Having Additional Gate Electrode Surrounded By Dielectric (i.e., Floating Gate) Patents (Class 438/257)
  • Patent number: 9012971
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a channel layer protruding from a substrate and having protrusions extending from a sidewall thereof. Floating gates surrounding the channel layer are provided between the protrusions. Control gates surrounding the floating gates are stacked along the channel layer. Interlayer insulating layers are interposed between the control gates stacked along the channel layer. A level difference exists between a lateral surface of each of the floating gates, and a lateral surface of each of the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: SK Hynix Inc., Tohoku University
    Inventors: Moon Sik Seo, Tetsuo Endoh
  • Patent number: 9013303
    Abstract: One feature of the present invention is a product management system that includes a package body for packing a product attached with an ID tag, and a reader/writer. The ID tag includes a thin film integrated circuit portion and an antenna, the package body includes a resonance circuit portion having an antenna coil and a capacitor, and the resonance circuit portion can communicate with the reader/writer and the ID tag. Accordingly, the stability of communication between an ID tag attached to a product and an R/W can be secured, and management of products can be conducted simply and efficiently, even if a product is packed by a package body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Arai, Mai Akiba, Yuko Tachimura, Yohei Kanno
  • Patent number: 9012318
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for etching polysilicon including aqueous compositions containing nitric acid and ammonium fluoride, and apparatus formed thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome A. Imonigie, Prashant Raghu
  • Patent number: 9012307
    Abstract: A method of forming a two terminal device. The method includes forming a first dielectric material overlying a surface region of a substrate. A bottom wiring material is formed overlying the first dielectric material and a switching material is deposited overlying the bottom wiring material. The bottom wiring material and the switching material is subjected to a first patterning and etching process to form a first structure having a top surface region and a side region. The first structure includes at least a bottom wiring structure and a switching element having a first side region, and a top surface region including an exposed region of the switching element. A second dielectric material is formed overlying at least the first structure including the exposed region of the switching element. The method forms an opening region in a portion of the second dielectric layer to expose a portion of the top surface region of the switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Crossbar, Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Jo, Scott Brad Herner
  • Patent number: 8999784
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming first auxiliary patterns, alternately forming first material layers and second material layers on the sidewalls of the first auxiliary patterns so that a gap region between the first auxiliary patterns adjacent to each other is filled, removing the second material layers, and forming charge storage layers in respective regions from which the second material layers have been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Tae Ahn
  • Publication number: 20150093864
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure uses a substrate and includes a logic device in a logic region and a non-volatile memory (NVM) device in an NVM region. An NVM structure is formed in the NVM region. The NVM structure includes a control gate structure and a select gate structure. A protective layer is formed over the NVM structure. A gate dielectric layer is formed over the substrate in the logic region. The gate dielectric layer includes a high-k dielectric. A sacrificial gate is formed over the gate dielectric layer in the logic region. A first dielectric layer is formed around the sacrificial gate. Chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the NVM region and the logic region after forming the first dielectric layer. The sacrificial gate is replaced with a metal gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: ASANGA H. PERERA
  • Patent number: 8993397
    Abstract: A method of forming a memory device. The method provides a semiconductor substrate having a surface region. A first dielectric layer is formed overlying the surface region of the semiconductor substrate. A bottom wiring structure is formed overlying the first dielectric layer and a second dielectric material is formed overlying the top wiring structure. A bottom metal barrier material is formed to provide a metal-to-metal contact with the bottom wiring structure. The method forms a pillar structure by patterning and etching a material stack including the bottom metal barrier material, a contact material, a switching material, a conductive material, and a top barrier material. The pillar structure maintains a metal-to-metal contact with the bottom wiring structure regardless of the alignment of the pillar structure with the bottom wiring structure during etching. A top wiring structure is formed overlying the pillar structure at an angle to the bottom wiring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Crossbar, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Patent number: 8994095
