Comprising Charge Trapping Insulator (epo) Patents (Class 257/E21.21)
  • Patent number: 11977752
    Abstract: A method of a flash memory controller includes: providing an input/output (I/O) circuit coupled to the flash memory device; and sending a data toggle set-feature signal to the flash memory device to enable, disable, or configure a data toggle operation of the flash memory device; the data toggle operation of the flash memory device is arranged to make the flash memory device control the flash memory device's data register selecting and transferring a first data unit and a second data unit to the flash memory device's I/O control circuit to make the I/O control circuit sequentially transmit the first data unit and the second data unit to the flash memory controller through the specific communication interface in response to a specific read command or a data toggle command transmitted by the flash memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Silicon Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsu-Han Lu, Hsiao-Chang Yen
  • Patent number: 11968838
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor substrate; a word line extending over the semiconductor substrate; a memory film extending along the word line, wherein the memory film contacts the word line; a channel layer extending along the memory film, wherein the memory film is between the channel layer and the word line; source lines extending along the memory film, wherein the memory film is between the source lines and the word line; bit lines extending along the memory film, wherein the memory film is between the bit lines and the word line; and isolation regions, wherein each isolation region is between a source line and a bit line, wherein each of the isolation regions includes an air gap and a seal extending over the air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chen Wang, Kai-Hsuan Lee, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Chi On Chui
  • Patent number: 11901290
    Abstract: Various implementations described herein are related to a device having multiple transistors that are arranged as a bitcell. The device may include multiple wordlines that are coupled to the multiple transistors. Also, one or more wordlines may be formed with frontside metal, and one or more other wordlines may be formed with buried metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Arm Limited
    Inventors: Rajiv Kumar Sisodia, Andy Wangkun Chen
  • Patent number: 11895841
    Abstract: A memory structure and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The memory structure includes a charge trapping layer, a first silicon oxynitride tunneling film and a second silicon oxynitride tunneling film. The first silicon oxynitride tunneling film is between the charge trapping layer and the second silicon oxynitride tunneling film. A first atom concentration ratio of a concentration of a nitrogen atom to a total concentration of an oxygen atom and the nitrogen atom of the first silicon oxynitride tunneling film is 10% to 50%. A second atom concentration ratio of a concentration of a nitrogen atom to a total concentration of an oxygen atom and the nitrogen atom of the second silicon oxynitride tunneling film is 1% to 15%. The concentration of the nitrogen atom of the second silicon oxynitride tunneling film is lower than that of the first silicon oxynitride tunneling film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pei-Ci Jhang, Chi-Pin Lu
  • Patent number: 11888042
    Abstract: Three-dimensional semiconductor memory devices and methods of fabricating the same. The three-dimensional semiconductor devices include an electrode structure with sequentially-stacked electrodes disposed on a substrate, semiconductor patterns penetrating the electrode structure, and memory elements including a first pattern and a second pattern interposed between the semiconductor patterns and the electrode structure, the first pattern vertically extending to cross the electrodes and the second pattern horizontally extending to cross the semiconductor patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventors: Kwang Soo Seol, Chanjin Park, Kihyun Hwang, Hanmei Choi, Sunghoi Hur, Wansik Hwang, Toshiro Nakanishi, Kwangmin Park, Juyul Lee
  • Patent number: 11877456
    Abstract: A memory cell of a non-volatile memory includes a memory element. The memory element is a transistor. The memory element includes an asymmetric spacer. In the memory element, a channel under the wider part of the spacer is longer. When the program operation of the memory element is performed, more carriers are injected into a charge-trapping layer of the spacer through the longer channel. Consequently, the program operation of the memory element is performed more efficiently, and the time period of performing the program operation is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: EMEMORY TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Ying-Je Chen, Wein-Town Sun, Chun-Hsiao Li, Hsueh-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 11869596
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and a controller. The semiconductor memory includes a memory cell, and a write circuit configured to write data to the memory cell by applying a program voltage to the memory cell and comparing a threshold voltage of the memory cell with a first reference voltage corresponding to the write data. The write circuit is configured to execute a first programming operation to obtain a value of a write parameter by comparing the threshold voltage with a second reference voltage different from the first reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Suguru Nishikawa, Yoshihisa Kojima, Riki Suzuki, Masanobu Shirakawa, Toshikatsu Hida
