Abstract: According to one embodiment, in a dielectric isolation substrate, an insulating film having a first thickness is provided on a semiconductor substrate. A semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type having a second thickness is provided on the insulating film. An impurity diffusion layer of a second conductivity type is provided partially in a lower portion of the semiconductor layer and is in contact with the insulating film.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit is coupled between first and second pads to protect an internal circuit therebetween. Under a normal operating condition, a voltage on the first pad is higher than that on the second pad. The ESD protection circuit includes a substrate of a first conductivity type; first well of a second conductivity type in the substrate, wherein the first well is coupled to the first pad; a snapback device housed in the first well; and a diode string in the substrate, connected in series with the snapback device and separated from the first well, wherein the serially connected diode string and snapback device is connected between the first pad and the second pad. With the isolation from the first well, the holding voltage of the ESD protection circuit can be tuned by adjusting the number of diodes in the diode string without using a guard ring.

Abstract: A non-linear element, such as a diode, in which an oxide semiconductor is used and a rectification property is favorable is provided. In a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor in which the hydrogen concentration is less than or equal to 5×1019/cm3, the work function ?ms of a source electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor, the work function ?md of a drain electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor, and electron affinity ? of the oxide semiconductor satisfy ?ms??<?md. By electrically connecting a gate electrode and the drain electrode of the thin film transistor, a non-linear element with a more favorable rectification property can be achieved.

Abstract: According to the embodiment, a storage device includes row lines arranged parallel to one another, column lines arranged parallel to one another to intersect with the row lines, and a memory cell disposed at each of intersections of the row lines and the column lines and including a resistance-change element and a diode connected in series to the resistance-change element. The diode includes a stack of a first semiconductor region containing an impurity of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region containing an impurity of the first conductivity type lower in concentration than in the first semiconductor region, and a third semiconductor region containing an impurity of a second conductivity type. An impurity concentration in the second semiconductor region of the diode in a first adjacent portion adjacent to the first semiconductor region is higher than that in a second adjacent portion adjacent to the third semiconductor region.

Abstract: An embodiment is a fuse structure. In accordance with an embodiment, a fuse structure comprises an anode, a cathode, a fuse link interposed between the anode and the cathode, and cathode connectors coupled to the cathode. The cathode connectors are each equivalent to or larger than about two times a minimum feature size of a contact that couples to an active device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) high density memory array includes multiple layers of segmented bit lines (i.e., sense lines) with segment switch devices within the memory array that connect the segments to global bit lines. The segment switch devices reside on one or more layers of the integrated circuit, preferably residing on each bit line layer. The global bit lines reside preferably on one layer below the memory array, but may reside on more than one layer. The bit line segments preferably share vertical connections to an associated global bit line. In certain EEPROM embodiments, the array includes multiple layers of segmented bit lines with segment connection switches on multiple layers and shared vertical connections to a global bit line layer. Such memory arrays may be realized with much less write-disturb effects for half selected memory cells, and may be realized with a much smaller block of cells to be erased.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) structure fabricated with a SixNy layer responsible for providing increased light extraction out of a surface of the LED is provided. Such LED structures fabricated with a SixNy layer may have increased luminous efficiency when compared to conventional LED structures fabricated without a SixNy layer. Methods for creating such LED structures are also provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) high density memory array includes multiple layers of segmented bit lines (i.e., sense lines) with segment switch devices within the memory array that connect the segments to global bit lines. The segment switch devices reside on one or more layers of the integrated circuit, preferably residing on each bit line layer. The global bit lines reside preferably on one layer below the memory array, but may reside on more than one layer. The bit line segments preferably share vertical connections to an associated global bit line. In certain EEPROM embodiments, the array includes multiple layers of segmented bit lines with segment connection switches on multiple layers and shared vertical connections to a global bit line layer. Such memory arrays may be realized with much less write-disturb effects for half selected memory cells, and may be realized with a much smaller block of cells to be erased.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a vertically oriented p-i-n diode that includes semiconductor material, a silicide, germanide, or silicide-germanide layer disposed adjacent the vertically oriented p-i-n diode, and a dielectric material arranged electrically in series with the vertically oriented p-i-n diode. The dielectric material is disposed between a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, and is selected from the group consisting of HfO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2, La2O3, Ta2O5, RuO2, ZrSiOx, AlSiOx, HfSiOx, HfAlOx, HfSiON, ZrSiAlOx, HfSiAlOx, HfSiAlON, and ZrSiAlON. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A non-linear element, such as a diode, in which an oxide semiconductor is used and a rectification property is favorable is provided. In a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor in which the hydrogen concentration is less than or equal to 5×1019/cm3, the work function ?ms of a source electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor, the work function ?md of a drain electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor, and electron affinity ? of the oxide semiconductor satisfy ?ms??<?md. By electrically connecting a gate electrode and the drain electrode of the thin film transistor, a non-linear element with a more favorable rectification property can be achieved.