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device with a buried drain is provided. The device comprises a semiconductor substrate (107); one drain region (108) of a first doping type; two source regions (101a, 101b) of a second doping type; and a stacked gate provided on the semiconductor substrate for capturing electrons. A memory array formed by a plurality of semiconductor memory devices and a manufacturing method thereof are also provided. The semiconductor memory device has the advantages of small cell area, simple manufacturing process and the like. The manufacturing cost of the memory device is reduced and the storing density of the memory device is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fudan University
    Inventors: Pengfei Wang, Qingqing Sun, Shijin Ding, Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8993453
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a nonvolatile charge trap memory device and the device are described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate in an oxidation chamber, wherein the substrate comprises a first exposed crystal plane and a second exposed crystal plane, and wherein the crystal orientation of the first exposed crystal plane is different from the crystal orientation of the second exposed crystal plane. The substrate is then subjected to a radical oxidation process to form a first portion of a dielectric layer on the first exposed crystal plane and a second portion of the dielectric layer on the second exposed crystal plane, wherein the thickness of the first portion of the dielectric layer is approximately equal to the thickness of the second portion of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar, Jeong Byun, Sagy Levy
  • Publication number: 20150087123
    Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a device are disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a memory array region. Front end of line (FEOL) process is performed to form components of memory cell pairs. The FEOL process forms storage gates, access gates or word lines, source/drain regions, spacers, erase gates and source line isolation dielectrics. The memory cell pair shares a common source line (SL). A SL strap opening is provided. The source line strap opening is formed between adjacent memory cell pair. The source line strap opening does not overlap the storage gate of the memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Ling WU, Jianbo YANG, Kian Hong LIM, Sung Mun JUNG
  • Publication number: 20150084110
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a flash memory. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; and forming a first dielectric layer. The method also includes forming a first semiconductor layer on a surface of the first dielectric layer; and performing an ion implantation onto a portion of the first semiconductor layer corresponding to a position of a subsequently formed floating gate. Further, the method includes performing an oxygen ion implantation process onto a portion of the first semiconductor layer between the position of the subsequently formed floating gate and the position of a subsequently formed first select gate to form an oxide layer; and forming a second dielectric layer having an opening exposing the position of the first select gate. Further, the method also includes forming a second semiconductor layer on the second dielectric layer; and forming a flash cell and a select gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION
    Inventor: YONG CHEN
  • Patent number: 8987045
    Abstract: Memory devices having a plurality of memory cells, with each memory cell including a phase change material having a laterally constricted portion thereof. The laterally constricted portions of adjacent memory cells are vertically offset and positioned on opposite sides of the memory device. Also disclosed are memory devices having a plurality of memory cells, with each memory cell including first and second electrodes having different widths. Adjacent memory cells have the first and second electrodes offset on vertically opposing sides of the memory device. Methods of forming the memory devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 8987119
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes providing an insulating layer containing a plurality of openings, forming a first semiconductor layer in the plurality of openings in the insulating layer and over the insulating layer, and removing a first portion of the first semiconductor layer, such that first conductivity type second portions of the first semiconductor layer remain in lower portions of the plurality of openings in the insulating layer, and upper portions of the plurality of openings in the insulating layer remain unfilled. The method also includes forming a second semiconductor layer in the upper portions of the plurality of openings in the insulating layer and over the insulating layer, and removing a first portion of the second semiconductor layer located over the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sandisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Vance Dunton, S. Brad Herner, Paul Wai Kie Poon, Chuanbin Pan, Michael Chan, Michael Konevecki, Usha Raghuram
  • Patent number: 8987701
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is set forth a method comprising providing a semiconductor structure having an electrode, wherein the providing includes providing a phase transition material region and wherein the method further includes imparting energy to the phase transition material region to induce a phase transition of the phase transition material region. By inducing a phase transition of the phase transition material region, a state of the semiconductor structure can be changed. There is further set forth an apparatus comprising a structure including an electrode and a phase transition material region, wherein the apparatus is operative for imparting energy to the phase transition material region to induce a phase transition of the phase transition material region without the phase transition of the phase transition material region being dependent on electron transport through the phase transition material region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Sandip Tiwari, Ravishankar Sundararaman, Sang Hyeon Lee, Moonkyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20150079741
