Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductor wafer technology and, more particularly, to the use of conformal grounding for active charge screening on wafers during wafer processing and metrology. A first aspect of the invention provides a method of reducing an accumulated surface charge on a semiconductor wafer, the method comprising: grounding a layer of conductive material adjacent a substrate of the wafer; and allowing a mirrored charge substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the accumulated surface charge to be induced along the conductive material.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The nonvolatile memory device includes a conductive pillar that extends from a substrate in a first direction, a variable resistor that surrounds the conductive pillar, a switching material layer that surrounds the variable resistor, a first conductive layer that extends in a second direction, and a first electrode that extends in a third direction and contacts the first conductive layer and the switching material layer. Not one of the first, second, and third directions is parallel to another one of the first, second, and third directions.

Abstract: An electrically actuated device includes a first electrode and a second electrode crossing the first electrode at a non-zero angle, thereby forming a junction therebetween. A material is established on the first electrode and at the junction. At least a portion of the material is a matrix region. A current conduction channel extends substantially vertically between the first and second electrodes, and is defined in at least a portion of the material positioned at the junction. The current conduction channel has a controlled profile of dopants therein.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a capacitor within a trench in a workpiece, the capacitor comprising a bottom electrode, a dielectric layer disposed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode disposed over the dielectric layer. A cap layer is formed over the capacitor. Forming the capacitor and forming the cap layer comprise optimizing at least one of: a width of the trench, a thickness of the bottom electrode, a thickness of the dielectric layer, a thickness of the top electrode, and a thickness of the cap layer, so that the cap layer completely covers the top electrode.

Abstract: A wafer, a fabricating method of the same, and a semiconductor substrate are provided. The wafer includes a first substrate layer formed at a first surface, a second substrate layer formed at a second surface opposite to the first surface, the second substrate layer having a greater oxygen concentration than the first substrate layer, and an oxygen diffusion protecting layer formed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer, the oxygen diffusion protecting layer being located closer to the first surface than to the second surface.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based devices and technology for their fabrication are disclosed. The planar, multiple layer deposition technique and simple methods of change of the nanotube conductivity type during the device processing are utilized to provide a simple and cost effective technology for large scale circuit integration. Such devices as p-n diode, CMOS-like circuit, bipolar transistor, light emitting diode and laser are disclosed, all of them are expected to have superior performance then their semiconductor-based counterparts due to excellent CNT electrical and optical properties. When fabricated on semiconductor wafers, the CNT-based devices can be combined with the conventional semiconductor circuit elements, thus producing hybrid devices and circuits.

Abstract: A resistive random access memory (RRAM) includes a resistive memory layer of a transition metal oxide, such as Ni oxide, and is doped with a metal material. The RRAM may include at least one first electrode, a resistive memory layer on the at least one first electrode, the resistive memory layer including a Ni oxide layer doped with at least one element selected from a group consisting of Fe, Co, and Sn, and at least one second electrode on the resistive memory layer. The RRAM device may include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, and the resistive memory layer may be between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a substrate, a lower electrode formed above said substrate, a second variable resistance layer formed above said lower electrode and comprising a second transitional metal oxide, a first variable resistance layer formed above said second variable resistance layer and comprising a first transitional metal oxide having an oxygen content that is lower than an oxygen content of the second transitional metal oxide, and an upper electrode formed above said first variable resistance layer. A step is formed in an interface between said lower electrode and said second variable resistance layer. The second variable resistance layer is formed covering the step and has a bend above the step.

Abstract: The capability of retaining a resistance value of a stored state and an erased state is improved in a resistance variation-type memory device. A memory layer 5 including a high-resistance layer 2 and an ion source layer 3 is provided between a lower electrode 1 and an upper electrode 4. The ion source layer 3 contains Al (aluminum) as an additive element together with an ion conductive material such as S (sulfur), Se (selenium), and Te (tellurium) (chalcogenide element) and a metal element to be ionized such as Zr (zirconium). Since Al is included in the ion source layer 3, the high-resistance layer which includes Al (Al oxide) is formed on an anode in erasing operation. Thus, a retaining property in a high-resistance state improves, and at the same time, an operating speed is improved.

Abstract: A discrete Through-Assembly Via (TAV) module includes a substrate, and vias extending from a surface of the substrate into the substrate. The TAV module is free from conductive features in contact with one end of each of the conductive vias.

