Abstract: A light-emitting element (1) includes a light-emitting layer (2) including a phosphor, and at least two electrodes (6, 7). The light-emitting element (1) includes at least two kinds of electrically insulating layers (2, 9) with different dielectric constants. One of the electrically insulating layers (2, 9) is the light-emitting layer (2), and one of the two electrodes (6, 7) is formed in contact with one of the insulating layers. Therefore, it is possible to provide a light-emitting element that can emit light by using surface discharge, is manufactured at low cost, exhibits favorable luminous efficiency, and is to be driven with low power consumption when being applied to a large-screen display.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a first transistor in a half-bridge circuit which also includes a second transistor. The transistors can be controlled by applying drive voltages to their gates. During a switch-off operation of the second transistor, the amplitude of the drive voltage of the second transistor is compared with a first threshold value and a second threshold value. A switch-on operation for the first transistor is started following a specified first period which begins at a first time when the drive voltage of the second transistor undershoots the first threshold value. The first threshold value is set in accordance with a second period which begins at a second time when the amplitude of the drive voltage of the second transistor undershoots the second threshold value. The second period ends at another time when the first transistor adopts a specified initial operating state during the switch-on operation.

Abstract: Systems for providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. One of the Systems has a plurality of first-type thin film diode elements coupled to each other in series, and a plurality of second-type thin film diode elements coupled to each other in series. The first-type thin film elements are electrically connected to a signal line between an input end and a main circuit, and the second-type thin film diode elements are electrically connected to the signal line between the input end and the main circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device includes an element isolation insulating film electrically isolating pixels on the surface of a well region; a first isolation diffusion layer electrically isolating the pixels under the element isolation insulating film; and a second isolation diffusion layer electrically isolating the pixels under the first isolation diffusion layer, wherein a charge accumulation region is disposed in the well region surrounded by the first and second isolation diffusion layers, the inner peripheral part of the first isolation diffusion layer forms a projecting region, an impurity having a conductivity type of the first isolation diffusion layer and an impurity having a conductivity type of the charge accumulation region are mixed in the projecting region, and a part of the charge accumulation region between the charge accumulation region and the second isolation diffusion layer is abutted or close to the second isolation diffusion layer under the projecting region.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate; a single-crystalline first buffer layer, disposed on the substrate, containing a semiconductor represented by the formula AlxGa1-xN; a non-single-crystalline second buffer layer, disposed on the first buffer layer, containing a semiconductor represented by the formula AlyGa1-yN; and an undoped base layer, disposed on the second buffer layer, containing GaN, wherein 0<×?1 and 0?y?1. The first buffer layer is formed at a temperature of 1000° C. to 1200° C. The second buffer layer is formed at a temperature of 350° C. to 800° C. The substrate contains SiC. The second buffer layer has a thickness of 5 to 20 nm.

Abstract: A III-V based, implant free MOS heterostructure field-effect transistor device comprises a gate insulator layer overlying a compound semiconductor substrate; ohmic contacts coupled to the compound semiconductor substrate proximate opposite sides of an active device region defined within the compound semiconductor substrate; and a gate metal contact electrode formed on the gate insulator layer in a region between the ohmic contacts. The ohmic contacts have portions thereof that overlap with portions of the gate insulator layer within the active device region. The overlapping portions ensure avoidance of an undesirable gap formation between an edge of the ohmic contact and a corresponding edge of the gate insulator layer.

Abstract: A memory array having memory cells comprising a diode and an antifuse can be made smaller and programmed at lower voltage by using antifuse materials having higher dielectric constant and higher acceleration factor than silicon dioxide, and by using diodes having lower band gaps than silicon. Such memory arrays can be made to have long operating lifetimes by using the high acceleration factor and lower band gap materials. Antifuse materials having dielectric constants between 5 and 27, for example hafnium silicon oxynitride or hafnium silicon oxide are particularly effective. Diode materials with band gaps lower than silicon, such as germanium or a silicon-germanium alloy are particularly effective.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip is provided comprising a semiconductor substrate on which an integrated circuit is formed. The semiconductor chip, which is provided on the semiconductor substrate in an area array, further comprises a plurality of electrodes electrically coupled with the inside of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the electrodes are arranged into a plurality of first groups respectively lined along a plurality of paralleling first straight lines and, further, into a plurality of second groups respectively lined along a plurality of second straight lines which extend so as to intersect with the first straight lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method of fabricating the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a substrate having a planar surface and first and second electrodes located on the planar surface. The first electrode has a top surface and a lateral surface, and the lateral surface has an edge near or in contact with the substrate. An electrode insulating layer is located on the top surface and a self-assembled layer located on the lateral surface. The second electrode is in contact with both the self-assembled layer and the electrode insulating layer.

