Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to an aspect of the invention comprises a semiconductor substrate which has an SOI region and an epitaxial region at its surface, a buried oxide film arranged on the semiconductor substrate in the SOI region, an SOI layer arranged on the buried oxide film, a plurality of memory cells arranged on the SOI layer, an epitaxial layer arranged in the epitaxial region, and a select gate transistor arranged on the epitaxial layer, wherein the SOI layer is made of a microcrystalline layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an electronic device is provided that includes selectively implanting ions into a workpiece, wherein ions are implanted into a first region of the workpiece that includes a semiconductor material, while substantially none of the ions are implanted into a second region of the workpiece that also includes a semiconductor material. The method further includes depositing a metal-containing film over the first region and the second region after selectively implanting, and then reacting the metal-containing film with the semiconductor material to form a first metal-semiconductor film within the first region and a second metal-semiconductor film within the second region. The first metal-semiconductor film has a first thickness and the second metal-semiconductor film has a second thickness that is different from the first thickness.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device comprises: element isolation insulating films formed in a semiconductor substrate in a first direction; and element regions formed in a region sandwiched by the element isolation insulating film, with MONOS type memory cells. The MONOS type memory cell comprises: a tunnel insulating film disposed on the element region; a charge storage film disposed continuously on the element regions and the element isolation insulating films. The charge storage film comprises: a charge film disposed on the element region and having a certain charge trapping characteristic; and a degraded charge film disposed on the element isolation insulating film and having a charge trapping characteristic inferior to that of the charge film. The degraded charge film has a length of an upper surface thereof set shorter than a length of a lower surface thereof in a cross-section along the first direction.

Abstract: Provided are nonvolatile memory devices and methods of fabricating the same which may prevent or reduce deterioration of device characteristics and deterioration of a breakdown voltage. The nonvolatile memory device may include a semiconductor substrate, a charge-trap insulation layer on the semiconductor substrate and having a first region and second regions having a lower density of charge-trap sites than the first region, and a gate electrode on the charge-trap insulation layer, wherein the first region is overlapped by the gate electrode and the second regions are outside of the first region.

Abstract: A Spin-Dependent Tunnelling cell comprises a first barrier layer of a first material and a second barrier layer of a second material sandwiched between a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer. The first and second barrier layers are formed to a combined thicknesses so that a Tunnelling Magnetoresistance versus voltage characteristic of the cell has a maximum at a non-zero bias voltage.

Abstract: A flash memory is provided. The flash memory features of having the select gate transistors to include two different channel structures, which are a recessed channel structure and a horizontal channel. Because of the design of the recessed channel structure, the space between the gate conductor lines, which are for interconnecting the select gates of the select gate transistors arranged on the same column, can be shortened. Therefore, the integration of the flash memory can be increased; and the process window of the STI process can be increased as well. In addition, at least one depletion-mode select gate transistor is at one side of the memory cell string. The select gate transistor of the depletion-mode is always turned on.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes first electrodes, a second and a third electrode, a first film, a first inter layer film, a second inter layer film, and a second film. The first electrodes each have a charge storage and a control electrode. The second and the third electrodes are formed above the semiconductor substrate. The first film is formed on each sidewall of the second and third electrodes and formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The first inter layer film filled in a gap between the second and third electrodes. The second inter layer film filled in a gap between the first and second electrode. The second film is formed on the first to third gate electrodes, the first film and the first inter layer film, and a second inter layer insulating film to suppress diffusion of hydrogen atoms included in the first inter layer film.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a nonvolatile memory device include forming a trench mask pattern on a semiconductor substrate including a first region and a second region. Substrate trenches defining active regions are formed in the semiconductor substrate in the first region and the second region using the trench mask pattern as a mask. Device isolation layer patterns are formed on the semiconductor substrate including the trench mask pattern and substrate trenches. The device isolation patterns fill the substrate trenches in the first region and in the second region. First and second openings are formed exposing top surfaces of the corresponding active regions in the first and second regions by removing the trench mask pattern. The second opening has a greater width than the first opening. A first lower conductive pattern is formed in the first opening and has a bottom portion in a lower region of the first opening and an extended portion extending from the bottom portion to an upper region of the first opening.

Abstract: For an embodiment, a memory array has a plurality fins protruding from a substrate. A tunnel dielectric layer overlies the fins. A plurality floating gates overlie the tunnel dielectric layer, and the floating gates correspond one-to-one with the fins protruding from the substrate. An intergate dielectric layer overlies the floating gates. A control gate layer overlies the intergate dielectric layer. Each fin includes an upper surface rounded by isotropic etching.