Abstract: A vertically oriented p-i-n diode is provided that includes semiconductor material crystallized adjacent a silicide, germanide, or silicide-germanide layer, and a dielectric material arranged electrically in series with the diode. The dielectric material has a dielectric constant greater than 8, and is adjacent a first metallic layer and a second metallic layer. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming diodes. The methods may include oxidation of an upper surface of a conductive electrode to form an oxide layer over the conductive electrode. In some embodiments, the methods may include formation of an oxidizable material over a conductive electrode, and subsequent oxidation of the oxidizable material to form an oxide layer over the conductive electrode. In some embodiments, the methods may include formation of a metal halide layer over a conductive electrode. Some embodiments include diodes that contain a metal halide layer between a pair of diode electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for configuring and constructing a single photo detector or array of photo detectors with all fabrications circuitry on a single side of the device. Both the anode and the cathode contacts of the diode are placed on a single side, while a layer of laser treated semiconductor is placed on the opposite side for enhanced cost-effectiveness, photon detection, and fill factor.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprising an array of memory cells and a corresponding production method are described. Each memory cell comprises a resistively switching memory element and a vertical selection diode coupled to a selection line in a selection line trench for selecting one cell from the plurality of memory cells. A selection line is coupled to the vertical selection diode at one vertical sidewall of the selection line trench.

Abstract: A light-emitting element array with the improvement of the light-emitting efficiency and the improvement of the uneven amount of light is provided. A light-emitting element array comprises a light-emitting portion array consisting of a plurality of light-emitting portions linearly arranged in a main scanning direction, and a micro-lens formed on each of the light-emitting portions, wherein the micro-lens has a shape of the length of a sub-scanning direction different from the length of the main scanning direction, and the length of the sub-scanning direction is longer than the length of the main scanning direction, and is 3.5 times or less of the length of the main scanning direction.

Abstract: Annular, linear, and point contact structures are described which exhibit a greatly reduced susceptibility to process deviations caused by lithographic and deposition variations than does a conventional circular contact plug. In one embodiment, a standard conductive material such as carbon or titanium nitride is used to form the contact. In an alternative embodiment, a memory material itself is used to form the contact. These contact structures may be made by various processes, including chemical mechanical planarization and facet etching.

Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor fuse arrangements containing an electrically conductive plate over and in electrical contact with a plurality of electrically conductive links. Each of the links contacts the electrically conductive plate as a separate region relative to the other links, and the region where a link makes contact to the electrically conductive plate is a fuse. The invention also includes methods of forming semiconductor fuse arrangements.

Abstract: A phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type well An isolation structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate having the first conductivity type well to define active regions. Second conductivity type high concentration areas are formed in surfaces of the active regions. Insulation patterns are formed under the second conductivity type high concentration areas to insulate the second conductivity type high concentration areas from the first conductivity type well. A plurality of vertical diodes are formed on the second conductivity type high concentration areas which are insulated from the first conductivity type well.

Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods of making a vertical diode structure are provided. The vertical diode structure may have associated therewith a diode opening extending through an insulation layer and contacting an active region on a silicon wafer. A titanium silicide layer may be formed over the interior surface of the diode opening and contacting the active region. The diode opening may initially be filled with an amorphous silicon plug that is doped during deposition and subsequently recrystallized to form large grain polysilicon. The silicon plug has a top portion that may be heavily doped with a first type dopant and a bottom portion that may be lightly doped with a second type dopant. The top portion may be bounded by the bottom portion so as not to contact the titanium silicide layer. In one embodiment of the vertical diode structure, a programmable resistor contacts the top portion of the silicon plug and a metal line contacts the programmable resistor.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a nonvolatile one-time-programmable memory cell having reduced programming voltage. A contiguous p-i-n diode is paired with a dielectric rupture antifuse formed of a high-dielectric-constant material, having a dielectric constant greater than about 8. In preferred embodiments, the high-dielectric-constant material is formed by atomic layer deposition. The diode is preferably formed of deposited low-defect semiconductor material, crystallized in contact with a silicide. A monolithic three dimensional memory array of such cells can be formed in stacked memory levels above the wafer substrate.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming diodes. The methods may include oxidation of an upper surface of a conductive electrode to form an oxide layer over the conductive electrode. In some embodiments, the methods may include formation of an oxidizable material over a conductive electrode, and subsequent oxidation of the oxidizable material to form an oxide layer over the conductive electrode. In some embodiments, the methods may include formation of a metal halide layer over a conductive electrode. Some embodiments include diodes that contain a metal halide layer between a pair of diode electrodes.

Abstract: Process variation-tolerant diodes and diode-connected thin film transistors (TFTs), printed or patterned structures (e.g., circuitry) containing such diodes and TFTs, methods of making the same, and applications of the same for identification tags and sensors are disclosed. A patterned structure comprising a complementary pair of diodes or diode-connected TFTs in series can stabilize the threshold voltage (Vt) of a diode manufactured using printing or laser writing techniques. The present invention advantageously utilizes the separation between the Vt of an NMOS TFT (Vtn) and the Vt of a PMOS TFT (Vtp) to establish and/or improve stability of a forward voltage drop across a printed or laser-written diode. Further applications of the present invention relate to reference voltage generators, voltage clamp circuits, methods of controlling voltages on related or differential signal transmission lines, and RFID and EAS tags and sensors.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method of forming a memory circuit is provided that includes (1) forming a two-terminal memory element on a substrate between a gate layer and a first metal layer of the memory circuit; and (2) forming a CMOS transistor on the substrate, the CMOS transistor for programming the two-terminal memory element. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, a memory circuit is provided that includes (1) a two-terminal memory element formed on a substrate; and (2) a CMOS transistor formed on the substrate and adapted to program the two-terminal memory element. The two-terminal memory element is formed between a gate layer and a first metal layer of the memory circuit. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming diodes. The methods may include oxidation of an upper surface of a conductive electrode to form an oxide layer over the conductive electrode. In some embodiments, the methods may include formation of an oxidizable material over a conductive electrode, and subsequent oxidation of the oxidizable material to form an oxide layer over the conductive electrode. In some embodiments, the methods may include formation of a metal halide layer over a conductive electrode. Some embodiments include diodes that contain a metal halide layer between a pair of diode electrodes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a plurality of fuse element portions each of which including a first fuse interconnect having a fuse to be portion, a second fuse interconnect connected to an internal circuit, a first impurity diffusion layer for electrically connecting the first fuse interconnect and the second fuse interconnect, and a second impurity diffusion layers. The first fuse interconnect, the second fuse interconnect, and the first impurity diffusion layer of each of the plurality of fuse element portions are arranged approximately parallel to one another at a predetermined pitch distance.