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) nonvolatile memory device includes a support protruded from a surface of a substrate and configured to have an inclined sidewall; channel structures each configured to comprise interlayer insulating layers and channel layers which are alternately stacked over the substrate including the support, bent along the inclined sidewall of the support, wherein each of the channel structures comprises a cell region and a contact region, and the channel layers are exposed in the contact region; select lines formed over the channel structures; and a pillar type channels coupled to respective channel layers at the contact region and penetrating the select lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Eun Seok CHOI, Hyun Seung YOO
  • Patent number: 8980709
    Abstract: A resistive-switching memory element is described. The memory element includes a first electrode, a porous layer over the first electrode including a point defect embedded in a plurality of pores of the porous layer, and a second electrode over the porous layer, wherein the nonvolatile memory element is configured to switch between a high resistive state and a low resistive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony P. Chiang, Chi-I Lang, Prashant B. Phatak
  • Patent number: 8981449
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes providing a logic device on a semiconductor on insulating layer of a transfer substrate. The transfer substrate may further include a dielectric layer and a first handle substrate. A second handle substrate may be contacted to the semiconductor on insulating layer of the transfer substrate that includes logic device. The first handle substrate may be removed to expose the dielectric layer. A memory device can then be formed on the dielectric layer. Interconnect wiring can then be formed connecting the logic device with the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Bedell, Bahman Hekmatshoar-Tabari, Ali Khakifirooz, Ghavam G. Shahidi, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Patent number: 8980752
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of spaced features includes forming sacrificial hardmask material over underlying material. The sacrificial hardmask material has at least two layers of different composition. Portions of the sacrificial hardmask material are removed to form a mask over the underlying material. Individual features of the mask have at least two layers of different composition, with one of the layers of each of the individual features having a tensile intrinsic stress of at least 400.0 MPa. The individual features have a total tensile intrinsic stress greater than 0.0 MPa. The mask is used while etching into the underlying material to form a plurality of spaced features comprising the underlying material. Other implementations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Farrell Good, Baosuo Zhou, Xiaolong Fang, Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege
  • Patent number: 8981452
    Abstract: Methods for forming or patterning nanostructure arrays are provided. The methods involve formation of arrays on coatings comprising nanostructure association groups, formation of arrays in spin-on-dielectrics, solvent annealing after nanostructure deposition, patterning using resist, and/or use of devices that facilitate array formation. Related devices for forming nanostructure arrays are also provided, as are devices including nanostructure arrays (e.g., memory devices). Methods for protecting nanostructures from fusion during high temperature processing also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Xiangfeng Duan, Chao Liu, Madhuri Nallabolu, J. Wallace Parce, Srikanth Ranganathan
  • Patent number: 8981331
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a memory cell is provided that includes a metal-insulator-metal stack and a steering element coupled to the metal-insulator-metal stack. The metal-insulator-metal stack includes a first conductive layer, a reversible resistivity switching layer above the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer above the reversible resistivity switching layer. The first conductive layer and/or the second conductive layer includes a first semiconductor material layer. The steering element includes the first semiconductor material layer. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Yung-Tin Chen, Chuanbin Pan, Andrei Mihnea, Steven Maxwell, Kun Hou
  • Publication number: 20150069492
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes semiconductor regions, an element isolation region, control gate electrodes, a floating gate layer, a first insulating film, a second insulating film, a select gate electrode, and a contact electrode. The element isolation region is provided between the semiconductor regions. The control gate electrodes are provided on the semiconductor regions. The floating gate layer is provided in a position where the semiconductor regions and the control gate electrodes cross. The first insulating film is provided between the floating gate layer and the semiconductor regions. The second insulating film is provided between the floating gate layer and the control gate electrodes. The select gate electrode is provided on the semiconductor regions. The contact electrode is disposed on an opposite side of the select gate electrode from the control gate electrodes, and is in contact with one of the semiconductor regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kotaro FUJII
  • Patent number: 8975684
