Including Selectively Removing Material To Undercut And Expose Storage Node Layer Patents (Class 438/254)
  • Patent number: 7214584
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing a bunker defect generation on a lower portion of a cylinder type metal bottom electrode. The method includes the steps of: forming an etch stop layer on a bottom structure with a conductive region and an insulation region; forming a capacitor insulation layer on the etch stop layer; forming an opening exposing the conductive region by selectively etching the capacitor insulation layer and the etch stop layer; growing a selective epitaxial growth (SEG) layer in the conductive region exposed through the opening; forming a metal layer for a capacitor bottom electrode along a profile provided with the opening; forming an isolated capacitor bottom electrode by removing the metal layer until the capacitor insulation layer is exposed; and removing the capacitor insulation layer, thereby making the capacitor bottom electrode have a cylinder type structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Seung-Ho Pyi
  • Patent number: 7183171
    Abstract: A capacitor structure which has generally pyramidal or stepped profile to prevent or reduce dielectric layer breakdown is disclosed. The capacitor structure includes a first conductive layer, at least one dielectric layer having a first area provided on the first conductive layer and a second conductive layer provided on the at least one dielectric layer. The second conductive layer has a second area which is less than the first area of the at least one dielectric layer. A method of fabricating a capacitor structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Ming Huang, YJ Wang, Ying-De Chen, Eugene Chu, Fu-Hsin Chen, Tzu-Yang Wu
  • Patent number: 7170127
    Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device and fabricating method thereof, by which capacitance is enhanced by increasing an effective area of a lower electrode of a capacitor. The present invention includes a first lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate to have a plate shape, a second lower electrode on the first electrode to have a type (or “wing”-type) cross-section, a dielectric layer covering surfaces of the first and second lower electrodes, and an upper electrode on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee Sung Shim
  • Patent number: 7169665
    Abstract: In accordance with the objectives of the invention a new method and structure is provided for the creation of a capacitor. A contact pad and a lower capacitor plate have been provided over a substrate. Under the first embodiment of the invention, a layer of etch stop material, serving as the capacitor dielectric is deposited after which a triple layer of passivation is created over a substrate. The compound passivation layer is first etched, using a fuse mask, to define and expose the capacitor dielectric and a fuse area after which the passivation layer is second etched to define and expose the contact pad. A layer of AlCu is then deposited, patterned and etched to create a capacitor upper plate and a contact interconnect over the contact pad. Under a second embodiment of the invention, a triple layer of passivation is created over a layer of etch stop material deposited over a substrate, a contact pad and a lower capacitor plate have been provided over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tawian Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuan Chang Lin, James Chiu
  • Patent number: 7166537
    Abstract: A miniaturized imaging device and method of viewing small luminal cavities are described. The imaging device can be used as part of a catheter, and can include a lens, an SSID including an imaging array optically coupled to the lens; an umbilical including a conductive line; and an adaptor configured to support the lens and provide electrical communication between the SSID and conductive line. Alternatively, the adaptor can be a rigid adaptor configured to provide electrical communication between the SSID and the conductive line through a conductive path. The conductive path can be configured along multiple contiguous surfaces of the adaptor such that the SSID is electrically coupled to the conductive path at a first surface, and the conductive line is electrically coupled to the conductive path at a second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Sarcos Investments LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David T. Markus, David P. Marceau, Ralph W. Pensel
  • Patent number: 7161205
    Abstract: There are provided a semiconductor memory device including a cylindrical storage electrode and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor memory device includes an interlevel dielectric layer with storage contact plugs formed on a semiconductor substrate. Cylindrical storage electrodes are formed above the interlevel dielectric layer and are electrically connected to the storage contact plugs. A spacer is coupled to a predetermined portion of the outer wall of the storage electrodes. A dielectric layer is formed on the storage electrode and on the spacer, and a plate electrode is formed above the dielectric layer. Accordingly, leaning and bit fail of the storage electrode are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Gil Choi, Sang-Sup Jeong