  • Patent number: 11778819
    Abstract: A NAND flash memory capable of reducing the planar size of a memory cell is provided. The three-dimensional NAND flash memory includes a substrate, an insulating layer, a lower conductive layer (a source), a three-dimensional memory cell structure, and a bit line. The memory cell structure includes a plurality of strip-shaped gate stacks including stacks of insulators and conductors stacked along a vertical direction from the substrate; and a plurality of channel stacks separately arranged along one side of the gate stack. An upper end of the channel stack is electrically connected to the orthogonal bit line, and a lower end of the channel stack is electrically connected to the lower conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Riichiro Shirota
  • Patent number: 11778818
    Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers, a retro-stepped dielectric material portion overlying stepped surfaces of the alternating stack, and memory stack structures extending through the alternating stack are formed over a substrate. A patterned etch mask layer including discrete openings is formed thereabove. Via cavities through an upper region of the retro-stepped dielectric material portion by performing a first anisotropic etch process. Metal plates are selectively formed on physically exposed surfaces of a first subset of the electrically conductive layers by a selective metal deposition process. A subset of the via cavities without any metal plates therein are vertically extended downward by performing a second anisotropic etch process while the metal plates protect underlying electrically conductive layers. Via cavities can be formed without punching through electrically conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Ryo Mochizuki, Yasuo Kasagi, Michiaki Sano, Junji Oh, Yujin Terasawa, Hiroaki Namba
  • Patent number: 11765936
    Abstract: A display device according to an embodiment includes: a first conductive layer that is disposed on a substrate; a transistor that is disposed on the substrate; and a light emitting element that is electrically connected to the transistor, wherein the transistor includes a semiconductor layer that at least partially overlaps the first conductive layer and is disposed on the first conductive layer, and a gate electrode that is disposed on the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer includes a first region that does not overlap the first conductive layer, a third region that overlaps the first conductive layer, and a second region that is disposed between the first region and the third region and traverses an edge of the first conductive layer. The first width of the semiconductor layer in the first region is smaller than a second width of the semiconductor layer in the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Hyung Lim, Kyu Min Kim, Hui-Won Yang, Dong Ha Lee
  • Patent number: 11765987
    Abstract: A phase change memory device based on a nano current channel is provided. A nano current channel layer structure is adopted and configured to limit the current channel. As such, when flowing through the layer, the current enters the phase change layer from nano crystal grains with high electrical conductivity, and the current is thereby confined in the nano current channels. By using the nano-scale conductive channels, the contact area between the phase change layer and the electrode layer is significantly decreased, the current density at local contact channel is significantly increased, and heat generation efficiency of the current in the phase change layer is improved. Moreover, an electrically insulating and heat-insulating material with low electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity prevents heat in the phase change layer from being dissipated to the electrode layer, and Joule heat utilization efficiency of the phase change layer is thereby improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiaomin Cheng, Han Li, Yuntao Zeng, Yunlai Zhu, Xiangjun Liu, Xiangshui Miao
  • Patent number: 11763877
    Abstract: A memory device includes pages arranged in columns and each constituted by a plurality of memory cells on a substrate, voltages applied to a first gate conductor layer, a second gate conductor layer, a first impurity layer, and a second impurity layer in each memory cell included in each of the pages are controlled to perform a page write operation of retaining, inside a channel semiconductor layer, a group of positive holes generated by an impact ionization phenomenon or by a gate-induced drain leakage current, and the voltages applied to the first gate conductor layer, the second gate conductor layer, the first impurity layer, and the second impurity layer are controlled to perform a page erase operation of discharging the group of positive holes from inside the channel semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: UNISANTIS ELECTRONICS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Sakui, Nozomu Harada
  • Patent number: 11723209
