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).

  • Patent number: 8470716
    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: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 8228743
    Abstract: Some embodiments include memory cells having vertically-stacked charge-trapping zones spaced from one another by dielectric material. The dielectric material may comprise high-k material. One or more of the charge-trapping zones may comprise metallic material. Such metallic material may be present as a plurality of discrete isolated islands, such as nanodots. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells in which two charge-trapping zones are formed over tunnel dielectric, with the zones being vertically displaced relative to one another, and with the zone closest to the tunnel dielectric having deeper traps than the other zone. Some embodiments include electronic systems comprising memory cells. Some embodiments include methods of programming memory cells having vertically-stacked charge-trapping zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyu S. Min, Rhett T. Brewer, Tejas Krishnamohan, Thomas M. Graettinger, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Ronald A Weimer, Arup Bhattacharyya
  • Publication number: 20120168903
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: H. Montgomery Manning, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 8154064
    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: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Montgomery Manning, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20120052650
    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: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 8076248
    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: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 7989289
    Abstract: Floating gate structures are generally described. In one example, an electronic device includes a semiconductor substrate, a tunnel dielectric coupled with the semiconductor substrate, and a floating gate structure comprising at least a first region having a first electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency coupled with the tunnel dielectric and a second region having a second electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency coupled with the first region wherein the first electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency is less than the second electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency. Such electronic device may reduce the thickness of the floating gate structure or reduce leakage current through an inter-gate dielectric, or combinations thereof, compared with a floating gate structure that comprises only polysilicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tejas Krishnamohan, Krishna Parat, Kyu Min, Srivardhan Gowda, Thomas M. Graettinger, Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20110147827
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the fabrication of non-volatile memory. In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to forming a layered blocking dielectric which has a portion thereof removed in the wordline direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Sanh Tang, Nirmal Ramaswamy, Thomas M. Graettinger, Kyu S. Min, Tejas Krishnamohan, Srivardhan Gowda
  • Publication number: 20110133268
    Abstract: Some embodiments include memory cells having vertically-stacked charge-trapping zones spaced from one another by dielectric material. The dielectric material may comprise high-k material. One or more of the charge-trapping zones may comprise metallic material. Such metallic material may be present as a plurality of discrete isolated islands, such as nanodots. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells in which two charge-trapping zones are formed over tunnel dielectric, with the zones being vertically displaced relative to one another, and with the zone closest to the tunnel dielectric having deeper traps than the other zone. Some embodiments include electronic systems comprising memory cells. Some embodiments include methods of programming memory cells having vertically-stacked charge-trapping zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kyu S. Min, Rhett T. Brewer, Tejas Krishnamohan, Thomas M. Graettinger, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Ronald A. Weimer, Arup Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 7898850
    Abstract: Some embodiments include memory cells having vertically-stacked charge-trapping zones spaced from one another by dielectric material. The dielectric material may comprise high-k material. One or more of the charge-trapping zones may comprise metallic material. Such metallic material may be present as a plurality of discrete isolated islands, such as nanodots. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells in which two charge-trapping zones are formed over tunnel dielectric, with the zones being vertically displaced relative to one another, and with the zone closest to the tunnel dielectric having deeper traps than the other zone. Some embodiments include electronic systems comprising memory cells. Some embodiments include methods of programming memory cells having vertically-stacked charge-trapping zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyu S. Min, Rhett T. Brewer, Tejas Krishnamohan, Thomas M. Graettinger, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Ronald A. Weimer, Arup Bhattacharyya
  • Publication number: 20100320566
    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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: H. Montgomery Manning, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 7781818
    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: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Montgomery Manning, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 7736987
    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: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Montgomery Manning, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20100105186
    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: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 7687844
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of depositing a noble metal. A substrate is provided. The substrate has a first region and a second region. The first and second regions are exposed to a mixture comprising a precursor of a noble metal and an oxidant. During the exposure, a layer containing the noble metal is selectively deposited onto the first region relative to the second region. In particular applications, the first region can comprise borophosphosilicate glass, and the second region can comprise either aluminum oxide or doped non-oxidized silicon. The invention also includes capacitor constructions and methods of forming capacitor constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cancheepuram V. Srividya, F. Daniel Gealy, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 7683413
    Abstract: A method for forming a double sided container capacitor comprises forming a first capacitor top plate layer within a recess in a dielectric layer, then forming a first cell dielectric on the first top plate layer. Next, first and second bottom plate layers are formed on the first cell dielectric layer, and a second cell dielectric layer is formed on the second bottom plate layers. Finally, a second top plate layer is formed on the second cell dielectric layer, and the first and second top plate layers are electrically connected using a conductive plug or conductive spacer. An inventive structure formed using the inventive method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Graettinger, Marsela Pontoh, Thomas A. Figura
  • Patent number: 7666797
    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: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Shea, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20090321809
    Abstract: Briefly, a tunnel barrier for a non-volatile memory device comprising a graded oxy-nitride layer is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Nirmal Ramaswamy, Tejas Krishnamohan, Kyu Min, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Publication number: 20090283817
    Abstract: Floating gate structures are generally described. In one example, an electronic device includes a semiconductor substrate, a tunnel dielectric coupled with the semiconductor substrate, and a floating gate structure comprising at least a first region having a first electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency coupled with the tunnel dielectric and a second region having a second electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency coupled with the first region wherein the first electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency is less than the second electron energy level or electron workfunction or carrier capture efficiency. Such electronic device may reduce the thickness of the floating gate structure or reduce leakage current through an inter-gate dielectric, or combinations thereof, compared with a floating gate structure that comprises only polysilicon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Tejas Krishnamohan, Krishna Parat, Kyu Min, Srivardhan Gowda, Thomas M. Graettinger, Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 7535695
    Abstract: The invention includes capacitor constructions which have a layer of aluminum oxide between a high-k dielectric material and a layer containing titanium and nitrogen. The layer containing titanium and nitrogen can be, for example, titanium nitride and/or boron-doped titanium nitride. The capacitor constructions can be incorporated into DRAM cells, which in turn can be incorporated into electronic systems. The invention also includes methods of forming capacitor constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cem Basceri, Thomas M. Graettinger