Having Heterojunction (e.g., Hemt, Modfet, Etc.) Patents (Class 438/172)
  • Patent number: 7045377
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming a superlattice comprising a plurality of stacked groups of layers. Each group of layers of the superlattice may include a plurality of stacked base silicon monolayers defining a base silicon portion and an energy band-modifying layer thereon. The energy band-modifying layer may include at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base silicon portions. The method may further include forming a semiconductor layer adjacent the superlattice and comprising at least one first region therein including a first conductivity type dopant. At least one second region may be formed in the superlattice including a second conductivity type dopant to define, with the at least one first region, at least one semiconductor junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: RJ Mears, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Mears, Robert John Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7022597
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing gallium nitride based transparent conductive oxidized film ohmic electrodes includes forming a transparent conductive film on a GaN layer, forming a transparent conductive hetero-junction of opposing electrical characteristics on a transparent conductive film on the surface of the GaN layer through an ion diffusion process, and laying a metallic thick film on the surface of the transparent conductive hetero-junction for wiring process in the later fabrication operation. Thus through the electron and hole tunneling effect in the ion diffusion process the Fermi level of the hetero-junction may be improved to form an ohmic contact electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Tekcore Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lung-Han Peng, Han-Ming Wu, Sung-Li Wang, Chia-Wei Chang, Chin-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 7015518
    Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device which makes it possible to avoid deterioration in the step coverage property at a gate electrode provided on an operating region and decrease a leakage current between the operating region and the gate electrode. The semiconductor device arranged as a HEMT is made to include an operating region composed of multilayer films, such as a channel layer, an electron supplying layer and other semiconductor layer, and having an island structure independently mesa-isolated from one another. The semiconductor device also includes a gate electrode and an impurity diffusion layer provided on the surface of the operating region, the impurity diffusion layer being doped with an impurity having a conductivity type inverse to the impurity doped into the electron supplying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Junichiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7012287
    Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device which makes it possible to avoid deterioration in the step coverage property at a gate electrode provided on an operating region and decrease a leakage current between the operating region and the gate electrode. The semiconductor device arranged as a HEMT is made to include an operating region composed of multilayer films, such as a channel layer, an electron supplying layer and other semiconductor layer, and having an island structure independently mesa-isolated from one another. The semiconductor device also includes a gate electrode and an impurity diffusion layer provided on the surface of the operating region, the impurity diffusion layer being doped with an impurity having a conductivity type inverse to the impurity doped into the electron supplying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Junichiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7011997
    Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device which makes it possible to avoid deterioration in the step coverage property at a gate electrode provided on an operating region and decrease a leakage current between the operating region and the gate electrode. The semiconductor device arranged as a HEMT is made to include an operating region composed of multilayer films, such as a channel layer, an electron supplying layer and other semiconductor layer, and having an island structure independently mesa-isolated from one another. The semiconductor device also includes a gate electrode and an impurity diffusion layer provided on the surface of the operating region, the impurity diffusion layer being doped with an impurity having a conductivity type inverse to the impurity doped into the electron supplying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Junichiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7005333
    Abstract: A transistor and method of manufacturing thereof having stressed material layers formed in the channel to increase the speed and improve performance of the transistor. A layer of silicon and carbon is epitaxially grown in the channel region. A thin semiconductor material may be formed over the layer of silicon and carbon, and a stressed semiconductor layer may be epitaxially grown prior to forming the layer of silicon and carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hong-Jyh Li