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional memory device includes first and second stacking structures, isolation pillars, gate dielectric layers, channel layers and conductive pillars. The stacking structures are laterally spaced apart from each other. The stacking structures respectively comprises alternately stacked insulating layers and conductive layers. The isolation pillars laterally extend between the stacking structures. The isolation pillars further protrude into the stacking structures, and a space between the stacking structures is divided into cell regions. The gate dielectric layers are respectively formed in one of the cell regions, and cover opposing sidewalls of the stacking structures and sidewalls of the isolation pillars. The channel layers respectively cover an inner surface of one of the gate dielectric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Chun-Fu Cheng, Feng-Cheng Yang, Sheng-Chen Wang, Yu-Chien Chiu, Han-Jong Chia
  • Patent number: 11705496
    Abstract: A thin-film memory transistor includes a source region, a drain region, a channel region, a gate electrode, and a charge-trapping layer provided between the channel region and the gate electrode and electrically isolated therefrom, wherein the charge-trapping layer has includes a number of charge-trapping sites that is 70% occupied or evacuated using a single voltage pulse of a predetermined width of 500 nanoseconds or less and a magnitude of 15.0 volts or less. The charge-trapping layer comprises silicon-rich nitride may have a refractive index of 2.05 or greater or comprises nano-crystals of germanium (Ge), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO). The thin-film memory transistor may be implemented, for example, in a 3-dimensional array of NOR memory strings formed above a planar surface of a semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Scott Brad Herner, Eli Harari
  • Patent number: 11706925
    Abstract: Device, systems, and structures include a stack of vertically-alternating tiers of materials arranged in one or more decks of tiers. A channel opening, in which a channel pillar may be formed, extends through the stack. The pillar includes a “shoulder portion” extending laterally into an “undercut portion” of the channel opening, which undercut portion is defined along at least a lower tier of at least one of the decks of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Nancy M. Lomeli, Justin B. Dorhout, Damir Fazil
  • Patent number: 11638377
    Abstract: Electronic devices and methods of forming the electronic devices are described. The electronic devices comprise a plurality of memory holes extending along a first direction through a plurality of alternating oxide and nitride layers. Each memory hole has a core oxide surrounded by a semiconductor material, the semiconductor material surrounded by a dielectric. The memory holes are staggered to provide a plurality of memory hole lines having spaced memory holes so that adjacent memory hole lines have the memory holes in a staggered configuration. A conductive material is on top of the stack of alternating oxide and nitride layers. A dielectric filled cut line extends through the conductive material in a direction across the plurality of memory hole lines. The dielectric filled cut line separates a first memory hole line from an adjacent second memory hole line without disabling the functionality of the memory holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Takehito Koshizawa
  • Patent number: 11638379
    Abstract: A method for forming a memory device is provided. The memory device includes a substrate; a stack including a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers being alternatively stacked on the substrate; a plurality of memory structures formed on the substrate and penetrating the stack; a plurality of isolation structures formed on the substrate and penetrating the stack, wherein the isolation structures dividing the memory structures into a plurality of first memory structures and a plurality of second memory structures; and a plurality of common source pillars formed on the substrate and penetrating the stack, wherein the common source pillars directly contact the isolation structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min-Feng Hung, Chia-Jung Chiu, Guan-Ru Lee
  • Patent number: 11551728
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor storage device includes a first memory cell, a second memory cell, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. The first transistor includes a first portion electrically connected to a first circuit, a second portion electrically connected to the first memory cell, and a first gate electrode installed between the first portion and the second portion. The second transistor includes a third portion electrically connected to the first circuit, a fourth portion electrically connected to the second memory cell, and a first gate electrode installed between the third portion and the fourth portion. The third transistor includes the second portion, the fourth portion, a fifth portion electrically connected to a second circuit, and a second gate electrode installed between the second portion and the fifth portion and between the fourth portion and the fifth portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Okuyama
  • Patent number: 11552098