    Abstract: Disclosed are non-volatile memory devices and methods of manufacturing the same. The non-volatile memory device includes device isolation patterns defining active portions in a substrate and gate structures disposed on the substrate. The active portions are spaced apart from each other in a first direction and extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The gate structures are spaced apart from each other in the second direction and extend in the first direction. Each of the device isolation patterns includes a first air gap, and each of a top surface and a bottom surface of the first air gap has a wave-shape in a cross-sectional view taken along the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hwang Sim, Jinhyun Shin, HoJun Seong
  • Patent number: 8975114
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to memory devices and methods for fabricating such memory devices. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a resistive switching memory device includes depositing a metallic layer on a lower electrode disposed on a substrate and exposing the metallic layer to an activated oxygen source while heating the substrate to an oxidizing temperature within a range from about 300° C. to about 600° C. and forming a metal oxide layer from an upper portion of the metallic layer during an oxidation process. The lower electrode contains a silicon material and the metallic layer contains hafnium or zirconium. Subsequent to the oxidation process, the method further includes heating the substrate to an annealing temperature within a range from greater than 600° C. to about 850° C. while forming a metal silicide layer from a lower portion of the metallic layer during a silicidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Intermolecular, Inc., Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Dipankar Pramanik, Tony P. Chiang, Tim Minvielle, Takeshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8975131
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor memory cell that includes forming the floating and control gates from the same poly layer. Layers of insulation, conductive and second insulation material are formed over a substrate. A trench is formed in the second insulation material extending down to and exposing the conductive layer. Spacers are formed in the trench, separated by a small and defined gap at a bottom of the trench that exposes a portion of the conductive layer. A trench is then formed through the exposed portion of the conductive layer by performing an anisotropic etch through the gap. The trench is filled with third insulation material. Selected portions of the conductive layer are removed, leaving two blocks thereof separated by the third insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nhan Do, Vipin Tiwari, Hieu Van Tran, Xian Liu
  • Patent number: 8975706
    Abstract: Provided are field effect transistor (FET) assemblies and methods of forming thereof. An FET assembly may include a dielectric layer formed from tantalum silicon oxide and having the atomic ratio of silicon to tantalum and silicon (Si/(Ta+Si)) of less than 5% to provide a low trap density. The dielectric layer may be disposed over an interface layer, which is disposed over a channel region. The same type of the dielectric layer may be used a common gate dielectric of an nMOSFET (e.g., III-V materials) and a pMOSFET (e.g., germanium). The channel region may include one of indium gallium arsenide, indium phosphate, or germanium. The interface layer may include silicon oxide to provide a higher energy barrier. The dielectric layer may be formed using an atomic layer deposition technique by adsorbing both tantalum and silicon containing precursors on the deposition surface and then oxidizing both precursors in the same operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Khaled Ahmed, Frank Greer
  • Publication number: 20150060986
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of stacked bodies and a spacer film provided on a side surface of the stacked bodies. Each of the plurality of stacked bodies includes a silicon electrode and a metal electrode stacked on the metal electrode. The plurality of stacked bodies are separated from each other by an air gap. The spacer film includes silicon oxide. A portion of the spacer film disposed on a side surface of the metal electrode is thicker than a portion of the spacer film disposed on a side surface of the silicon electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Ryota FUJITSUKA, Fumiki AISO, Motoki FUJII, Hiroshi ITOKAWA
  • Publication number: 20150064864
    Abstract: A library of cells for designing an integrated circuit, the library comprises continuous diffusion compatible (CDC) cells. A CDC cell includes a p-doped diffusion region electrically connected to a supply rail and continuous from the left edge to the right edge of the CDC cell; a first polysilicon gate disposed above the p-doped diffusion region and electrically connected to the p-doped diffusion region; an n-doped diffusion region electrically connected to a ground rail and continuous from the left edge to the right edge; a second polysilicon gate disposed above the n-doped diffusion region and electrically connected to the n-doped diffusion region; a left floating polysilicon gate disposed over the p-doped and n-doped diffusion regions and proximal to the left edge; and a right floating polysilicon gate disposed over the p-doped and n-doped diffusion regions and proximal to the right edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin John BOWERS, James W. HAYWARD, Charanya GOPAL, Gregory Christopher BURDA, Robert J. BUCKI, Chock H. GAN, Giridhar NALLAPATI, Matthew D. YOUNGBLOOD, William R. FLEDERBACH
  • Publication number: 20150060983
