In Combination With Device Formed In Single Crystal Semiconductor Material (e.g., Stacked Fets) Patents (Class 257/67)
  • Patent number: 11937434
    Abstract: Ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) capacitors and methods of forming FRAM capacitors are provided. An FRAM capacitor may be formed between adjacent metal interconnect layers or between a silicided active layer (e.g., including MOSFET devices) and a first metal interconnect layer. The FRAM capacitor may be formed by a damascene process including forming a tub opening in a dielectric region, forming a cup-shaped bottom electrode, forming a cup-shaped ferroelectric element in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped bottom electrode, and forming a top electrode in an interior opening defined by the cup-shaped ferroelectric element. The FRAM capacitor may form a component of an FRAM memory cell. For example, an FRAM memory cell may include one FRAM capacitor and one transistor (1T1C configuration) or two FRAM capacitors and two transistor (2T2C configuration).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Yaojian Leng
  • Patent number: 11881454
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a three-dimensional (3D) circuit that is formed by stacking two or more integrated circuit (IC) dies to at least partially overlap and to share one or more interconnect layers that distribute power, clock and/or data-bus signals. The shared interconnect layers include interconnect segments that carry power, clock and/or data-bus signals. In some embodiments, the shared interconnect layers are higher level interconnect layers (e.g., the top interconnect layer of each IC die). In some embodiments, the stacked IC dies of the 3D circuit include first and second IC dies. The first die includes a first semiconductor substrate and a first set of interconnect layers defined above the first semiconductor substrate. Similarly, the second IC die includes a second semiconductor substrate and a second set of interconnect layers defined above the second semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Adeia Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Ilyas Mohammed, Steven L. Teig, Javier A. Delacruz
  • Patent number: 11854970
    Abstract: Circuit devices, such as integrated circuit devices, are constructed with combination circuits that include two or more cascading transistors, and one or more metal layers disposed over the cascading transistors. The cascading transistors include multiple internal nodes (e.g., common source/drain regions). The multiple internal nodes are not connected to a common metal stripe (the same metal stripe) in the one or more metal layers. The absence of the connections between the internal nodes and a common metal stripe reduce or eliminate the load on the internal nodes. The transistors in the cascading transistors are independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Cheng-Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao, Hau-Tai Shieh, Kao-Cheng Lin, Wei-Min Chan
  • Patent number: 11776954
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide 3D semiconductor apparatus and a method for fabricating the same. The 3D semiconductor apparatus can include a first semiconductor device including first S/D regions, a first gate region sandwiched by the first S/D regions, and a first channel surrounded by the first S/D regions and the first gate region; a second semiconductor device stacked on the first semiconductor device that includes second S/D regions, a second gate region sandwiched by the second S/D regions, and a second channel surrounded by the second S/D regions and the second gate region and formed vertically in-situ on the first channel; and silicide formed between the first and second semiconductor devices where the first and second channels interface and coupled to an upper one of the first S/D regions of the first semiconductor device and a lower one of the second S/D regions of the second semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Mark I. Gardner, H. Jim Fulford
  • Patent number: 11615977
    Abstract: A 3D semiconductor device including: a first single crystal layer with first transistors; overlaid by a first metal layer; a second metal layer overlaying the first metal layer and being overlaid by a third metal layer; a logic gates including at least the first metal layer interconnecting the first transistors; second transistors disposed atop the third metal layer; third transistors disposed atop the second transistors; a top metal layer disposed atop the third transistors; and a memory array including word-lines, and at least four memory mini arrays, where each of the memory mini arrays includes at least four rows by four columns of memory cells, where each of the memory cells includes at least one of the second transistors or third transistors, sense amplifier circuit(s) for each of the memory mini arrays, the second metal layer provides a greater current carrying capacity than the third metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Monolithic 3D Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Or-Bach, Brian Cronquist, Deepak C. Sekar
  • Patent number: 11462586