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a lower structure; a stack structure including gate layers and interlayer insulating layers and having an opening; a vertical structure in the opening; a contact structure on the vertical structure; and a conductive line on the contact structure. The vertical structure includes an insulating core region, a channel semiconductor layer covering side and lower surfaces of the insulating core region, data storage patterns between the channel semiconductor layer and the gate layers and spaced apart from each other, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer. At least a portion of the first dielectric layer is between the data storage patterns and the gate layers, at least a portion of the second dielectric layer is between the data storage patterns and the channel semiconductor layer, and the insulating core region includes first convex portions having increased widths in regions facing the gate layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Younghwan Son, Sanghoon Jeong, Sangjun Hong, Seogoo Kang, Jeehoon Han
  • Patent number: 11495617
    Abstract: Device, systems, and structures include a stack of vertically-alternating tiers of materials arranged in one or more decks of tiers. A channel opening, in which a channel pillar may be formed, extends through the stack. The pillar includes a “shoulder portion” extending laterally into an “undercut portion” of the channel opening, which undercut portion is defined along at least a lower tier of at least one of the decks of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Nancy M. Lomeli, Justin B. Dorhout, Damir Fazil
  • Patent number: 11437400
    Abstract: Embodiments of through array contact structures of a 3D memory device and fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises: forming a recess region in a substrate including multiple protruding islands; forming a gate dielectric layer to cover top surfaces and sidewalls of the multiple protruding islands and a top surface of the recess region of the substrate; forming an underlying sacrificial layer on the gate dielectric layer to surround the sidewalls of the multiple protruding islands; forming an alternating dielectric stack including multiple alternatively stacked insulating layers and sacrificial layers on the underlying sacrificial layer and the multiple protruding islands; forming multiple channel holes penetrating the alternating dielectric stack, each channel hole is located corresponding to one of the multiple protruding islands; and forming a memory layer in each channel hole, wherein a channel layer of the memory layer is electrically connected with a corresponding protruding island.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ziqi Chen, Guanping Wu
  • Patent number: 11437499
    Abstract: In a method of fabricating a nonvolatile memory device according an embodiment, a first tunnel oxide layer, a nitrogen supply layer, and a second tunnel oxide layer having a density lower than that of the first tunnel oxide layer are formed on a substrate. Nitrogen in the nitrogen supply layer is diffused into the second tunnel oxide layer to convert at least a portion of the second tunnel oxide layer into an oxynitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Yun Kim, Se Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 11387249
    Abstract: A three-dimensional nonvolatile memory device and a method for fabricating the same include a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of active pillars, a plurality of gate electrodes, and a plurality of supporters. The semiconductor substrate includes a memory cell region and a contact region. The active pillars extend in the memory cell region perpendicularly to the semiconductor substrate. The gate electrodes intersect the active pillars, extend from the memory cell region to the contact region and are stacked on the semiconductor substrate. The supporters extend in the contact region perpendicularly to the semiconductor substrate to penetrate at least one or more of the gate electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventors: Soodoo Chae, Myoungbum Lee, HuiChang Moon, Hansoo Kim, JinGyun Kim, Kihyun Kim, Siyoung Choi, Hoosung Cho
  • Patent number: 11315945
    Abstract: A memory device includes a stack structure, a memory element, a channel element, and a semiconductor layer. The stack structure includes a source layer, an insulating layer and gate electrode layers. The insulating layer is on the source layer. The gate electrode layers are on the insulating layer. The memory element is on electrode sidewall surfaces of the gate electrode layers. Memory cells are defined in the memory element between the channel element and the gate electrode layers. The semiconductor layer is electrically connected between the source layer and the channel element. The semiconductor layer and the source layer have an interface therebetween. The interface is at a location on an inside of an insulating sidewall surface of the insulating layer with a lateral offset relative to the insulating sidewall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Erh-Kun Lai, Hsiang-Lan Lung
  • Patent number: 10665726