Abstract: A transistor device may comprise a source having a first ferromagnetic contact thereto, a drain having a second ferromagnetic contact thereto, an electrically conductive gate positioned over a channel region separating the source and the drain, and an electrically insulating layer disposed between the gate and the channel region. The first and second ferromagnetic contacts have anti-parallel magnetic orientations relative to each other. The electrically insulating layer includes a number of paramagnetic impurities each having two spin states such that electrons interacting with the paramagnetic impurities cause the paramagnetic impurities to flip between the two spin states.

Abstract: A protective plate for a plasma display comprises conductive substrate for protecting a plasma display and an electrode in electrical contact with the conductive substrate.

Abstract: Hybrid devices, such as optically erasable memory cells and light sensors, and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device includes a structure capable of converting between a first resistance state and a second resistance state, and a light source configured to convert the structure from the first resistance state to the second resistance state. The structure includes an organic first material and a second material different from the first material.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises a substrate (100), non-linear devices (102) disposed substantially in one plane on the substrate (100), pixel electrodes (106) connected to the non-linear devices (102), an electro-optic medium (110) and a common electrode (112) on the opposed side of the electro-optic medium (110) from the pixel electrodes (106). The moduli of the various parts of the display are arranged so that, when the display is curved, the neutral axis or neutral plane lies substantially in the plane of the non-linear devices (102).

Abstract: Provided is a solid-state image pickup device which comprises well contacts and well wirings for supplying a reference voltage to a well and can suppress a reduction in an amount of light received even when a pixel area is decreased. As a well wiring, used is a well main-wiring 4 which is formed in a same process as that in which gates of respective transistors are formed, using a same material as that of the gates of respective transistors. In a pixel region (PXR), the well wiring and the well contact comprises the well main-wiring 4, a well sub-wiring 6 in a first wiring layer 10 immediately above the well main-wiring 4, contacts 3 and 5 provided in a gate electrode layer 9. The well wiring and the well contact are not formed in wiring layers above a second wiring layer 11.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel structure of a phase change memory device. In the phase change memory device of the invention, an electrode acting as a radiating fin does not exit immediately above a phase change area of a phase change layer (115). A heater electrode (111) and landing electrode layer (113a, 114a) both contact the bottom of the phase change layer (115) made of GST. The landing electrode layer (113a, 114a) contacts the bottom of the phase change layer (115) to partially overlap in a region off from a portion immediately above the contact face (Y) of the phase change layer and heater electrode. The contact electrode (116, 118) is directly connected to the landing electrode layer (113a, 114a) in a portion off from a portion immediately above the heater electrode (111). The phase change layer of GST or the like does not exist immediately below the contact electrode.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having an n-channel MOSFET device and a JFET device. The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor layer having an upper surface, an MOS transistor device formed in a doped well of a first conductivity type extending from the semiconductor upper surface and a JFET device. The JFET device includes a channel region in the semiconductor layer spaced from, and having a peak concentration positioned a predetermined distance below, the upper surface. An associated method of manufacturing includes introducing p-type dopant into the semiconductor surface to form a p-well in which the NMOS device is formed and a source and a drain of the JFET device. N-type dopant is introduced into the semiconductor surface to form an n-type region of the NMOS device below the p-well and a gate region of the JFET device.

Abstract: A touch panel including a substrate body having a wave plate, a first elastic layer and a first substrate, a second substrate facing to the substrate body, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a second elastic layer and a polarizing plate. A first conductive layer is formed at a face, which is a side of the second substrate, of the substrate body. A second conductive layer is formed at a face of the second substrate and faces the first conductive layer with a predetermined space therebetween. The second elastic layer is formed at a face, which is an opposite side of the first conductive layer, of the substrate body. The polarizing plate is formed at a face, which is an opposite side of the second substrate, of the second elastic layer. This structure offers a touch panel which is resistant to crack or damage to the first conductive layer that may occur when an end of the touch panel is pressed, and provides reliable operation and good viewability.