Abstract: A monolithic, three dimensional NAND string includes a first memory cell located over a second memory cell. A semiconductor active region of the first memory cell is formed epitaxially on a semiconductor active region of the second memory cell, such that a defined boundary exists between the semiconductor active region of the first memory cell and the semiconductor active region of the second memory cell.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a non-volatile memory device includes forming a charge tunneling layer composed of a hafnium silicate (HfSixOyNz) layer on a semiconductor substrate. A charge trapping layer composed of a hafnium oxide nitride (HfOxNy) layer is formed on the charge tunneling layer. A charge blocking layer composed of a hafnium oxide layer is formed on the charge trapping layer. A gate layer is formed on the charge blocking layer. A non-volatile memory device fabricated by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor device and its manufacturing method in which a memory transistor and a plurality of thin film transistors that have gate insulating films with different thicknesses are fabricated over a substrate. The invention is characterized by the structural difference between the memory transistor and the plurality of thin film transistors. Specifically, the memory transistor and some of the plurality of thin film transistors are provided to have a bottom gate structure while the other thin film transistors are provided to have a top gate structure, which enables the reduction of characteristic defects of the transistor and simplification of its manufacturing process.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate, and a memory cell and a peripheral circuit provided on the semiconductor substrate, the memory cell having a first insulating film, a first electrode layer, a second insulating film, and a second electrode layer provided on the semiconductor substrate in order, and the peripheral circuit having the first insulating film, the first electrode layer, the second insulating film having an opening for the peripheral circuit, and the second electrode layer electrically connected to the first electrode layer through the opening for the peripheral circuit, wherein a thickness of the first electrode layer under the second insulating film of the peripheral circuit is thicker than a thickness of the first electrode layer of the memory cell.

Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor storage device has a plurality of memory strings with a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells connected in series. Each of the memory strings includes: a first columnar semiconductor layer extending in a direction perpendicular to a substrate and having a first hollow extending downward from its upper end; a first insulation layer formed in contact with the outer wall of the first columnar semiconductor layer; a second insulation layer formed on the inner wall of the first columnar semiconductor layer so as to leave the first hollow; and a plurality of first conductive layers formed to sandwich the first insulation layer with the first columnar semiconductor layer and functioning as control electrodes of the memory cells.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including: a semiconductor substrate; memory cell transistors that are series-connected; and a select transistor that includes: a first diffusion region that is formed in the semiconductor substrate at one end of the memory cell transistors; a first insulating film that is formed on the semiconductor substrate at a side of the first diffusion region; a select gate electrode that is formed on the first insulating film; a semiconductor pillar that is formed to extend upward from the semiconductor substrate and to be separated from the select gate electrode; a second insulating film that is formed between the select gate electrode and the semiconductor pillar; and a second diffusion region that is formed on the semiconductor pillar.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device and method of making the same are provided. Memory cells may be provided in a cell area wherein each memory cell has an insulative structure including a tunnel insulating layer, a floating trap layer and a blocking layer, and a conductive structure including an energy barrier layer, a barrier metal layer and a low resistance gate electrode. A material having a lower resistivity may be used as the gate electrode so as to avoid problems associated with increased resistance and to allow the gate electrode to be made relatively thin. The memory device may further include transistors in the peripheral area, which may have a gate dielectric layer, a lower gate electrode of poly-silicon and an upper gate electrode made of metal silicide, allowing an improved interface with the lower gate electrode without diffusion or reaction while providing a lower resistance.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a memory cell includes a bit line arranged in a semiconductor substrate and a bit line contact region arranged adjacent the bit line. A word line is arranged above the bit line contact region in a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate. A generally U-shaped insulating layer is arranged in a bottom region of the trench and separates the bit line and the bit line contact region from the word line.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate having a trench, a first insulating film provided on side surfaces of the trench, a second insulating film of a material different from the first insulating film provided to be embedded in the trench, a word line provided extending to intersect with the trench above the semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film of a material different from the first insulating film separated in an extending direction of the word line by the trench and provided under a central area in a width direction of the word line, and a charge storage layer separated in the extending direction of the word line by the trench and provided under both ends in the width direction of the word line to enclose the gate insulating film, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Non-volatile memory cells store a level of charge corresponding to the data being stored in a dielectric material storage element that is sandwiched between a control gate and the semiconductor substrate surface over channel regions of the memory cells. More than two memory states are provided by one of more than two levels of charge being stored in a common region of the dielectric material. More than one such common region may be included in each cell. In one form, two such regions are provided adjacent source and drain diffusions in a cell that also includes a select transistor positioned between them. In another form, NAND arrays of strings of memory cells store charge in regions of a dielectric layer sandwiched between word lines and the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device performing an erase operation using an erase gate and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The memory device may include a charge trap layer storing a first charge transfer medium having a first polarity and at least one erase gate. The at least one erase gate may be formed below the charge trap layer. A second charge transfer medium, which has a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, may be stored in the at least one erase gate. During the erase operation, the second charge transfer medium migrates to the charge trap layer causing the first charge transfer medium to combine with the second charge transfer medium.