    Abstract: A memory device and an operation method thereof are provided. The memory device includes a semiconductor substrate and an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) gate structure located on the semiconductor substrate. The ONO gate structure includes a bottom oxide layer, a top oxide layer and a nitride layer. The nitride layer is located between the bottom oxide layer and the top oxide layer. The bottom oxide layer is located closer to the semiconductor substrate than the top oxide layer. The bottom oxide layer has a first thickness, and the top oxide layer has a second thickness smaller the first thickness. The operation method includes an erasing operation and a programming operation. Electrons are attracted into the ONO gate structure through the bottom oxide layer in the programming operation. Electrons trapped in the ONO gate structure escape from the ONO gate structure through the top oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsung-Yu Yang, Chung-Jen Huang
  • Patent number: 10504902
    Abstract: Disclosed are data storage devices and methods of manufacturing the same. The methods may include providing a substrate including a cell region and a peripheral circuit region, forming a data storage layer on the cell region and the peripheral circuit region of the substrate, selectively forming a mask layer on a portion of the data storage layer that is formed on the peripheral circuit region, forming a top electrode layer on the data storage layer and the mask layer, patterning the top electrode layer to form a plurality of top electrodes on the cell region, and patterning the data storage layer using the plurality of top electrodes as an etch mask to form a plurality of data storage parts on the cell region. While patterning the top electrode layer, the mask layer on the peripheral circuit region may serve as an etch stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Hyun Kim, Seung Pil Ko, Hyunchul Shin, Kilho Lee
  • Patent number: 10297606
    Abstract: A memory device is described. Generally, the device includes a string of memory transistors, a source select transistor coupled to a first end of the string of memory transistor and a drain select transistor coupled to a second end of the string of memory transistor. Each memory transistor includes a gate electrode formed adjacent to a charge trapping layer and there is neither a source nor a drain junction between adjacent pairs of memory transistors or between the memory transistors and source select transistor or drain select transistor. In one embodiment, the memory transistors are spaced apart from adjacent memory transistors and the source select transistor and drain select transistor, such that channels are formed therebetween based on a gate fringing effect associated with the memory transistors. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Youseok Suh, Sung-Yong Chung, Ya-Fen Lin, Yi-Ching Jean Wu
  • Patent number: 10290722
    Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a cell region and a peripheral region surrounding the cell region and a pair of control gate stacks on the cell region. Each of the control gate stacks includes a storage layer and a control gate on the storage layer. The memory device includes at least one high-? metal gate stack disposed on the substrate. The high-? metal gate stack has a metal gate and a high-? dielectric film wrapping around the metal gate, and a top surface of the control gate is lower than a top surface of the metal gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Wen Tseng, Tsung-Yu Yang, Chung-Jen Huang
  • Patent number: 9917096
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a stacked body including a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of inter-layer insulating layers each provided between the plurality of electrode layers; and a columnar portion penetrating the stacked body and extending in a stacking direction of the stacked body. The columnar portion includes a channel body extending in the stacking direction; and a charge storage film provided between the channel body and each of the electrode layers. Each of the electrode layers includes an edge portion provided closer on a central axis side of the columnar portion than the inter-layer insulating layers. The charge storage film covers the edge portion of each of the electrode layers and separated from each other in the stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Kamigaichi
  • Patent number: 9887098
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing an integrated circuit device, the method can include forming a mask member on a first film, the mask member having a pattern, performing a first etching on the first film using the mask member as a mask to form a recessed section in the first film, forming a second film covering an inner side surface of the recessed section. The second film has a film thickness of preventing blockage of the recessed section, and performing a second etching on the second film and the first film via the recessed section. The performing of the second etching includes performing a third etching in a condition of an etching rate at a place smaller in curvature radius in the recessed section being lower than an etching rate at a place larger in curvature radius in the recessed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsunori Yahashi
  • Patent number: 9882033
