Oxide Layer Formation in 3D Semiconductor Vertical Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional semiconductor devices face challenges in reliable and economical manufacturing due to limitations in current process technology, limiting their integration density and performance.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing three-dimensional semiconductor memory devices involves forming a thin layer structure, creating penetration dents, and forming vertical insulation and semiconductor patterns to enhance mechanical stability and current flow, including the use of oxide layers and stacked electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If three-dimensional semiconductor devices are manufactured using conventional process technology, then integration density can be increased beyond planar limits, but manufacturing reliability and economic feasibility deteriorate due to process technology limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration densityVSAvoidmanufacturing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming an oxide layer at the bottom of penetration dents before forming the vertical channel structure. This preliminary oxide layer formation prevents direct contact between the vertical channel and the substrate, avoiding manufacturing defects and improving reliability while enabling higher integration density through vertical stacking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If three-dimensional semiconductor devices are manufactured using conventional process technology, then integration density can be increased beyond planar limits, but manufacturing cost increases due to prohibitively expensive process technology requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration densityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by utilizing the substrate's own material to form the oxide layer through oxidation processes. This eliminates the need for additional deposited oxide layers, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the required insulation and mechanical stability for high-density vertical structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If vertical structures are formed in three-dimensional semiconductor devices, then storage capacity and performance are improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates without proper support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing an oxide layer as a mediator between the vertical channel structure and the substrate. This oxide layer provides mechanical support and stability to the vertical structures, preventing collapse or deformation while maintaining the high storage capacity enabled by the vertical architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Quantity of substance

If vertical structures are formed in three-dimensional semiconductor devices, then current flow and performance are improved, but device reliability deteriorates without proper insulation and isolation structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent flowVSAvoiddevice reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing an oxide layer as a mediator between the vertical channel structure and the substrate. This oxide layer provides mechanical support and stability to the vertical structures, preventing collapse or deformation while maintaining the high storage capacity enabled by the vertical architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach improves the mechanical stability and current flow in three-dimensional semiconductor memory devices, addressing the limitations of conventional manufacturing methods and enhancing performance.

Implementation Method 1

forming an oxide layer between the thin layer structure and the substrate by oxidizing a sidewall of the penetration dent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9490130B2Method of manufacturing three-dimensional semiconductor memory device in which an oxide layer is formed at bottom of vertical structure of the device
Publication Date: 2016.11.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9490130B2 patent drawing
  • US9490130B2 patent drawing
  • US9490130B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional semiconductor memory device comprises forming a thin layer structure by alternately stacking first and second material layers on a substrate, forming a penetration dent penetrating the thin layer structure and exposing a top surface of the substrate recessed by the penetration dent, forming a vertical insulation layer penetrating the thin layer structure to cover an inner wall of the penetration dent, forming a semiconductor pattern penetrating the vertical insulation layer at the penetration dent to be inserted into the substrate, and forming an oxide layer between the thin layer structure and the substrate by oxidizing a sidewall of the penetration dent.