Abstract: The invention includes semiconductor fuse arrangements containing an electrically conductive plate over and in electrical contact with a plurality of electrically conductive links. Each of the links contacts the electrically conductive plate as a separate region relative to the other links, and the region where a link makes contact to the electrically conductive plate is a fuse. The invention also includes methods of forming semiconductor fuse arrangements.

Abstract: A semiconductor device used as an ID chip is provided, of which operation is terminated when its role is finished or expires. According to the invention, an antenna circuit, a voltage detecting circuit, a current amplifier circuit, a signal processing circuit, and a fuse are provided over an insulating substrate. When large power is applied to the antenna circuit, a voltage is detected by voltage detecting circuit and a corresponding current is amplified by the current amplifier circuit, thereby the fuse is melted down. Also, when an anti-fuse is used, the anti-fuse can short an insulating film by applying an excessive voltage. In this manner, the semiconductor device has a function for making it invalid by stopping operation of the signal processing circuit when the role of the device is finished or expires.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode display may have a power supply line that is coplanar with a first pixel electrode of an organic light emitting element. The power supply line, first source and drain electrodes of a first thin film transistor (TFT), second source and drain electrodes of a second TFT, a data line, and an upper electrode of a storage capacitor constitute source/drain wire lines. In addition to the power supply line, any one(s) of or all of the source/drain wire lines may be coplanar with the first pixel electrode.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a logic portion including M conductive layers, a memory portion including N conductive layers, and at least one common top conductive layer over the logic portion and the memory portion. M is greater than N.

Abstract: A monolithic three dimensional memory array comprising Schottky diodes components separated by antifuses is disclosed. The Schottky diodes are vertically oriented and disposed on alternating levels. Those on odd levels are “rightside-up” with antifuse over the metal, and those on even levels are “upside down” with metal over the antifuse. Both antifuses are preferably grown oxides.

Abstract: A phase change memory device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The phase change memory device includes a first conductor pattern having a first conductivity type and a sidewall. A second conductor pattern is connected to the sidewall of the first conductor pattern to form a diode. A phase change layer is electrically connected to the second conductor pattern and a top electrode is connected to the phase change layer.

Abstract: A memory capable of reducing the memory cell size is provided. This memory includes a first conductive type first impurity region formed on a memory cell array region of the main surface of a semiconductor substrate for functioning as a first electrode of a diode included in a memory cell and a plurality of second conductive type second impurity regions, formed on the surface of the first impurity region at a prescribed interval, each functioning as a second electrode of the diode.

Abstract: A programmable element includes a diode and a programmable structure formed in a polysilicon layer isolated from a semiconductor substrate by a dielectric layer. The diode includes a first region and a second region of opposite conductivity types. The programmable structure includes a third region and a fourth region of opposite conductivity types. The first region of the diode and the third region of the programmable structure are electrically connected. In operation, the programmable structure is programmed to a low impedance state when a voltage exceeding a first breakdown voltage of the programmable structure is applied to reverse bias the programmable structure. The programmable element can be used to form a programmable array having very low parasitic capacitance, enabling the realization of a large and ultra fast programmable logic array.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell includes an upper electrode; a lower electrode and a state-variable region, in which a conductive state changes only once. The state variable region is formed in a region between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The state-variable region comprises a first semiconductor layer of a first conductive type; and second semiconductor layers of a second conductive type, opposing to the first conductive type, which are formed on upper and lower surfaces of the first semiconductor layer via PN junctions.

Abstract: Arrangement of nanowires with PN junctions between bit lines and word lines are arranged as a ROM memory cell array. A number of the nanowires have dielectric regions and are present only as a dummy. The connections between word and bit lines may also exist as transistors which turn on or turn off only when a gate voltage is applied. A number of these transistors are constructed in complementary fashion and/or have insulating regions built in and serve as a dummy.