Abstract: Non-volatile memory devices and arrays are described that utilize dual gate (or back-side gate) non-volatile memory cells with band engineered gate-stacks that are placed above or below the channel region in front-side or back-side charge trapping gate-stack configurations in NAND memory array architectures. The band-gap engineered gate-stacks with asymmetric or direct tunnel barriers of the floating node memory cells of embodiments of the present invention allow for low voltage tunneling programming and efficient erase with electrons and holes, while maintaining high charge blocking barriers and deep carrier trapping sites for good charge retention. The memory cell architecture also allows for improved high density memory devices or arrays with the utilization of reduced feature word lines and vertical select gates.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate (10), a high concentration diffusion region (22) formed within the semiconductor substrate (10), a first low concentration diffusion region (24) that has a lower impurity concentration than the high concentration diffusion region (22) and is provided under the high concentration diffusion region (22), and a bit line (30) that includes the high concentration diffusion region (22) and the first low concentration diffusion region (24) and serves as a source region and a drain region, and a manufacturing method therefor. Reduction of source-drain breakdown voltage of the transistor is suppressed, and a low-resistance bit line can be formed. Thus, a semiconductor device that can miniaturize memory cells and a manufacturing method therefor can be provided.

Abstract: An NROM flash memory cell is implemented in an ultra-thin silicon-on-insulator structure. In a planar device, the channel between the source/drain areas is normally fully depleted. An oxide layer provides an insulation layer between the source/drain areas and the gate insulator layer on top. A control gate is formed on top of the gate insulator layer. In a vertical device, an oxide pillar extends from the substrate with a source/drain area on either side of the pillar side. Epitaxial regrowth is used to form ultra-thin silicon body regions along the sidewalls of the oxide pillar. Second source/drain areas are formed on top of this structure. The gate insulator and control gate are formed on top.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device on a semiconductor layer includes forming a gate dielectric and a first layer of gate material over the gate dielectric. The first layer is etched to remove a portion of the first layer of gate material over a first portion of the semiconductor layer and to leave a select gate portion. A storage layer is formed over the select gate portion and over the first portion of the semiconductor layer. A second layer of gate material is formed over the storage layer. The second layer of gate material is etched to remove a first portion of the second layer of gate material over a first portion of the select gate portion. A portion of the first portion of the select gate is etched out to leave an L-shaped select structure. The result is a memory cell with an L-shaped select gate.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, the side walls are made of SiO2, SiN or SiON, and the top insulating film or gate insulating film is made of an oxide including Al, Si, and metal element M so that the number ratio Si/M is set to no less than a number ratio Si/M at a solid solubility limit of SiO2 composition in a composite oxide including metal element M and Al and set to no more than a number ratio Si/M at the condition that the dielectric constant is equal to the dielectric constant of Al2O3 and so that the number ratio Al/M is set to no less than a number ratio Al/M where the crystallization of an oxide of said metal element M is suppressed due to the Al element and set to no more than a number ratio Al/M where the crystallization of the Al2O3 is suppressed due to the metal element M.

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device and method of manufacturing same at a lower cost by without forming a photolithographic resist. Second impurity regions are arranged in such a manner that second impurity regions adjacent along the column direction are joined together. A select gate electrode is arranged into a ring shape so as to surround the second impurity regions, and is electrically connected to a word line. A first control gate electrode is arranged into a ring shape on the outer peripheral side of the select gate electrode, and a second control gate electrode is arranged into a ring shape on the inner peripheral side of the select gate electrode. A pair of first and second bit lines corresponding to every row are placed on the memory cells of the device, a first bit line is electrically connected to one of first impurity regions that are adjacent along the row direction, and a second bit line is electrically connected to the other of the first impurity regions that are adjacent along the row direction.