  • Patent number: 7153740
    Abstract: For fabricating lean-free stacked capacitors, openings are formed through layers of materials including a layer of support material displaced from a bottom of the openings. A respective first electrode is formed for a respective capacitor within each of the openings. The layer of support material is patterned to form support structures around the first electrodes. Masking spacers are formed around exposed top portions of the first electrodes, and exposed portions of the support material are etched away to form the support structures. Such stacked capacitors are applied within a DRAM (dynamic random access memory).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Hwan Kim, Min Heo, Dong-Won Shin, Byeong-Hyeon Lee
  • Patent number: 7125766
    Abstract: A method of forming a capacitor for a semiconductor device is disclosed. According to the method, a silicon germanium layer and an oxide layer are used as mold layers for forming a storage electrode. The oxide layer and the silicon germanium layer are anisotropically etched to form an opening and then the silicon germanium layer is further isotropically etched to form a recessed portion of the opening, such that the recessed portion of the opening formed in the silicon germanium layer is wider than at least some portion of the opening through the oxide layer. Thus, the mold layers are used to form a storage electrode having a lower portion which is wider than an upper portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Chan Kim, Chang-Jin Kang, Byeong-Yun Nam, Kyeong-Koo Chi
  • Patent number: 7122420
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of forming spaced conductive regions. A construction is formed which includes a first electrically conductive material over a semiconductor substrate. The construction also includes openings extending through the first electrically conductive material and into the semiconductor substrate. A second electrically conductive material is formed within the openings and over the first electrically conductive material and is in electrical contact with the first electrically conductive material. The second electrically conductive material is subjected to anodic dissolution while the first electrically conductive material is electrically connected to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore M. Taylor, Nishant Sinha
  • Patent number: 7112487
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating a stacked capacitor array (1), which comprises a regular arrangement of a plurality of stacked capacitors (2), with a stacked capacitor (2) being at a shorter distance from the respective adjacent stacked capacitor (2) in certain first directions (3) than in certain second directions (4), comprising the following method steps: provision of an auxiliary layer stack (5) having first auxiliary layers (6) with a predetermined etching rate and at least one second auxiliary layer (7) with a higher etching rate on a substrate (8); etching of in each case one hollow cylinder (9) for each stacked capacitor (2) through the auxiliary layer stack (5) in accordance with the regular arrangement, with the auxiliary layer stack (5) being left in place in intermediate regions (10) between the hollow cylinders (9); isotropic etching of the second auxiliary layers (7) to form widened portions (11) of the hollow cylinders (9), without any second auxiliary layer (7) being le
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Martin Gutsche, Harald Seidl
  • Patent number: 7109090
    Abstract: A capacitor structure which has a generally pyramidal or stepped profile to prevent or reduce dielectric layer breakdown is disclosed. The capacitor structure includes a first conductive layer, at least one dielectric layer having a first area provided on the first conductive layer and a second conductive layer provided on the at least one dielectric layer. The second conductive layer has a second area which is less than the first area of the at least one dielectric layer. A method of fabricating a capacitor structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Ming Huang, Yeh-Jye Wann
  • Patent number: 7105403
    Abstract: A method for forming a double sided container capacitor comprises forming a first capacitor top plate layer within a recess in a dielectric layer, then forming a first cell dielectric on the first top plate layer. Next, first and second bottom plate layers are formed on the first cell dielectric layer, and a second cell dielectric layer is formed on the second bottom plate layers. Finally, a second top plate layer is formed on the second cell dielectric layer, and the first and second top plate layers are electrically connected using a conductive plug or conductive spacer. An inventive structure formed using the inventive method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Graettinger, Marsela Pontoh, Thomas A. Figura
  • Patent number: 7101752