    Abstract: A method for producing a 3D semiconductor device including: providing a first level, the first level including a first single crystal layer; forming first alignment marks and control circuits in and/or on the first level, where the control circuits include first single crystal transistors and at least two interconnection metal layers; forming at least one second level disposed above the control circuits; performing a first etch step into the second level; forming at least one third level disposed on top of the second level; performing additional processing steps to form first memory cells within the second level and second memory cells within the third level, where each of the first memory cells include at least one second transistor, where each of the second memory cells include at least one third transistor, and where the additional processing steps include depositing a gate electrode simultaneously for the second and third transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Monolithic 3D Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak C. Sekar, Zvi Or-Bach
  • Patent number: 11450605
    Abstract: Circuit devices, such as integrated circuit devices, are constructed with combination circuits that include two or more cascading transistors, and one or more metal layers disposed over the cascading transistors. The cascading transistors include multiple internal nodes (e.g., common source/drain regions). The multiple internal nodes are not connected to a common metal stripe (the same metal stripe) in the one or more metal layers. The absence of the connections between the internal nodes and a common metal stripe reduce or eliminate the load on the internal nodes. The transistors in the cascading transistors are independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Yuan Chen, Cheng-Hung Lee, Hung-Jen Liao, Hau-Tai Shieh, Kao-Cheng Lin, Wei-Min Chan
  • Patent number: 11443971
    Abstract: A 3D semiconductor device, the device including: a first level including a plurality of first single crystal transistors and a first metal layer, where the first transistors include forming memory control circuits; a second level including a plurality of second transistors; a third level including a plurality of third transistors, where the second level is above the first level, and where the third level is above the second level; a second metal layer above the third level; and a third metal layer above the second metal layer, where the second transistors are aligned to the first transistors with less than 140 nm alignment error, where the second level includes a plurality of first memory cells, where the third level includes a plurality of second memory cells, and where the memory control circuits are designed to adjust a memory write voltage according to the device specific process parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: MONOLITHIC 3D INC.
    Inventors: Zvi Or-Bach, Brian Cronquist, Deepak C. Sekar
  • Patent number: 11251078
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first conductive feature over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming an oxygen-absorbing layer on a surface of the first conductive feature. The oxygen-absorbing layer absorbs oxygen from the first conductive feature and becomes an oxygen-containing layer. The method includes removing the oxygen-containing layer to expose the surface originally covered by the oxygen-containing layer. The method includes forming a metal-containing layer on the surface. The method includes forming a second conductive feature on the metal-containing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Liang Cheng, Ziwei Fang
  • Patent number: 11251182
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first semiconducting channel having a plurality of vertical nanowires and a second semiconducting channel having a plurality of vertical nanowires. The first semiconducting channel and the second semiconducting channel are configured to be in a stacked configuration. The plurality of vertical nanowires of the first semiconducting channel are configured to be in alternating positions relative to the plurality of vertical nanowires of the second semiconducting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tsung-Sheng Kang, Tao Li, Ardasheir Rahman, Praveen Joseph, Indira Seshadri, Ekmini Anuja De Silva
  • Patent number: 11079644
    Abstract: An active matrix substrate of a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a light blocking layer, a lower insulating layer, a pixel TFT, a source wiring line, a pixel electrode, and a common electrode. The pixel TFT includes an oxide semiconductor layer. The oxide semiconductor layer includes a channel region, and first and second low-resistive regions. The source wiring line is located between the main surface of the first substrate and the lower insulating layer, and is formed from a conductive film the same as the light blocking layer. The pixel electrode is formed from an oxide film the same as the oxide semiconductor layer, and is continuous with the second low-resistive region. The active matrix substrate further includes a connection electrode that is formed from a transparent conductive film the same as the common electrode and connects the source wiring line to the first low-resistive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junichi Morinaga
  • Patent number: 11075207
    Abstract: A 2T-2S SRAM cell exhibiting a complementary scheme, that includes two selector devices that exhibit negative differential resistance. Advantages include lower area and better performance than traditional SRAM cells, according to some embodiments. The term 1T-1S refers to a transistor in series with a selector device. Accordingly, the term 2T-2S refers to two such 1T-1S structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Abhishek A. Sharma, Brian S. Doyle, Ravi Pillarisetty, Prashant Majhi
