Patents by Inventor Wenxi Zhou

Wenxi Zhou 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: 20230056340
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a stack structure having interleaved conductive layers and dielectric layers, and a channel structure extending through the stack structure along a first direction. The channel structure is in contact with a source of the 3D memory device at a bottom portion of the channel structure. The channel structure includes a semiconductor channel, and a memory film over the semiconductor channel. The memory film includes a tunneling layer over the semiconductor channel, a storage layer over the tunneling layer, and a blocking layer over the storage layer. A first thickness of the bottom portion of the channel structure is larger than a second thickness of a top portion of the channel structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Linchun Wu, Kun Zhang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Wei Xie, Di Wang, Bingguo Wang, Zongliang Huo
  • Patent number: 11587945
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided that can include a stack formed of word line layers and insulating layers that are alternatingly stacked over a substrate. A first staircase of a first block can be formed in the stack and extend between first array regions of the first block. A second staircase of a second block can be formed in the stack and extend between second array regions of the second block. The semiconductor device further can have a connection region that is formed in the stack between the first staircase and second staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhong Zhang, Zhongwang Sun, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Zhi Zhang
  • Patent number: 11574922
    Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a peripheral circuit on the substrate, a memory stack including interleaved conductive layers and dielectric layers above the peripheral circuit, an N-type doped semiconductor layer above the memory stack, a plurality of channel structures each extending vertically through the memory stack into the N-type doped semiconductor layer, and a source contact above the memory stack and in contact with the N-type doped semiconductor layer. An upper end of each of the plurality of channel structures is flush with or below a top surface of the N-type doped semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Zongliang Huo
  • Patent number: 11562945
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for forming contact structures and semiconductor devices thereof are disclosed. In an example, a semiconductor device includes an insulating layer, a conductive layer over the insulating layer, and a spacer structure in the conductive layer and in contact with the insulating layer. The semiconductor device also includes a first contact structure in the spacer structure and extending vertically through the insulating layer. The first contact structure includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion in contact with each other. An upper surface of the second contact portion is coplanar with an upper surface of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Linchun Wu, Kun Zhang, Zhong Zhang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia
  • Patent number: 11557570
    Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a method for forming a 3D memory device is disclosed. A sacrificial layer on a substrate, an N-type doped semiconductor layer on the sacrificial layer, and a dielectric stack on the N-type doped semiconductor layer are subsequently formed. A channel structure extending vertically through the dielectric stack and the N-type doped semiconductor layer is formed. The dielectric stack is replaced with a memory stack, such that the channel structure extends vertically through the memory stack and the N-type doped semiconductor layer. The substrate and the sacrificial layer are removed to expose an end of the channel structure. Part of the channel structure abutting the N-type doped semiconductor layer is replaced with a semiconductor plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Zongliang Huo
  • Publication number: 20230005542
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, a third semiconductor structure, a first bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure, and a second bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the third semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of NAND memory strings and a first semiconductor layer in contact with sources of the array of NAND memory strings. The second semiconductor structure includes a first peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a first transistor, and a second semiconductor layer in contact with the first transistor. A third semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a second transistor, and a third semiconductor layer in contact with the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang, Wenxi Zhou, Wei Liu, Zhiliang Xia, Liang Chen, Yanhong Wang
  • Publication number: 20230005941
    Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In certain aspects, a 3D memory device includes a first semiconductor assembly, a second semiconductor assembly, and an inter-assembly bonding layer between the first semiconductor assembly and the second semiconductor assembly. The first semiconductor assembly includes a first array structure and a first periphery structure. The first array structure includes a first memory stack having a plurality of interleaved stack conductive layers and stack dielectric layers. The first periphery structure includes a plurality of first peripheral circuits electrically connected to the first memory stack. The second semiconductor assembly includes a second array structure and a second periphery structure. The second array structure includes a second memory stack having a plurality of interleaved stack conductive layers and stack dielectric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Wenxi Zhou, Wei Liu, Zhiliang Xia, Liang Chen, Yanhong Wang
  • Publication number: 20230005861
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, and a bonding interface between the first and second semiconductor structures. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of NAND memory strings, a first peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a first transistor, a polysilicon layer between the array of NAND memory strings and the first peripheral circuit, and a first semiconductor layer in contact with the first transistor. The polysilicon layer is in contact with sources of the array of NAND memory strings. The second semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a second transistor, and a second semiconductor layer in contact with the second transistor. The second semiconductor layer is between the bonding interface and the second peripheral circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yanhong Wang, Wei Liu, Liang Chen, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20230005940
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first substrate, a first semiconductor structure, and a second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure is disposed on the first substrate. The first semiconductor structure includes a second substrate, and a peripheral device disposed over the second substrate, and the peripheral device is formed facing the first substrate. The second semiconductor structure is disposed on the first semiconductor structure. The second semiconductor structure includes a doped semiconductor layer, and a memory array structure disposed between the doped semiconductor layer and the first semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yuancheng Yang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20230005863