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a split gate nonvolatile memory cell and a high voltage transistor. The nonvolatile memory cell includes an active region, a nonvolatile memory stack provided above the active region, a control gate electrode provided above the memory stack, a select gate electrode at least partially provided above the active region adjacent to the memory stack and a select gate insulation layer. The high voltage transistor includes an active region, a gate electrode and a gate insulation layer provided between the active region and the gate electrode. The select gate insulation layer of the nonvolatile memory device and the gate insulation layer of the high voltage transistor are at least partially formed of a same high-k dielectric material. The select gate electrode of the nonvolatile memory device and the gate electrode of the high voltage transistor are at least partially formed of a same metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Lusetsky, Ralf van Bentum
  • Patent number: 8969940
    Abstract: A process integration is disclosed for fabricating non-volatile memory (NVM) cells having patterned select gates (211, 213), charge storage layers (219), inlaid control gates (223, 224), and inlaid control gate contact regions (228).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jane A Yater, Cheong Min Hong, Sung-Taeg Kang, Asanga H Perera
  • Publication number: 20150054051
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and fabrication methods are provided. A semiconductor substrate includes a first region and a second region. A gate dielectric material layer is formed to cover the first region, and a control gate dielectric layer is formed over a surface portion of the second region. The control gate dielectric layer has a top surface higher than the gate dielectric layer. A gate material layer is conformally formed to cover an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a top surface in the second region higher than a top surface in the first region. A first filling material layer is formed on the gate material layer. A first patterned mask layer is formed on the first filling material layer to form a gate on a gate dielectric layer in the first region. A control gate is formed on the control gate dielectric layer of the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicants: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION
    Inventors: XINPENG WANG, JING PAN, QI WANG, XIANJIE NING
  • Publication number: 20150054049
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure includes forming a select gate and a charge storage layer in an NVM region. A spacer select gate is formed by depositing a conformal layer followed by an etch back. A patterned etch results in leaving a portion of the charge storage layer over the select gate. A dummy gate structure formed in a logic region has a dummy gate surrounded by an insulating layer. Performing chemical polishing results in the top surface of the charge storage layer being coplanar with top surface of the dummy gate structure. Replacing a portion of the dummy gate structure with a metal logic gate which includes a further chemical mechanical polishing results in the top surface of the charge storage layer being coplanar with the metal logic gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Asanga H. PERERA, Cheong Min HONG, Sung-Taeg KANG, Byoung W. MIN, Jane A. YATER
  • Patent number: 8962416
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure uses a substrate having a background doping of a first type. A gate structure has a gate dielectric on the substrate and a select gate layer on the gate dielectric. Implanting is performed into a first portion of the substrate adjacent to a first end with dopants of a second type. The implanting is prior to any dopants being implanted into the background doping of the first portion which becomes a first doped region of the second type. An NVM gate structure has a select gate, a storage layer having a first portion over the first doped region, and a control gate over the storage layer. Implanting at a non-vertical angle with dopants of the first type forms a deep doped region under the select gate. Implanting with dopants of the second type forms a source/drain extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Winstead, Cheong Min Hong, Sung-Taeg Kang, Konstantin V. Loiko, Jane A. Yater
  • Patent number: 8962424
    Abstract: A solar cell is formed on an n-type semiconductor substrate having a p+ emitter layer by forming spaced-apart contact/protection structures on the emitter layer, depositing a blanket dielectric passivation layer over the substrate's upper surface, utilizing laser ablation to form contact openings through the dielectric layer that expose corresponding contact/protection structures, and then forming metal gridlines on the upper surface of the dielectric layer that are electrically connected to the contact structures by way of metal via structures extending through associated contact openings. The contact/protection structures serve both as protection against substrate damage during the contact opening formation process (i.e., to prevent damage of the p+ emitter layer caused by the required high energy laser pulses), and also serve as optional silicide sources that facilitate optimal contact between the metal gridlines and the p+ emitter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Baomin Xu
  • Patent number: 8962444
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes forming a poly-silicon layer doped with first p-type dopants on a substrate, etching the poly-silicon layer and the substrate to form a poly-silicon pattern and a trench, forming device isolation pattern covering a lower sidewall of the poly-silicon pattern in the trench, thermally treating the poly-silicon pattern in a gas including second p-type dopants, forming a dielectric layer and a conductive layer on the thermally treated poly-silicon pattern and the device isolation pattern, etching the conductive layer, the dielectric layer, and the thermally treated poly-silicon pattern to form a control gate, a dielectric pattern, and a floating gate respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hwan Kim, Sunggil Kim, HongSuk Kim, Guk-Hyon Yon, Hunhyeong Lim