  • Patent number: 7001820
    Abstract: The following layers are successively formed on a heavily-doped n-type first subcollector layer: a heavily-doped n-type second subcollector layer made of a material having a small band gap; an i-type or a lightly-doped n-type collector layer; a heavily-doped p-type base layer; an n-type emitter layer made of a material having a large band gap; a heavily-doped n-type emitter cap layer; and a heavily-doped n-type emitter contact layer made of a material having a small band gap. Alloying reaction layers are formed under an emitter electrode, a base electrode and a collector electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Miyajima, Akiyoshi Tamura, Keiichi Murayama
  • Patent number: 6989287
    Abstract: A method for producing a nitride semiconductor comprising growing at least first to third nitride semiconductor layers on a substrate; said first nitride semiconductor layer being grown at 400–600° C.; and said second and third nitride semiconductor layers being grown on said first nitride semiconductor layer at 700–1,300° C. after heat-treating said first nitride semiconductor layer at 700–1,300° C.; used as a carrier gas supplied near said substrate together with a starting material gas being a hydrogen/nitrogen mixture gas containing 63% or more by volume of hydrogen during growing said second nitride semiconductor layer, and a hydrogen/nitrogen mixture gas containing 50% or more by volume of nitrogen during growing said third nitride semiconductor layer; and said second nitride semiconductor layer being formed to a thickness of more than 1 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Fujikura, Kazuyuki Iizuka
  • Patent number: 6984853
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) with high electron mobility transistors, such as enhancement mode pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors (E-pHEMTs) and method for fabricating the IC utilizes an increased gate-to-drain etch recess spacing in some of the high electron mobility transistors to provide on-chip electrostatic discharge protection. The use of the increased gate-to-drain etch recess spacing allows smaller high electron mobility transistors to be used for ancillary low speed applications on the IC, which reduces the chip area occupied by these ancillary transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Chul Hong Park
  • Patent number: 6972461
    Abstract: A structure for use as a MOSFET employs an SOI wafer with a SiGe island resting on the SOI layer and extending between two blocks that serve as source and drain; epitaxially grown Si on the vertical surfaces of the SiGe forms the transistor channel. The lattice structure of the SiGe is arranged such that the epitaxial Si has little or no strain in the direction between the S and D and a significant strain perpendicular to that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xiangdong Chen, Dureseti Chidambarrao, Geng Wang, Huilong Zhu
  • Patent number: 6933181
    Abstract: In a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a first semiconductor layer of aluminum gallium nitride is first formed on a substrate, and a protection film containing silicon is then formed on the first semiconductor layer in such a manner that a device-isolation region is uncovered. Thereafter, the method further includes the step of heat-treating the first semiconductor layer in an oxidizing atmosphere whose temperature is adjusted to be within a range of 950° C. or more and 1050° C. or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Inoue, Yoshito Ikeda, Katsunori Nishii, Yutaka Hirose
  • Patent number: 6929987
    Abstract: In a method of forming a semiconductor device with a first channel layer formed over a portion of a second channel layer, a portion of the second channel underlying the first channel is etched so as to form an overhanging ledge in the first channel, and then a metallic contact disposed on top of the ledge portion is diffused into the first channel by ohmic alloying to form an electrode in the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Jeong-Sun Moon
  • Patent number: 6927414
    Abstract: A method for forming and the structure of a strained lateral channel of a field effect transistor, a field effect transistor and CMOS circuitry is described incorporating a drain, body and source region on a single crystal semiconductor substrate wherein a hetero-junction is formed between the source and body of the transistor, wherein the source region and channel are independently lattice strained with respect the body region. The invention reduces the problem of leakage current from the source region via the hetero-junction and lattice strain while independently permitting lattice strain in the channel region for increased mobility via choice of the semiconductor materials and alloy composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Qiqing Christine Ouyang, Jack Oon Chu
  • Patent number: 6917061