  • Patent number: 10985181
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a source layer includes a semiconductor layer including an impurity. A stacked body includes a plurality of electrode layers stacked with an insulator interposed. A gate layer is provided between the source layer and the stacked body. The gate layer is thicker than a thickness of one layer of the electrode layers. A semiconductor body extends in a stacking direction of the stacked body through the stacked body and the gate layer. The semiconductor body further extends in the semiconductor layer where a side wall portion of the semiconductor body contacts the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor body does not contact the electrode layers and the gate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Toshiba Memory Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Arai
  • Patent number: 10818680
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate having an upper surface with a plurality of upwardly extending fins. A memory cell formed on a first of the fins and including spaced apart source and drain regions in the first fin, with a channel region extending therebetween along top and side surfaces of the first fin, a floating gate that extends along a first portion of the channel region, a select gate that extends along a second portion of the channel region, a control gate that extends along and is insulated from the floating gate, and an erase gate that extends along and is insulated from the source region. A logic device formed on a second of the fins and including spaced apart logic source and logic drain regions in the second fin, with a logic channel region of the second fin extending therebetween, and a logic gate that extends along the logic channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Zhou, Jinho Kim, Xian Liu, Serguei Jourba, Catherine Decobert, Nhan Do
  • Patent number: 10593686
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a non-volatile memory device includes electrodes, an interlayer insulating film, at least one semiconductor layer, conductive layers, first and second insulating films. The electrodes are arranged in a first direction. The interlayer insulating film is provided between the electrodes. The semiconductor layer extends in the first direction in the electrodes and the interlayer insulating film. The conductive layers are provided between each of the electrodes and the semiconductor layer, and separated from each other in the first direction. The first insulating film is provided between the conductive layers and the semiconductor layer. The second insulating film is provided between each of the electrodes and the conductive layers, and extends between each of the electrodes and the interlayer insulating film adjacent to the each of the electrodes. A width of the conductive layers in the first direction is narrower than that of the second insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10516097
    Abstract: The present invention provides a memory device in which lower electrodes, a buffer layer, a seed layer, a magnetic tunnel junction, a capping layer, synthetic exchange diamagnetic layers, and an upper electrode are formed on a substrate in a laminated manner. According to the present invention, the lower electrodes and the seed layer are formed of a polycrystalline conductive material, and the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic tunnel junction is maintained upon heat treatment at a high temperature of 400° C. or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University
    Inventors: Jea Gun Park, Du Yeong Lee, Seung Eun Lee, Min Su Jeon, Jong Ung Baek, Tae Hun Shim
  • Patent number: 10468428
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate having an upper surface with a plurality of upwardly extending fins. A memory cell formed on a first of the fins and including spaced apart source and drain regions in the first fin, with a channel region extending therebetween along top and side surfaces of the first fin, a floating gate that extends along a first portion of the channel region, a select gate that extends along a second portion of the channel region, a control gate that extends along and is insulated from the floating gate, and an erase gate that extends along and is insulated from the source region. A logic device formed on a second of the fins and including spaced apart logic source and logic drain regions in the second fin, with a logic channel region of the second fin extending therebetween, and a logic gate that extends along the logic channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Zhou, Jinho Kim, Xian Liu, Serguei Jourba, Catherine Decobert, Nhan Do
  • Patent number: 10468429
