公开(公告)号：US20240266214A1

公开(公告)日：2024-08-08

申请号：US18641140

申请日：2024-04-19

Applicant: Lodestar Licensing Group LLC.

Inventor： Xiaosong Zhang ,  Yongjun J. Hu ,  David A. Kewley ,  Md Zahid Hossain ,  Michael J. Irwin ,  Daniel Billingsley ,  Suresh Ramarajan ,  Robert J. Hanson ,  Biow Hiem Ong ,  Keen Wah Chow

IPC: H01L21/768

CPC classification number: H01L21/76831 ,  H01L21/76843 ,  H01L21/76879 ,  H01L21/76804

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a structure including an upper insulating material overlying a lower insulating material, a conductive element underlying the lower insulating material, and a conductive material comprising a metal line and a contact. The conductive material extends from an upper surface of the upper insulating material to an upper surface of the conductive element. The structure also comprises a liner material adjacent the metal line. A width of an uppermost surface of the conductive material of the metal line external to the contact is relatively less than a width of an uppermost surface of the conductive material of the contact. Related methods, memory devices, and electronic systems are disclosed.

公开(公告)号：US20240274538A1

公开(公告)日：2024-08-15

申请号：US18642617

申请日：2024-04-22

Applicant: Lodestar Licensing Group LLC

Inventor： Biow Hiem Ong ,  David A. Daycock ,  Chieh Hsien Quek ,  Chii Wean Calvin Chen ,  Christian George Emor ,  Wing Yu Lo

IPC: H01L23/535 ,  H01L21/768 ,  H01L23/522 ,  H01L23/528 ,  H01L23/532 ,  H10B41/27 ,  H10B41/40 ,  H10B43/27

CPC classification number: H01L23/535 ,  H01L21/76805 ,  H01L21/76816 ,  H01L21/76843 ,  H01L21/76877 ,  H01L21/76895 ,  H01L23/5226 ,  H01L23/5283 ,  H01L23/53266 ,  H10B41/40 ,  H10B41/27 ,  H10B43/27

Abstract: Methods for forming microelectronic devices include forming a staircase structure in a stack structure having a vertically alternating sequence of insulative and conductive materials arranged in tiers. Steps are at lateral ends of the tiers. Contact openings of different aspect ratios are formed in fill material adjacent the staircase structure, with some openings terminating in the fill material and others exposing portions of the conductive material of upper tiers of the stack structure. Additional conductive material is selectively formed on the exposed portions of the conductive material. The contact openings initially terminating in the fill material are extended to expose portions of the conductive material of lower elevations. Contacts are formed, with some extending to the additional conductive material and others extending to conductive material of the tiers of the lower elevations. Microelectronic devices and systems incorporating such staircase structures and contacts are also disclosed.