Abstract: A 2T cell NOR architecture based on the use of BE-SONOS for embedded memory includes memory cells having respective access transistors having access gates and memory transistors having memory gates arranged in series between the corresponding bit lines and one of the plural reference lines. A memory transistor in a memory cell comprises a semiconductor body including a channel having a channel surface and a charge storing dielectric stack between the memory gate and the channel surface. The dielectric stack comprises a bandgap engineered, tunneling dielectric layer contacting one of the gate (for gate injection tunneling) and the channel surface (for channel injection tunneling). The dielectric stack of the memory cell also includes a charge trapping dielectric layer on the tunneling dielectric layer and a blocking dielectric layer.

Abstract: A monolithic, three dimensional NAND string includes a first memory cell located over a second memory cell. A semiconductor active region of the first memory cell is a first pillar having a square or rectangular cross section when viewed from above, the first pillar being a first conductivity type semiconductor region located between second conductivity type semiconductor regions. A semiconductor active region of the second memory cell is a second pillar having a square or rectangular cross section when viewed from above, the second pillar located under the first pillar, the second pillar being a first conductivity type semiconductor region located between second conductivity type semiconductor regions. One second conductivity type semiconductor region in the first pillar contacts one second conductivity type semiconductor region in the second pillar.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory including a plurality of memory transistors in series, wherein source/drain and channel regions therebetween are of a first type and a select transistor, at each end of the plurality of memory transistors in series, wherein channels regions of each of the select transistors is of the first type. The first type may be n-type or p-type. The nonvolatile memory may further include a first dummy select transistor at one end of the plurality of memory transistors in series between one of the select transistors and the plurality of memory transistors in series and a second dummy select transistor at the other end of the plurality of memory transistors in series between the other select transistor and the plurality of memory transistors in series.

Abstract: Embodiments of tunneling barriers and methods for same can embed modules exhibiting a monodispersion characteristic into a dielectric layer (e.g., between first and second layers forming a dielectric layer). In one embodiment, by embedding C60 molecules inbetween first and second insulating layers forming a dielectric layer, a field sensitive tunneling barrier can be implemented. In one embodiment, the tunneling barrier can be between a floating gate and a channel in a semiconductor structure. In one embodiment, a tunneling film can be used in nonvolatile memory applications where C60 provides accessible energy levels to prompt resonant tunneling through the dielectric layer upon voltage application.

Abstract: Structures, systems and methods for transistors utilizing oxide nanolaminates are provided. One transistor embodiment includes a first source/drain region, a second source/drain region, and a channel region therebetween. A gate is separated from the channel region by a gate insulator. The gate insulator includes oxide insulator nanolaminate layers with charge trapping in potential wells formed by different electron affinities of the insulator nanolaminate layers.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to an example of the present invention includes a semiconductor region, source/drain areas arranged separately in the semiconductor region, a tunnel insulating film arranged on a channel region between the source/drain areas, a floating gate electrode arranged on the tunnel insulating film, an inter-electrode insulating film arranged on the floating gate electrode, and a control gate electrode arranged on the inter-electrode insulating film. The inter-electrode insulating film includes La, Al and Si.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a non-volatile memory is disclosed, whose disturb defect can be diminished or prevented. A memory cell of the non-volatile memory has a memory gate electrode formed over a main surface of a semiconductor substrate through an insulating film for charge storage. A first side wall is formed on a side face of the memory gate electrode, and at a side face of the first side wall, a second side wall is formed. On an upper surface of an n+-type semiconductor region for source in the memory cell there is formed a silicide layer whose end portion on the memory gate electrode MG side is defined by the second side wall.

Abstract: An embodiment of a semiconductor device includes a substrate including a cell region and a peripheral region; a cell gate pattern on the cell region; and a peripheral gate pattern on the peripheral region, wherein a first cell insulation layer, a second cell insulation layer, and a third cell insulation layer may be between the substrate and the cell gate pattern, a first peripheral insulation layer, a second peripheral insulation layer, and a third peripheral insulation layer may be between the substrate and the peripheral gate pattern, and the second cell insulation layer and the third cell insulation layer include the same material as the respective second peripheral insulation layer and third peripheral insulation layer.