    Abstract: A heterojunction bipolar transistor is provided that has a reduced turn-on voltage threshold. A base spacer layer is provided and alternately an emitter layer is provided that has a lowered energy gap. The lowered energy gap of the base spacer or the emitter spacer allow the heterojunction bipolar transistor to realize a lower turn-on voltage threshold. The thickness of the emitter layer if utilized is kept to a minimum to reduce the associated space charge recombination current in the heterojunction bipolar transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Microlink Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Noren Pan, Byung-Kwon Han
  • Patent number: 6908799
    Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor comprises a GaN-based electron accumulation layer formed on a substrate, an electron supply layer formed on the electron accumulation layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the electron supply layer and spaced from each other, a gate electrode formed on the electron supply layer between the source and drain electrodes, and a hole absorption electrode formed on the electron accumulation layer so as to be substantially spaced from the electron supply layer. Since the hole absorption electrode is formed on the electron absorption layer in order to prevent holes generated by impact ionization from being accumulated on the electron accumulation layer, a kink phenomenon is prevented. Good drain-current/voltage characteristics are therefore obtained. A high power/high electron mobility transistor is provided with a high power-added efficiency and good linearity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Mayumi Morizuka
  • Patent number: 6902964
    Abstract: The present invention provides a unit cell of a metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET). The unit cell of the MESFET includes a delta doped silicon carbide MESFET having a source, a drain and a gate. The gate is situated between the source and the drain and extends into a doped channel layer of a first conductivity type. Regions of silicon carbide adjacent to the source and the drain extend between the source and the gate and the drain and the gate, respectively. The regions of silicon carbide have carrier concentrations that are greater than a carrier concentration of the doped channel layer and are spaced apart from the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Saptharishi Sriram
  • Patent number: 6902965
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first epitaxial layer, a second epitaxial layer, a third epitaxial layer, a first trench, and a second trench. The first epitaxial layer is formed on the substrate. The first layer has lattice mismatch relative to the substrate. The second epitaxial layer is formed on the first layer, and the second layer has lattice mismatch relative to the first layer. The third epitaxial layer is formed on the second layer, and the third layer has lattice mismatch relative to the second layer. Hence, the third layer may be strained silicon. The first trench extends through the first layer. The second trench extends through the third layer and at least partially through the second layer. At least part of the second trench is aligned with at lease part of the first trench, and the second trench is at least partially filled with an insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Hu Ge, Wen-Chin Lee, Chenming Hu
  • Patent number: 6872625
    Abstract: Field-Effect Transistor Based on Embedded Cluster Structures and Process for Its Production In field-effect transistors, semiconductor clusters, which can extend from the source region to the drain region and which can be implemented in two ways, are embedded in one or a plurality of layers. In a first embodiment, the semiconductor material of the adjacent channel region can be strained by the clusters and the effective mass can thus be reduced by altering the energy band structure and the charge carrier mobility can be increased. In a second embodiment, the clusters themselves can be used as a canal region. These two embodiments can also appear in mixed forms. The invention can be applied to the Si material system with SiGe clusters or to the GaAs material system with InGaAs clusters or to other material systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Oliver G. Schmidt, Karl Eberl
  • Patent number: 6867078
    Abstract: A microwave field effect transistor (10) has a high conductivity gate (44) overlying a double heterojunction structure (14, 18, 22) that has an undoped channel layer (18). The heterojunction structure overlies a substrate (12). A recess layer that is a not intentionally doped (NID) layer (24) overlies the heterojunction structure and is formed with a predetermined thickness that minimizes impact ionization effects at an interface of a drain contact of source/drain ohmic contacts (30) and permits significantly higher voltage operation than previous step gate transistors. Another recess layer (26) is used to define a gate dimension. A Schottky gate opening (42) is formed within a step gate opening (40) to create a step gate structure. A channel layer (18) material of InxGa1?xAs is used to provide a region of electron confinement with improved transport characteristics that result in higher frequency of operation, higher power density and improved power-added efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Green, Olin L. Hartin, Lawrence S. Klingbeil, Ellen Y. Lan, Hsin-Hua P. Li, Charles E. Weitzel