  • Patent number: 8963230
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a columnar semiconductor, a floating gate electrode formed on a side surface of the columnar semiconductor via a tunnel dielectric film, and a control gate electrode formed to surround the floating gate electrode via a block dielectric film are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takeshi Imamura, Yoshiaki Fukuzumi, Hideaki Aochi, Masaru Kito, Tomoko Fujiwara, Kaori Kawasaki, Ryouhei Kirisawa
  • Patent number: 8962432
    Abstract: A method for forming semiconductor devices using damascene techniques provides self-aligned conductive lines that have an end-to-end spacing less than 60 nm without shorting. The method includes using at least one sacrificial hardmask layer to produce a mandrel and forming a void in the mandrel. The sacrificial hardmask layers are formed over a base material which is advantageously an insulating material. Another hardmask layer is also disposed over the base material and under the mandrel in some embodiments. Spacer material is formed alongside the mandrel and filling the void. The spacer material serves as a mask and at least one etching procedure is carried out to translate the pattern of the spacer material into the base material. The patterned base material includes trenches and raised portions. Conductive features are formed in the trenches using damascene techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ying Lee, Jyu-Horng Shieh
  • Patent number: 8957469
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device according to an embodiment comprises a memory cell string in which a plurality of memory cells each having a gate are serially connected to each other. A selective transistor is connected to an end memory cell at an end of the memory cell string. A sidewall film covers a side surface of a gate of the end memory cell and a side surface of a gate of the selective transistor between the end memory cell and the selective transistor. An air gap is provided between the sidewall film of the end memory cell and the sidewall film of the selective transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ryosuke Isomura, Wataru Sakamoto, Hiroyuki Nitta
  • Publication number: 20150041875
    Abstract: A process integration is disclosed for fabricating non-volatile memory (NVM) cells having recessed control gates (118, 128) on a first substrate area (111) which are encapsulated in one or more planar dielectric layers (130) prior to forming in-laid high-k metal select gates and CMOS transistor gates (136, 138) in first and second substrate areas (111, 113) using a gate-last HKMG CMOS process flow without interfering with the operation or reliability of the NVM cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Freescale Seminconductor, Inc
    Inventor: Asanga H. Perera
  • Patent number: 8951861
    Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a monolithic three dimensional memory array. An example method includes: (a) forming a first plurality of substantially parallel, substantially coplanar conductors above a substrate; (b) forming a first plurality of semiconductor elements above the first plurality of substantially parallel, substantially coplanar conductors; and (c) forming a second plurality of substantially parallel, substantially coplanar conductors above the first plurality of semiconductor elements. Each of the first plurality of semiconductor elements includes a first heavily doped layer having a first conductivity type, a second lightly doped layer on and in contact with the first heavily doped layer, and a third heavily doped layer on and in contact with the second lightly doped layer. The third heavily doped layer has a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Scott Brad Herner, Maitreyee Mahajani
  • Patent number: 8951860
    Abstract: The present invention improves the production yield of a semiconductor device having nonvolatile memory cells of a split gate structure. The level difference of a lower layer resist film with which an end of a memory mat is covered is gentled, the uniformity of the thickness of a resist intermediate layer formed over the lower layer resist film is improved, and local thickness reduction or disappearance is prevented by, after forming a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride film over each of selective gate electrodes formed in a memory cell region of a semiconductor substrate, removing the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film over the selective gate electrode located on the outermost side (a dummy cell region) of the memory mat in the gate length direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Ishii, Hiraku Chakihara, Takahiro Maruyama, Akihiro Nakae
  • Patent number: 8952444
    Abstract: A semiconductor storage device according to an embodiment comprises active areas on a semiconductor substrate. An element isolation is arranged between the active areas and filled by an insulating film. A plurality of memory cells configured to store data are formed on the active areas. Air gaps are arranged between upper-end edge parts of the active areas where the memory cells are formed and an insulating film in the element isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hideto Takekida
  • Patent number: 8952493
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a solid state electrolyte memory cell includes a cathode, an anode and a solid state electrolyte. The anode includes an intercalating material and first metal species dispersed in the intercalating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignees: Adesto Technologies Corporation, Artemis Acquisition LLC
    Inventor: Sandra Mege
  • Patent number: 8952484