Abstract: A memory string comprises: a first semiconductor layer having a plurality of columnar portions extending in a perpendicular direction with respect to a substrate, and joining portions joining lower ends of the plurality of columnar portions; a charge storage layer surrounding a side surface of the first semiconductor layer; and a first conductive layer surrounding a side surface of the charge storage layer and functioning as a control electrode of memory cells. A select transistor comprises: a second semiconductor layer extending upwardly from an upper surface of the columnar portions; an insulating layer surrounding a side surface of the second semiconductor layer; a second conductive layer surrounding a side surface of the insulating layer and functioning as a control electrode of the select transistors; and a third semiconductor layer formed on an upper surface of the second semiconductor layer and including silicon germanium.

Abstract: A memory string comprises: a pair of columnar portions; a first insulating layer surrounding a side surface of the columnar portions; a charge storage layer surrounding a side surface of the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer surrounding a side surface of the charge storage layer; and a first conductive layer surrounding a side surface of the second insulating layer. A select transistor comprises: a second semiconductor layer extending from an upper surface of the columnar portions; a third insulating layer surrounding a side surface of the second semiconductor layer; a fourth insulating layer surrounding a side surface of the third insulating layer; and a second conductive layer surrounding a side surface of the fourth insulating layer. The first semiconductor layer is formed continuously in an integrated manner with the second semiconductor layer. The first insulating layer is formed continuously in an integrated manner with the third insulating layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an insulating layer, a channel structure, an insulating structure and a gate. The channel structure includes a channel bridge for connecting two platforms. The bottom of the channel bridge is separated from the insulating layer by a distance, and the channel bridge has a plurality of separated doping regions. The insulating structure wraps around the channel bridge, and the gate wraps around the insulating structure.

Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor storage device has a plurality of memory strings to each of which a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells are connected in series. Each of the memory strings includes first semiconductor layers each having a pair of columnar portions extending in a vertical direction with respect to a substrate and a coupling portion formed to couple the lower ends of the pair of columnar portions; a charge storage layer formed to surround the side surfaces of the columnar portions; and first conductive layers formed to surround the side surfaces of the columnar portions and the charge storage layer. The first conductive layers functions as gate electrodes of the memory cells.

Abstract: Provided are a nonvolatile memory device having a vertical folding structure and a method of manufacturing the nonvolatile memory device. A semiconductor structure includes first and second portions that are substantially vertical. A plurality of memory cells are arranged along the first and second portions of the semiconductor structure and are serially connected.

Abstract: To provide a technique capable of improving reliability of a semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory cell by suppressing the reduction of the drive force. A memory cell is configured by a selection pMIS having a selection gate electrode including a conductive film exhibiting a p-type conductivity and a memory pMIS having a memory gate electrode including a conductive film exhibiting a p-type conductivity, and at the time of write, hot electrons are injected into a charge storage layer from the side of a semiconductor substrate 1 and at the time of erase, hot holes are injected into the charge storage layer from the memory gate electrode.

Abstract: Areas of a semiconductor substrate where semiconductor devices are not to be formed are filled in with dummy active areas. Whole dummy active areas are formed in areas of the semiconductor substrate where semiconductor devices are not to be formed, and partial dummy active areas are formed in areas of the semiconductor substrate where semiconductor devices are not to be formed, but where whole dummy active areas can not be accommodated. The dummy active areas are staggered so as to provide uniform parasitic capacitive coupling to overlying leads regardless of the placement of the leads. The dummy active areas are substantially evenly separated from one another by dividers. The dummy active areas and dividers are formed concurrently with formation of semiconductor devices in non-dummy active areas. The dummy active areas mitigate yield loss by, among other things, providing more uniformity across the substrate, at least with regard to parasitic capacitances and stress and subsequent processing.

Abstract: A memory structure that combines embedded flash memory and PPROM. The PPROM can be used as a memory structure. The flash memory can be used, e.g., as air replacement cells or back up memory, or additional memory cells. The PPROM cells are stacked on top of the flash memory cells and the PPROM density can be increased by implementing three-dimensional PPROM structure.

Abstract: A flash memory device and a method of manufacturing a flash memory device. A flash memory device may include an isolation layer and/or an active area over a semiconductor substrate, a memory gate formed over an active area, a control gate formed over a semiconductor substrate including a memory gate, and/or a common source line contact formed over a semiconductor substrate including a control gate. A flash memory device may include a source plate having substantially the same interval as an interval of an active area of a bit line. A source plate may include an active area in which a common source line contact may be formed. A common source line contact may include a long butting contact extending in a direction traversing an active area.