  • Patent number: 6864127
    Abstract: There are disclosed techniques for providing a simplified process sequence for fabricating a semiconductor device. The sequence starts with forming an amorphous film containing silicon. Then, an insulating film having openings is formed on the amorphous film. A catalytic element is introduced through the openings to effect crystallization. Thereafter, a window is formed in the insulating film, and P ions are implanted. This process step forms two kinds of regions simultaneously (i.e., gettering regions for gettering the catalytic element and regions that will become the lower electrode of each auxiliary capacitor later).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hideto Ohnuma, Tamae Takano, Hisashi Ohtani
  • Patent number: 6861679
    Abstract: A hetero field effect transistor according to the present invention comprises an InP substrate, a channel layer provided on the InP substrate with a buffer layer disposed between the InP substrate and the channel layer, a spacer layer constituted by a semiconductor having a band gap larger than that of the channel layer formed to hetero-join to the channel layer, and a carrier supply layer formed to be adjacent to the spacer layer, wherein the channel layer comprises a predetermined semiconductor layer constituted by a compound semiconductor represented by a formula GaxIn1?xNyA1?y in which A is As or Sb, composition x satisfies 0?x?0.2, and composition y satisfies 0.03?y?0.10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Otsuka, Koichi Mizuno, Shigeo Yoshii, Asamira Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6858502
    Abstract: A method and a layered heterostructure for forming p-channel field effect transistors is described incorporating a plurality of semiconductor layers on a semiconductor substrate, a composite channel structure of a first epitaxial Ge layer and a second compressively strained SiGe layer having a higher barrier or a deeper confining quantum well and having extremely high hole mobility. The invention overcomes the problem of a limited hole mobility for a p-channel device with only a single compressively strained SiGe channel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Oon Chu, Richard Hammond, Khalid EzzEldin Ismail, Steven John Koester, Patricia May Mooney, John A. Ott
  • Patent number: 6855556
    Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions of mutated binding proteins containing reporter groups, analyte biosensor devices derived there from, and their use as analyte biosensor both in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Terry J. Amiss, Colleen M. Nycz, J. Bruce Pitner, Douglas B. Sherman, David J. Wright
  • Patent number: 6852602
    Abstract: A multi-layer film 10 is formed by stacking a Si1-x1-y1Gex1Cy1 layer (0?x1<1 and 0<y1<1) having a small Ge mole fraction, e.g., a Si0.785Ge0.2C0.015 layer 13, and a Si1-x2-y2Gex2Cy2 layer (0<x2?1 and 0?y2<1) (where x1<x2 and y1>y2) having a high Ge mole fraction, e.g., a Si0.2Ge0.8 layer 12. In this manner, the range in which the multi-layer film serves as a SiGeC layer with C atoms incorporated into lattice sites extends to high degrees in which a Ge mole fraction is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Kanzawa, Tohru Saitoh, Katsuya Nozawa, Minoru Kubo, Yoshihiro Hara, Takeshi Takagi, Takahiro Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6849883
    Abstract: A MOSFET device including a semiconductor substrate, an SiGe layer provided on top of the semiconductor substrate, an Si layer provided on top of the SiGe layer; and a first isolation region for separating the Si layer into a first region and a second region, wherein the Si layer in the second region is turned into an Si epitaxial layer greater in thickness than the Si layer in the first region. The MOSFET device further includes at least one first MOSFET with the Si layer in the first region serving as a strained Si channel, and at least one second MOSFET with the Si epitaxial layer serving as an Si channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Okihara
  • Patent number: 6844227
    Abstract: In a field effect transistor, an Si layer, an SiC (Si1-yCy) channel layer, a CN gate insulating film made of a carbon nitride layer (CN) and a gate electrode are deposited in this order on an Si substrate. The thickness of the SiC channel layer is set to a value that is less than or equal to the critical thickness so that a dislocation due to a strain does not occur according to the carbon content. A source region and a drain region are formed on opposite sides of the SiC channel layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode are provided on the source region and the drain region, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Kubo, Yo Ichikawa, Akira Asai, Takahiro Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6838325