    Abstract: A method for removing defects due to edge chips of a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. This method includes forming a molding layer over a semiconductor wafer. The molding layer is patterned to form a plurality of storage node holes, where the plurality of storage node holes include at least one first storage node hole formed on an effective chip area and at least one second storage node hole formed on an edge chip area. First storage nodes and second storage nodes are formed in the first and second storage node holes, respectively. A photoresist pattern is formed on the wafer having the storage nodes. The photoresist pattern is preferably formed to expose the effective chip areas and to cover the edge chip areas. The molding layer is etched, using the photoresist pattern as an etching mask, to expose portions of the first storage nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Hun Park, Hee-Sun Chae, Kyoung-Shin Park
  • Patent number: 7091085
    Abstract: Bottom electrodes of memory cell capacitors are recessed to prevent electrical shorts between neighboring memory cells. A partially fabricated memory cell capacitor has a bottom electrode comprising titanium nitride (TiN) and hemispherical grained (HSG) silicon. The container housing the capacitor is filled with photoresist and then planarized. The TiN layer is then selectively recessed with a peroxide mixture and subsequently the HSG silicon layer is recessed using tetramethyl ammoniumhydroxide. Thus, the bottom electrode is recessed below the level of particles which may overlie the memory cell capacitors and cause shorts by contacting the bottom electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Shea
  • Patent number: 7081385
    Abstract: Provided herein are vertical nanotube semiconductor devices and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the semiconductor devices comprises a vertical transistor/capacitor cell including a nanotube. The device includes a vertical transistor and a capacitor cell both using a single nanotube to form the individual devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren M. Farnworth, Kevin G. Duesman
  • Patent number: 7078292
    Abstract: A storage node contact forming method and structure reduces the number of processes required by the conventional art and increases a critical dimension of a storage node to prevent a leaning phenomenon and reduce a manufacturing cost of semiconductor memory devices. The method includes preparing a semiconductor substrate that involves at least one contact pad contacted with an active region of a memory cell transistor through an insulation layer. The method also includes forming a storage node contact of T-shape, the storage node contact being composed of a lower region contacted with an upper part of the contact pad, and an upper region that is extended to a gate length direction of the memory cell transistor and that is formed as a size larger than a size of the lower region, in order to electrically connect the contact pad with a storage node to be formed in a later process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Je-Min Park, Yoo-Sang Hwang, Cheol-Ju Yun
  • Patent number: 7074670
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an etch stop layer and a mold layer is sequentially formed on a semiconductor substrate having an interlayer insulation layer. The interlayer insulation layer includes a conductive region formed therein. The mold layer is partially etched to expose a top surface of the etching stop layer. The exposed etching stop layer and an upper portion of the interlayer insulating layer are removed to form a first aperture part that exposes a portion of the conductive region. The conductive region exposed in the first aperture part is etched to form a second aperture part. A conductive layer for the capacitor storage node is deposited on the semiconductor substrate having the first and second aperture parts. The conductive layer provided on the mold layer is planarized to form separated capacitor storage nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Je-Min Park, Doo-Sup Hwang
  • Patent number: 7067385
    Abstract: A method for forming double-sided capacitors for a semiconductor device includes forming a dielectric structure which supports capacitor bottom plates during wafer processing. The structure is particularly useful for supporting the bottom plates during removal of a base dielectric layer to expose the outside of the bottom plates to form a double-sided capacitor. The support structure further supports the bottom plates during formation of a cell dielectric layer, a capacitor top plate, and final supporting dielectric. An inventive structure is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Homer M. Manning
  • Patent number: 7067867
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Chunming Niu, Stephen Empedocles, Linda T. Romano, Jian Chen, Vijendra Sahi, Lawrence Bock, David Stumbo, J. Wallace Parce, Jay L. Goldman
  • Patent number: 7056788