    Abstract: A memory cell formed by forming a trench in the surface of a substrate. First and second spaced apart regions are formed in the substrate with a channel region therebetween. The first region is formed under the trench. The channel region includes a first portion that extends along a sidewall of the trench and a second portion that extends along the surface of the substrate. A charge trapping layer in the trench is adjacent to and insulated from the first portion of the channel region for controlling the conduction of the channel region first portion. An electrically conductive gate in the trench is adjacent to and insulated from the charge trapping layer and from the first region and is capacitively coupled to the charge trapping layer. An electrically conductive control gate is disposed over and insulated from the second portion of the channel region for controlling its conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Nhan Do
  • Patent number: 9825054
    Abstract: The memory string comprises: a first semiconductor layer; a stacked body in which a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of interlayer insulating layers are stacked along a first direction above the first semiconductor layer; and a second semiconductor layer having a longitudinal direction along the first direction and provided above the first semiconductor layer. The memory insulating layer includes a charge accumulation layer between the second semiconductor layer and the plurality of the conductive layers. The core insulating layer has a longitudinal direction along the first direction, and is provided in the second semiconductor layer. The oxide film layer is provided between the core insulating layer and the second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kotaro Fujii, Hideaki Aochi
  • Patent number: 9818849
    Abstract: A first insulating film in contact with an oxide semiconductor film and a second insulating film are stacked in this order over an electrode film of a transistor including the oxide semiconductor film, an etching mask is formed over the second insulating film, an opening portion exposing the electrode film is formed by etching a portion of the first insulating film and a portion of the second insulating film, the opening portion exposing the electrode film is exposed to argon plasma, the etching mask is removed, and a conductive film is formed in the opening portion exposing the electrode film. The first insulating film is an insulating film whose oxygen is partly released by heating. The second insulating film is less easily etched than the first insulating film and has a lower gas-permeability than the first insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Sasagawa, Hiroshi Fujiki, Yoshinori Ieda
  • Patent number: 9728410
    Abstract: A split gate memory device includes a semiconductor substrate and a select gate over the substrate. The select gate has a bottom portion and a top portion over the bottom portion, wherein the top portion has a top sidewall and the bottom portion has a bottom sidewall, and wherein the bottom sidewall extends beyond the top sidewall. The devices also includes a control gate adjacent the select gate, a charge storage layer located between the select gate and the control gate and between the control gate and the substrate, and an isolation region over the bottom portion of the select gate and between the top sidewall of the select gate and the charge storage layer. The bottom sidewall of the bottom portion extends to the charge storage layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Swift, Asanga H. Perera
  • Patent number: 9721807
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods for patterning a substrate. Patterning processes, such as double patterning and quadruple patterning processes, may benefit from the embodiments described herein which include performing an inert plasma treatment on a spacer material, performing an etching process on a treated region of the spacer material, and repeating the inert plasma treatment and the etching process to form a desired spacer profile. The inert plasma treatment process may be a biased process and the etching process may be an unbiased process. Various processing parameters, such as process gas ratios and pressures, may be controlled to influence a desired spacer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Qingjun Zhou, Jungmin Ko, Tom Choi, Sean Kang, Jeremiah Pender, Srinivas D. Nemani, Ying Zhang
  • Patent number: 9679762
    Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) device with enhanced conductivity in the transistor's non-gated access regions and a method for making the HEMT device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the HEMT device includes a heterojunction comprising a barrier layer formed on a channel layer. One or more intervening layers comprising a material suitable for increasing a fixed charge at the heterojunction is formed on a substantially planar surface of the barrier layer opposite the channel layer in the non-gated access region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Edwards, Xinyu Zhang, Yan Zhu
  • Patent number: 9530678
    Abstract: A substrate carrier system for moving substrates in a vertical oven and a method for processing substrates are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for oxidizing material or depositing material includes carrying a plurality of substrates by a substrate carrier and inserting the substrate carrier into a vertical oven, wherein the plurality of substrates are held by the substrate carrier in predefined positions, wherein an angle measured between a main surface of a substrate of the plurality of substrates at one of the predefined positions and a vertical direction is less than 20 degrees. The method further includes oxidizing a material on the plurality of substrates or depositing a material onto the plurality of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andreas Stefaner, Heimo Schieder, Guenter Denifl, Roland Moennich, Anton Gernot Winkler