Abstract: The gate of an IGBT is connected to a gate terminal. One end of a clamping element is connected to an anode terminal. A voltage higher than a clamping voltage is applied between the gate and the emitter, to thereby test the dielectric breakdown voltage of a gate insulating film of the IGBT. The IGBT is eliminated which has a gate insulating film at a dielectric breakdown voltage failing to fall within its proper distribution range. Thereafter, a gate terminal and an anode terminal are wire bonded in the normal IGBT.

Abstract: An epitaxial crystal for a field effect transistor which has a nitride-based III-V group semiconductor epitaxial crystal grown on a SiC single crystal base substrate having micropipes by use of an epitaxial growth method, wherein at least a part of the micropipes spreading from the SiC single crystal base substrate into the epitaxial crystal terminate between an active layer of the transistor and the SiC single crystal base substrate.

Abstract: Provided are a multiple-gate MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) transistor and a method of manufacturing the same. The transistor includes a single crystalline active region having a channel region having an upper portion of a streamlined shape (?) obtained by patterning an upper portion of a bulk silicon substrate with an embossed pattern, and having a thicker and wider area than the channel region; a nitride layer formed at both side surfaces of the single crystalline active region to expose an upper portion of the single crystalline active region at a predetermined height; and a gate electrode formed to be overlaid with the exposed upper portion of the single crystalline active region of the channel region.

Abstract: MOS transistors having an optimized channel plane orientation are provided. The MOS transistors include a semiconductor substrate having a main surface of a (100) plane. An isolation layer is provided in a predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate to define an active region. A source region and a drain region are disposed in the active region. The source and drain regions are disposed on a straight line parallel to a <100> orientation. An insulated gate electrode is disposed over a channel region between the source and drain regions. Methods of fabricating the MOS transistors are also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes at least one MOS transistor, each transistor being provided with a source region and a drain region formed in a semiconductor substrate, along with a gate region and spacers. The transistor is covered with a unitary etch stop layer that includes at least a first zone having a first residual stress level (in tension) covering at least one part of the transistor and at least a second zone having a second residual stress level (in compression) covering at least another part of the device. With this configuration, the first residual stress level is higher than the second residual stress level.

Abstract: A power semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body and a field electrode. The semiconductor body has a drift zone of a first conduction type and a further component defining a junction therebetween. The junction is configured to cause a space charge zone to propagate when a reverse voltage is applied to the junction. The field electrode is arranged adjacent to the drift zone, and is insulated from the semiconductor body by at least a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a first section and a second section, the first section arranged nearer to the junction and having a higher dielectric constant than the second section.

Abstract: An image sensor having pixels that include two patterned semiconductor layers. The top patterned semiconductor layer contains the photoelectric elements of pixels having substantially 100% fill-factor. The bottom patterned semiconductor layer contains transistors for detecting, resetting, amplifying and transmitting signals charges received from the photoelectric elements. The top and bottom patterned semiconductor layers may be separated from each other by an interlayer insulating layer that may include metal interconnections for conducting signals between devices formed in the patterned semiconductor layers and from external devices.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor, and method for manufacturing the same is provided. The CMOS image sensor includes a device isolation film formed in a device isolation region of a semiconductor substrate to define an active region and a device isolation region, a gate insulation film formed on the semiconductor substrate. The gate insulation film has different thicknesses at the interface with the device isolation film and an interface with the active region. A gate electrode is formed on the gate insulation film. A floating diffusion region is formed in the semiconductor substrate at one side of the gate electrode. A photodiode region is formed in the semiconductor substrate at the other side of the gate electrode.

Abstract: An image sensor with an image area having a plurality of photodetectors of a first conductivity type includes a substrate of the second conductivity type; a first layer of the first conductivity type substantially spanning an area of each photodetector; wherein the first layer abuts each photodetector and is between the substrate and each photodetector.