Abstract: A mixed-use memory array is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, a memory array is provided comprising a first set of memory cells operating as one-time programmable memory cells and a second set of memory cells operating as rewritable memory cells. In another preferred embodiment, a memory array is provided comprising a first set of memory cells operating as memory cells that are programmed with a forward bias and a second set of memory cells operating as memory cells that are programmed with a reverse bias.

Abstract: A semiconductor cell includes, within a substrate region, four active zones that are mutually laterally isolated, the first active zone to be connected to a first voltage, the second active zone, of an opposite type of conductivity to that of the first active zone, to be connected to a second voltage, the third and fourth active zones being mutually connected via an electrically conducting connection external to the substrate. The value of the binary data item is defined by an implantation of a chosen type in a predetermined part of the substrate region or in the third and fourth active zones.

Abstract: A method of making a vertical diode structure is provided, the vertical diode structure having associated therewith a diode opening extending through an insulation layer and contacting an active region on a silicon wafer. A titanium silicide layer covers the interior surface of the diode opening and contacts the active region. The diode opening is initially filled with an amorphous silicon plug that is doped during deposition and subsequently recrystallized to form large grain polysilicon. The silicon plug has a top portion that is heavily doped with a first type dopant and a bottom portion that is lightly doped with a second type dopant. The top portion is bounded by the bottom portion so as not to contact the titanium silicide layer. For one embodiment of the vertical diode structure, a programmable resistor contacts the top portion of the silicon plug and a metal line contacts the programmable resistor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) high density memory array includes multiple layers of segmented bit lines (i.e., sense lines) with segment switch devices within the memory array that connect the segments to global bit lines. The segment switch devices reside on one or more layers of the integrated circuit, preferably residing on each bit line layer. The global bit lines reside preferably on one layer below the memory array, but may reside on more than one layer. The bit line segments preferably share vertical connections to an associated global bit line. In certain EEPROM embodiments, the array includes multiple layers of segmented bit lines with segment connection switches on multiple layers and shared vertical connections to a global bit line layer. Such memory arrays may be realized with much less write-disturb effects for half selected memory cells, and may be realized with a much smaller block of cells to be erased.

Abstract: An integrated fuse has regions of different doping located within a fuse neck. The integrated fuse includes a polysilicon layer and a silicide layer. The polysilicon layer includes first and second regions having different types of dopants. In one example, the first region has an N-type dopant and the second region has a P-type dopant. The polysilicon layer can also include a third region in between the first and second regions, which also has a different dopant. During a fusing event, a distribution of temperature peaks around the regions of different dopants. By locating regions of different dopants within the fuse neck, agglomeration of the silicide layer starts reliably within the fuse neck (for example, at or near the center of the fuse neck) and proceeds toward the contact regions. An improved post fuse resistance distribution and an increased minimum resistance value in the post fuse resistance distribution is realized compared to conventional polysilicon fuses.

Abstract: A method of making a vertical diode is provided, the vertical dioxide having associated therewith a diode opening extending through an insulation layer and contacting an active region on a silicon wafer. A titanium silicide layer covers the interior surface of the diode opening and contacts the active region. The diode opening is initially filled with an amorphous silicon plug that is doped during deposition and subsequently recrystallized to form large grain polysilicon. The silicon plug has a top portion that is heavily doped with a first type dopant and a bottom portion that is lightly doped with a second type dopant. The top portion is bounded by the bottom portion so as not to contact the titanium silicide layer. For one embodiment of the vertical diode, a programmable resistor contacts the top portion of the silicon plug and a metal line contacts the programmable resistor.