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a non-volatile memory device includes electrodes, an interlayer insulating film, at least one semiconductor layer, conductive layers, first and second insulating films. The electrodes are arranged in a first direction. The interlayer insulating film is provided between the electrodes. The semiconductor layer extends in the first direction in the electrodes and the interlayer insulating film. The conductive layers are provided between each of the electrodes and the semiconductor layer, and separated from each other in the first direction. The first insulating film is provided between the conductive layers and the semiconductor layer. The second insulating film is provided between each of the electrodes and the conductive layers, and extends between each of the electrodes and the interlayer insulating film adjacent to the each of the electrodes. A width of the conductive layers in the first direction is narrower than that of the second insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10340290
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes at least two stacked SOI levels or configurations, each of which may include transistor elements formed on the basis of a given technology node. At least the uppermost device level may include a back bias mechanism for providing superior controllability of the respective transistor elements. In some illustrative embodiments, at least two of the stacked SOI configurations may have implemented therein a back bias mechanism, wherein an appropriate contact regime is provided so as to connect to the respective conductive regions or layers below the corresponding buried insulating layers for each stacked device level. Consequently, increased lateral packing density may be accomplished on the basis of a given technology node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventor: Bartlomiej Pawlak
  • Patent number: 10236294
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which includes the steps of providing a substrate with a memory region and a logic region, forming bit lines and logic gates respectively in the memory region and the logic region, wherein storage node regions are defined between bit lines, forming a first low-K dielectric layer on sidewalls of bit lines, forming a doped silicon layer in the storage node regions between bit lines, wherein the top surface of doped silicon layer is lower than the top surface of bit line, forming a second low-K dielectric layer on sidewalls of storage node regions, and filling up storage node regions with metal plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignees: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP., Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Ting Ho, Shih-Fang Tzou, Chun-Yuan Wu, Li-Wei Feng, Yu-Chieh Lin, Ying-Chiao Wang, Tsung-Ying Tsai
  • Patent number: 10224279
    Abstract: A 3D device, including: a first layer including a first memory including a first transistor; a second layer including a second memory including a second transistor; and a Resistive RAM structure, where the second transistor is self-aligned to the first transistor, and where the Resistive RAM structure is overlaying the first layer and is overlaid by the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: MONOLITHIC 3D INC.
    Inventors: Zvi Or-Bach, Brian Cronquist
  • Patent number: 10164061
    Abstract: A method of fabricating nanocrystal memory array includes stacking a silicon layer and a silicon germanium layer on a wafer. A gate oxide layer over is then formed on the silicon layer and the silicon germanium layer. Next, a gate layer is deposited on the gate oxide layer. Subsequently, the gate layer, gate oxide layer and the silicon germanium layer are patterned. Finally, the silicon germanium layer is oxidized. The nanocrystal is sandwiched in between the gate and the silicon layer, and the gate oxide layer surrounds the nanocrystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Colinge, Carlos H. Diaz
  • Patent number: 10157928
    Abstract: A method of forming an SRAM cell includes forming a first vertical pull-down transistor, a second vertical pull-down transistor, a first vertical pass-gate transistor, and a second vertical pass-gate transistor over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a first conductive trace over a top surface of the first vertical pull-down transistor and the first vertical pass-gate transistor, forming a second conductive trace over a top surface of the second vertical pull-down transistor and the second vertical pass-gate transistor, and forming a first vertical pull-up transistor over a first portion of the first conductive trace. The method also includes forming a second vertical pull-up transistor over a first portion of the second conductive trace. The method also includes forming a first via over the first conductive trace and forming a second via over the second conductive trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Colinge, Carlos H. Diaz, Ta-Pen Guo
  • Patent number: 10020364
    Abstract: One embodiment includes: forming a laminated body by alternately laminating a conducting layer and an interlayer insulating layer on a substrate; forming a memory hole passing through the laminated body; forming a memory gate insulating layer including a charge storage layer on an inner wall of the memory hole; forming a first semiconductor layer on the memory gate insulating layer; forming a cover film on the first semiconductor layer; removing the memory gate insulating layer, the first semiconductor layer, and the cover film on a bottom surface of the memory hole, to expose the substrate; forming an epitaxial layer on the exposed substrate; removing the cover film; and forming the second semiconductor layer along the first semiconductor layer, to electrically couple: the substrate to the first semiconductor layer; and the substrate to the second semiconductor layer, via the epitaxial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamasaki, Makoto Fujiwara, Shinji Mori
