Karthik Ramani

Title: Innovations and Contributions of Karthik Ramani

Introduction

Karthik Ramani is a notable inventor based in Santa Clara, CA, with a significant portfolio of seven patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in materials and processes that enhance the performance of electronic components.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents involves the combinatorial screening of metallic diffusion barriers. This innovation addresses the challenges of conductivity, diffusion blocking, and adhesion in small-scale interconnects, particularly with copper. The method utilizes test structures that are sputtered or co-sputtered through apertures of varying sizes. Various characteristics, such as resistivity and crystalline morphology, are measured to optimize materials and process parameters. Notably, some formulations of tantalum-titanium barriers may replace thicker tantalum/tantalum-nitride stacks, demonstrating a potential for improved performance.

Another significant patent is a method for fabricating a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) capacitor stack. This method includes a first electrode made from a conductive binary metal compound, which is annealed in a reducing atmosphere to achieve a desired crystal structure. The process enhances the performance of the DRAM capacitor by utilizing a rutile-phase crystal structure, which has a higher k value than other possible structures.

Career Highlights

Karthik Ramani has worked with prominent companies such as Intermolecular, Inc. and Elpida Memory, Inc. His contributions in these organizations have been pivotal in advancing technologies related to semiconductor materials and memory devices.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Ramani has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Hiroyuki Ode and Wim Deweerd. These partnerships have fostered innovation and have led to significant advancements in their respective fields.

Conclusion

Karthik Ramani's contributions to the field of electronics through his patents and collaborations highlight his role as a leading inventor. His work continues to influence the development of advanced materials and technologies in the semiconductor industry.