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a self-aligned, selectively etched, double recess high electron mobility transistor. The method includes providing a semiconductor structure having a III-V substrate; a first relatively wide band gap layer, a channel layer, a second relatively wide band gap Schottky layer, an etch stop layer; a III-V third wide band gap layer on etch stop layer; and an ohmic contact layer on the third relatively wide band gap layer. A mask is provided having a gate contact aperture to expose a gate region of the ohmic contact layer. A first wet chemical etch is brought into contact with portions of the ohmic contact layer exposed by the gate contact aperture. The first wet chemical selectively removes exposed portions of the ohmic contact layer and underlying portions of the third relatively wide band gap layer. The etch stop layer inhibits the first wet chemical etch from removing portions of such etch stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Colin S. Whelan, Elsa K. Tong
  • Patent number: 6821829
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor component includes providing a substrate (110) with a surface (119), providing a layer (120) of undoped gallium arsenide over the surface of the substrate, forming a gate contact (210) over a first portion of the layer, and removing a second portion of the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Peatman, Eric S. Johnson, Adolfo C. Reyes
  • Publication number: 20040229417
    Abstract: Resist patterns (R11 and R12) are formed such that an opening between both the films is aligned to the position, where the source electrode (7) is formed, while the region on the N+-layer (5), where the drain electrode (8) is formed afterwards, is covered by the resist film (R11). After ohmic electrode material is applied from a direction perpendicular to a semiconductor substrate (1), the resist films (R11 and R12) are removed with the ohmic electrode films (OM11 and OM12). The remaining ohmic electrode film (OM14) functions as the source electrode (7). After the above-described first lift off process, the second lift off process is performed to form a drain electrode (8) on the N+-layer (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Furuta, Takahiro Imayoshi
  • Patent number: 6797994
    Abstract: A transistor structure is provided. This structure has a source electrode and a drain electrode. A doped cap layer of GaxIn1−xAs is disposed below the source electrode and the drain electrode and provides a cap layer opening. An undoped resistive layer of GaxIn1−xAs is disposed below the cap layer and defines a resistive layer opening in registration with the cap layer opening and having a first width. A Schottky layer of AlyIn1−yAs is disposed below the resistive layer. An undoped channel layer is disposed below the Schottky layer. A semi-insulating substrate is disposed below the channel layer. A top surface of the Schottky layer beneath the resistive layer opening provides a recess having a second width smaller than the first width. A gate electrode is in contact with a bottom surface of the recess provided by the Schottky layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William E. Hoke, Katerina Y. Hur
  • Patent number: 6787820
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an AlGaN film formed on a GaN film on a substrate, a gate electrode formed on the AlGaN film, and source and drain electrodes formed on either side of the gate electrode on the AlGaN film. An n-type InxGayAl1-x-yN film is interposed between the source and drain electrodes and the AlGaN film. Alternatively, the semiconductor device includes an n-type InxGayAl1-x-yN film formed on a GaN film on a substrate, a gate electrode formed on the InxGayAl1-x-yN film, and source and drain electrodes formed on either side of the gate electrode on the InxGayAl1-x-yN film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Inoue, Yoshito Ikeda, Hiroyuki Masato
  • Patent number: 6777278
    Abstract: High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and methods of fabricating HEMTs are provided Devices according to embodiments of the present invention include a gallium nitride (GaN) channel layer and an aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) barrier layer on the channel layer. A first ohmic contact is provided on the barrier layer-to provide a source electrode and a second ohmic contact is also provided on the barrier layer and is spaced apart from the source electrode to provide a drain electrode. A GaN-based cap segment is provided on the barrier layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode. The GaN-based cap segment has a first sidewall adjacent and spaced apart from the source electrode and may have a second sidewall adjacent and spaced apart from the drain electrode. A non-ohmic contact is provided on the GaN-based cap segment to provide a gate contact. The gate contact has a first sidewall which is substantially aligned with the first sidewall of the GaN-based cap segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Peter Smith
  • Patent number: 6764888
    Abstract: A method of producing nitride based heterostructure devices by using a quaternary layer comprised of AlInGaN. The quaternary layer may be used in conjunction with a ternary layer in varying thicknesses and compositions that independently adjust polarization charges and band offsets for device structure optimization by using strain compensation profiles. The profiles can be adjusted by altering profiles of molar fractions of In and Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Asif Khan, Remigijus Gaska, Michael Shur, Jinwei Yang