  • Patent number: 9997531
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment comprises: a memory cell array, the memory cell array including: an inter-layer insulating layer and a conductive layer stacked in a stacking direction; a columnar semiconductor layer having a side surface that faces side surfaces of the inter-layer insulating layer and the conductive layer and extending in the stacking direction; and a block insulating layer and a block high-permittivity layer disposed between the columnar semiconductor layer and the conductive layer, the block insulating layer including: a first block insulating film that covers a side surface of the columnar semiconductor layer from a lower surface of the inter-layer insulating layer to an upper surface of the conductive layer in the stacking direction; and a second block insulating film that contacts the first block insulating film and covers at least a side surface and a lower surface of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kotaro Noda, Kyoko Noda
  • Patent number: 9960283
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thin-film transistor. The thin-film transistor includes: a substrate; a first gate, a first gate insulation layer, a semiconductor layer, an etching stop layer, and the second gate stacked on a surface of the substrate, in which the semiconductor layer has a thickness of 200 nm-2000 nm; the etching stop layer includes a first via and a second via formed therein; and the first via and the second via are arranged to each correspond to the semiconductor layer; and a source and a drain respectively extending through the first via and the second via to connect to the semiconductor layer. The thin-film transistor has an increased ON-state current and switching speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Longqiang Shi, Zhiyuan Zeng, Hejing Zhang, Yutong Hu
  • Patent number: 9941489
    Abstract: An organic light emitting diode display device includes a first driving voltage line including a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion having a larger width than the first portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second portion overlaps a gate electrode of a driving thin film transistor, an interlayer insulating layer is between the second portion and the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Soo Pyon, Ok-Kyung Park, Se-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9935118
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a first conductive layer, a first semiconductor body, a second semiconductor body, a first memory layer, and a second memory layer. The first conductive layer includes first to fourth extension regions, and a first connection region. The first extension region extends in a first direction. The second extension region extends in the first direction and is arranged with the first extension region in the first direction. The third extension region extends in the first direction and is arranged with the first extension region in a second direction crossing the first direction. The fourth extension region extends in the first direction, is arranged with the third extension region in the first direction, and is arranged with the second extension region in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Inatsuka, Tadashi Iguchi, Murato Kawai, Hisashi Kato, Megumi Ishiduki
  • Patent number: 9922700
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a semiconductor memory device includes an array of semiconductor memory cells arranged in rows and columns. The array includes a first segment of memory cells and a second segment of memory cells. A first pair of complementary local bit lines extend over the first segment of memory cells and is coupled to multiple memory cells along a first column within the first segment of memory cells. A second pair of complementary local bit lines extend over the second segment of memory cells and is coupled to multiple memory cells along the first column within the second segment of memory cells. A pair of switches is arranged between the first and second segments of memory cells. The pair of switches is configured to selectively couple the first pair of complementary local bit lines in series with the second pair of complementary local bit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mahmut Sinangil, Hidehiro Fujiwara, Hung-Jen Liao, Jonathan Tsung-Yung Chang, Yen-Huei Chen, Sahil Preet Singh
  • Patent number: 9754967
    Abstract: A semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is provided that includes a silicon or germanium handle substrate that is miscut from 2 degrees to 8 degrees towards the <111> crystallographic direction or the <100> crystallographic direction. The topmost semiconductor layer is removed from a portion of the SOI substrate, and then a trench having a high aspect ratio is formed within the insulator layer of the SOI substrate and along the <111> crystallographic direction or the <100> crystallographic direction. An III-V compound semiconductor pillar, which includes a lower portion that has a first defect density and an upper portion that has a second defect density that is less than the first defect density, is then formed in the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hemanth Jagannathan, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 9641160
