The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 15, 2014
Filed:
Dec. 07, 2012
Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID (US);
Saurabh Keshav, Boise, ID (US);
Scott Pook, Meridian, ID (US);
Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Boise, ID (US);
Micron Technology, Inc., Boise, ID (US);
Abstract
Some embodiments include methods of forming vertically-stacked structures, such as vertically-stacked memory cells. A first hardmask is formed over a stack of alternating electrically conductive levels and electrically insulative levels. A first opening is formed through the first hardmask and the stack. Cavities are formed to extend into the electrically conductive levels. A fill material is formed within the first opening and within the cavities. A second hardmask is formed over the first hardmask and over the fill material. A second opening is formed through the second hardmask. The second opening is narrower than the first opening. The second opening is extended into the fill material to form an upwardly-opening container from the fill material. Sidewalls of the upwardly-opening container are removed, while leaving the fill material within the cavities as a plurality of vertically-stacked structures.