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises: a lower contact electrode 1; an adhesion improving layer 3 formed on the lower contact electrode 1; and a capacitor including a lower electrode 4 in a projected structure formed on the adhesion improving layer 3, a capacitor dielectric film 5 formed on the lower electrode 4, and an upper electrode 6 formed on the capacitor dielectric film 5, in which a gap is formed on a sidewall of the adhesion improving layer 3. The gap is at least partially left as a cavity 7. The gap insulates the upper electrode 6 and the adhesion improving layer 3 by the cavity 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Shunji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7042705
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sidewall oxygen diffusion barrier and a method for fabricating the sidewall oxygen diffusion barrier that reduces the diffusion of oxygen into contact plugs during a CW hole reactive ion etch of a ferroelectric capacitor of an FeRAM device. In one embodiment the sidewall barrier is formed from a substrate fence. In another embodiment, the sidewall barrier is formed by etching back an oxygen barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignees: Infineon Technologies AG, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Haoren Zhuang, Ulrich Egger, Kazuhiro Tomioka, Jingyu Lian, Nicolas Nagel, Andreas Hilliger, Gerhard Beitel
  • Patent number: 7037574
    Abstract: An atomic layer deposition (ALD) process deposits thin films for microelectronic structures, such as advanced gap and tunnel junction applications, by plasma annealing at varying film thicknesses to obtain desired intrinsic film stress and breakdown film strength. The primary advantage of the ALD process is the near 100% step coverage with properties that are uniform along sidewalls. The process provides smooth (Ra˜2 ?), pure (impurities<1 at. %), AlOx films with improved breakdown strength (9–10 MV/cm) with a commercially feasible throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit P. Paranjpe, Sanjay Gopinath, Thomas R. Omstead, Randhir S. Bubber, Ming Mao
  • Patent number: 7029970
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device capable of preventing an electric short between lower electrodes caused by leaning lower electrodes, or lifted lower electrodes and of securing a sufficient capacitance of a capacitor by increasing an effective capacitor area. The method includes the steps of: preparing a semi-finished semiconductor substrate; forming a sacrificial layer on the semi-finished semiconductor substrate; patterning the sacrificial layer by using an island-type photoresist pattern, thereby obtaining at least one contact hole to expose portions of the semi-finished semiconductor substrate; and forming a conductive layer on the sacrificial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Myung-Kyu Ahn
  • Patent number: 7027287
    Abstract: A storage capacitor includes at least one first electrode adjacent to at least one second electrode, whereby a lateral capacity is formed between these electrodes. The electrodes include stacks of metal parts and connecting contact elements. The second electrodes can be arranged around the first electrodes, and at least some of the second electrodes can be used jointly with adjacent ones of the first electrodes to form adjacent storage capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Georg Georgakos
  • Patent number: 7018893
    Abstract: Bottom electrodes of stacked capacitor cells are formed by lining a patterned hard mask with a conductive layer. The hard mask is formed by a layered stack. Subsequent to the formation of trenches within the hard mask, the top-most masking layer of the layer stack is laterally recessed. The bottom electrode layer is then deposited to line the trenches. Following this, the bottom electrode layer is removed from the top of the hardmask. Subsequently, the hard mask is removed. As a result, released and free-standing elements of the conductive layer are formed as bottom electrodes that include a hydrophobic contact area in the top part of the bottom electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies, AG
    Inventor: Srivatsa Kundalgurki
  • Patent number: 7018892
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a base and a tapered wall formed on the base. The wall has a midline and also has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The inner sidewall and the outer sidewall are substantially symmetrical with each other in relation to the midline. Thus, the reliability of the semiconductor capacitor structure can be improved and the throughput can be increased. Also, further scaling down of semiconductor devices can be facilitated with the principles of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo-Gwan Shim, Chang-Ki Hong, Sang-Jun Choi, Jeong-Nam Han
  • Patent number: 7008853
    Abstract: Systems and methods include introducing a semiconductor wafer into a process chamber. An etching chemistry is injected into the process chamber to etch a patterned layer and to release free-standing nanostructures on the semiconductor wafer. The etching chemistry includes a supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide fluid and an etching solution. The semiconductor wafer is rinsed by flooding a supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide fluid into the process chamber. The semiconductor wafer is dried by venting out supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide fluid from the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies, AG