Abstract: A CIS and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The CIS includes a photodiode formed on a substrate; an interlayer insulation layer formed on an entire surface of the substrate including the photodiode; a color filter layer formed on the interlayer insulation layer to pass light in a specific wavelength range; and a microlens formed on the color filter layer, where the microlens includes a predetermined opened region in a portion of the microlens corresponding to the location of the photodiode.

Abstract: An integrated circuit interconnect is fabricated by using a mask to form a via in an insulating layer for a conductive plug. After the plug is formed in the via, a thin (e.g., <100 nm) isolation layer is deposited over the resulting structure. An opening is created in the isolation layer by using the same mask at a different radiation exposure level to make the opening more narrow than the underlying plug. A conductive line is then formed which makes electrical contact with the plug through the opening in the isolation layer. By vertically separating and electrically isolating the conductive plug from adjacent conductive lines, the isolation layer advantageously reduces the likelihood of an undesired electrical short occurring between the conductive plug and a nearby conductive line.

Abstract: An electric switch includes a ferroelectric substrate to which metal is added, a pair of electrodes provided on the ferroelectric substrate, and an electric field applying portion for changing the direction of polarization in part of the ferroelectric substrate.

Abstract: A ferroelectric varactor suitable for capacitive shunt switching is disclosed. High resistivity silicon with a SiO2 layer and a patterned metallic layer deposited on top is used as the substrate. A ferroelectric thin-film layer deposited on the substrate is used for the implementation of the varactor. A top metal electrode is deposited on the ferroelectric thin-film layer forming a CPW transmission line. By using the capacitance formed by the large area ground conductors in the top metal electrode and bottom metallic layer, a series connection of the ferroelectric varactor with the large capacitor defined by the ground conductors is created. The large capacitor acts as a short to ground, eliminating the need for vias. In one embodiment, the varactor shunt switch can be used as passive sensor with the capability of being wireless.

Abstract: A memory cell of a semiconductor device and a method for forming the same, wherein the memory cell includes a substrate having active regions and field regions, a gate layer formed over the substrate, the gate layer including a plurality of access gates formed over the active regions of the substrate and a plurality of pass gates formed over the field regions of the substrate, first self-aligned contact regions formed between adjacent pass gates and access gates, and second self-aligned contact regions formed between adjacent access gates, wherein a width of each of the first self-aligned contact regions is larger than a width of each of the second self-aligned contact regions.

Abstract: Conventionally, the layer of the insulator between a cathode and an anode is formed by a droplet discharge method, vapor deposition, or the like separately from an interlayer insulating film formed over a thin film transistor, which creates problems of increase in cost and the number of manufacturing steps. A memory device of the present invention includes a first conductive film; an insulating film formed over the first conductive film; and a second conductive film formed over the insulating film, and an opening and a contact hole which are formed in the insulating film. Further, the insulating film exists between the first conductive film and the second conductive film formed in the opening, and the first conductive film and the second conductive film are electrically connected in the contact hole.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises static random access memory (SRAM) cells formed in a semiconductor substrate, first deep trenches isolating each boundary of an n-well and a p-well of the SRAM cells, second deep trenches isolating the SRAM cells into each unit bit cell, and at least one or more contacts taking substance voltage potentials in regions isolated by the first and second deep trenches. Then, the device becomes possible to improve a soft error resistance without increasing the device in size.

Abstract: Recessed gate transistor structures and methods for making the same prevent a short between a gate conductive layer formed on a non-active region and an active region by forming an insulation layer therebetween, even though a misalignment is generated in forming a gate. The method and structure reduce the capacitance between gates. The method includes forming a device isolation film for defining an active region and a non-active region, on a predetermined region of a semiconductor substrate. First and second insulation layers are formed on an entire face of the substrate. A recess is formed in a portion of the active region. A gate insulation layer is formed within the recess, and then a first gate conductive layer is formed within the recess. A second gate conductive layer is formed on the second insulation layer and the first gate conductive layer. Subsequently, source/drain regions are formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stacked capacitor (10) comprising a silicon base plate (16), a poly-silicon center plate (32) arranged above the base plate (16), a lower gate-oxide dielectric (26) arranged between the base plate (16) and the center plate (32), a cover plate (36) made of a metallic conductor and arranged above the center plate (32), and an upper dielectric (34) arranged between the center plate (32) and the cover plate (36). The cover plate (36) and the base plate (16) are electrically connected to each other and together form a first capacitor electrode. The center plate (32) forms a second capacitor electrode. The invention further relates to an integrated circuit with such a stacked capacitor, as well as to a method for fabrication of a stacked capacitor as part of a CMOS process.