    Abstract: Embodiments include apparatuses, methods, and systems for state retention electronic devices. In embodiments, an electronic device may include a state retention flip-flop having a plurality of P-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) devices coupled with a common N-well, with one or more of the plurality of PMOS devices powered by an always-on supply and one or more of the plurality of PMOS devices powered by a power-gated supply. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Amit Agarwal, Steven Hsu, Ram Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 9548319
    Abstract: A semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is provided that includes a silicon or germanium handle substrate that is miscut from 2 degrees to 8 degrees towards the <111> crystallographic direction or the <100> crystallographic direction. The topmost semiconductor layer is removed from a portion of the SOI substrate, and then a trench having a high aspect ratio is formed within the insulator layer of the SOI substrate and along the <111> crystallographic direction or the <100> crystallographic direction. An III-V compound semiconductor pillar, which includes a lower portion that has a first defect density and an upper portion that has a second defect density that is less than the first defect density, is then formed in the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hemanth Jagannathan, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 9508640
    Abstract: A method for forming a device with a multi-tiered contact structure includes forming first contacts in via holes down to a first level, forming a dielectric capping layer over exposed portions of the first contacts and forming a dielectric layer over the capping layer. Via holes are opened in the dielectric layer down to the capping layer. Holes are opened in the capping layer through the via holes to expose the first contacts. Contact connectors and second contacts are formed in the via holes such that the first and second contacts are connected through the capping layer by the contact connectors to form multi-tiered contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Wei Cheng, Szu-Lin Cheng, Keith E. Fogel, Edward W. Kiewra, Amlan Majumdar, Devendra K. Sadana, Kuen-Ting Shiu, Yanning Sun
  • Patent number: 9496398
    Abstract: An embodiment is a structure including a substrate having a fin and an isolation region adjoining the fin, and a raised epitaxial source/drain region on the fin. A first lateral distance is between opposing exterior surfaces of the raised epitaxial source/drain region at an upper portion of the raised epitaxial source/drain region. A second lateral distance is between opposing exterior surfaces of the raised epitaxial source/drain region at a mid portion of the raised epitaxial source/drain region. A third lateral distance is between opposing exterior surfaces of the raised epitaxial source/drain region at a lower portion of the raised epitaxial source/drain region. The first lateral distance is greater than the second lateral distance, and the second lateral distance is less than the third lateral distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung Ying Lee, Chen-Han Wang
  • Patent number: 9466615
    Abstract: A semiconductor device that is suitable for miniaturization is provided. A semiconductor device including a first element, a first insulator over the first element, a first barrier film over the first insulator, a first conductor over the first barrier film, a second barrier film over the first conductor, a second insulator over the second barrier film, and a semiconductor over the second insulator is provided. The first conductor is surrounded by the first barrier film and the second barrier film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Miyairi, Shinya Sasagawa
  • Patent number: 9455155
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes a conductive layer, a conductive strip, a dielectric layer, and a conductive element. The conductive layer has a first conductive material. The conductive strip is in the same level as the conductive layer and has a second conductive material. The second conductive material is adjoined with the first conductive material having a conductivity characteristic different from a conductivity characteristic of the second conductive material. The conductive element crisscrosses the conductive strip and separated from the conductive strip by the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Erh-Kun Lai
  • Patent number: 9431430
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having high electric characteristics and in which a capacitor is efficiently formed even if the semiconductor device has a miniaturized structure. In a top-gate (also referred to as staggered) transistor using an oxide semiconductor film as its active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode has a two-layer structure (a first electrode film and a second electrode film). Then, a capacitor is formed using a film formed using a material and a step similar to those of the first electrode film, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode. Accordingly, the transistor and the capacitor can be formed through the same process efficiently. Further, the second electrode is connected onto the oxide semiconductor film between a first electrode and a channel formation region of the transistor. Accordingly, resistance between source and drain electrodes can be reduced; therefore, electric characteristics of the semiconductor device can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9397094