  • Patent number: 9443866
    Abstract: A tunneling dielectric layer for a vertical memory device is formed with a stack that provides a barrier height profile for high data retention tolerance. Memory stack structures extend through a stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers. Each memory stack structure comprises, from outside to inside, a blocking dielectric, memory elements, a tunneling dielectric layer, and a vertical semiconductor channel. The tunneling dielectric layer comprises, from outside to inside, an outer silicon oxide layer, a first silicon oxynitride layer having a first atomic nitrogen concentration, a second silicon oxynitride layer having a second atomic nitrogen concentration that is less than the first atomic nitrogen concentration, and an inner silicon oxide layer that contacts a vertical semiconductor channel. The reduced band gap of the first silicon oxynitride layer relative to the second silicon oxynitride layer provides additional energy barrier for relaxation of holes stored in the memory elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Kiyohiko Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 9209317
    Abstract: Nonvolatile memory devices including three transistor unit cells are provided. The nonvolatile memory device includes a selection transistor having a first terminal and a second terminal, a first charge trap transistor electrically connected in series to the first terminal of the selection transistor, a second charge trap transistor electrically connected in series to the second terminal of the selection transistor, and a word line electrically connected to gate electrodes of the selection transistor, the first charge trap transistor and the second charge trap transistor. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Young Joon Kwon
  • Patent number: 9012322
    Abstract: Wet-etch solutions for conductive metals (e.g., copper) and metal nitrides (e.g., tantalum nitride) can be tuned to differentially etch the conductive metals and metal nitrides while having very little effect on nearby oxides (e.g., silicon dioxide hard mask materials), and etching refractory metals (e.g. tantalum) at an intermediate rate. The solutions are aqueous base solutions (e.g., ammonia-peroxide mixture or TMAH-peroxide mixture) with just enough hydrofluoric acid (HF) added to make the solution's pH about 8-10. Applications include metallization of sub-micron logic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Anh Duong, Errol Todd Ryan
  • Patent number: 8981452
    Abstract: Methods for forming or patterning nanostructure arrays are provided. The methods involve formation of arrays on coatings comprising nanostructure association groups, formation of arrays in spin-on-dielectrics, solvent annealing after nanostructure deposition, patterning using resist, and/or use of devices that facilitate array formation. Related devices for forming nanostructure arrays are also provided, as are devices including nanostructure arrays (e.g., memory devices). Methods for protecting nanostructures from fusion during high temperature processing also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Xiangfeng Duan, Chao Liu, Madhuri Nallabolu, J. Wallace Parce, Srikanth Ranganathan
  • Patent number: 8946021
    Abstract: On a silicon substrate is formed a stacked body by alternately stacking a plurality of silicon oxide films and silicon films, a trench is formed in the stacked body, an alumina film, a silicon nitride film and a silicon oxide film are formed in this order on an inner surface of the trench, and a channel silicon crystalline film is formed on the silicon oxide film. Next, a silicon oxide layer is formed at an interface between the silicon oxide film and the channel silicon crystalline film by performing thermal treatment in an oxygen gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshio Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8941171
    Abstract: Memory devices, methods for fabricating, and methods for adjusting flatband voltages are disclosed. In one such memory device, a pair of source/drain regions are formed in a semiconductor. A dielectric material is formed on the semiconductor between the pair of source/drain regions. A control gate is formed on the dielectric material. A charged species is introduced into the dielectric material. The charged species, e.g., mobile ions, has an energy barrier in a range of greater than about 0.5 eV to about 3.0 eV. A flatband voltage of the memory device can be adjusted by moving the charged species to different levels within the dielectric material, thus programming different states into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Meade
  • Patent number: 8912089
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a stacked body on a substrate. The stacked body includes a plurality of first conductive layers including a metallic element as a main component and a plurality of second conductive layers including a metallic element as a main component provided respectively between the first conductive layers. The method includes making a hole to pierce the stacked body. The method includes making a slit to divide the stacked body. The method includes making a gap between the first conductive layers by removing the second conductive layers by etching via the slit or the hole. The method includes forming a memory film including a charge storage film at a side wall of the hole. The method includes forming a channel body on an inner side of the memory film inside the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Seiichi Omoto, Yoshihiro Uozumi, Tadashi Iguchi, Osamu Yamane, Kazuyuki Masukawa, Yoshihiro Yanai