    Inventors: Audrey Dupont, Ronald Hoyer
  • Patent number: 7005699
    Abstract: A NAND flash memory cell row includes first and second stacked gate structures, control and floating gates, intergate dielectric layer, tunnel oxide layer, doping regions and source/drain regions. The first stacked gate structures has an erase gate dielectric layer, an erase gate and a first cap layer. The second stacked gate structure has a select gate dielectric layer, a select gate and a second cap layer. The control gate is between each of the first stacked gate structures, and between each of the second stacked gate structures and adjacent first stacked gate structure. The floating gate is between the control gate and substrate. The inter-gate dielectric layer is between the control and floating gates. The tunnel oxide is between the floating gate and substrate. The doping regions are under the first stacked gate structure, and the source/drain regions are in the exposed substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Chang Chen, Cheng-Yuan Hsu, Chih-Wei Hung
  • Patent number: 6998308
    Abstract: A substrate includes a plurality of insulation layers forming a laminated structure and a built-in capacitor formed in the laminated structure, wherein the laminated structure includes a layer of baked organic polysilane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ooi, Yasuyoshi Horikawa
  • Patent number: 6995059
    Abstract: Methods of forming capacitors, methods of forming capacitor-over-bit line memory circuitry, and related integrated circuitry constructions are described. In one embodiment, a capacitor storage node is formed having an uppermost surface and an overlying insulative material over the uppermost surface. Subsequently, a capacitor dielectric functioning region is formed discrete from the overlying insulative material operably proximate at least a portion of the capacitor storage node. A cell electrode layer is formed over the capacitor dielectric functioning region and the overlying insulative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler A. Lowrey, Luan C. Tran, Alan R. Reinberg, Mark Durcan
  • Patent number: 6991981
    Abstract: Methods of forming electrical connections with an integrated circuitry substrate node location are described. According to one aspect of the invention, a substrate node location is laterally surrounded with insulating material and left outwardly exposed. Conductive material is deposited over the exposed node location. Subsequently, a photomaskless etch of the conductive material is conducted to a degree sufficient to leave a plug of conductive material over the node location. In a preferred implementation, the insulating material with which such node location is surrounded constitutes insulating material portions which are provided relative to conductive lines which are formed over the substrate. In another preferred implementation, such conductive lines form a grid of insulating material which, in turn, defines the node location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan R. Reinberg
  • Patent number: 6984530
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device is disclosed. The method reduces the number of mask steps and processing steps required to fabricate the MRAM device. A first conductive layer and a sense layer are patterned in a first mask step. A subsequent etching step forms a bottom electrode and a sense layer that are continuous with each other in a first direction. A second conductive layer and a plurality of layers of material required to form a magnetic tunnel junction stack are patterned in a second mask step. A subsequent etching step forms a top electrode and a plurality of layers of material that are continuous with each other in a second direction, and a plurality of discrete sense layers. The discrete sense layers and the plurality of layers of material define a plurality of magnetic tunnel junction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Heon Lee, Thomas C. Anthony, Manish Sharma
  • Patent number: 6964901
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming rugged electrically conductive surfaces. In one method, a layer is formed across a substrate and subsequently at least partially dissociated to form gaps extending to the substrate. An electrically conductive surface is formed to extend across the at least partially dissociated layer and within the gaps. The electrically conductive surface has a rugged topography imparted by the at least partially dissociated layer and the gaps. The topographically rugged surface can be incorporated into capacitor constructions. The capacitor constructions can be incorporated into DRAM cells, and such DRAM cells can be incorporated into electrical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Marsela Pontoh, Cem Basceri, Thomas M. Graettinger
  • Patent number: 6962846