Abstract: A programmable element includes a diode and a programmable structure formed in a polysilicon layer isolated from a semiconductor substrate by a dielectric layer. The diode includes a first region and a second region of opposite conductivity types. The programmable structure includes a third region and a fourth region of opposite conductivity types. The first region of the diode and the third region of the programmable structure are electrically connected. In operation, the programmable structure is programmed to a low impedance state when a voltage exceeding a first breakdown voltage of the programmable structure is applied to reverse bias the programmable structure. The programmable element can be used to form a programmable array having very low parasitic capacitance, enabling the realization of a large and ultra fast programmable logic array.

Abstract: An LED display assembly, comprising a grid of electrical conductors; light emitting diodes in association with the grid and in electrical communication with the conductors that provide power for LED operation, the grid operable to receive heat from the diodes during diode operation, and the array configured for passing coolant fluid for transfer of heat to the fluid. LED packages adjustable relative to a mounting grid, are also provided.

Abstract: A programmable package with a fuse embedded therein, and fabrication method are provided. The fuse has first and second terminal ends joined by a central portion defining a fusible link. The ends include a portion of the first and second conductive layers, the central portion including a portion of the first conductive layer. The first layer may be electroless copper and the second layer may be electrolytic copper. The fuse may have a dog-bone or a bow tie shape. The method includes providing a substrate with a dielectric layer, and forming the fuse by depositing first conductive layer, forming and patterning second conductive layer over a portion of the first layer, and patterning first layer to form interconnects between areas of the second layer.

Abstract: A memory cell including a phase-change material may have reduced leakage current. The cell may receive signals through a buried wordline in one embodiment. The buried wordline may include a sandwich of a more lightly doped N type region over a more heavily doped N type region over a less heavily doped N type region. As a result of the configuration of the N type regions forming the buried wordline, the leakage current of the buried wordline to the substrate under reverse bias conditions may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A diode structure is provided. The diode structure comprises a first conductive type substrate, a second conductive type first well region, a first conductive type second well region, a second conductive type first doped region, a first conductive type second doped region and a second conductive type third doped region. The first well region is located within the substrate and the second well region is located within the first well region. The first doped region is located within the first well region and detached from the second well region but adjacent to the surface of the substrate. The second doped region and the third doped region are located within the second well region and adjacent to the surface of the substrate. The second doped region is located between the first doped region and the third doped region but detached from both the first doped region and the third doped region.

Abstract: In an active matrix type light emitting device, a top surface exit type light emitting device in which an anode formed at an upper portion of an organic compound layer becomes a light exit electrode is provided. In a light emitting element made of a cathode, an organic compound layer and an anode, a protection film is formed in an interface between the anode that is a light exit electrode and the organic compound layer. The protection film formed on the organic compound layer has transmittance in the range of 70 to 100%, and when the anode is deposited by use of the sputtering method, a sputtering damage to the organic compound layer can be inhibited from being inflicted.

Abstract: Via-shaped copper interconnect lines (2) buried in an interlayer insulating film (8) are connected to gate interconnect lines (1) in the lowermost layer. A copper interconnect line (6) of a shield ring (5) is buried in the interlayer insulating film (8), closer to outside than the copper interconnect lines (2). A silicon nitride film (9) is provided on the via-shaped copper interconnect lines (2), on the copper interconnect line (6) of the shield ring (5), and on the interlayer insulating film (8). Provided on the silicon nitride film (9) is a silicon oxide film (10) which holds therein a fuse line (3) for connecting different ones of copper interconnect lines (2). The silicon oxide film (10) is also provided on the upper surfaces of the fuse line (3) and the aluminum interconnect line (7). A silicon nitride film (11) is provided on the silicon oxide film (10). The silicon nitride film (11) defined over the fuse line (3) is removed, thereby creating an opening (4).

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing method is used for packaging a thin semiconductor chip in an economical manner. A semiconductor chip having one electrode terminal, a first member having a first conductor on its surface, and a second member having a second conductor on its surface are prepared. The first and second members are positioned such that the first and second conductors face each other, and the semiconductor chip is held between the members. In this arrangement, one of the first and second conductors is in electrical contact with the first electrode.