Abstract: Some embodiments include vertical stacks of memory units, with individual memory units each having a memory element, a wordline, a bitline and at least one diode. The memory units may correspond to cross-point memory, and the diodes may correspond to band-gap engineered diodes containing two or more dielectric layers sandwiched between metal layers. Tunneling properties of the dielectric materials and carrier injection properties of the metals may be tailored to engineer desired properties into the diodes. The diodes may be placed between the bitlines and the memory elements, or may be placed between the wordlines and memory elements. Some embodiments include methods of forming cross-point memory arrays. The memory arrays may contain vertical stacks of memory unit cells, with individual unit cells containing cross-point memory and at least one diode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a MEMS device comprises forming a MEMS device element (14). A sacrificial layer (20) is provided over the device element and a package cover layer (22) is provided over the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is removed using at least one opening (22) in the cover layer and the at least one opening (24) is sealed by an anneal process.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a word line interconnect layer, a bit line interconnect layer and a pillar. The word line interconnect layer includes a plurality of word lines extending in a first direction. The bit line interconnect layer includes a plurality of bit lines extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The pillar is disposed between each of the word lines and each of the bit lines. The pillar has a selector stacked film containing silicon, and a variable resistance film disposed on a side of the word lines or the bit lines. The selector stacked film has a different component-containing layer. The different component-containing layer is formed at one position in a region excluding ends on the sides of the word and bit lines, and contains a 14 group element having a larger atomic radius than an atomic radius of silicon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of a resistor comprising: a substrate having an interfacial layer thereon; a resistor trench formed in the interfacial layer; at least a work function metal layer covering the surface of the resistor trench; at least two metal bulks located at two ends of the resistor trench and adjacent to the work function metal layer; and a filler formed between the two metal bulks inside the resistor trench, wherein the metal bulks are direct in contact with the filler.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a metal pad over the substrate, and a passivation layer having a portion over the metal pad. A Post-Passivation Interconnect (PPI) line is disposed over the passivation layer and electrically coupled to the metal pad. An Under-Bump Metallurgy (UBM) is disposed over and electrically coupled to the PPI line. A passive device includes a portion at a same level as the UBM. The portion of the passive device is formed of a same material as the UBM.

Abstract: A bond substrate is irradiated with ions, so that an embrittlement layer is formed, then, the bond substrate is bonded to a base substrate. Next, a part of a region of the bonded bond substrate is heated at a temperature higher than a temperature of the other part of the region of the bond substrate, or alternatively, a first heat treatment is performed on the bonded bond substrate as a whole at a first temperature; and a second heat treatment is performed on a part of a region of the bonded bond substrate at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, so that separation of the bond substrate proceeds from the part of the region of the bond substrate to the other part of the region of the bond substrate in the embrittlement layer. Accordingly, a semiconductor layer is formed over the base substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a shaped bottom electrode in a resistance variable memory device. The shaped bottom electrode ensures that the thickness of the insulating material at the tip of the bottom electrode is thinnest, creating the largest electric field at the tip of the bottom electrode. The arrangement of electrodes and the structure of the memory element makes it possible to create conduction paths with stable, consistent and reproducible switching and memory properties in the memory device.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a substrate; first and second pads that are disposed separate from each other on the substrate; and a solder resist that allows a portion of the substrate in a region between the first and second pads and to be exposed while covering a portion of the first and second pads in a region other than the region between the first and second pads.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory element includes a substrate; a lower electrode layer and a resistive layer sequentially formed on the substrate; a resistance variable layer formed on the resistive layer; a wire layer formed above the lower electrode layer; an interlayer insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the wire layer and covering at least the lower electrode layer and the resistive layer, the interlayer insulating layer being provided with a contact hole extending from the wire layer to the resistance variable layer; and an upper electrode layer formed inside the contact hole such that the upper electrode layer is connected to the resistance variable layer and to the wire layer; resistance values of the resistance variable layer changing reversibly in response to electric pulses applied between the lower electrode layer and the upper electrode layer.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) capacitor devices, capacitor trimming for MEMS capacitor devices, and design structures are disclosed. The method includes identifying a process variation related to a formation of micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) capacitor devices across a substrate. The method further includes providing design offsets or process offsets in electrode areas of the MEMS capacitor devices across the substrate, based on the identified process variation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a voltage sensitive resistor (VSR) write once (WO) read only memory (ROM) device which includes a semiconductor device and a VSR connected to the semiconductor device. The VSR WO ROM device is a write once read only device. The VSR includes a CVD titanium nitride layer having residual titanium-carbon bonding such that the VSR is resistive as formed and can become less resistive by an order of 102, more preferably 103 and most preferably 104 when a predetermined voltage and current are applied to the VSR. A plurality of the VSR WO ROM devices may be arranged to form a high density programmable logic circuit in a 3-D stack. Also disclosed are methods to form the VSR WO ROM device.