Abstract: An improved charge storing device and methods for providing the same, the charge storing device comprising a conductor-insulator-conductor (CIC) sandwich. The CIC sandwich comprises a first conducting layer deposited on a semiconductor integrated circuit. The CIC sandwich further comprises a first insulating layer deposited over the first conducting layer in a flush manner. The first insulating layer comprises a structure having a plurality of oxygen cites and a plurality of oxygen atoms that partially fill the oxygen cites, wherein the unfilled oxygen cites define a concentration of oxygen vacancies.

Abstract: Capacitors for semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating such capacitors are provided The disclosed capacitor comprises an interlayer dielectric layer (ILD) pattern having an opening exposing a portion of the underlying semiconductor substrate, a silicide pattern formed on the exposed substrate, and a lower electrode covering an inner wall and bottom of the opening. A dielectric layer is formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode is disposed on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer preferably comprises a high k-dielectric layer such as tantalum oxide. The disclosed method comprises forming an ILD pattern with an opening that exposes a portion of a semiconductor substrate forming an optional silicide pattern on the exposed substrate, forming a lower electrode on the inner wall of the opening and sequentially forming a dielectric layer and an upper electrode on the resulting structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor construct provided on a base plate and having a semiconductor substrate and external connection electrodes. An insulating layer is provided on the base plate around the first semiconductor construct. An upper layer insulating film is provided on the first semiconductor construct and insulating layer. Upper layer wiring lines are provided on the upper layer insulating film so that the upper layer wiring line is electrically connected to the external connection electrode. A second semiconductor construct is joined to and installed on connection pad portions. All jointing portions of the second semiconductor construct for the connection pad portions of the upper layer wiring lines are disposed in a region corresponding to the first semiconductor construct.

Abstract: The micro electronic device comprises a substrate with a surface and a plurality of storage elements in serial connection formed at the surface of the substrate, a plurality of transistors, each transistor being connected parallel to one of the plurality of storage elements. Each storage element comprises a storing material between a first electrode and a second electrode. A storing material provides at least two different storing states with different electrical properties. The first electrode comprises a first material and the second electrode comprises a second material different from the first material. The plurality of storage elements is oriented parallel to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Parallel plate tunable varactors having a bulk capacitance contribution to a total capacitance increased compared to a fringing capacitance contribution are disclosed. The contribution of the bulk capacitance to the total capacitance of an exemplary BST varactor is increased by increasing the area/perimeter ratio of the active region, thereby improving the tunability and other properties of the varactor. In an exemplary embodiment, an active region of the varactor has a lateral shape with a perimeter that is less than a perimeter of an equivalent area square. In various exemplary embodiments, the shape of the active region may be substantially circular or substantially octagonal. Methods for fabricating and designing such varactors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional read/program non-volatile memory cell and array is capable of achieving high density. Each memory cell has two spaced floating gates for storage of charges thereon. The cell has spaced apart source/drain regions with a channel therebetween, with the channel having three portions. One of the floating gate is over a first portion; another floating gate is over a second portion, and a gate electrode controls the conduction of the channel in the third portion between the first and second portions. A control gate is connected to each of the source/drain regions, and is also capacitively coupled to the floating gate. The cell programs by hot channel electron injection, and erases by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling of electrons from the floating gate to the gate electrode. Bi-directional read permits the cell to be programmed to store bits, with one bit in each floating gate.