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure having a first source/drain semiconductor structure connected to a vertical channel such that the source/drain semiconductor structure has a vertical side that is substantially planar with a vertical side of the first vertical channel, the vertical channel being perpendicular relative to a layer of substrate to which the source/drain semiconductor structure is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kangguo Cheng, Wilfried E. Haensch, Ali Khakifirooz, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Patent number: 9368628
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a fin having a gate area beneath a gate electrode structure, a source/drain region disposed beyond ends of the fin, and a first conformal layer formed around an embedded portion of the source/drain region. A vertical sidewall of the first conformal layer is oriented parallel to the gate area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Ju Li, Kao-Ting Lai, Kuo-Chiang Ting, Chi-Hsi Wu
  • Patent number: 9299707
    Abstract: Provided are three-dimensional semiconductor devices and methods of operating the same. The three-dimensional semiconductor devices may include active patterns arranged on a substrate to have a multi-layered and multi-column structure and drain patterns connected to respective columns of the active patterns. The methods may include a layer-selection step connecting a selected one of layers of the active patterns selectively to the drain patterns. For example, the layer-selection step may be performed in such a way that widths of depletion regions to be formed in end-portions of the active patterns are differently controlled depending on to a height from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaeduk Lee, Youngwoo Park, Jintaek Park, Dohyun Lee, Kohji Kanamori
  • Patent number: 9214461
    Abstract: A GaN transistor with polysilicon layers for creating additional components for an integrated circuit. The GaN device includes an EPI structure and an insulating material disposed over EPI structure. Furthermore, one or more polysilicon layers are disposed in the insulating material with the polysilicon layers having one or more n-type regions and p-type regions. The device further includes metal interconnects disposed on the insulating material and vias disposed in the insulating material layer that connect source and drain metals to the n-type and p-type regions of the polysilicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Efficient Power Coversion Corporation
    Inventors: Jianjun Cao, Robert Beach, Alexander Lidow, Alana Nakata, Guangyuan Zhao, Yanping Ma, Robert Strittmatter, Michael A. De Rooji, Chunhua Zhou, Seshadri Kolluri, Fang Chang Liu, Ming-Kun Chiang, Jiali Cao, Agus Jauhar
  • Patent number: 9159727
    Abstract: Provided are a nonvolatile memory device and a method for fabricating the same. The method includes sequentially stacking on a semiconductor substrate a first interlayer dielectric film, a first sacrificial layer, a second interlayer dielectric film, and a second sacrificial layer, forming a resistance variable layer and a first electrode penetrating the first and second interlayer dielectric films and the first and second sacrificial layers, forming an upper trench by removing a top portion of the first electrode, filling the upper trench with a channel layer, exposing a portion of a side surface of the resistance variable layer by removing the second sacrificial layer, forming an insulation layer within the channel layer, and forming a second electrode on the exposed resistance variable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-Jin Park
  • Patent number: 9129681
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are thin film transistors (TFTs) and techniques for fabricating TFTs. A major plane of the gate electrode of the TFT may be vertically oriented with respect to a horizontal layer of polysilicon in which the TFT resides. An interface between the gate electrode and gate dielectric may be vertically oriented with respect to a horizontal layer of polysilicon in which the TFT resides. The TFT may have a channel width that is defined by a thickness of the horizontal layer of polysilicon. The TFT may be formed by etching a hole in a layer of polysilicon. Then, a gate electrode and gate dielectric may be formed in the hole by depositing layers of dielectric and conductor material on the sidewall. The body may be formed in the horizontal layer of polysilicon outside the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Rabkin, Masaaki Higashitani
  • Patent number: 9059205
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises growing a source/drain epitaxy region over a plurality of gates on a substrate, wherein a top surface of the source/drain epitaxy region is at a height above a top surface of each of the plurality of gates, forming at least one opening in the source/drain epitaxy region over a top surface of at least one gate, forming a silicide layer on the source/drain epitaxy region, wherein the silicide layer lines lateral sides of the at least one opening, depositing a dielectric layer on the silicide layer, wherein the dielectric layer is deposited in the at least one opening between the silicide layer on lateral sides of the at least one opening, etching the dielectric layer to form a contact area, and depositing a conductor in the contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Szu-Lin Cheng, Jack Oon Chu, Isaac Lauer, Jeng-Bang Yau