Abstract: Provided are a non-volatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The non-volatile memory device may include a substrate and a plurality of semiconductor pillars on the substrate. A plurality of control gate electrodes may be stacked on the substrate and intersecting the plurality of semiconductor pillars. A plurality of dummy electrodes may be stacked adjacent to the plurality of control gate electrodes on the substrate, the plurality of dummy electrodes being spaced apart from the plurality of control gate electrodes. A plurality of via plugs may be connected to the plurality of control gate electrodes. A plurality of wordlines may be on the plurality of via plugs. Each of the plurality of via plugs may penetrate a corresponding one of the plurality of control gate electrodes and at least one of the plurality of dummy electrodes.

Abstract: An object is to improve a data recording amount per memory cell. In the invention, in a non-volatile memory, the data contents of which can be electrically written and erased, each memory cell that configures the non-volatile memory is provided with: source/drain regions formed on a semiconductor substrate; a gate electrode formed on a channel region of the semiconductor substrate; and a gate insulating film formed between the semiconductor substrate and the gate electrode. A configuration in which the source/drain regions extend at least in three directions from the channel region when seen on a plane from the gate electrode side is employed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device suppresses short-circuit failure between a selection gate electrode and a control gate electrode while shortening the distance between the upper portions of the selection gate electrode and the control gate electrode. The device includes an impurity region formed on both sides of a channel region of a semiconductor substrate; a selection gate electrode on the channel region via a gate insulating film; a control gate electrode in the shape of sidewall via a gate isolation insulating film on both side surfaces of the selection gate electrode and on the surface of the channel region; a protective insulating film covering the sidewall of the control gate electrode; and a silicide layer on the selection gate electrode. The protective insulating film is a two-layer structure of a silicon nitride film covering the sidewall of the control gate electrode and a silicon oxide film covering the silicon nitride film.

Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory device is disclosed, which comprises a memory cell unit including at least one memory cell transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate and having a laminated structure of a charge accumulation layer and a control gate layer, and a selection gate transistor one of the source/drain diffusion layer regions of which is connected to a bit line or a source line and the other of the source/drain diffusion layer regions of which is connected to the memory cell unit. The shape of the source diffusion layer region of the selection gate transistor is asymmetrical to the shape of the drain diffusion layer region thereof below the selection gate transistor.

Abstract: A TFT substrate with reduced pixel defect rate is presented. The TFT substrate includes a pixel electrode, a negative line to apply a reverse voltage to the pixel electrode, and a recovery transistor including a drain electrode overlapping a part of the negative line with a insulating layer disposed between the negative line and the drain electrode. A contact hole is formed on the negative line and the drain electrode, and a bridge electrode connects the negative line and the drain electrode through the contact hole. The thin film transistor substrate and a display apparatus presented herein protect a data line assembly metal layer and decrease pixel defect. An improved reverse voltage efficiency is applied to a pixel electrode to protect a drain electrode.

Abstract: Methods of forming a non-volatile memory device may include forming a tunnel insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate and forming a charge-trap layer on the tunnel insulating layer. A trench may then be formed extending through the tunnel insulating layer and the charge-trap layer and into the semiconductor substrate so that portions of the charge-trap layer and the tunnel insulating layers remain on opposite sides of the trench. A device isolation layer may be formed in the trench, and a blocking insulating layer may be formed on the device isolation layer and on remaining portions of the charge-trap layer. A gate electrode may be formed on the blocking insulating layer, and the blocking insulating layer and remaining portions of the charge-trap layer may be patterned to provide a blocking insulating pattern and a charge-trap pattern between the gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate. Related structures are also discussed.

Abstract: Two diffusion layers are provided in an element area. A tunnel insulating film is provided on the surface of the element area between the two diffusion layers. A charge storage layer is provided on the tunnel insulating film. A first insulator provided on the upper surface of the charge storage layer. An inter-electrode insulating film provided on the first insulator, on the side surface of the charge storage layer in a first direction and on the isolation insulating film. And a control gate electrode extends in the first direction and covers the charge storage layer via the first insulator and the inter-electrode insulating film. The first insulator is thicker than the inter-electrode insulating film, and the inter-electrode insulating film has a first slit on the first insulator.