  • Publication number: 20040137657
    Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor devices with thin (e.g., submicron) and/or thick (e.g., between 1 micron and 100 microns thick) Group III nitride layers during a single epitaxial run is provided, the layers exhibiting sharp layer-to-layer interfaces. According to one aspect, an HVPE reactor is provided that includes one or more gas inlet tubes adjacent to the growth zone, thus allowing fine control of the delivery of reactive gases to the substrate surface. According to another aspect, an HVPE reactor is provided that includes at least one growth zone as well as a growth interruption zone. According to another aspect, an HVPE reactor is provided that includes extended growth sources such as slow growth rate gallium source with a reduced gallium surface area. According to another aspect, an HVPE reactor is provided that includes multiple sources of the same material, for example Mg, which can be used sequentially to prolong a growth cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Dmitriev, Denis V. Tsvetkov, A. Pechnikov, Yuri V. Melnik, A. Usikov, O. Kovalenkov
  • Patent number: 6762083
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hetero-junction field effect transistor (HFET) device, which includes sequentially forming a non-doped GaN semiconductor layer and an AlGaN semiconductor layer on a substrate, separating devices from each other by etching the substrate, forming a photoresist layer pattern on the AlGaN semiconductor layer and forming gate electrodes by depositing a material on the substrate using the photoresist layer pattern, treating the surface of the AlGaN semiconductor layer, and forming a photoresist layer pattern on the substrate and forming ohmic electrodes by depositing a metal on the substrate using the photoresist layer pattern, is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to overcome a difficulty in aligning the gate electrode with the ohmic electrodes and prevent a substrate from having a step difference introduced by the ohmic electrodes because the gate electrode is formed before the ohmic electrodes are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Pohang University of Science and Technology Foundation
    Inventors: Jong-Lam Lee, Chang Min Jeon, Ho Won Jang
  • Publication number: 20040124435
    Abstract: There is provided an electronic device. The electronic device includes at least one epitaxial semiconductor layer disposed on a single crystal substrate comprised of gallium nitride having a dislocation density less than about 105 per cm2. A method of forming an electronic device is also provided. The method includes providing a single crystal substrate comprised of gallium nitride having a dislocation density less than about 105 per cm2, and homoepitaxially forming at least one semiconductor layer on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark Phillip D'Evelyn, Nicole Andrea Evers, An-Ping Zhang, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Jeffrey Bernard Fedison
  • Patent number: 6744104
    Abstract: A gate electrode of an n-channel IGFET includes a first region composed of at least a first IV group element and a second IV group element which are different from each other, and a second region composed of the first IV group element. Similarly, a gate electrode of a p-channel IGFET includes first and second regions. For example, the first region is made of SiGe while the second region is made of Si. In both of the n-channel and P-channel IGFET, silicide electrodes are formed on the gate electrodes 4N and 4P through silicidation of at least parts of the second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Nobutoshi Aoki, Ichiro Mizushima, Kazuya Ohuchi
  • Publication number: 20040075106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate, comprising the step of: forming a first buffer Si layer on a substrate having a silicon surface; epitaxially growing, in sequence, a first strained SiGe layer and a first Si layer above the first buffer Si layer; implanting ions into the resulting substrate followed by annealing so as to relax the lattice of the first strained SiGe layer and to thereby providing tensile strain in the first Si layer and so that tensile strain is provided in the first Si layer; and epitaxially growing, in sequence, a second buffer Si layer and a second SiGe layer above the rezulting substrate; and forming a second Si layer having tensile strain on the second SiGe layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Takenaka
  • Patent number: 6723541
    Abstract: A method of producing a strain-relaxed Si—Ge virtual substrate for use in a semiconductor substrate which is planar and of less defects for improving the performance of a field effect semiconductor device, which method comprises covering an Si—Ge layer formed on an SOI substrate with an insulating layer to prevent evaporation of Ge, heating the mixed layer of silicon and germanium at a temperature higher than a solidus curve temperature determined by the germanium content of the Si—Ge layer into a partially melting state, and diffusing germanium to the Si layer on the insulating layer, thereby solidifying the molten Si—Ge layer to obtain a strain-relaxed Si—Ge virtual substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Sugii, Shinya Yamaguchi, Katsuyoshi Washio
