the containers, and subsequently the insulative material is removed to expose outer surfaces of the containers. The retaining structure can alleviate toppling or other loss of structural integrity of the container structures. The electrically conductive containers correspond to first capacitor electrodes. After the outer sidewalls of the containers are exposed, dielectric material is formed within the containers and along the exposed outer sidewalls. Subsequently, a second capacitor electrode is formed over the dielectric material. The first and second capacitor electrodes, together with the dielectric material, form a plurality of capacitor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Montgomery Manning, Thomas M. Graettinger