公开(公告)号：US06777307B1

公开(公告)日：2004-08-17

申请号：US10010833

申请日：2001-12-04

Applicant: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Steven S. Hedayati

Inventor： Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Steven S. Hedayati

IPC: H01L2176

CPC classification number: H01L21/76229 ,  H01L21/3081 ,  H01L21/31053

Abstract: A method is provided which includes planarizing structures and/or layers such that step heights of reduced and more uniform thicknesses may be formed. In particular, a method is provided which includes polishing an upper layer of a topography to expose a first underlying layer and etching away remaining portions of the first underlying layer to expose a second underlying layer. The topography may then be subsequently planarized. As such, a method for fabricating shallow trench isolation regions may include forming one or more trenches extending through a stack arranged over a semiconductor substrate. Such a method may further include blanket depositing a dielectric over the trenches and the stack of layers such that the trenches are filled by the dielectric. The dielectric may then be planarized such that upper surfaces of the dielectric remaining within the trenches are coplanar with an upper surface of an adjacent layer of the stack.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种包括平坦化结构和/或层的方法，使得可以形成减小和更均匀厚度的台阶高度。 特别地，提供了一种方法，其包括抛光地形的上层以暴露第一下层并蚀刻掉第一下层的剩余部分以暴露第二下层。 随后可以将形貌平面化。 因此，用于制造浅沟槽隔离区域的方法可以包括形成延伸穿过布置在半导体衬底上的堆叠的一个或多个沟槽。 这种方法还可以包括在沟槽和层叠层上覆盖电介质，使得沟槽被电介质填充。 然后电介质可以被平坦化，使得保留在沟槽内的电介质的上表面与堆叠的相邻层的上表面共面。

公开(公告)号：US06664120B1

公开(公告)日：2003-12-16

申请号：US10023065

申请日：2001-12-17

Applicant: Sundar Narayanan ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar

Inventor： Sundar Narayanan ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar

IPC: H01L2166

CPC classification number: H01L22/20 ,  G01N1/32 ,  G01N19/06 ,  H01L22/34

Abstract: A method and a structure are provided for measuring a concentration of an impurity within a layer arranged upon a semiconductor substrate. The method may include exposing the layer and semiconductor substrate to oxidizing conditions and determining a difference in total dielectric thickness above the substrate from before to after exposing the layer and substrate. The difference may be correlated to a concentration of the impurity. In some cases, the method may include designating a plurality of measurement locations on the layer such that a concentration profile of the impurity within the layer may be determined. In some embodiments, exposing the layer and substrate may include forming an oxidized interface between the layer and the semiconductor substrate. Preferably, the oxidized interface is thicker underneath portions of the layer with a lower concentration of the impurity than underneath portions of the layer with a higher concentration of the impurity.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种测量布置在半导体衬底上的层内的杂质浓度的方法和结构。 该方法可以包括将层和半导体衬底暴露于氧化条件，并确定在暴露层和衬底之前至之后的衬底上的总电介质厚度的差异。 该差异可能与杂质的浓度相关。 在一些情况下，该方法可以包括指定层上的多个测量位置，使得可以确定该层内的杂质的浓度分布。 在一些实施例中，暴露层和衬底可以包括在层和半导体衬底之间形成氧化界面。 优选地，具有较低浓度的杂质的层的下部的氧化界面比具有较高浓度杂质的层的下部更厚。

公开(公告)号：US06436799B1

公开(公告)日：2002-08-20

申请号：US09670089

申请日：2000-09-26

Applicant: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Manuj Rathor

Inventor： Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Manuj Rathor

IPC: H01L21425

CPC classification number: H01L29/518 ,  H01L21/28176 ,  H01L21/3003 ,  H01L21/324 ,  H01L29/517

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure, includes annealing a structure in a deuterium-containing atmosphere. The structure includes (i) a substrate, (ii) a gate dielectric on the substrate, (iii) a gate on the gate dielectric, (iv) an etch-stop layer on the gate, and (v) an interlayer dielectric on the etch-stop layer.

公开(公告)号：US06399462B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-04

申请号：US08885046

申请日：1997-06-30

Applicant: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Sang S. Kim ,  Sharmin Sadoughi ,  Pamela Trammel ,  Avner Shelem

Inventor： Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Sang S. Kim ,  Sharmin Sadoughi ,  Pamela Trammel ,  Avner Shelem

IPC: H01L2176

CPC classification number: H01L21/7621

Abstract: A method of forming a field oxide or isolation region in a semiconductor die. A nitride layer (over an oxide layer disposed over a substrate) is patterned and subsequently etched so that the nitride layer has a nearly vertical sidewall. The oxide layer and the substrate in the isolation region are etched to form a recess in the substrate having a sloped surface with respect to the nearly vertical sidewall of the nitride layer. A field oxide is then grown in the recess using a high pressure, dry oxidizing atmosphere. The sloped sidewall of the substrate effectively moves the face of the exposed substrate away from the edge of the nitride layer sidewall. Compared to non-sloped techniques, the oxidation appears to start with a built-in offset from the patterned etch. This leads to a reduction of oxide encroachment and a nearly non-existent bird's beak. The desirable range of slopes for the substrate sidewall is approximately 50°-80° with respect to a nearly planar surface of the substrate in the recess.

