Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1999-2001
Title: Ken Au: Innovator in NAND-Type Flash Memory Technology
Introduction
Ken Au is a prominent inventor based in Fremont, CA, known for his significant contributions to the field of NAND-type flash memory devices. With a total of 3 patents to his name, he has made remarkable advancements in manufacturing processes that enhance the performance and reliability of memory technologies.
Latest Patents
One of Ken Au's latest patents focuses on a manufacturing process designed to eliminate ONO fence material in high-density NAND-type flash memory devices. This innovation addresses the issue of polystringers that can cause NAND-type memory core cells to malfunction. By removing the ONO fence material, the polystringers can be accessed and eliminated more easily. The process involves the sequential removal of various layers, including a SiON layer, tungsten silicide layer, and multiple polysilicon layers, followed by exposure to a hydrogen-fluoride solution to effectively remove oxide-based materials, particularly the ONO fence.
Another notable patent involves the in-situ doping of amorphous silicon with ammonia to create oxidation-resistant polysilicon-based floating gates. This invention minimizes edge erase times in NOR-type memory devices and reduces variations in performance among multiple devices. The method includes depositing a layer of amorphous silicon on a silicon substrate using a mixture of silane, phosphene, and helium gas, followed by etching and the deposition of an ONO dielectric layer.
Career Highlights
Ken Au is currently employed at Advanced Micro Devices Corporation, where he continues to push the boundaries of memory technology. His work has been instrumental in developing solutions that enhance the efficiency and reliability of memory devices, making significant contributions to the industry.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Ken has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Kent Kuohua Chang and John JianShi Wang. These partnerships have fostered innovation and have been crucial in advancing their shared goals in memory technology.
Conclusion
Ken Au's innovative work in NAND-type flash memory technology exemplifies his commitment to enhancing memory device performance. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges in the field and a dedication to finding effective solutions. His contributions continue to shape the future of memory technology.