    Abstract: A method of forming a double-sided capacitor using at least one sacrificial structure, such as a sacrificial liner or a sacrificial plug. A sacrificial liner is formed along sidewalls of at least one opening in an insulating layer on a semiconductor wafer. A first conductive layer is then formed over the sacrificial liner. The sacrificial liner is then selectively removed to expose a first surface of the first conductive layer without damaging exposed components on the semiconductor wafer. Removing the sacrificial liner forms an open space adjacent to the first surface of the first conductive layer. A dielectric layer and a second conductive layer are formed in the open space, producing the double-sided capacitor. Methods of forming a double-sided capacitor having increased capacitance and a contact are also disclosed. In addition, an intermediate semiconductor device structure including at least one sacrificial structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Fishburn, Forest Chen, John M. Drynan
  • Patent number: 6956263
    Abstract: Field effect transistor structures include a channel region formed in a recessed portion of a substrate. The recessed channel portion permits the use of relatively thicker source/drain regions thereby providing lower source/drain extension resistivity while maintaining the physical separation needed to overcome various short channel effects. The surface of the recessed channel portion may be of a rectangular, polygonal, or curvilinear shape. In a further aspect of the present invention, transistors are manufactured by a process in which a damascene layer is patterned, the channel region is recessed by etch that is self-aligned to the patterned damascene layer, and the gate electrode is formed by depositing a material over the channel region and patterned damascene layer, polishing off the excess gate electrode material and removing the damascene layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Kaizad R. Mistry
  • Patent number: 6949427
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of forming a capacitor electrode. A sacrificial material sidewall is provided to extend at least partially around an opening. A first silicon-containing material is formed within the opening to partially fill the opening, and is doped with conductivity-enhancing dopant. A second silicon-containing material is formed within the partially filled opening, and is provided to be less heavily doped with conductivity-enhancing dopant than is the first silicon-containing material. At least some of the second silicon-containing material is converted into hemispherical grain silicon, and at least some of the sacrificial material sidewall is removed. The invention also encompasses methods of forming capacitors and capacitor assemblies incorporating the above-described capacitor electrode. Further, the invention encompasses capacitor assemblies and capacitor structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shenlin Chen, Er-Xuan Ping
  • Patent number: 6949480
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for depositing a silicon nitride layer of a semiconductor device. The method includes the steps of providing Al-based compound as a catalyst, and reacting DCS with NH3 by using the Al catalyst, thereby depositing the silicon nitride layer. DCS is reacted with NH3 by using the Al catalyst when depositing the silicon nitride layer, so dissolution of DCS is promoted by means of the Al catalyst, so that the silicon nitride layer is deposited at a high speed, thereby improving productivity of semiconductor devices. The silicon nitride layer is deposited by using DCS under a low-temperature condition of about 500 to 800° C., without deteriorating device characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung Kyun Kim, Sung Hoon Jung, Yong Seok Eun
  • Patent number: 6939762
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device in which, when a cell capacitor of a DRAM and a capacitor element in an analog element region are mix-mounted on the same chip, the manufacturing steps can be simplified. First, the P type impurity region 13b and the P type well 13 are simultaneously formed. Next, the lower electrodes 55a and 55b of the capacitor elements 600a and 600b and the storage nodes 53a and 53b of the cell capacitors 700a and 700b are simultaneously formed. Next, a dielectric layer (ON layer 61) of the capacitor elements 600a and 600b and a dielectric layer (ON layer 61) of the cell capacitors 700a and 700b are simultaneously formed. Then, the upper electrodes 69a and 69b of the capacitor elements 600a and 600b and the cell plate 67 of the cell capacitors 700a and 700b are simultaneously formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tsugane, Hisakatsu Sato
  • Patent number: 6936510
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprising: a first insulating film covering the upper and side surfaces of a gate electrode; a second insulating film formed on the substrate covering the first insulating film; a pair of contact holes formed through the second insulating film and reaching the impurity diffusion regions; a conductive plug embedded in one of the contact holes; a third insulating film formed on the second insulating film covering the conductive plug, and having a first aperture on the other contact hole; a bit line formed on the third insulating film and connected to the other impurity diffusion region through the first aperture and the other contact hole; a fourth insulating film covering the upper and side surfaces of the bit line; a second aperture formed through the third insulating film in alignment with the fourth insulating film covering the side surface of the bit line; a storage electrode formed to extend over the bit line, insulated from the bit line by the third and fourth insulating fi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuo Itabashi, Osamu Tsuboi, Yuji Yokoyama, Kenichi Inoue, Koichi Hashimoto, Wataru Futo