Abstract translation: 一种在半导体管芯中形成场氧化物或隔离区域的方法。 对氮化物层（在衬底上方的氧化物层上方）进行构图并随后进行蚀刻，使得氮化物层具有几乎垂直的侧壁。 蚀刻隔离区域中的氧化物层和衬底，以在衬底中形成相对于氮化物层的几乎垂直侧壁具有倾斜表面的凹部。 然后使用高压，干燥的氧化气氛将场氧化物生长在凹陷中。 衬底的倾斜侧壁有效地将暴露的衬底的表面远离氮化物层侧壁的边缘移动。 与非倾斜技术相比，氧化似乎从图案化蚀刻的内置偏移开始。 这导致氧化物侵蚀的减少和几乎不存在的鸟的喙。 相对于凹部中的基板的几乎平坦的表面，衬底侧壁的期望的斜率范围大约为50°-80°。

公开(公告)号：US08691648B1

公开(公告)日：2014-04-08

申请号：US13168711

申请日：2011-06-24

Applicant: Igor Polishchuk ,  Sagy Levy ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Jeong Soo Byun

Inventor： Igor Polishchuk ,  Sagy Levy ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Jeong Soo Byun

IPC: H01L21/336

CPC classification number: H01L21/28282 ,  H01L29/66833 ,  H01L29/792

Abstract: Non-volatile semiconductor memories and methods of fabricating the same to improve performance thereof are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: (i) forming a gate for a non-volatile memory transistor on a surface of a substrate overlaying a channel region formed therein, the gate including a charge trapping layer; and (ii) forming a strain inducing structure over the gate of the non-volatile memory transistor to increase charge retention of the charge trapping layer. Preferably, the memory transistor is a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) transistor comprising a SONOS gate stack. More preferably, the memory also includes a logic transistor on the substrate, and the step of forming a strain inducing structure comprises the step of forming the strain inducing structure over the logic transistor. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract translation: 提供非易失性半导体存储器及其制造方法以改善其性能。 在一个实施例中，该方法包括：（i）在覆盖其中形成的沟道区的衬底的表面上形成用于非易失性存储晶体管的栅极，栅极包括电荷俘获层; 和（ii）在非易失性存储晶体管的栅极上形成应变诱导结构，以增加电荷俘获层的电荷保留。 优选地，存储晶体管是包括SONOS栅极堆叠的氧化硅 - 氧化物 - 氮化物 - 氧化物 - 硅（SONOS）晶体管。 更优选地，存储器还包括在衬底上的逻辑晶体管，并且形成应变诱导结构的步骤包括在逻辑晶体管上形成应变诱导结构的步骤。 还公开了其他实施例。

公开(公告)号：US08680601B2

公开(公告)日：2014-03-25

申请号：US11904475

申请日：2007-09-26

Applicant: Sagy Levy ,  Fredrick B. Jenne ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar

Inventor： Sagy Levy ,  Fredrick B. Jenne ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar

IPC: H01L27/115 ,  H01L29/792

CPC classification number: H01L29/792 ,  H01L21/28282 ,  H01L29/513 ,  H01L29/66833

Abstract: A nonvolatile charge trap memory device is described. The device includes a substrate having a channel region and a pair of source/drain regions. A gate stack is above the substrate over the channel region and between the pair of source/drain regions. The gate stack includes a multi-layer charge-trapping region having a first deuterated layer. The multi-layer charge-trapping region may further include a deuterium-free charge-trapping layer.

Abstract translation: 描述了非易失性电荷陷阱存储器件。 该器件包括具有沟道区和一对源极/漏极区的衬底。 栅极堆叠在沟道区域上方之间以及在一对源极/漏极区域之间的衬底之上。 栅极堆叠包括具有第一氘化层的多层电荷捕获区域。 多层电荷俘获区域还可以包括不含氘的电荷俘获层。

公开(公告)号：US08637921B2

公开(公告)日：2014-01-28

申请号：US12005813

申请日：2007-12-27

Applicant: Sagy Levy ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Fredrick B. Jenne

Inventor： Sagy Levy ,  Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Fredrick B. Jenne

IPC: H01L29/792

CPC classification number: H01L29/792 ,  H01L21/28282 ,  H01L21/3143 ,  H01L29/4234 ,  H01L29/4916 ,  H01L29/512 ,  H01L29/513 ,  H01L29/518

Abstract: A method for forming a tunneling layer of a nonvolatile trapped-charge memory device and the article made thereby. The method includes multiple oxidation and nitridation operations to provide a dielectric constant higher than that of a pure silicon dioxide tunneling layer but with a fewer hydrogen and nitrogen traps than a tunneling layer having nitrogen at the substrate interface. The method provides for an improved memory window in a SONOS-type device. In one embodiment, the method includes an oxidation, a nitridation, a reoxidation and a renitridation. In one implementation, the first oxidation is performed with O2 and the reoxidation is performed with NO.