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The non-volatile memory includes a substrate, a gate structure, a first doped region, a second doped region and a pair of isolation structures. The gate structure is disposed on the substrate. The gate structure includes a charge storage structure, a gate and spacers. The charge storage structure is disposed on the substrate. The gate is disposed on the charge storage structure. The spacers are disposed on the sidewalls of the gate and the charge storage structure. The first doped region and the second doped region are respectively disposed in the substrate at two sides of the charge storage structure and at least located under the spacers. The isolation structures are respectively disposed in the substrate at two sides of the gate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guan-Wei Wu, I-Chen Yang, Yao-Wen Chang, Tao-Cheng Lu
  • Patent number: 8951864
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a storage element disposed over the substrate in a first region; a control gate disposed over the storage element; a high-k dielectric layer disposed on the substrate in a second region adjacent the first region; and a metal select gate disposed over the high-k dielectric layer and adjacent to the storage element and the control gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsiung Wang, Chih-Ren Hsieh, Tung-Sheng Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20150037949
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes alternately stacking first material layers and second material layers on a substrate to form a stacked structure, forming a through hole penetrating the stacked structure, forming a data storage layer on a sidewall of the through hole, forming a semiconductor pattern electrically connected to the substrate on an inner sidewall of the data storage layer, etching an upper portion of the data storage layer to form a first recessed region exposing an outer sidewall of the semiconductor pattern, and forming a first conductive layer in the first recessed region. Related devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jaegoo Lee
  • Publication number: 20150035039
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a multiple time programmable (MTP) device includes forming fins of a first conducting type on a substrate of a second conducting type. The method further includes forming a floating gate dielectric to partially surround the fins. The method also includes forming a floating gate on the floating gate dielectric. The method also includes forming a coupling film on the floating gate and forming a coupling gate on the coupling film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Xia LI, Bin YANG, Seung Hyuk KANG
  • Publication number: 20150037948
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating integrated circuits are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a silicon material layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method further includes forming a capping layer over the silicon material layer and over the memory gate stack, removing the capping layer from over the memory array region and the high-voltage MOSFET region, forming a second silicon material layer over the capping layer and over the first silicon material layer, and removing the second silicon material layer. The method further includes removing the capping layer from over the first silicon material layer in the logic device region and removing the first and second silicon material layers from the high-voltage MOSFET region. Still further, the method includes forming a photoresist material layer over the memory array region and the logic device region and exposing the semiconductor substrate to an ion implantation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: GLOBAL FOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Bing Li, Sung Mun Jung, Yi Tat Lim
  • Patent number: 8946017
    Abstract: Numerous other aspects are provided a method for making a nonvolatile memory cell. The method includes forming a non-planar dielectric structure, and conformally depositing a semiconductor layer over the dielectric structure. A portion of the semiconductor layer serves as a channel region for a transistor, and the channel region is non-planar in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. Scheuerlein
  • Patent number: 8946021
    Abstract: On a silicon substrate is formed a stacked body by alternately stacking a plurality of silicon oxide films and silicon films, a trench is formed in the stacked body, an alumina film, a silicon nitride film and a silicon oxide film are formed in this order on an inner surface of the trench, and a channel silicon crystalline film is formed on the silicon oxide film. Next, a silicon oxide layer is formed at an interface between the silicon oxide film and the channel silicon crystalline film by performing thermal treatment in an oxygen gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshio Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8945997
    Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. An exemplary method for fabricating an integrated circuit having a split-gate nonvolatile memory device includes forming a charge storage structure overlying a semiconductor substrate and having a first sidewall and a second sidewall and forming an interior cavity. The method forms a control gate in the interior cavity. Further, the method forms a first select gate overlying the semiconductor substrate and adjacent the first sidewall. A first memory cell is formed by the control gate and the first select gate. The method also forms a second select gate overlying the semiconductor substrate and adjacent the second sidewall. A second memory cell is formed by the control gate and the second select gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Zufa Zhang, Khee Yong Lim, Elgin Quek