Abstract: A quantum dot-matrix thin film and a method of preparing a quantum dot-matrix thin film are provided. The thin film includes quantum dots; an inorganic matrix in which the quantum dots are imbedded; and an interface layer disposed between the quantum dots and the inorganic matrix to surround surfaces of the quantum dots. The method includes preparing a quantum dot solution in which quantum dots with inorganic ligands are dispersed; adding a matrix precursor to the quantum dot solution; coating the quantum dot solution comprising the matrix precursor on a substrate; and annealing the substrate coated with the quantum dot solution.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a first power device and a second power device in the substrate, at least one isolation feature between the first and second power device, and a trapping feature adjoining the at least one isolation feature in the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound semiconductor integrated circuit with three-dimensionally formed components, such as three-dimensionally formed bond pads or inductors, positioned above an electronic device. The dielectric layer inserted between the electronic device and the bond pads or inductors thereon has a thickness between 10 to 30 microns, so that it can effectively mitigate the effect of the structure on the device performance. A protection layer can be disposed to cover the electronic devices to prevent contamination from the bond pad or inductor material to the electronic device, and therefore the lower cost copper can be used as the bond pad and inductor material. The three-dimensional bond pad can be used in wire bonding or bump bonding technology.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are direct to nanoscale, reconfigurable memristor devices. In one aspect, a memristor device (500,600) comprises an active region (508,610) sandwiched between a first electrode (301) and a second electrode (302). The active region including a non-volatile dopant region (506,608) selectively formed and positioned within the active region.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to electronic devices, which combine reconfigurable diode rectifying states with nonvolatile memristive switching. In one aspect, an electronic device (210,230,240) comprises an active region (212) sandwiched between a first electrode (104) and a second electrode (106). The active region includes two or more semiconductor layers and at least one dopant that is capable of being selectively positioned within the active region to control the flow of charge carriers through the device.

Abstract: A method for forming a non-volatile memory device includes forming a dielectric material overlying a semiconductor substrate, forming a first wiring structure overlying the first dielectric material, depositing an undoped amorphous silicon layer, depositing an aluminum layer over the amorphous silicon layer at a temperature of about 450 Degrees Celsius or lower, annealing the amorphous silicon and aluminum at a temperature of about 450 Degrees Celsius or lower to form a p+ polycrystalline layer, depositing a resistive switching material comprising an amorphous silicon material overlying the polycrystalline silicon material, forming a second wiring structure comprising a metal material overlying the resistive switching material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there are provided a first shaped pattern in which a plurality of first holes are arranged and of which a width is periodically changed along an arrangement direction of the first holes, a second shaped pattern in which a plurality of second holes are arranged and of which a width is periodically changed along an arrangement direction of the second holes, and slits which are formed along the arrangement direction of the first holes and separate the first shaped pattern and the second shaped pattern.

Abstract: A memristor having an active region includes a first electrode. The first electrode comprises a nanostructure formed of at least one metallic single walled nanotube. The memristor also includes a second electrode formed of at least one metallic single walled nanotube. The second electrode is positioned in a crossed relationship with respect to the first electrode. The memristor further includes a switching material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, in which the active region is configured to form in the switching material at a cross point of the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory element includes first and second electrodes, and a resistance variable layer disposed therebetween. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a platinum-containing layer. The resistance variable layer includes a first oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layer which is not physically in contact with the platinum-containing layer and a second oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layer which is disposed between the first oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layer and the platinum-containing layer and is physically in contact with the platinum-containing layer. When oxygen-deficient transition metal oxides included in the first and second oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layers are expressed as MOx, and MOy, respectively, x<y is satisfied. The platinum-containing layer has a thickness which is not less than 1 nm and not more than 23 nm.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory element comprises a first electrode (103); a second electrode (105); and a resistance variable layer (104) disposed between the first electrode (103) and the second electrode (105), resistance values of the resistance variable layer reversibly changing in response to electric signals applied between the electrodes (103, 105); the resistance variable layer (104) including a first tantalum oxide layer (107) comprising a first tantalum oxide and a second tantalum oxide layer (108) comprising a second tantalum oxide which is different in oxygen content from the first tantalum oxide, the first tantalum oxide layer and the second tantalum oxide layer being stacked together, and being configured such that 0<x<2.5 is satisfied when the first tantalum oxide is expressed as TaOx and x<y?2.5 is satisfied when the second tantalum oxide is expressed as TaOy; and the second electrode (105) being in contact with the second tantalum oxide layer (108) and comprising platinum and tantalum.