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, and a bonding interface between the first and the second semiconductor structures. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of NAND memory strings, a first peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a first transistor, a polysilicon layer between the array of NAND memory strings and the first peripheral circuit, and a first semiconductor layer in contact with the first transistor. The polysilicon layer is in contact with sources of the array of NAND memory strings. The second semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a second transistor, and a second semiconductor layer in contact with the second transistor. The second semiconductor layer is between the bonding interface and the second peripheral circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yuancheng Yang, Kun Zhang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Liang Chen, Yanhong Wang, Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20230005944
    Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In certain aspects, a stack structure includes interleaved dielectric layers and conductive layers, a channel structure extending in the stack structure, and a doped semiconductor layer arranged on the stack structure. The doped semiconductor layer covers an end of the channel structure and the stack structure, the channel structure includes a channel layer, and the channel layer includes a doped channel layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Lei Liu, Tao Yang, Linchun Wu, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Zongliang Huo
  • Publication number: 20230005860
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, and a bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of memory cells. The second semiconductor structure includes a first peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells. The first peripheral circuit includes a first transistor. The first semiconductor structure or the second semiconductor structure further includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells. The second peripheral circuit includes a second transistor. The first peripheral circuit and the second peripheral circuit are stacked over one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Wei Liu, Yanhong Wang, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20230005859
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, a third semiconductor structure, a first bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure, and a second bonding interface between the second semiconductor structure and the third semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of NAND memory strings and a first semiconductor layer in contact with sources of the array of NAND memory strings. The second semiconductor structure includes a first peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a first transistor, and a second semiconductor layer in contact with the first transistor. A third semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a second transistor, and a third semiconductor layer in contact with the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Wei Liu, Yanhong Wang, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20230005943
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, and a bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes a first semiconductor layer, an array of NAND memory strings, and a first peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings. Sources of the array of NAND memory strings are in contact with a first side of the first semiconductor layer. The first peripheral circuit includes a first transistor in contact with a second side of the first semiconductor layer opposite to the first side. The second semiconductor structure includes a second semiconductor layer and a second peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings. The second peripheral circuit includes a second transistor in contact with the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang, Wenxi Zhou, Wei Liu, Zhiliang Xia, Liang Chen, Yanhong Wang
  • Publication number: 20230005864
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure and a second semiconductor structure. A first semiconductor structure includes a first substrate, and a memory array structure disposed on the first substrate. The second semiconductor structure is disposed over the first semiconductor structure, and the second semiconductor structure includes a second substrate, and a peripheral device in contact with the second substrate. The second substrate is formed between the peripheral device and the first semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yuancheng Yang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20230005946
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a memory device includes an array of memory cells and a plurality of peripheral circuits coupled to the array of memory cells. The peripheral circuits include a first peripheral circuit including a recess gate transistor. The peripheral circuits also include a second peripheral circuit including a flat gate transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yanwei Shi, Yanhong Wang, Cheng Gan, Liang Chen, Wei Liu, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20230005541
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, a third semiconductor structure, a first bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure, and a second bonding interface between the second semiconductor structure and the third semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of memory cells and a first semiconductor layer in contact with sources of the array of NAND memory strings. The second semiconductor structure includes a first peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells including a first transistor, and a second semiconductor layer in contact with the first transistor. A third semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells including a second transistor, and a third semiconductor layer in contact with the second transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yuancheng Yang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20230005875
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a method for forming a three-dimensional (3D) memory device is disclosed. A first semiconductor structure including an array of NAND memory strings is formed on a first substrate. A second semiconductor structure including a recess gate transistor is formed on a second substrate. The recess gate transistor includes a recess gate structure protruding into the second substrate. The first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure are bonded in a face-to-face manner, such that the array of NAND memory strings is coupled to the recess gate transistor across a bonding interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yanwei Shi, Yanhong Wang, Cheng Gan, Liang Chen, Wei Liu, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20230005544
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, a third semiconductor structure, and a first bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of memory cells. The second semiconductor structure includes a first peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells. The first peripheral circuit includes a first transistor. A third semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of memory cells. The second peripheral circuit includes a second transistor. The first semiconductor structure, the second semiconductor structure, and the third semiconductor structure are stacked over one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Wei Liu, Yanhong Wang, Zhiliang Xia, Wenxi Zhou, Kun Zhang, Yuancheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20230005543
    Abstract: In certain aspects, a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, and a bonding interface between the first and second semiconductor structures. The first semiconductor structure includes an array of NAND memory strings, a first peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a first transistor, a polysilicon layer between the array of NAND memory strings and the first peripheral circuit, and a first semiconductor layer in contact with the first transistor. The polysilicon layer is in contact with sources of the array of NAND memory strings. The second semiconductor structure includes a second peripheral circuit of the array of NAND memory strings including a second transistor, and a second semiconductor layer in contact with the second transistor. The second peripheral circuit is between the bonding interface and the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Yuancheng Yang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Wei Liu