  • Patent number: 8912593
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a second stacked body on the planarized interlayer insulating film and on the uppermost stair. The second stacked body includes a second conductive film thicker than the first conductive film and a second insulating film stacked on the second conductive film. The method includes dividing the second stacked body into a select gate on the uppermost stair and a plurality of wall portions in a staircase region below the uppermost stair. The method includes forming a plurality of vias piercing the interlayer insulating film under a region between the wall portions and reaching the first conductive film of each of the stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Toru Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8907410
    Abstract: A through-the silicon via (TSV) structure providing a built-in TSV U-shaped FET that includes an annular gate shaped as a TSV partially embedded in a substrate, the annular gate having an inner and an outer surface bound by an oxide layer; a drain formed on an isolated epitaxial layer on top of the substrate conformally connecting the gate oxide layer surrounding the inner annular surface of the TSV; a source partially contacting said gate oxide layer conformally contacting gate oxide layer surrounding the outer surface of the TSV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chandrasekharan Kothandaraman, Sami Rosenblatt, Geng Wang
  • Patent number: 8895393
    Abstract: In a semiconductor device and a method of forming such a device, the semiconductor device comprises a substrate of semiconductor material extending in a horizontal direction. A plurality of interlayer dielectric layers is provided on the substrate. A plurality of gate patterns is provided, each gate pattern between a neighboring lower interlayer dielectric layer and a neighboring upper interlayer dielectric layer. A vertical channel of semiconductor material extends in a vertical direction through the plurality of interlayer dielectric layers and the plurality of gate patterns, a gate insulating layer between each gate pattern and the vertical channel that insulates the gate pattern from the vertical channel, the vertical channel being in contact with the substrate at a contact region that comprises a semiconducting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Sung Sim, Jung-Dal Choi
  • Patent number: 8853769
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a transistor having a first electrically conductive gate portion along a first segment of a channel region and a second electrically conductive gate portion along a second segment of the channel region. The second electrically conductive gate portion is a different composition than the first electrically conductive gate portion. Some embodiments include a method of forming a semiconductor construction. First semiconductor material and metal-containing material are formed over a NAND string. An opening is formed through the metal-containing material and the first semiconductor material, and is lined with gate dielectric. Second semiconductor material is provided within the opening to form a channel region of a transistor. The transistor is a select device electrically coupled to the NAND string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Thimmegowda, Andrew R. Bicksler, Roland Awusie
  • Patent number: 8847300
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a conductive layer, a diffusion barrier layer formed over the conductive layer, including a refractory metal compound, and acquired after a surface treatment, and a metal silicide layer formed over the diffusion barrier layer. The adhesion between a diffusion barrier layer and a metal silicide layer may be improved by increasing the surface energy of the diffusion barrier layer through a surface treatment. Therefore, although the metal silicide layer is fused in a high-temperature process, it is possible to prevent a void from being caused at the interface between the diffusion barrier layer and the metal silicide layer. Moreover, it is possible to increase the adhesion between a conductive layer and the diffusion barrier layer by increasing the surface energy of the conductive layer through the surface treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Jin Whang, Moon-Sig Joo, Kwon Hong, Jung-Yeon Lim, Won-Kyu Kim, Bo-Min Seo, Kyoung-Eun Chang
  • Patent number: 8841183
    Abstract: On a silicon substrate is formed a stacked body by alternately stacking a plurality of silicon oxide films and silicon films, a trench is formed in the stacked body, an alumina film, a silicon nitride film and a silicon oxide film are formed in this order on an inner surface of the trench, and a channel silicon crystalline film is formed on the silicon oxide film. Next, a silicon oxide layer is formed at an interface between the silicon oxide film and the channel silicon crystalline film by performing thermal treatment in an oxygen gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshio Ozawa