Abstract: A multi-use memory cell and memory array are disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, a memory cell is operable as a one-time programmable memory cell or a rewritable memory cell. The memory cell comprises a memory element comprising a semiconductor material configurable to one of at least three resistivity states, wherein a first resistivity state is used to represent a data state of the memory cell when the memory cell operates as a one-time programmable memory cell but not when the memory cell operates as a rewritable memory cell. A memory array with such memory cells is also disclosed. In another preferred embodiment, a memory cell is provided comprising a switchable resistance material, wherein the memory cell is operable in a first mode in which the memory cell is programmed with a forward bias and a second mode in which the memory cell is programmed with a reverse bias.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an SRAM cell with reduced leakage is disclosed. The method comprises fabricating asymmetrical transistors in the SRAM cell. The transistors are asymmetrical in a manner that reduces the drain leakage current of the transistors. The fabrication of asymmetrical pass transistors comprises forming a dielectric region on a surface of a substrate having a first conductivity type. A gate region having a length and a width is formed on the dielectric region. Source and drain extension regions having a second conductivity type are formed in the substrate on opposite sides of the gate region. A first pocket impurity region having a first concentration and the first conductivity type is formed adjacent the source. A second pocket impurity region having a second concentration and the first conductivity type may be formed adjacent the drain. If formed, the second concentration is smaller than the first concentration, reducing the gate induced drain leakage current.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory point including a floating gate placed above a semiconductor substrate, the floating gate comprising active portions insulated from the substrate by thin insulating layers, and inactive portions insulated from the substrate by thick insulating layers that do not conduct electrons, the active portions being principally P-type doped, and the inactive portions comprising at least one N-type doped area forming a portion of a PN junction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory which has sense amplifiers, each including a pair of MOSFETs having complete symmetry in regard to not only the shape but also to the impurity profile in a diffusion layer, and the present invention is also capable of reducing variations in electric characteristics, and provides a method of manufacturing the same. Annular gate electrodes 12a, 12b are formed on diffusion layer 11. Gate electrodes 13 are formed simultaneously with a sense amplifier along edges of diffusion layer 11 to bestride the boundary between diffusion layer 11 and r shallow trench isolation area 20. Contacts 16 are formed on diffusion layer 11; contacts 17a, 17b on diffusion layer 11 within annular gate electrodes 12a, 12b, respectively; and contacts 18 on gate electrodes 12a, 12b of the sense amplifier.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a P-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor and an N-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor formed in three or more fin active regions in a vertical stack structure, an input metal line contacting gates of the PMOS transistor and NMOS transistor, a power supply voltage metal line contacting four channel active regions of the PMOS transistor, a contact metal line contacting two channel active regions of the NMOS transistor, and an output metal line contacting four channel active regions of the PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor.

Abstract: Various aspects related to a method of reading a non-volatile memory cell adapted to store a first bit and a second bit. Various method embodiments comprise reading the first bit, including applying a first voltage level to a first node of the memory cell and a second voltage level to a second node of the memory cell, and further comprise reading the second bit, including applying the first voltage level to the second node and applying the second voltage level to the first node.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices include a first gate pattern on a first active area of a semiconductor substrate. The first gate pattern has a top width that is substantially the same as or less than a bottom width of the first gate pattern. A second gate pattern is provided on a second active area of the semiconductor substrate. The second gate pattern has a top width that is wider than a bottom width of the second gate pattern. Semiconductor device are fabricated by forming a first gate pattern on a first gate insulation layer formed on a first active region of a semiconductor substrate. A mask insulation layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate that includes the first gate pattern. First and second gate openings respectively exposing second and third active regions of the semiconductor substrate are formed by patterning the mask insulation layer. Second and third gate insulation layers respectively are formed on second and third active regions exposed in the first and second gate openings.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device on a semiconductor substrate may include a bottom oxide layer over the substrate, a middle layer of silicon nitride over the bottom oxide layer, and a top oxide layer over the middle layer. The bottom oxide layer may have a hydrogen concentration of up to 5E19 cm?3 and an interface trap density of up to 5E11 cm?2 eV?1. The three-layer structure may be a charge-trapping structure for the memory device, and the memory device may further include a gate over the structure and source and drain regions in the substrate.

Abstract: A string of memory cells with a charge trapping structure is read, by selecting part of a memory cell selected by a word line. Part of the memory cell is selected by turning on one of the pass transistors on either side of the string of memory cells. The charge storage state of the selected part is determined by measuring current in a bit line tied to both pass transistors.