Abstract: A large-capacity and inexpensive nonvolatile semiconductor memory device that prevents a leak current and is operated at high speed is implemented with a nonvolatile variable resistive element. A memory cell array includes the nonvolatile variable resistive elements each including a variable resistor composed of a metal oxide film to cause a resistance change according to an oxygen concentration in the film, an insulation film formed on the variable resistor, first and second electrodes to sandwich the variable resistor, and a third electrode opposite to the variable resistor across the insulation film. A writing operation is performed by applying a voltage to the third electrode to induce an electric field having a threshold value or more, in a direction perpendicular to an interface between the variable resistor and the insulation film, and a resistance state of the variable resistor is read by applying a voltage between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device which can achieve miniaturization and a larger capacity in a cross-point structure in which memory cells are formed inside contact holes at cross points of word lines and bit lines, respectively, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided.

Abstract: Example embodiments, relate to a non-volatile memory element and a memory device including the same. The non-volatile memory element may include a memory layer having a multi-layered structure between two electrodes. The memory layer may include first and second material layers and may show a resistance change characteristic due to movement of ionic species therebetween. The first material layer may be an oxygen-supplying layer. The second material layer may be an oxide layer having a multi-trap level.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including an isolation region, and a resistor disposed over the isolation region, wherein the resistor includes an implant with an inverse box-like dopant profile that minimizes resistance variation from subsequent planarization variation. A contact is disposed over the resistor. A method of fabricating such a semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: A memory or switching device includes a mesa and a first electrode conforming to said mesa. The device also includes a second electrode and a phase-change or switching material disposed between said first and second electrodes. The phase-change or switching material is in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes at a first contact region and a second contact region respectively. Also described is a method for making a memory or switching device. The method includes providing a first insulator and configuring the first insulator to provide a mesa. A first conductive layer is provided conforming to the mesa. A phase-change or switching material is provided over a portion of the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer is provided over the phase-change or switching material.

Abstract: A capacitor includes a pillar-type storage node, a supporter disposed entirely within an inner empty crevice of the storage node, a conductive capping layer over the supporter and contacting the storage node so as to seal an entrance to the inner empty crevice, a dielectric layer over the storage node, and a plate node over the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure includes a first dielectric layer, a first damascene electrode layer, an insulating barrier layer, a second dielectric layer and a second damascene electrode layer. The first damascene electrode layer is formed in the first dielectric layer. The insulating barrier layer covers the first dielectric layer and the first damascene electrode layer, and is a single layer structure. The second dielectric layer is formed on the insulating barrier layer. The second damascene electrode layer is formed in the second dielectric layer and is contacted with the insulating barrier layer. The MIM capacitor structure can includes a dual damascene structure formed in the second dielectric layer and the insulating barrier layer and electrically connected to the first damascene electrode layer. A method for manufacturing the MIM capacitor structure is also provided.

Abstract: A low-cost fabrication technique, readily extensible to volume manufacturing is presented for thin strip solar cells. A wafer structure is disclosed for formation of thin strips. Plurality of strips is formed and mechanically supported by a thin layer of silicon with uneven surface. Processing methods are also disclosed to fabricate solar cells.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a structure for finger capacitors, and more specifically metal-oxide-metal (“MOM”) finger capacitors and arrays of finger capacitors. A plurality of Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) formations is associated with every other column of capacitor fingers, with poly fill formations covering the STI formations to provide a more robust and efficient structure.