  • Publication number: 20040029330
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device which protects the ohmic metal contacts and the channel of the device during subsequent high temperature processing steps is explained. An encapsulation layer is used to cover the channel and ohmic metal contacts. The present invention provides a substrate on which a plurality of semiconductor layers are deposited. The semiconductor layers act as the channel of the device. The semiconductor layers are covered with an encapsulation layer. A portion of the encapsulation layer and the plurality of semiconductor layers are removed, wherein ohmic metal contacts are deposited. The ohmic metal contacts are then annealed to help reduce their resistance. The encapsulation layer ensures that the ohmic metal contacts do not migrate during the annealing step and that the channel is not harmed by the high temperatures needed during the annealing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Tahir Hussain, Miroslav Micovic, Paul Hashimoto, Gary Peng, Ara K. Kurdoghlian
  • Patent number: 6689652
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high electron mobility transistor, comprising laminating an electron accumulation layer and an electron supply layer successively on a substrate; selectively removing the electron supply layer to isolate an element region; forming a source and a drain electrode on the electron supply layer of the isolated element region; and forming a hole absorption electrode on the electron accumulation layer exposed by the selective removal of the electron supply layer, and simultaneously forming a gate electrode on the electron supply layer of the isolated element region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Mayumi Morizuka
  • Patent number: 6677192
    Abstract: Structures and methods for fabricating high speed digital, analog, and combined digital/analog systems using planarized relaxed SiGe as the materials platform. The relaxed SiGe allows for a plethora of strained Si layers that possess enhanced electronic properties. By allowing the MOSFET channel to be either at the surface or buried, one can create high-speed digital and/or analog circuits. The planarization before the device epitaxial layers are deposited ensures a flat surface for state-of-the-art lithography. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of fabricating a semiconductor structure including providing a relaxed Si1−xGex layer on a substrate; planarizing said relaxed Si1−xGex layer; and depositing a device heterostructure on said planarized relaxed Si1−xGex layer including at least one strained layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: AmberWave Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene A. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20030227027
    Abstract: A process and related product in which ohmic contacts are formed in High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) employing compound substrates such as gallium nitride. An improved device and an improvement to a process for fabrication of ohmic contacts to GaN/AlGaN HEMTs using a novel two step resist process to fabricate the ohmic contacts are described. This novel two-step process consists of depositing a plurality of layers having compounds of Group III V elements on a substrate; patterning and depositing a first photoresist on one of the layers; etching recessed areas into this layer; depositing ohmic metals on the recessed areas; removing the first photoresist; patterning and depositing a second photoresist, smaller in profile than the first photoresist, on the layer; depositing more ohmic metal on the layer allowing for complete coverage of the recessed areas; removing the second photoresist, and annealing the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Miroslav Micovic, Tahir Hussain, Paul Hashimoto, Janna Ruth Duvall
  • Publication number: 20030215990
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating multi-layer semiconductor structures including strained material layers using a minimum number of process tools and under conditions optimized for each layer. Certain regions of the strained material layers are kept free of impurities that can interdiffuse from adjacent portions of the semiconductor. When impurities are present in certain regions of the strained material layers, there is degradation in device performance. By employing semiconductor structures and devices (e.g., field effect transistors or “FETs”) that have the features described, or are fabricated in accordance with the steps described, device operation is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene Fitzgerald, Matthew Currie
  • Publication number: 20030215989