  • Patent number: 6930341
    Abstract: Integrated circuit devices are fabricated by fabricating a conductive line on an insulating layer on an integrated circuit substrate. The conductive line includes a bottom adjacent the insulating layer, a top remote from the insulating layer and first and second sidewalls therebetween. An insulating spacer is formed to extend along the first and second sidewalls and to also extend along at least a portion of the bottom between the conductive line and the insulating layer. By providing an insulating spacer beneath at least a portion of the conductive line, insulation reliability may be improved even as the spacer may become narrower and/or the contact area may be enlarged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Joon Park, Seong-Goo Kim
  • Patent number: 6930014
    Abstract: To form a bottom electrode of a capacitor of a semiconductor device, a first insulation layer pattern having a first contact hole is formed on a substrate, and a contact plug for the bottom electrode is formed in the contact hole. A second insulation layer is formed on the first insulation layer pattern and the contact plug. The second insulation layer has a second etching rate higher than a first etching rate of the first insulation layer pattern. The second insulation layer is etched to form a second insulation layer pattern having a second a contact hole exposing the contact plug. A conductive film is formed on the sidewall and the bottom face of the second contact hole. According to the difference between the first etching rate and the second etching rate, the etching of the first insulation layer pattern near the contact plug is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Si-Youn Kim, Ki-Jae Hur
  • Patent number: 6927143
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitor of a semiconductor memory cell and a method of manufacturing the same wherein a capacitor includes a first insulation layer having a buried contact hole, formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a buried contact plug filling a portion of the buried contact hole. A diffusion barrier spacer is formed on an inner surface of the buried contact hole above the buried contact plug. A second insulation layer is formed, having a through hole larger than the buried contact hole, for exposing the diffusion barrier spacer and a top surface of the contact plug. A barrier layer is formed on the through hole and a lower electrode is formed on the barrier layer. A dielectric layer is formed on the lower electrode and an upper surface of the second insulation layer and an upper electrode is formed on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kong-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 6924189
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a capacitor bottom electrode by using low k dielectric material as a sacrificial layer is employed to simplify manufacturing steps and prevent electrical shortage phenomenon of bottom electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Il-Young Kwon
  • Patent number: 6921693
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising: a first insulation film 60 formed above a base substrate 10; a second insulation film 61 formed on the first insulation film and having different etching characteristics from the first insulation film; and a capacitor 79 including a storage electrode 68 formed on the second insulation film, projected therefrom, the storage electrode being formed, extended downward from side surfaces of the second insulation film. The lower ends of the storage electrodes are formed partially below the etching stopper film, whereby the storage electrodes are fixed by the etching stopper film. Accordingly, the storage electrodes are prevented from peeling off in processing, such as wet etching, etc. The semiconductor device can be fabricated at high yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Osamu Tsuboi, Tomohiko Tsutsumi, Kazutaka Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 6911362
    Abstract: Methods for forming an electronic device can include forming a capacitor structure on a portion of a substrate with the capacitor structure including a first electrode on the substrate, a capacitor dielectric on the first electrode, a second electrode on the dielectric, and a hard mask on the second electrode. More particularly, the capacitor dielectric can be between the first and second electrodes, the first electrode and the capacitor dielectric can be between the second electrode and the substrate, and the first and second electrodes and the capacitor dielectric can be between the hard mask and the substrate. An interlayer dielectric layer can be formed on the hard mask and on portions of the substrate surrounding the capacitor structure, and portions of the interlayer dielectric layer can be removed to expose the hard mask while maintaining portions of the interlayer dielectric layer on portions of the substrate surrounding the capacitor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-Nam Kim, Yoon-Jong Song, Heung-Jin Joo