Abstract: Planarization methods and microelectronic structures formed therefrom are disclosed. The methods and structures use planarization materials comprising fluorinated compounds or acetoacetylated compounds. The materials are self-leveling and achieve planarization over topography without the use of etching, contact planarization, chemical mechanical polishing, or other conventional planarization techniques.

Abstract: A multi junction photodiode for molecular detection and discrimination and fabrication methods thereof. The multi junction photodiode includes a substrate having first conductive type dopants, an epitaxial layer having the first conductive type dopants, a deep well having second conductive type dopants, a first well having the first conductive type dopants, a second well having the second conductive type dopants, a third well having the first conductive type dopants, and a first doped region having the second conductive type dopants. The epitaxial layer is disposed on the substrate. The deep well is disposed in the epitaxial layer. The first well having three sides connected to the epitaxial layer is disposed in the deep well. The second well is disposed in the first well. The third well having three sides connected to the epitaxial layer is disposed in the second well. The first doped region is disposed in the third well.

Abstract: A memristor includes a first electrode having a triangular cross section, in which the first electrode has a tip and a base, a switching material positioned upon the first electrode, and a second electrode positioned upon the switching material. The tip of the first electrode faces the second electrode and an active region in the switching material is formed between the tip of the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a resistive memory device and a method of manufacturing the resistive memory device that includes a bottom electrode, an insulating layer that is formed on the bottom electrode and has a hole that exposes the bottom electrode, a resistance layer and an intermediate layer which are formed in the hole, a switch structure formed on a surface of the intermediate layer, and an upper electrode formed on the switch structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device having low depletion ratio capacitor comprising: forming hemispherical grains (HSG) on a poly-silicon; doping the hemispherical grained polysilicon in a phosphine gas; and rapid thermal oxidizing the doped hemispherical grained polysilicon at 850° C. for 10 seconds. The method further comprises nitridizing the rapid thermal oxidized hemispherical-grained polysilicon and depositing a alumina film on the silicon nitride layer. A semiconductor integrated circuit device having a low depletion ratio capacitor according to the disclosed manufacturing method is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent memory for a transparent electronic device. The transparent memory includes: a lower transparent electrode layer that is sequentially formed on a transparent substrate, and a data storage region and an upper transparent layer which are made of at least one transparent resistance-variable material layer. The transparent resistance-variable material layer has switching characteristics as a result of the resistance variance caused by the application of a certain voltage between the lower and upper transparent electrode layers. An optical band gap of the transparent resistance-variable material layer is 3 eV or more, and transmittivity of the material layer for visible rays is 80% or more. The invention provides transparent and resistance-variable memory that: has very high transparency and switching characteristics depending on resistance variation at a low switching voltage, and can maintain the switching characteristics thereof after a long time elapses.

Abstract: There are provided a resistance variable nonvolatile memory device which changes its resistance stably at low voltages and is suitable for a miniaturized configuration, and a manufacturing method thereof. The nonvolatile memory device comprises: a substrate (100); a first electrode (101); an interlayer insulating layer (102); a memory cell hole (103) formed in the interlayer insulating layer; a first resistance variable layer (104a) formed in at least a bottom portion of the memory cell hole and connected to the first electrode; a second resistance variable layer (104b) formed inside the memory cell hole (103) and located on the first resistance variable layer (104a); and a second electrode (105); the first resistance variable layer (104a) and the second resistance variable layer (104b) respectively comprising metal oxides of the same kind; and the first resistance variable layer (104a) having a higher oxygen content than the second resistance variable layer (104b).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of a module, the module includes a plurality of gate driver chips coupled in parallel and having a common gate input, a common supply voltage and a common output. The chips are spaced apart from one another and have a combined width extending between an edge of a first outer one of the chips and an opposing edge of a second outer one of the chips. The module further includes a plurality of capacitors coupled in parallel between ground and the common supply voltage, and a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission line medium coupled to the common output of the chips and having a current flow direction perpendicular to the combined width of the chips.

Abstract: A metal-oxide-metal capacitor comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a plurality of first fingers and a plurality of second fingers. Each first finger and its corresponding second finger are in parallel and separated by a low k dielectric material. A guard ring is employed to enclose the metal-oxide-metal capacitor so as to prevent moisture from penetrating into the low k dielectric material.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a recess and a material. The recess is located in the substrate, wherein the recess has an upper part and a lower part. The minimum width of the upper part is larger than the maximum width of the lower part. The material is located in the recess.