Abstract translation: 一种用于形成非易失性俘获电荷存储装置的隧道层的方法及其制成的制品。 该方法包括多次氧化和氮化操作，以提供比纯二氧化硅隧道层更高的介电常数，但是具有比在衬底界面处具有氮的隧穿层更少的氢和氮阱。 该方法提供了SONOS型设备中改进的存储器窗口。 在一个实施方案中，所述方法包括氧化，氮化，再氧化和再纳入。 在一个实施方案中，首先用O 2进行氧化，并用NO进行再氧化。

公开(公告)号：US20130178031A1

公开(公告)日：2013-07-11

申请号：US13436878

申请日：2012-03-31

Applicant: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Fredrick Jenne ,  Sagy Levy

Inventor： Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Fredrick Jenne ,  Sagy Levy

IPC: H01L21/336

CPC classification number: H01L29/7833 ,  B82Y10/00 ,  H01L21/28282 ,  H01L21/823412 ,  H01L21/823425 ,  H01L21/823462 ,  H01L27/105 ,  H01L27/1052 ,  H01L27/11568 ,  H01L27/11573 ,  H01L27/11582 ,  H01L29/665 ,  H01L29/6656 ,  H01L29/6659 ,  H01L29/66833 ,  H01L29/7836 ,  H01L29/7843 ,  H01L29/792 ,  H01L29/7926

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of integrating a non-volatile memory device into a logic MOS flow is described. Generally, the method includes: forming in a first region of a substrate a channel of a memory device from a semiconducting material overlying a surface of the substrate, the channel connecting a source and a drain of the memory device; forming a charge trapping dielectric stack over the channel adjacent to a plurality of surfaces of the channel, wherein the charge trapping dielectric stack includes a blocking layer on a charge trapping layer over a tunneling layer; and forming a MOS device over a second region of the substrate.

Abstract translation: 描述了将非易失性存储器件集成到逻辑MOS流中的方法的实施例。 通常，该方法包括：在衬底的第一区域中形成存储器件的通道，覆盖衬底表面的半导体材料，连接存储器件的源极和漏极的沟道; 在与所述通道的多个表面相邻的所述通道上形成电荷捕获电介质堆叠，其中所述电荷捕获电介质堆叠包括在隧道层上的电荷捕获层上的阻挡层; 以及在所述衬底的第二区域上形成MOS器件。

公开(公告)号：US08318608B2

公开(公告)日：2012-11-27

申请号：US12197466

申请日：2008-08-25

Applicant: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Sagy Levy ,  Jeong Byun

Inventor： Krishnaswamy Ramkumar ,  Sagy Levy ,  Jeong Byun

IPC: H01L21/31

CPC classification number: H01L21/28282 ,  H01L21/3144 ,  H01L21/3145 ,  H01L29/4234 ,  H01L29/66833

Abstract: A method for fabricating a nonvolatile charge trap memory device is described. The method includes providing a substrate having a charge-trapping layer disposed thereon. A portion of the charge-trapping layer is then oxidized to form a blocking dielectric layer above the charge-trapping layer by exposing the charge-trapping layer to a radical oxidation process.

Abstract translation: 描述了制造非易失性电荷陷阱存储器件的方法。 该方法包括提供其上设置有电荷捕获层的衬底。 然后通过将电荷捕获层暴露于自由基氧化过程，电荷俘获层的一部分被氧化以形成电荷俘获层上方的阻挡电介质层。

公开(公告)号：US08283261B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-09

申请号：US12124855

申请日：2008-05-21

Applicant: Krishnaswamy Ramkumar

Inventor： Krishnaswamy Ramkumar

IPC: H01L21/31

CPC classification number: H01L21/28282 ,  H01L21/3144 ,  H01L21/3145 ,  H01L29/4234 ,  H01L29/66833

Abstract: A method for fabricating a nonvolatile charge trap memory device is described. The method includes providing a substrate having a charge-trapping layer disposed Thereon. A portion of the charge-trapping layer is then oxidized to form a blocking dielectric layer above the charge-trapping layer by exposing the charge-trapping layer to a radical oxidation process.

Abstract translation: 描述了制造非易失性电荷陷阱存储器件的方法。 该方法包括提供其上设置有电荷捕获层的衬底。 然后通过将电荷捕获层暴露于自由基氧化过程，电荷俘获层的一部分被氧化以形成电荷俘获层上方的阻挡电介质层。