  • Patent number: 6900087
    Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated circuits having symmetric inducting devices with a ground shield. In one embodiment, a symmetric inducting device for an integrated circuit comprises a substrate, a main metal layer and a shield. The substrate has a working surface. The main metal layer has at least one pair of current path regions. Each of the current path region pairs is formed in generally a regular polygonal shape that is generally symmetric about a plane of symmetry that is perpendicular to the working surface of the substrate. The shield is patterned into segments that are generally symmetric about the plane of symmetry. Medial portions of at least some segments of the shield are formed generally perpendicular to the plane of symmetry as the medial portions cross the plane of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Globespan Virata Incorporated
    Inventors: Rex Everett Lowther, William R. Young
  • Patent number: 6897510
    Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor using a high-k dielectric and method of fabrication are described. After forming node contacts to the substrate a patterned stacked layer comprised of a first metal layer, an insulating dummy layer, and a second metal layer is formed over the node contacts. Sidewall spacers are formed form a third metal layer to complete the lower electrode. A thin dielectric film is deposited. A patterned fourth metal layer is used as the upper electrode to complete the MIM capacitor. The patterned insulating dummy layer acts as a template for making the capacitor without partaking in the electrical properties of the capacitor. The height of the dummy layer is used to fine-tune the capacitance for the circuit requirements. The dummy layer is not an active part of the circuit. The dummy layer does not react with the metals, barrier layers are not required, reducing process complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Horng-Huei Tseng
  • Patent number: 6893914
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device wherein a cylindrical capacitor is formed by selectively etching an oxide film in a cell area for preventing bridging between cells during a wet etching process of the oxide film in the cell area is described herein. A step difference between the interlayer insulating film formed in the cell area and the interlayer insulating film formed in the peripheral circuit area is minimized by covering the peripheral circuit area by the photoresist film and selectively etching the oxide film in the cell area to form a cylindrical capacitor, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. In addition, bridging between the cells is prevented by performing a simple wet etching process using a single wet station, without performing a separate dry etching process for removing the oxide film and the photoresist film pattern, thereby improving the yield of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Gyu Hyun Kim, Hyo Geun Yoon, Geun Min Choi
  • Patent number: 6890817
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing thereof can be gained wherein the occurrence of defects can be prevented and it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost. The semiconductor device includes a capacitor electrode, an insulating layer and a wiring layer. The capacitor electrode is formed on the semiconductor substrate. The insulating film which is formed on the capacitor electrode has a trench which exposes part of the capacitor electrode and has an upper surface. The wiring layer fills in the inside of the trench, has an upper surface and is connected with the capacitor electrode. The upper surface of the wiring layer is located on approximately the same plane as the upper surface of the insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignees: Renesas Technology Corp., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Maeda, Toshiyuki Oashi, Takashi Uehara
  • Patent number: 6890841
    Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device is formed by forming an interlevel insulating layer on a substrate. A plurality of storage node contact holes are formed in the interlayer insulating layer and are arranged in a pattern. A plurality of contact plugs are formed in the plurality of storage node contact holes, respectively. A material layer is formed on the interlevel insulating layer that has a plurality of landing pad holes that expose the plurality of contact plugs, respectively, the plurality of landing pad holes are arranged in a pattern that is offset with respect to the pattern of the storage node contact holes. A plurality of landing pads are formed in the plurality of landing pad holes and are connected to the plurality of contact plugs, respectively. A plurality of storage nodes are formed that are connected to the plurality of landing pads, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyu-hyun Lee, Tae-young Chung, Chang-hyun Cho, Yang-keun Park, Sang-bum Kim