  • Patent number: 8994025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visible ray sensor and a light sensor capable of improving photosensitivity by preventing photodegradation. The visible ray sensor may include: a substrate, a light blocking member formed on the substrate, and a visible ray sensing thin film transistor formed on the light blocking member. The light blocking member may be made of a transparent electrode, a band pass filter, or an opaque metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Youn Han, Jun-Ho Song, Kyung-Sook Jeon, Mi-Seon Seo, Sung-Hoon Yang, Suk-Won Jung, Seung Mi Seo
  • Patent number: 8946717
    Abstract: A semiconductor having an active layer; a gate insulating film in contact with the semiconductor; a gate electrode opposite to the active layer through the gate insulating film; a first nitride insulating film formed over the active layer; a photosensitive organic resin film formed on the first nitride insulating film; a second nitride insulating film formed on the photosensitive organic resin film; and a wiring provided on the second, nitride insulating film. A first opening portion is provided in the photosensitive organic resin film, an inner wall surface of the first opening portion is covered with the second nitride insulating film, a second opening portion is provided in a laminate including the gate insulating film, the first nitride insulating film, and the second nitride insulating film inside the first opening portion, and the semiconductor is connected with the wiring through the first opening portion and the second opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Murakami, Masahiko Hayakawa, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8946718
    Abstract: A semiconductor having an active layer; a gate insulating film in contact with the semiconductor; a gate electrode opposite to the active layer through the gate insulating film; a first nitride insulating film formed over the active layer; a photosensitive organic resin film formed on the first nitride insulating film; a second nitride insulating film formed on the photosensitive organic resin film; and a wiring provided on the second, nitride insulating film. A first opening portion is provided in the photosensitive organic resin film, an inner wall surface of the first opening portion is covered with the second nitride insulating film, a second opening portion is provided in a laminate including the gate insulating film, the first nitride insulating film, and the second nitride insulating film inside the first opening portion, and the semiconductor is connected with the wiring through the first opening portion and the second opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Murakami, Masahiko Hayakawa, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8941112
    Abstract: A semiconductor device in which fluctuation in electric characteristics due to miniaturization is less likely to be caused is provided. The semiconductor device includes an oxide semiconductor film including a first region, a pair of second regions in contact with side surfaces of the first region, and a pair of third regions in contact with side surfaces of the pair of second regions; a gate insulating film provided over the oxide semiconductor film; and a first electrode that is over the gate insulating film and overlaps with the first region. The first region is a CAAC oxide semiconductor region. The pair of second regions and the pair of third regions are each an amorphous oxide semiconductor region containing a dopant. The dopant concentration of the pair of third regions is higher than the dopant concentration of the pair of second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20150021609
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, including an apparatus that includes a number of tiers of a first semiconductor material, each tier including at least one access line of at least one memory cell and at least one source, channel and/or drain of at least one peripheral transistor, such as one used in an access line decoder circuit or a data line multiplexing circuit. The apparatus can also include a number of pillars of a second semiconductor material extending through the tiers of the first semiconductor material, each pillar including either a source, channel and/or drain of at least one of the memory cells, or a gate of at least one of the peripheral transistors. Methods of forming such apparatus are also described, along with other embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Toru Tanzawa
  • Patent number: 8928144
    Abstract: A three-dimensional 3D nonvolatile memory device includes vertical channel layers protruding from a substrate; interlayer insulating layers and conductive layer patterns alternately deposited along the vertical channel layers; a barrier metal pattern surrounding each of the conductive layer patterns; a charge blocking layer interposed between the vertical channel layers and the barrier metal patterns; and a diffusion barrier layer interposed between the barrier metal patterns and the charge blocking layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Suk Goo Kim