    Abstract: A semiconductor device having a transistor of gate all around (GAA) type and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. A SOI substrate composed of a SOI layer, a buried oxide layer and a lower substrate is prepared. The SOI layer has at least one unit dual layer of a silicon germanium layer and a silicon layer. The SOI layer is patterned to form an active layer pattern to a certain direction. An insulation layer is formed to cover the active layer pattern. An etch stop layer is stacked on the active layer pattern covered with the insulation layer. The etch stop layer is patterned and removed at a gate region crossing the active layer pattern at the channel region. The insulation layer is removed at the gate region. The silicon germanium layer is isotropically etched and selectively removed to form a cavity at the channel region of the active layer pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Sang-Su Kim, Tae-Hee Choe, Hwa-Sung Rhee, Geum-Jong Bae, Nae-In Lee
  • Patent number: 6620662
    Abstract: A transistor structure is provided. This structure has a source electrode and a drain electrode. A doped cap layer of GaxIn1−xAs is disposed below the source electrode and the drain electrode and provides a cap layer opening. An undoped resistive layer of GaxIn1−xAs is disposed below the cap layer and defines a resistive layer opening in registration with the cap layer opening and having a first width. A Schottky layer of AlyIn1−yAs is disposed below the resistive layer. An undoped channel layer is disposed below the Schottky layer. A semi-insulating substrate is disposed below the channel layer. A top surface of the Schottky layer beneath the resistive layer opening provides a recess having a second width smaller than the first width. A gate electrode is in contact with a bottom surface of the recess provided by the Schottky layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William E. Hoke, Katerina Y. Hur
  • Publication number: 20030162339
    Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor comprises a GaN-based electron accumulation layer formed on a substrate, an electron supply layer formed on the electron accumulation layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the electron supply layer and spaced from each other, a gate electrode formed on the electron supply layer between the source and drain electrodes, and a hole absorption electrode formed on the electron accumulation layer so as to be substantially spaced from the electron supply layer. Since the hole absorption electrode is formed on the electron absorption layer in order to prevent holes generated by impact ionization from being accumulated on the electron accumulation layer, a kink phenomenon is prevented. Good drain-current/voltage characteristics are therefore obtained. A high power/high electron mobility transistor is provided with a high power-added efficiency and good linearity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Mayumi Morizuka
  • Patent number: 6611002
    Abstract: The invention includes providing gallium nitride material devices having backside vias and methods to form the devices. The devices include a gallium nitride material formed over a substrate, such as silicon. The device also may include one or more non-conducting layers between the substrate and the gallium nitride material which can aid in the deposition of the gallium nitride material. A via is provided which extends from the backside of the device through the non-conducting layer(s) to enable electrical conduction between an electrical contact deposited within the via and, for example, an electrical contact on the topside of the device. Thus, devices of the invention may be vertically conducting. Exemplary devices include laser diodes (LDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), power rectifier diodes, FETs (e.g., HFETs), Gunn-effect diodes, and varactor diodes, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Nitronex Corporation
    Inventors: T. Warren Weeks, Edwin L. Piner, Ricardo M. Borges, Kevin J. Linthicum
  • Publication number: 20030151063
    Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device which makes it possible to avoid deterioration in step coverage property at a gate electrode provided on an operating region, and decrease a leakage current between the operating region and the gate electrode. The semiconductor device arranged as a HEMT is made to include operating region composed of multilayer films such as a channel layer, an electron supplying layer and other semiconductor layer and having an island structure independently mesa-isolated from one another. The semiconductor device also includes a gate electrode and an impurity diffusion layer provided on the surface of the operating region, the impurity diffusion layer being doped with an impurity having a conductivity type inverse to the impurity doped into the electron supplying layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Junichiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6605831
    Abstract: A field-effect semiconductor device includes a channel layer; a barrier structure formed on the channel layer and including a plurality of semiconductor layers; a plurality of ohmic electrodes formed above the barrier structure; and a Schottky electrode formed on the barrier structure between the ohmic electrodes. The barrier structure has an electron-affinity less than that of the channel layer and includes at least two heavily doped layers and a lightly doped layer provided therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Inai, Hidehiko Sasaki