| GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120129311 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A TRANSISTOR DEVICE HAVING ASYMMETRIC EMBEDDED STRAIN ELEMENTS - Semiconductor transistor devices and related fabrication methods are provided. An exemplary transistor device includes a layer of semiconductor material having a channel region defined therein and a gate structure overlying the channel region. Recesses are formed in the layer of semiconductor material adjacent to the channel region, such that the recesses extend asymmetrically toward the channel region. The transistor device also includes stress-inducing semiconductor material formed in the recesses. The asymmetric profile of the stress-inducing semiconductor material enhances carrier mobility in a manner that does not exacerbate the short channel effect. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129308 | Performance Enhancement in PMOS and NMOS Transistors on the Basis of Silicon/Carbon Material - A silicon/germanium material and a silicon/carbon material may be provided in transistors of different conductivity type on the basis of an appropriate manufacturing regime without unduly contributing to overall process complexity. Furthermore, appropriate implantation species may be provided through exposed surface areas of the cavities prior to forming the corresponding strained semiconductor alloy, thereby additionally contributing to enhanced overall transistor performance. In other embodiments a silicon/carbon material may be formed in a P-channel transistor and an N-channel transistor, while the corresponding tensile strain component may be overcompensated for by means of a stress memorization technique in the P-channel transistor. Thus, the advantageous effects of the carbon species, such as enhancing overall dopant profile of P-channel transistors, may be combined with an efficient strain component while enhanced overall process uniformity may also be accomplished. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120122249 | DOPANT MARKER FOR PRECISE RECESS CONTROL - A semiconductor device is formed by implanting recess markers in a material during deposition and using the recess markers during etching of the material for precise in-situ removal rate definition and removal homogeneity-over-radius definition. An embodiment includes depositing a layer of material on a substrate, implanting first and second dopants in the material at first and second predetermined times during deposition of the material, etching the material, detecting the depths of the first and second dopants during etching, calculating the removal rate of the material in situ from the depths of the first and second dopants, and determining from the removal rate a stop position for etching. Embodiments further include depositing a layer of material on a substrate, laterally implanting a first dopant and a second dopant in the material at a predetermined depth during deposition of the material, etching the material, detecting the positions and intensities of the first and second dopants during etching, and calculating lateral homogeneity of the material in situ from the intensities of the first and second dopants. Embodiments further include in situ corrective action for the removal process based on the determined removal rate and lateral homogeneity. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119308 | GATE ETCH OPTIMIZATION THROUGH SILICON DOPANT PROFILE CHANGE - Improved semiconductor devices including metal gate electrodes are formed with reduced performance variability by reducing the initial high dopant concentration at the top portion of the silicon layer overlying the metal layer. Embodiments include reducing the dopant concentration in the upper portion of the silicon layer, by implanting a counter-dopant into the upper portion of the silicon layer, removing the high dopant concentration portion and replacing it with undoped or lightly doped silicon, and applying a gettering agent to the upper surface of the silicon layer to form a thin layer with the gettered dopant, which layer can be removed or retained. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119259 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE SUBSTRATE WITH EMBEDDED STRESS REGION, AND RELATED FABRICATION METHODS - A semiconductor device substrate is presented here. The semiconductor device substrate includes a layer of first semiconductor material having a first lattice constant, a region of second semiconductor material located in the layer of first semiconductor material, and a layer of epitaxially grown third semiconductor material overlying the layer of first semiconductor material and overlying the region of second semiconductor material. The second semiconductor material has a second lattice constant that is different than the first lattice constant. Moreover, the layer of epitaxially grown third semiconductor material exhibits a stressed zone overlying the region of second semiconductor material. The stressed zone has a third lattice constant that is different than the first lattice constant. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120115326 | Method of Forming Metal Silicide Regions - The method described herein involves the formation of metal silicide regions. The method may involve forming a layer of refractory metal on a structure comprising silicon, forming a layer of silicon on the layer of refractory metal and, after forming the layer of silicon, performing at least one heat treatment process to form a metal silicide region in the structure. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112281 | FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTORS WITH HIGH-K/METAL GATE ELECTRODES - Semiconductor devices with high-K/metal gates are formed with spacers that are substantially resistant to subsequent etching to remove an overlying spacer, thereby avoiding replacement and increasing manufacturing throughput. Embodiments include forming a high-K/metal gate, having an upper surface and side surfaces, over a substrate, e.g., a SOI substrate, and sequentially forming, on the side surfaces of the high-K/metal gate, a first spacer of a non-oxide material, a second spacer, of a material different from that of the first spacer, and a third spacer, of a material different from that of the second spacer. After formation of source and drain regions, e.g., epitaxially grown silicon-germanium, the third spacer is etched with an etchant, such as hot phosphoric acid, to which the second spacer is substantially resistant, thereby avoiding replacement. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120098042 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH REDUCED JUNCTION LEAKAGE AND AN ASSOCIATED METHOD OF FORMING SUCH A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - Disclosed is a semiconductor device having a p-n junction with reduced junction leakage in the presence of metal silicide defects that extend to the junction and a method of forming the device. Specifically, a semiconductor layer having a p-n junction is formed. A metal silicide layer is formed on the semiconductor layer and a dopant is implanted into the metal silicide layer. An anneal process is performed causing the dopant to migrate toward the metal silicide-semiconductor layer interface such that the peak concentration of the dopant will be within a portion of the metal silicide layer bordering the metal silicide-semiconductor layer interface and encompassing the defects. As a result, the silicide to silicon contact is effectively engineered to increase the Schottky barrier height at the defect, which in turn drastically reduces any leakage that would otherwise occur, when the p-n junction is in reverse polarity. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120091535 | Method and Semiconductor Device Comprising a Protection Layer for Reducing Stress Relaxation in a Dual Stress Liner Approach - By providing a protection layer for suppressing stress relaxation in a tensile-stressed dielectric material during a dual stress liner approach, performance of N-channel transistors may be increased, while nevertheless maintaining a high degree of compatibility with conventional dual stress liner approaches. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120086056 | Superior Integrity of a High-K Gate Stack by Forming a Controlled Undercut on the Basis of a Wet Chemistry - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, the encapsulation of sensitive gate materials, such as a high-k dielectric material and a metal-containing electrode material, which are provided in an early manufacturing stage may be achieved by forming an undercut gate configuration. To this end, a wet chemical etch sequence is applied after the basic patterning of the gate layer stack, wherein at least ozone-based and hydrofluoric acid-based process steps are performed in an alternating manner, thereby achieving a substantially self-limiting removal behavior. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120081944 | CROSSBAR ARRAY MEMORY ELEMENTS AND RELATED READ METHODS - Apparatus and related fabrication and read methods are provided for crossbar memory elements. An exemplary crossbar memory element includes a crossbar array structure including a set of access lines, unswitched resistance elements coupled electrically in series between the set of access lines and a reference voltage node, and switched resistance elements coupled electrically in series between the first set of access lines and the reference voltage node. To read from a selected access line, the switched resistance element associated with that access line is enabled while the remaining switched resistance elements are disabled. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120070987 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE HAVING DECREASED CONTACT RESISTANCE - Semiconductor devices having improved contact resistance and methods for fabricating such semiconductor devices are provided. These semiconductor devices include a semiconductor device structure and a contact. The contact is electrically and physically coupled to the semiconductor device structure at both a surface portion and a sidewall portion of the semiconductor device structure. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120070947 | INDUCING STRESS IN FIN-FET DEVICE - A method of forming a fin-shaped field effect transistor (fin-FET) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: partially amorphizing a fin overlying a substrate; forming a stress layer over a portion of the partially amorphized fin; annealing to impart stress in the partially amorphized fin to form a stressed fin; removing the stress layer from over the portion of stressed fin; and forming a gate over the stressed fin after the removing of the stress layer. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120068234 | METHOD FOR SELF-ALIGNING A STOP LAYER TO A REPLACEMENT GATE FOR SELF-ALIGNED CONTACT INTEGRATION - Semiconductor devices with replacement gate electrodes and integrated self aligned contacts are formed with enhanced gate dielectric layers and improved electrical isolation properties between the gate line and a contact. Embodiments include forming a removable gate electrode on a substrate, forming a self aligned contact stop layer over the electrode and the substrate, removing a portion of the self aligned contact stop layer over the electrode and the electrode itself leaving an opening, forming a replacement gate electrode of metal, in the opening, transforming an upper portion of the metal into a dielectric layer, and forming a self aligned contact. Embodiments include forming the contact stop layer of a dielectric material, and transforming the upper portion of the metal into a dielectric layer. Embodiments also include forming a hardmask layer over the removable gate electrode to protect the electrode during silicidation in source/drain regions of the semiconductor device. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120061818 | 3-D Integrated Semiconductor Device Comprising Intermediate Heat Spreading Capabilites - In a three-dimensional chip configuration, a heat spreading material may be positioned between adjacent chips and also between a chip and a carrier substrate, thereby significantly enhancing heat dissipation capability. Furthermore, appropriately sized and positioned through holes in the heat spreading material may enable electrical chip-to-chip connections, while responding thermally conductive connectors may extend to the heat sink without actually contacting the corresponding chips. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120043646 | SPACER DOUBLE PATTERNING THAT PRINTS MULTIPLE CD IN FRONT-END-OF-LINE - A semiconductor device is formed with sub-resolution features and at least one additional feature having a relatively larger critical dimension using only two masks. An embodiment includes forming a plurality of first mandrels, having a first width, and at least one second mandrel, having a second width greater than the first width, overlying a target layer using a first mask, forming sidewall spacers along the length and width of the first and second mandrels, forming a filler adjacent each sidewall spacer, the filler having the first width, removing the filler adjacent sidewall spacers along the widths of the first and second mandrels using a second mask, removing the sidewall spacers, and etching the target layer between the filler and the first and second mandrels, thereby forming at least two target features with different critical dimensions. Embodiments further include using a third mask to form a semiconductor device having further features with a different critical dimension, but the same pitch, as the sub-resolution features. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120040517 | METHODS FOR FORMING ISOLATED FIN STRUCTURES ON BULK SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL - Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. A method comprises forming a layer of a first semiconductor material overlying the bulk substrate and forming a layer of a second semiconductor material overlying the layer of the first semiconductor material. The method further comprises creating a fin pattern mask on the layer of the second semiconductor material and anisotropically etching the layer of the second semiconductor material and the layer of the first semiconductor material using the fin pattern mask as an etch mask. The anisotropic etching results in a fin formed from the second semiconductor material and an exposed region of first semiconductor material underlying the fin. The method further comprises forming an isolation layer in the exposed region of first semiconductor material underlying the fin. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120038026 | LOW CAPACITANCE PRECISION RESISTOR - A precision low capacitance resistor is formed, e.g., in a bulk substrate. An embodiment includes forming a source/drain region on a substrate, patterning a portion of the source/drain region to form segments, etching the segments to substantially separate an upper section of each segment from a lower section of each segment, and filling the space between the segments with an insulating material. The resulting structure maintains electrical connection between the segments at end pads, but separates the resistor segments from the bottom substrate, thereby avoiding capacitive coupling with the substrate. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037996 | SRAM BIT CELL WITH SELF-ALIGNED BIDIRECTIONAL LOCAL INTERCONNECTS - Improved SRAMs are formed with significantly reduced local interconnect to gate shorts, by a technique providing bidirectional, self-aligned local interconnects, employing a gate hard mask over portions of the gates not connected to the local interconnects. Embodiments include forming a gate hard mask over gates, forming bidirectional trenches overlying portions of the gate electrodes and active silicon regions, etching the hard mask layer to expose regions of the gate electrodes that are to connect to local interconnects, and filling the trenches with conductive material to form self-aligned local interconnects. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120028472 | Method of Controlling Critical Dimensions of Vias in a Metallization System of a Semiconductor Device During Silicon-ARC Etch - When forming via openings in sophisticated semiconductor devices, a silicon-containing anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer may be efficiently used for adjusting the critical dimension of the via openings by using a two-step etch process in which, in at least one of the process steps, the flow rate of a reactive gas component may be controlled to increase or reduce the resulting width of an opening in the silicon ARC layer. In this manner, the spread of critical dimensions of vias around the target value may be significantly reduced while also reducing any maintenance and rework efforts. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028470 | Increasing Robustness of a Dual Stress Liner Approach in a Semiconductor Device by Applying a Wet Chemistry - In a dual stress liner approach, unwanted material provided between closely spaced gate electrode structures may be removed to a significant degree on the basis of a wet chemical etch process, thereby reducing the risk of creating patterning-related irregularities. Consequently, the probability of contact failures in sophisticated interlayer dielectric material systems formed on the basis of a dual stress liner approach may be reduced. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028376 | Method of Controlling Critical Dimensions of Trenches in a Metallization System of a Semiconductor Device During Etch of an Etch Stop Layer - When forming metal lines and vias in complex metallization systems of semiconductor devices, an additional control mechanism for adjusting the final critical dimension may be implemented in the last etch process for etching through the etch stop layer after having patterned the low-k dielectric material. To this end, the concentration of a polymerizing gas may be controlled in accordance with the initial critical dimension obtained after the lithography process, thereby efficiently re-adjusting the final critical dimension so as to be close to the desired target value. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025862 | Test Structure for ILD Void Testing and Conduct Resistance Measurement in a Semiconductor Device - In complex semiconductor devices, the contact characteristics may be efficiently determined on the basis of a test structure which includes a combination of interconnect chain structures and a comb structure including gate electrode structures. Consequently, an increased amount of measurement information may be obtained on the basis of a reduced overall floor space of the test structure. In this manner, the complex manufacturing sequence for forming a contact level of a semiconductor device may be quantitatively estimated and monitored. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025392 | Increased Stability of a Complex Material Stack in a Semiconductor Device by Providing Fluorine Enriched Interfaces - When forming complex metallization systems, a sensitive material, such as a ULK material, may be deposited on a silicon-containing dielectric material, such as an etch stop material, with superior adhesion by performing a surface treatment on the basis of fluorine radicals. Due to the fluorine treatment, silicon-fluorine bonds are generated, which are then broken up upon interacting with the chemically active component during the further deposition process. Consequently, the subsequent material layer is chemically bonded to the underlying material, thereby imparting superior stability to the interface, which in turn may result in superior robustness and reliability of the metallization system upon performing reflowing processes and operating complex packaged semiconductor devices. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025318 | Reduced Topography in Isolation Regions of a Semiconductor Device by Applying a Deposition/Etch Sequence Prior to Forming the Interlayer Dielectric - Contact failures in sophisticated semiconductor devices may be reduced by relaxing the pronounced surface topography in isolation regions prior to depositing the interlayer dielectric material system. To this end, a deposition/etch sequence may be applied in which a fill material may be removed from the active region, while the recesses in the isolation regions may at least be partially filled. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025315 | Transistor with Embedded Strain-Inducing Material and Dummy Gate Electrodes Positioned Adjacent to the Active Region - The uniformity of transistor characteristics may be enhanced for transistors having incorporated therein a strain-inducing semiconductor material by using appropriately positioned dummy gate electrode structures. To this end, the dummy gate electrode structures may be positioned such that these structures may connect to or may overlap with the edge of the active region, thereby preserving a portion of the initial semiconductor material of the active region at the edge thereof upon forming the corresponding cavities. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025312 | Strain Engineering in Three-Dimensional Transistors Based on a Strained Channel Semiconductor Material - In three-dimensional transistor configurations, such as finFETs, at least one surface of the semiconductor fin may be provided with a strained semiconductor material, which may thus have a pronounced uniaxial strain component along the current flow direction. The strained semiconductor material may be provided at any appropriate manufacturing stage, for instance, prior to actually patterning the semiconductor fins and/or after the patterning the semiconductor fins, thereby providing superior performance and flexibility in adjusting the overall characteristics of three-dimensional transistors. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025266 | Transistors Comprising High-K Metal Gate Electrode Structures and Embedded Strain-Inducing Semiconductor Alloys Formed in a Late Stage - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, replacement gate approaches may be applied in combination with a process strategy for implementing a strain-inducing semiconductor material, wherein superior proximity of the strain-inducing semiconductor material and/or superior robustness of the replacement gate approach may be achieved by forming the initial gate electrode structures with superior uniformity and providing at least one cavity for implementing the strained channel regions in a very advanced manufacturing stage, i.e., after completing the basic transistor configuration. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120018816 | SELF-ALIGNED SILICIDATION FOR REPLACEMENT GATE PROCESS - A semiconductor device is formed with low resistivity self aligned silicide contacts with high-K/metal gates. Embodiments include postponing silicidation of a metal layer on source/drain regions in a silicon substrate until deposition of a high-K dielectric, thereby preserving the physical and morphological properties of the silicide film and improving device performance. An embodiment includes forming a replaceable gate electrode on a silicon-containing substrate, forming source/drain regions, forming a metal layer on the source/drain regions, forming an ILD over the metal layer on the substrate, removing the replaceable gate electrode, thereby forming a cavity, depositing a high-K dielectric layer in the cavity at a temperature sufficient to initiate a silicidation reaction between the metal layer and underlying silicon, and forming a metal gate electrode on the high-K dielectric layer. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120009780 | WIRE BONDING ON REACTIVE METAL SURFACES OF A METALLIZATION OF A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE BY PROVIDING A PROTECTION LAYER - In semiconductor devices having a copper-based metallization system, bond pads for wire bonding may be formed directly on copper surfaces, which may be covered by an appropriately designed protection layer to avoid unpredictable copper corrosion during the wire bond process. A thickness of the protection layer may be selected such that bonding through the layer may be accomplished, while also ensuring a desired high degree of integrity of the copper surface. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007221 | MASK FOR FORMING INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a buffer layer comprising a dielectric material above a layer of conductive material and providing a layer of mask material above the buffer layer. The mask material comprises amorphous carbon. The method also includes removing a portion of the buffer layer and the layer of mask material to form a mask. A feature is formed in the layer of conductive material according to the mask. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007182 | CHARGING PROTECTION DEVICE - Shallow trench isolation silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices are formed with improved charge protection. Embodiments include an SOI film diode and a P | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007145 | ASYMMETRIC CHANNEL MOSFET - A field effect transistor includes a partial SiGe channel, i.e., a channel including a SiGe channel portion, located underneath a gate electrode and a Si channel portion located underneath an edge of the gate electrode near the drain region. The SiGe channel portion can be located directly underneath a gate dielectric, or can be located underneath a Si channel layer located directly underneath a gate dielectric. The Si channel portion is located at the same depth as the SiGe channel portion, and contacts the drain region of the transistor. By providing a Si channel portion near the drain region, the GIDL current of the transistor is maintained at a level on par with the GIDL current of a transistor having a silicon channel only during an off state. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007075 | SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH BACKSIDE CONDUCTOR STRUCTURE - Various semiconductor devices and methods of testing such devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a bore from a backside of a semiconductor chip through a buried insulating layer and to a semiconductor device layer of the semiconductor chip. A conductor structure is formed in the bore to establish an electrically conductive pathway between the semiconductor device layer and the conductor structure. The conductor structure may provide a diagnostic pathway. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120005634 | Control of Critical Dimensions in Optical Imaging Processes for Semiconductor Production by Extracting Imaging Imperfections on the Basis of Imaging Tool Specific Intensity Measurements and Simulations - Variations in critical dimensions of circuit features of sophisticated semiconductor devices may be reduced by efficiently extracting mask and/or imaging tool specific non-uniformities with high spatial resolution by using measured intensity values and simulated intensity values. For example, a tool internal radiation sensor may be used for measuring the intensity of an image of a lithography mask, while a simulated intensity enables eliminating the mask pattern specific intensity contributions. In this manner, high spatial resolution of the corresponding correction map may be obtained without undue effort in terms of man power and measurement tool resources. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004758 | Method and System for Excursion Monitoring in Optical Lithography Processes in Micro Device Fabrication - A process monitoring system may detect out-of-control situations on the basis of a single criterion for a plurality of different lithography processes. To this end, each data set related to a specific type of lithography process may be processed so as to determine relative data, which may be centered around the same mean value for each of the different process types for a standard control situation. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001343 | Sophisticated Metallization Systems in Semiconductors Formed by Removing Damaged Dielectric Surface Layers After Forming the Metal Features - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, densely packed metal line layers may be formed on the basis of an ultra low-k dielectric material, wherein corresponding modified portions of increased dielectric constant may be removed in the presence of the metal lines, for instance, by means of a selective wet chemical etch process. Consequently, the metal lines may be provided with desired critical dimensions without having to take into consideration a change of the critical dimensions upon removing the modified material portion, as is the case in conventional strategies. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001330 | Semiconductor Device Comprising Through Hole Vias Having a Stress Relaxation Mechanism - In a semiconductor device, through hole vias or through silicon vias (TSV) may be formed so as to include an efficient stress relaxation mechanism, for instance provided on the basis of a stress relaxation layer, in order to reduce or compensate for stress forces caused by a pronounced change in volume of the conductive fill materials of the through hole vias. In this manner, the high risk of creating cracks and delamination events in conventional semiconductor devices may be significantly reduced. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001323 | Semiconductor Device Including Ultra Low-K (ULK) Metallization Stacks with Reduced Chip-Package Interaction - In complex semiconductor devices, sophisticated ULK materials may be used in metal line layers in combination with a via layer of enhanced mechanical stability by increasing the amount of dielectric material of superior mechanical strength. Due to the superior mechanical stability of the via layers, reflow processes for directly connecting the semiconductor die and a package substrate may be performed on the basis of a lead-free material system without unduly increasing yield losses. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001295 | Semiconductor Device Comprising High-K Metal Gate Electrode Structures and Precision eFuses Formed in the Active Semiconductor Material - In a complex semiconductor device, electronic fuses may be formed in the active semiconductor material by using a semiconductor material of reduced heat conductivity selectively in the fuse body, wherein, in some illustrative embodiments, the fuse body may be delineated by a non-silicided semiconductor base material. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001263 | Replacement Gate Approach for High-K Metal Gate Stacks Based on a Non-Conformal Interlayer Dielectric - In replacement gate approaches for forming sophisticated high-k metal gate electrode structures in a late manufacturing stage, the exposing of the placeholder material may be accomplished on the basis of a substantially uniform interlayer dielectric material, for instance in the form of a silicon nitride material, which may have a similar removal rate compared to the dielectric cap material, the spacer elements and the like of the gate electrode structures. Consequently, a pronounced degree of recessing of the interlayer dielectric material may be avoided, thereby reducing the risk of forming metal residues upon removing any excess material of the gate metal. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001254 | Transistor With Embedded Si/Ge Material Having Reduced Offset and Superior Uniformity - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, a strain-inducing embedded semiconductor alloy may be provided on the basis of a crystallographically anisotropic etch process and a self-limiting deposition process, wherein transistors which may not require an embedded strain-inducing semiconductor alloy may remain non-masked, thereby providing superior uniformity with respect to overall transistor configuration. Consequently, superior strain conditions may be achieved in one type of transistor, while generally reduced variations in transistor characteristics may be obtained for any type of transistors. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001174 | Test Structure for Controlling the Incorporation of Semiconductor Alloys in Transistors Comprising High-K Metal Gate Electrode Structures - When forming critical threshold adjusting semiconductor alloys and/or strain-inducing embedded semiconductor materials in sophisticated semiconductor devices, at least the corresponding etch processes may be monitored efficiently on the basis of mechanically gathered profile measurement data by providing an appropriately designed test structure. Consequently, sophisticated process sequences performed on bulk semiconductor devices may be efficiently monitored and/or controlled by means of the mechanically obtained profile measurement data without significant delay. For example, superior uniformity upon providing a threshold adjusting semiconductor alloy in sophisticated high-k metal gate electrode structures for non-SOI devices may be achieved. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110316093 | SHORT CHANNEL SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES WITH REDUCED HALO DIFFUSION - A short channel semiconductor device is formed with halo regions that are separated from the bottom of the gate electrode and from each other. Embodiments include implanting halo regions after forming source/drain regions and source/drain extension regions. An embodiment includes forming source/drain extension regions in a substrate, forming source/drain regions in the substrate, forming halo regions under the source/drain extension regions, after forming the source drain regions, and forming a gate electrode on the substrate between the source/drain regions. By forming the halo regions after the high temperature processing involved informing the source/drain and source/drain extension regions, halo diffusion is minimized, thereby maintaining sufficient distance between halo regions and reducing short channel NMOS Vt roll-off. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316046 | Field Effect Transistor Device - A method for forming a field effect transistor device includes forming a gate stack portion on a substrate, forming a spacer portion on the gates stack portion and a portion of the substrate, removing an exposed portion of the substrate, epitaxially growing a first silicon material on the exposed portion of the substrate, removing a portion of the epitaxially grown first silicon material to expose a second portion of the substrate, and epitaxially growing a second silicon material on the exposed second portion of the substrate and the first silicon material. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110309455 | Gate-Last Fabrication of Quarter-Gap MGHK FET - A quarter-gap p-type field effect transistor (PFET) formed by gate-last fabrication includes a gate stack formed on a silicon substrate, the gate stack including: a high-k dielectric layer located on the silicon substrate; and a gate metal layer located over the high-k dielectric layer, the gate metal layer including titanium nitride and having a thickness of about 20 angstroms; and a metal contact formed over the gate stack. A quarter-gap n-type field effect transistor (NFET) formed by gate-last fabrication includes a gate stack formed on a silicon substrate, the gate stack including: a high-k dielectric layer located on the silicon substrate; and a first gate metal layer located over the high-k dielectric layer, the first gate metal layer including titanium nitride; and a metal contact formed over the gate stack. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110303980 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES HAVING STRESSOR REGIONS AND RELATED FABRICATION METHODS - Apparatus for semiconductor device structures and related fabrication methods are provided. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device structure on an isolated region of semiconductor material comprises forming a plurality of gate structures overlying the isolated region of semiconductor material and masking edge portions of the isolated region of semiconductor material. While the edge portions are masked, the fabrication method continues by forming recesses between gate structures of the plurality of gate structures and forming stressor regions in the recesses. The method continues by unmasking the edge portions and implanting ions of a conductivity-determining impurity type into the stressor regions and the edge portions. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303954 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES HAVING STRESSOR REGIONS AND RELATED FABRICATION METHODS - Apparatus for semiconductor device structures and related fabrication methods are provided. One method for fabricating a semiconductor device structure involves forming a gate structure overlying a region of semiconductor material, wherein the width of the gate structure is aligned with a <100> crystal direction of the semiconductor material. The method continues by forming recesses about the gate structure and forming a stress-inducing semiconductor material in the recesses. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110298008 | SELF-ALIGNED EMBEDDED SiGe STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A low energy surface is formed by a high temperature anneal of the surfaces of trenches on each side of a gate stack. The material of the semiconductor layer reflows during the high temperature anneal such that the low energy surface is a crystallographic surface that is at a non-orthogonal angle with the surface normal of the semiconductor layer. A lattice mismatched semiconductor material is selectively grown on the semiconductor layer to fill the trenches, thereby forming embedded lattice mismatched semiconductor material portions in source and drain regions of a transistor. The embedded lattice mismatched semiconductor material portions can be in-situ doped without increasing punch-through. Alternately, a combination of intrinsic selective epitaxy and ion implantation can be employed to form deep source and drain regions. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110294269 | Transistor With Embedded Strain-Inducing Material Formed in Diamond-Shaped Cavities Based on a Pre-Amorphization - When forming cavities in active regions of semiconductor devices in order to incorporate a strain\-inducing semiconductor material, superior uniformity may be achieved by using an implantation process so as to selectively modify the etch behavior of exposed portions of the active region. In this manner, the basic configuration of the cavities may be adjusted with a high degree of flexibility, while at the same time the dependence on pattern loading effect may be reduced. Consequently, a significantly reduced variability of transistor characteristics may be achieved. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291299 | Stress Reduction in Chip Packaging by a Stress Compensation Region Formed Around the Chip - A stress compensation region that may be appropriately positioned on a package substrate may compensate for or at least significantly reduce the thermally induced mechanical stress in a sensitive metallization system of a semiconductor die, in particular during the critical reflow process. For example, a stressor ring may be formed so as to laterally surround the chip receiving portion of the package substrate, wherein the stressor ring may efficiently compensate for the thermally induced deformation in the chip receiving portion. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291298 | Chip Package Including Multiple Sections for Reducing Chip Package Interaction - Thermally induced stress in a semiconductor die, i.e., in a complex metallization system thereof, may be reduced by “dividing” a package substrate into two or more substrate sections, which may have formed therebetween an appropriate stress buffer region, for instance a region of superior resiliency. In this case, the total deformation of the package substrate may be reduced, thereby also reducing the thermally induced stress forces in the complex metallization system of the semiconductor die. Hence, for a given size and complexity of a metallization system, an increased production yield and superior reliability may be achieved. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291292 | Selective Shrinkage of Contact Elements in a Semiconductor Device - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, the contact elements connecting to active semiconductor regions having formed thereabove closely spaced gate electrode structures may be provided on the basis of a liner material so as to reduce the lateral width of the contact opening, while, on the other hand, non-critical contact elements may be formed on the basis of non-reduced lateral dimensions. To this end, at least a first portion of the critical contact element is formed and provided with a liner material prior to forming the non-critical contact element. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291285 | Semiconductor Device Comprising a Die Seal with Graded Pattern Density - A die seal of a semiconductor device may be provided with a varying pattern density such that a gradient between the die region and the die seal may be reduced. Consequently, for a given width of the die seal, a required mechanical stability may be achieved, while at the same time differences in topography between the die region and the die seal may be reduced, thereby contributing to superior process conditions for sophisticated lithography processes. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291269 | Semiconductor Device Comprising a Stacked Die Configuration Including an Integrated Peltier Element - In a stacked semiconductor device, a Peltier element may be incorporated as a distributed element so as to provide active heat transfer from a high power device into a low power device, thereby achieving superior temperature control in stacked device configurations. For example, a CPU and a dynamic RAM device may be provided as a stacked configuration, wherein waste heat of the CPU may be efficiently distributed into the low power memory device. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291196 | Self-Aligned Multiple Gate Transistor Formed on a Bulk Substrate - Three-dimensional transistors in a bulk configuration may be formed on the basis of gate openings or gate trenches provided in a mask material. Hence, self-aligned semiconductor fins may be efficiently patterned in the underlying active region in a portion defined by the gate opening, while other gate openings may be efficiently masked, in which planar transistors are to be provided. After patterning the semiconductor fins and adjusting the effective height thereof, the further processing may be continued on the basis of process techniques that may be commonly applied to the planar transistors and the three-dimensional transistors. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291170 | Semiconductor Device Comprising a Buried Capacitor Formed in the Contact Level - In a semiconductor device, capacitors may be formed so as to be in direct contact with a transistor by using a shared transistor region, such as a drain region or a source region of closely spaced transistors, as one capacitor electrode, while the other capacitor electrode is provided in the form of a buried electrode in the dielectric material of the contact level. To this end, dielectric material may be deposited so as to reliably form a void, wherein, at any appropriate manufacturing stage, a capacitor dielectric material may be provided so as to separate the capacitor electrodes. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110291163 | Reduction of Defect Rates in PFET Transistors Comprising a Si/Ge Semiconductor Material Formed by Epitaxial Growth - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, the defect rate that may typically be associated with the provision of a silicon/germanium material in the active region of P-channel transistors may be significantly decreased by incorporating a carbon species prior to or during the selective epitaxial growth of the silicon/germanium material. In some embodiments, the carbon species may be incorporated during the selective growth process, while in other cases an ion implantation process may be used. In this case, superior strain conditions may also be obtained in N-channel transistors. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110284985 | SHALLOW TRENCH ISOLATION EXTENSION - A semiconductor device is formed with extended STI regions. Embodiments include implanting oxygen under STI trenches prior to filling the trenches with oxide and subsequently annealing. An embodiment includes forming a recess in a silicon substrate, implanting oxygen into the silicon substrate below the recess, filling the recess with an oxide, and annealing the oxygen implanted silicon. The annealed oxygen implanted silicon extends the STI region, thereby reducing leakage current between N+ diffusions and N-well and between P+ diffusions and P-well, without causing STI fill holes and other defects. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110281431 | METHOD OF PATTERNING THIN METAL FILMS - A Cu interconnect is formed with improved directionality and smoothness. Embodiments include wet etching Cu while applying a pulsing electric current. An embodiment includes forming a Cu layer, and patterning the Cu layer by exposing it to a wet etching solution which includes a passivating surface active agent while simultaneously applying an electric current. The etching solution may be a mild acid. A UV light may be applied simultaneously with the electric current. The electric current may be pulsed with a cycle frequency between 50 kHz and 500 kHz. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110275214 | DUAL DAMASCENE-LIKE SUBTRACTIVE METAL ETCH SCHEME - Metal interconnects are formed with larger grain size and improved uniformity. Embodiments include patterning metal layers into metal interconnects and vias prior to depositing a dielectric layer. An embodiment includes forming metal layers on a substrate, patterning the metal layers to form metal interconnect lines and vias, and forming a dielectric layer on the substrate, metal interconnect lines, and vias, thereby filling gaps between the metal interconnect lines and between the vias. The metal layers may be annealed prior to patterning. A liner may be formed on the sidewalls of the metal interconnect lines and vias prior to forming the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer may be formed of a porous material with a dielectric constant less than 2.4. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110269381 | Planarization of a Material System in a Semiconductor Device by Using a Non-Selective In Situ Prepared Slurry - For complex CMP processes requiring the removal of different dielectric materials, possibly in the presence of a polysilicon material, a slurry material may be adapted at the point of use by selecting an appropriate pH value and avoiding agglomeration of the abrasive particles. The in situ preparation of the slurry material may also enable a highly dynamic adaptation of the removal conditions, for instance when exposing the polysilicon material of gate electrode structures in replacement gate approaches. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269303 | Reduced Defectivity in Contacts of a Semiconductor Device Comprising Replacement Gate Electrode Structures by Using an Intermediate Cap Layer - Superior contact elements may be formed in semiconductor devices in which sophisticated replacement gate approaches may be applied. To this end, a dielectric cap layer is provided prior to patterning the interlayer dielectric material so that any previously created cracks may be reliably sealed prior to the deposition of the contact material, while the removal of any excess portion thereof may be performed without an undue interaction with the electrode metal of the gate electrode structures. Consequently, a significantly reduced defect rate may be achieved. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269293 | Reduced STI Loss for Superior Surface Planarity of Embedded Stressors in Densely Packed Semiconductor Devices - A reduction in material loss of trench isolation structures prior to forming a strain-inducing semiconductor alloy in transistor elements may result in superior device uniformity, for instance with respect to drive current and threshold voltage. To this end, at least one etch process using diluted hydrofluoric acid may be omitted when forming the shallow trench isolations, while at the same time providing a high degree of compatibility with conventional process strategies. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269278 | Stress Memorization with Reduced Fringing Capacitance Based on Silicon Nitride in MOS Semiconductor Devices - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, stress memorization techniques may be applied on the basis of a silicon nitride material, which may be subsequently modified into a low-k dielectric material in order to obtain low-k spacer elements, thereby enhancing performance of sophisticated semiconductor devices. The modification of the initial silicon nitride-based spacer material may be accomplished on the basis of an oxygen implantation process. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269277 | Reduced STI Topography in High-K Metal Gate Transistors by Using a Mask After Channel Semiconductor Alloy Deposition - In a manufacturing strategy for providing high-k metal gate electrode structures in an early manufacturing stage, process-related non-uniformities during and after the patterning of the gate electrode structures may be reduced by providing a superior surface topography. To this end, the material loss in the isolation region may generally be reduced and a more symmetrical exposure to reactive etch atmospheres during the subsequent removal of the growth mask may be accomplished by providing an additional etch mask when removing the growth mask from the active regions of N-channel transistors, after the growth of the threshold adjusting semiconductor material on the active regions of the P-channel transistors. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266685 | Semiconductor Device Comprising Sophisticated Conductive Elements in a Dielectric Material System Formed by Using a Barrier Layer - An efficient patterning strategy may be applied when etching through a dielectric material system on the basis of two different etch chemistries. To this end, a conductive etch stop or barrier material may be formed in the opening prior to etching through the further dielectric layer of the material system, thereby substantially preserving the initial critical dimensions and avoiding etch damage. Thus, superior contact openings, via openings and the like may be formed on the basis of well-established etch chemistries. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266638 | Semiconductor Device Comprising Contact Elements and Metal Silicide Regions Formed in a Common Process Sequence - A metal silicide in sophisticated semiconductor devices may be provided in a late manufacturing stage on the basis of contact openings, wherein the deposition of the contact material, such as tungsten, may be efficiently combined with the silicidation process. In this case, the thermally activated deposition process may initiate the formation of a metal silicide in highly doped semiconductor regions. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266633 | Semiconductor Device Comprising Metal Gates and Semiconductor Resistors Formed on the Basis of a Replacement Gate Approach - In a replacement gate approach, the semiconductor material or at least a significant portion thereof in a non-transistor structure, such as a precision resistor, an electronic fuse and the like, may be preserved upon replacing the semiconductor material in the gate electrode structures. To this end, an appropriate dielectric material may be provided at least prior to the removal of the semiconductor material in the gate electrode structures, without requiring significant modifications of established replacement gate approaches. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266625 | Maintaining Integrity of a High-K Gate Stack After Embedding a Stressor Material by Using a Liner - Gate failures in sophisticated high-k metal gate electrode structures formed in an early manufacturing stage may be reduced by forming a protective liner material after the incorporation of a strain-inducing semiconductor alloy and prior to performing any critical wet chemical processes. In this manner, attacks in the sensitive gate materials after the incorporation of the strain-inducing semiconductor material may be avoided, without influencing the further processing of the device. In this manner, very sophisticated circuit designs may be applied in sophisticated gate first approaches. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266622 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH STRESSED FIN SECTIONS - A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method forms a fin arrangement on a semiconductor substrate, the fin arrangement comprising one or more semiconductor fin structures. The method continues by forming a gate arrangement overlying the fin arrangement, where the gate arrangement includes one or more adjacent gate structures. The method proceeds by forming an outer spacer around sidewalls of each gate structure. The fin arrangement is then selectively etched, using the gate structure and the outer spacer(s) as an etch mask, resulting in one or more semiconductor fin sections underlying the gate structure(s). The method continues by forming a stress/strain inducing material adjacent sidewalls of the one or more semiconductor fin sections. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110254139 | CMP-FIRST DAMASCENE PROCESS SCHEME - An improved metal interconnect is formed with reduced metal voids and dendrites. An embodiment includes forming a mask layer on a dielectric layer, forming openings in the mask and dielectric layers, depositing a planarization layer over the mask layer and filling the openings, planarizing to remove the mask layer, removing the planarization layer from the openings, and filling the openings with metal. The planarization step prior to depositing the metal removes the etch undercut that occurs during formation of the openings and reduces the aspect ratio in the openings, thereby improving metal fill uniformity. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254092 | ETSOI CMOS ARCHITECTURE WITH DUAL BACKSIDE STRESSORS - A semiconductor is formed on an ETSOI layer, the thin Si layer of an ETSOI substrate, with enhanced channel stress. Embodiments include semiconductor devices having dual stress liners on the back surface of the ETSOI layer. An embodiment includes forming an ETSOI substrate comprising an extra thin layer of Si on a backside substrate with an insulating layer, e.g., a BOX, there between, forming a semiconductor device on the Si surface, removing the backside substrate, as by CMP and the insulting layer, as by wet etching, and forming a stress liner on the backside of the remaining Si layer opposite the semiconductor device. The use of stress liners on the backside of the ETSOI layer enhances channel stress without modifying ETSOI semiconductor process flow. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110248263 | INTEGRATED CIRCUITS HAVING BACKSIDE TEST STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR THE FABRICATION THEREOF - Embodiments of a method for fabricating an integrated circuit having a backside test structure are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate, forming at least one Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) through the semiconductor substrate, forming a backside probe pad over the backside of the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the at least one TSV, and forming a frontside bondpad over the frontside of the semiconductor substrate. The frontside bondpad is electrically coupled to the backside probe pad by the at least one TSV. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110244679 | Contact Elements of a Semiconductor Device Formed by Electroless Plating and Excess Material Removal with Reduced Sheer Forces - Contact elements in the contact level of a semiconductor device may be formed on the basis of a selective deposition technique, such as electroless plating, wherein an efficient planarization of the contact level is achieved without subjecting the contact elements to undue mechanical stress. In some illustrative embodiments, an overfilling of the contact openings may be reliably avoided and the planarization of the surface topography is accomplished on the basis of a non-critical polishing process. In other cases, electrochemical etch techniques are applied in combination with a conductive sacrificial current distribution layer in order to remove any excess material of the contact elements without inducing undue mechanical stress. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244670 | Replacement Gate Approach for High-K Metal Gate Stacks by Avoiding a Polishing Process for Exposing the Placeholder Material - In a replacement gate approach, the exposure of the placeholder material of the gate electrode structures may be accomplished on the basis of an etch process, thereby avoiding the introduction of process-related non-uniformities, which are typically associated with a complex polishing process for exposing the top surface of the placeholder material. In some illustrative embodiments, the placeholder material may be exposed by an etch process based on a sacrificial mask material. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244632 | Reduction of Mechanical Stress in Metal Stacks of Sophisticated Semiconductor Devices During Die-Substrate Soldering by an Enhanced Cool Down Regime - In a reflow process for connecting a semiconductor die and a package substrate, the temperature gradient and thus the thermally induced mechanical forces in a sensitive metallization system of the semiconductor die may be reduced during the cooling phase. To this end, one or more heating intervals may be introduced into the cooling phase, thereby efficiently reducing the temperature difference. In other cases, the central region may additionally be cooled by providing appropriate locally restricted mechanisms, such as a locally restricted gas flow and the like. Consequently, desired short overall process times may be obtain without contributing to increased yield losses when processing sophisticated metallization systems on the basis of a lead-free contact regime. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241167 | Semiconductor Device Comprising a Capacitor in the Metallization System Formed by a Hard Mask Patterning Regime - Capacitors may be formed in the metallization system of semiconductor devices without requiring a modification of the hard mask patterning process for forming vias and trenches in the dielectric material of the metallization layer under consideration. To this end, a capacitor opening is formed prior to actually forming the hard mask for patterning the trench and via openings, wherein the hard mask material may thus preserve integrity of the capacitor opening and may remain as a portion of the electrode material after filling in the conductive material for the metal lines, vias and the capacitor electrode. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241166 | Semiconductor Device Comprising a Capacitor Formed in the Contact Level - A contact level in a semiconductor device may be used for providing a capacitor that may be directly connected to a transistor, thereby providing a very space-efficient capacitor/transistor configuration. For example, superior dynamic RAM arrays may be formed on the basis of the capacitor/transistor configuration disclosed herein. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241162 | Semiconductor Device Comprising Metal-Based eFuses of Enhanced Programming Efficiency by Enhancing Heat Generation - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, electronic fuses may be provided in the metallization system, wherein a superior two-dimensional configuration of the metal line, for instance as a helix-like configuration, may provide superior thermal conditions in a central line portion, which in turn may result in a more pronounced electromigration effect for a given programming current. Consequently, the size of the electronic fuse, at least in one lateral direction, and also the width of corresponding transistors connected to the electronic fuse, may be reduced. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241161 | CHIP PACKAGE WITH CHANNEL STIFFENER FRAME - Various semiconductor chip packages and methods of making the same are provided. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes providing a substrate that has a first side and a first plurality of passive devices on the first side. A stiffener frame is coupled on the first side. The stiffener frame has first and second spaced apart opposing walls that define a channel in which the first plurality of passive devices is positioned, and a central opening that does not cover a central portion of the first side of the substrate. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241124 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE COMPRISING HIGH-K METAL GATE ELECTRODE STRUCTURES AND eFUSES FORMED IN THE SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL - A semiconductor-based electronic fuse may be provided in a sophisticated semiconductor device having a bulk configuration by appropriately embedding the electronic fuse into a semiconductor material of reduced heat conductivity. For example, a silicon/germanium fuse region may be provided in the silicon base material. Consequently, sophisticated gate electrode structures may be formed on the basis of replacement gate approaches on bulk devices substantially without affecting the electronic characteristics of the electronic fuses. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241118 | METAL GATE FILL BY OPTIMIZING ETCH IN SACRIFICIAL GATE PROFILE - A high-k metal gate electrode is formed with reduced gate voids. An embodiment includes forming a replaceable gate electrode, for example of amorphous silicon, having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being larger than the bottom surface, removing the replaceable gate electrode, forming a cavity having a top opening larger than a bottom opening, and filling the cavity with metal. The larger top surface may be formed by etching the bottom portion of the amorphous silicon at greater temperature than the top portion, or by doping the top and bottom portions of the amorphous silicon differently such that the bottom has a greater lateral etch rate than the top. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241117 | Semiconductor Device Comprising Metal Gate Structures Formed by a Replacement Gate Approach and eFuses Including a Silicide - In a replacement gate approach for forming high-k metal gate electrode structures, electronic fuses may be provided on the basis of a semiconductor material in combination with a metal silicide by using a recessed surface topography and/or a superior selectivity of the metal silicide material during the replacement gate process. For example, in some illustrative embodiments, electronic fuses may be provided in a recessed portion of an isolation region, thereby avoiding the removal of the semiconductor material when replacing the semiconductor material of the gate electrode structures with a metal-containing electrode material. Consequently, the concept of well-established semiconductor-based electronic fuses may be applied together with sophisticated replacement gate structures of transistors. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110241086 | ALUMINUM FUSES IN A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE COMPRISING METAL GATE ELECTRODE STRUCTURES - In sophisticated semiconductor devices, electronic fuses may be provided on the basis of a replacement gate approach by using the aluminum material as an efficient metal for inducing electromigration in the electronic fuses. The electronic fuse may be formed on an isolation structure, thereby providing an efficient thermal decoupling of the electronic fuse from the semiconductor material and the substrate material, thereby enabling the provision of efficient electronic fuses in a bulk configuration, while avoiding incorporation of fuses into the metallization system. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110237046 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A FINNED SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE STRUCTURE - A method of manufacturing a finned semiconductor device structure is provided. The method begins by providing a substrate having bulk semiconductor material. The method continues by forming a semiconductor fin structure from the bulk semiconductor material, depositing an insulating material overlying the semiconductor fin structure such that the insulating material fills space adjacent to the semiconductor fin structure, and planarizing the deposited insulating material and the semiconductor fin structure to create a flat surface. Thereafter, a replacement gate procedure is performed to form a gate structure transversely overlying the semiconductor fin structure. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233627 | MOS STRUCTURES THAT EXHIBIT LOWER CONTACT RESISTANCE AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - MOS structures that exhibit lower contact resistance and methods for fabricating such MOS structures are provided. In one method, a semiconductor substrate is provided and a gate stack is fabricated on the semiconductor substrate. With the gate stack serving as a mask, impurity dopants are implanted into a semiconductor material having a first surface and disposed proximate to the gate stack. A trench is etched into the semiconductor material such that the semiconductor material has a trench surface within the trench. Further, a metal silicide layer is formed on the first surface of the semiconductor material and on the trench surface. Also, a contact to at least a portion of the metal silicide layer on the first surface and at least a portion of the metal silicide layer on the trench surface is fabricated. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110230017 | Method for Forming an SOI Schottky Source/Drain Device to Control Encroachment and Delamination of Silicide - A method of fabricating a Schottky field effect transistor is provided that includes providing a substrate having at least a first semiconductor layer overlying a dielectric layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer has a thickness of less than 10.0 nm. A gate structure is formed directly on the first semiconductor layer. A raised semiconductor material is selectively formed on the first semiconductor layer adjacent to the gate structure. The raised semiconductor material is converted into Schottky source and drain regions composed of a metal semiconductor alloy. A non-reacted semiconductor material is present between the Schottky source and drain regions and the dielectric layer. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110227157 | ETSOI WITH REDUCED EXTENSION RESISTANCE - A semiconductor is formed on an SOI substrate, such as an extremely thin SOI (ETSOI) substrate, with increased extension thickness. Embodiments include semiconductor devices having an epitaxially formed silicon-containing layer, such as embedded silicon germanium (eSiGe), on the SOI substrate. An embodiment includes forming an SOI substrate, epitaxially forming a silicon-containing layer on the SOI substrate, and forming a gate electrode on the epitaxially formed silicon-containing layer. After gate spacers and source/drain regions are formed, the gate electrode and underlying silicon-containing layer are removed and replaced with a high-k metal gate. The use of an epitaxially formed silicon-containing layer reduces SOI thickness loss due to fabrication process erosion, thereby increasing extension thickness and lowering extension resistance. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110227156 | SOI Schottky Source/Drain Device Structure to Control Encroachment and Delamination of Silicide - A Schottky field effect transistor is provided that includes a substrate having a layer of semiconductor material atop a dielectric layer, wherein the layer of semiconductor material has a thickness of less than 10.0 nm. A gate structure is present on the layer of semiconductor material. Raised source and drain regions comprised of a metal semiconductor alloy are present on the layer of semiconductor material on opposing sides of the gate structure. The raised source and drain regions are Schottky source and drain regions. In one embodiment, a first portion of the Schottky source and drain regions that is adjacent to a channel region of the Schottky field effect transistor contacts the dielectric layer, and a non-reacted semiconductor material is present between a second portion of the Schottky source and drain regions and the dielectric layer. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110227094 | STRAINED SILICON CARBIDE CHANNEL FOR ELECTRON MOBILITY OF NMOS - A semiconductor is formed on a (110) silicon (Si) substrate, with improved electron mobility. Embodiments include semiconductor devices having a silicon carbide (SiC) portion in the nFET channel region. An embodiment includes forming an nFET channel region and a pFET channel region in a Si substrate, such as a (110) Si substrate, and forming a silicon carbide (SiC) portion on the nFET channel region. The SiC portion may be formed by ion implantation of C followed by a recrystallization anneal or by epitaxial growth of SiC in a recess formed in the substrate. The use of SiC in the nFET channel region improves electron mobility without introducing topographical differences between NMOS and PMOS transistors. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110223733 | Method for Forming a Strained Transistor by Stress Memorization Based on a Stressed Implantation Mask - By using an implantation mask having a high intrinsic stress, SMT sequences may be provided in which additional lithography steps may be avoided. Consequently, a strain source may be provided without significantly contributing to the overall process complexity. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110215415 | Technique for Enhancing Transistor Performance by Transistor Specific Contact Design - By locally adapting the size and/or density of a contact structure, for instance, within individual transistors or in a more global manner, the overall performance of advanced semiconductor devices may be increased. Hence, the mutual interaction between the contact structure and local device characteristics may be taken into consideration. On the other hand, a high degree of compatibility with conventional process strategies may be maintained. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110210389 | Transistor Comprising a Buried High-K Metal Gate Electrode Structure - A buried gate electrode structures may be formed in the active regions of sophisticated transistors by providing a recess in the active region and incorporating appropriate gate materials, such as a high-k dielectric material and a metal-containing electrode material. Due to the recessed configuration, the channel length and thus the channel controllability may be increased, without increasing the overall lateral dimensions of the transistor structure. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110204518 | SCALABILITY WITH REDUCED CONTACT RESISTANCE - Miniaturized semiconductor devices are formed with improved liner/barrier layer properties and, hence, improved contact resistance. Embodiments include semiconductor devices comprising contacts and vias with annealed liner/barrier layers having decreased carbon content and increased density. An embodiment includes depositing a metal containing layer, such as at least one member selected from the group consisting of titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum nitride (TaN), tungsten nitride (WN), cobalt (Co), and ruthenium (Ru) to line an opening formed in a dielectric layer, and annealing the deposited metal containing layer, as in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, to increase its density, decrease defects, and alter its material composition, for example, reduce its carbon content. As a result, a metal, e.g., W or Cu, plug filing the contact/via exhibits a reduced surface roughness and defectivity, and thereby improved contact resistance and reliability. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110204446 | METAL OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR TRANSISTOR WITH REDUCED GATE HEIGHT, AND RELATED FABRICATION METHODS - A metal oxide semiconductor transistor device having a reduced gate height is provided. One embodiment of the device includes a substrate having a layer of semiconductor material, a gate structure overlying the layer of semiconductor material, and source/drain recesses formed in the semiconductor material adjacent to the gate structure, such that remaining semiconductor material is located below the source/drain recesses. The device also includes shallow source/drain implant regions formed in the remaining semiconductor material, and epitaxially grown, in situ doped, semiconductor material in the source/drain recesses. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110204419 | INTEGRATED CIRCUITS INCLUDING MULTI-GATE TRANSISTORS LOCALLY INTERCONNECTED BY CONTINUOUS FIN STRUCTURE AND METHODS FOR THE FABRICATION THEREOF - Embodiments of an integrated circuit are provided. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit includes a substrate and a plurality of locally interconnected multi-gate transistors. The plurality of locally interconnected multi-gate transistors includes a continuous fin structure formed on the substrate and first and second multi-gate transistors formed on the substrate and including first and second fin segments of the continuous fin structure, respectively. The continuous fin structure electrically interconnects the first and second multi-gate transistors. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110201135 | Method of Reducing Contamination by Providing a Removable Polymer Protection Film During Microstructure Processing - By providing a protective layer in an intermediate manufacturing stage, an increased surface protection with respect to particle contamination and surface corrosion may be achieved. In some illustrative embodiments, the protective layer may be used during an electrical test procedure, in which respective contact portions are contacted through the protective layer, thereby significantly reducing particle contamination during a respective measurement process. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110198696 | FINNED SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH OXYGEN DIFFUSION BARRIER REGIONS, AND RELATED FABRICATION METHODS - A semiconductor device and related fabrication methods are provided. One exemplary fabrication method forms a fin arrangement overlying an oxide layer, where the fin arrangement includes one or more semiconductor fin structures. The method continues by nitriding exposed portions of the oxide layer without nitriding the one or more semiconductor fin structures, resulting in nitrided portions of the oxide layer. Thereafter, a gate structure is formed transversely overlying the fin arrangement, and overlying the exposed portions of the oxide layer. The nitrided portions of the oxide layer substantially inhibit diffusion of oxygen from the oxide layer into the gate structure. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110198694 | METHODS FOR FORMING BARRIER REGIONS WITHIN REGIONS OF INSULATING MATERIAL RESULTING IN OUTGASSING PATHS FROM THE INSULATING MATERIAL AND RELATED DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device having barrier regions within regions of insulating material resulting in outgassing paths from the regions of insulating material. A method comprises forming a barrier region within an insulating material proximate the isolated region of semiconductor material and forming a gate structure overlying the isolated region of semiconductor material. The barrier region is adjacent to the isolated region of semiconductor material, resulting in an outgassing path within the insulating material. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110198673 | FORMATION OF FINFET GATE SPACER - Gate spacers are formed in FinFETS having a bottom portion of a first material extending to the height of the fins, and a top portion of a second material extending above the fins. An embodiment includes forming a fin structure on a substrate, the fin structure having a height and having a top surface and side surfaces, forming a gate substantially perpendicular to the fin structure over a portion of the top and side surfaces, for example over a center portion, forming a planarizing layer over the gate, the fin structure, and the substrate, removing the planarizing layer from the substrate, gate, and fin structure down to the height of the fin structure, and forming spacers on the fin structure and on the planarizing layer, adjacent the gate. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110198670 | METHOD TO REDUCE MOL DAMAGE ON NiSi - Transistor devices are formed with nickel silicide layers formulated to prevent degradation upon removal of overlying stress liners. Embodiments include transistors with nickel silicide layers having a platinum composition gradient increasing in platinum content toward the upper surfaces thereof, i.e., increasing in platinum in a direction away from the gate electrode and source/drain regions. Embodiments include forming a first layer of nickel having a first amount of platinum and forming, on the first layer of nickel, a second layer of nickel having a second amount of platinum, the second weight percent of platinum being greater than the first weight percent. The layers of nickel are then annealed to form a nickel silicide layer having the platinum composition gradient increasing in platinum toward the upper surface. The platinum concentration gradient protects the nickel silicide layer during subsequent processing, as during etching to remove overlying stress liners, thereby avoiding a decrease in device performance. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110171822 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE FOR A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A method of manufacturing an interconnect structure for a semiconductor device having a device substrate is provided. The semiconductor device includes an electrically-conductive pad formed overlying the device substrate and an electrically-conductive platform formed overlying the electrically-conductive pad and enclosing a cavity. The electrically-conductive platform has a perimeter portion extending away from the electrically-conductive pad and a capping portion atop the perimeter portion. The semiconductor device also includes a cushioning material disposed in the cavity. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110171801 | METHOD OF FABRICATING MULTI-FINGERED SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES ON A COMMON SUBSTRATE - A method of fabricating p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor devices on a common substrate is presented. The method provides a first portion of semiconductor material and a second portion of semiconductor material on the common substrate. The first portion of semiconductor material and the second portion of semiconductor material are insulated from each other. The method continues by creating first PMOS transistor devices using the first portion of semiconductor material. The first PMOS transistor devices include stressor regions that impart compressive stress to channel regions of the first PMOS transistor devices. The method also creates second PMOS transistor devices using the second portion of semiconductor material. The second PMOS transistor devices do not include channel stressor regions. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169084 | SEMICONDUCTOR TRANSISTOR DEVICE STRUCTURE WITH BACK SIDE GATE CONTACT PLUGS, AND RELATED MANUFACTURING METHOD - A method of fabricating a semiconductor device with back side conductive plugs is provided here. The method begins by forming a gate structure overlying a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI substrate has a support layer, an insulating layer overlying the support layer, an active semiconductor region overlying the insulating layer, and an isolation region outboard of the active semiconductor region. A first section of the gate structure is formed overlying the isolation region and a second section of the gate structure is formed overlying the active semiconductor region. The method continues by forming source/drain regions in the active semiconductor region, and thereafter removing the support layer from the SOI substrate. Next, the method forms conductive plugs for the gate structure and the source/drain regions, where each of the conductive plugs passes through the insulating layer. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169083 | SEMICONDUCTOR TRANSISTOR DEVICE STRUCTURE WITH BACK SIDE SOURCE/DRAIN CONTACT PLUGS, AND RELATED MANUFACTURING METHOD - A method of fabricating a semiconductor device with back side conductive plugs is provided here. The method begins by forming a gate structure overlying a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI substrate has a support layer, an insulating layer overlying the support layer, an active semiconductor region overlying the insulating layer, and an isolation region outboard of the active semiconductor region. A first section of the gate structure is formed overlying the isolation region and a second section of the gate structure is formed overlying the active semiconductor region. The method continues by forming source/drain regions in the active semiconductor region, and thereafter removing the support layer from the SOI substrate. Next, the method forms conductive plugs for the gate structure and the source/drain regions, where each of the conductive plugs passes through the insulating layer. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169073 | TRANSISTOR DEVICE HAVING ASYMMETRIC EMBEDDED STRAIN ELEMENTS AND RELATED MANUFACTURING METHOD - Semiconductor transistor devices and related fabrication methods are provided. An exemplary transistor device includes a layer of semiconductor material having a channel region defined therein and a gate structure overlying the channel region. Recesses are formed in the layer of semiconductor material adjacent to the channel region, such that the recesses extend asymmetrically toward the channel region. The transistor device also includes stress-inducing semiconductor material formed in the recesses. The asymmetric profile of the stress-inducing semiconductor material enhances carrier mobility in a manner that does not exacerbate the short channel effect. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110163417 | METHOD TO DYNAMICALLY TUNE PRECISION RESISTANCE - A precision resistor is formed with a controllable resistance to compensate for variations that occur with temperature. An embodiment includes forming a resistive semiconductive element having a width and a length on a substrate, patterning an electrically conductive line across the width of the resistive semiconductive element, but electrically isolated therefrom, and forming a depletion channel in the resistive semiconductive element under the electrically conductive line to control the resistance value of the resistive semiconductive element. The design enables dynamic adjustment of the resistance, thereby improving the reliability of the resistor or allowing for resistance modification during final packaging. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110163389 | LOW CAPACITANCE PRECISION RESISTOR - A precision low capacitance resistor is formed, e.g., in a bulk substrate. An embodiment includes forming a source/drain region on a substrate, patterning a portion of the source/drain region to form segments, etching the segments to substantially separate an upper section of each segment from a lower section of each segment, and filling the space between the segments with an insulating material. The resulting structure maintains electrical connection between the segments at end pads, but separates the resistor segments from the bottom substrate, thereby avoiding capacitive coupling with the substrate. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110156146 | eFUSE ENABLEMENT WITH THIN POLYSILICON OR AMORPHOUS-SILICON GATE-STACK FOR HKMG CMOS - An eFUSE is formed with a gate stack including a layer of embedded silicon germanium (eSiGe) on the polysilicon. An embodiment includes forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) region in a substrate, forming a first gate stack on the substrate for a PMOS device, forming a second gate stack on an STI region for an eFUSE, forming first embedded silicon germanium (eSiGe) on the substrate on first and second sides of the first gate stack, and forming second eSiGe on the second gate stack. The addition of eSiGe to the eFUSE gate stack increases the distance between the eFUSE debris zone and an underlying metal gate, thereby preventing potential shorting. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110147709 | SIGNAL CONTROL ELEMENTS IN FERROMAGNETIC LOGIC - A chain of field coupled nanomagnets includes at least one elements having substantially different anisotropy energy from that of the other nanomagnets. A signal can propagate from a first input nanomagnet having a relatively high anisotropy energy through the chain to an output nanomagnet. The output nanomagnet may have a relatively lower anisotropy energy than the other nanomagnets. Signal flow direction thus can be controlled. The higher anisotropy energy nanomagnet may be attained by use of a ferromagnet material having a higher anisotropy constant and/or configured with a larger volume than the other elements. The lower anisotropy energy magnet may be attained by use of a ferromagnet material having a lower anisotropy constant and/or configured with a smaller volume than the other elements. Logic signal flow control can also be attained making use of three dimensional geometries of nanomagnets with two different orientations. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110133189 | NMOS ARCHITECTURE INVOLVING EPITAXIALLY-GROWN IN-SITU N-TYPE-DOPED EMBEDDED eSiGe:C SOURCE/DRAIN TARGETING - An NMOS transistor is formed with improved manufacturability. An embodiment includes forming N-type doped embedded silicon germanium containing carbon (eSiGe:C) in source/drain regions of a substrate, and amorphizing the eSiGe:C. The use of eSiGe:C provides a reduction in extension silicon and dopant loss, improved morphology, increased wafer throughput, improved short channel control, and reduced silicide to source/drain contact resistance. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110124189 | Increasing Electromigration Resistance in an Interconnect Structure of a Semiconductor Device by Forming an Alloy - By introducing a metallic species into an exposed surface area of a copper region, the electromigration behavior of this surface area may be significantly enhanced. The incorporation of the metallic species may be accomplished in a highly selective manner so as to not unduly affect dielectric material positioned adjacent to the metal region, thereby essentially avoiding undue increase of leakage currents. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110121397 | METHODS FOR PROTECTING GATE STACKS DURING FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES FABRICATED FROM SUCH METHODS - Methods for protecting gate stacks during fabrication of semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices fabricated from such methods are provided. Methods for fabricating a semiconductor device include providing a semiconductor substrate having an active region and a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. Epitaxial layer is formed on the active region to define a lateral overhang portion in a divot at the active region/STI region interface. A gate stack is formed having a first gate stack-forming layer overlying the semiconductor substrate. First gate stack-forming layer includes a non-conformal layer of metal gate-forming material which is directionally deposited to form a thinned break portion just below the lateral overhang portion. After the step of forming the gate stack, a first portion of the non-conformal layer is in the gate stack and a second portion is exposed. The thinned break portion at least partially isolates the first and second portions during subsequent etch chemistries. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110108949 | METAL CAPACITOR DESIGN FOR IMPROVED RELIABILITY AND GOOD ELECTRICAL CONNECTION - A metal capacitor is formed with good conductivity for both nodes of the capacitor and improved reliability. An embodiment includes a first layer of alternating first and second metal lines, a second layer of alternating third and fourth metal lines, a dielectric layer between the first and second layers, and vias in the dielectric layer connecting the first and second metal lines with the third and fourth metal lines, respectively, wherein each metal line comprises alternating first segments having a first width and second segments having a second width, the first width being greater than the second width, each first segment lying adjacent to a second segment of an adjacent metal line, and only first segments of the metal lines overlapping the vias. The design enables the spacing between metal lines to be maintained, the spacing between via to metal to be increased, and via connection to be maintained for both nets, thereby improving the conductivity and reliability of the capacitor and maintaining capacitance density. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110095341 | METHODS FOR PROTECTING GATE STACKS DURING FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES FABRICATED FROM SUCH METHODS - Methods for protecting gate stacks during fabrication of semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices fabricated from such methods are provided. Methods for fabricating a semiconductor device include providing a semiconductor substrate having an active region and a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. Epitaxial layer is formed on the active region to define a lateral overhang portion in a divot at the active region/STI region interface. A gate stack is formed having a first gate stack-forming layer overlying the semiconductor substrate. First gate stack-forming layer includes a non-conformal layer of metal gate-forming material which is directionally deposited to form a thinned break portion just below the lateral overhang portion. After the step of forming the gate stack, a first portion of the non-conformal layer is in the gate stack and a second portion is exposed. The thinned break portion at least partially isolates the first and second portions during subsequent etch chemistries. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110086495 | METHODS FOR PROTECTING FILM LAYERS WHILE REMOVING HARDMASKS DURING FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices are provided. The methods include providing a semiconductor substrate having pFET and nFET regions, each having active areas and shallow trench isolation. A hardmask layer is formed overlying the semiconductor substrate. A photoresist layer is provided over the hardmask layer. The phoresist layer is patterned. An exposed portion of the hardmask layer is removed from one of the pFET region and nFET region with the patterned photoresist acting as an etch mask to define a masked region and an unmasked region. An epitaxial silicon layer is formed on the active area in the unmasked region. A protective oxide layer is formed overlying the epitaxial silicon layer. The hardmask layer is removed from the masked region with the protective oxide layer protecting the epitaxial silicon layer during such removal step. The protective oxide layer is removed from the epitaxial silicon layer. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110086484 | BODY TIE TEST STRUCTURE FOR ACCURATE BODY EFFECT MEASUREMENT - A body tie test structure and methods for its manufacture are provided. The transistor comprises a body-tied semiconductor on insulator (SOI) transistor formed in a layer of semiconductor material, the transistor comprising a cross-shaped gate structure with a substantially constant gate length L. An insulating blocking layer enables formation of a spacer region in the layer of semiconductor material separating the source and drain regions from the body tie region. A conductive channel with substantially the same inversion characteristics as the intrinsic transistor body connects the body tie to the intrinsic transistor body through the spacer region. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110086445 | METHODS RELATING TO CAPACITIVE MONITORING OF LAYER CHARACTERISTICS DURING BACK END-OF-THE-LINE PROCESSING - Methods are provided that relate to the capacitive monitoring of characteristic pertaining to layer formed during the back end-of-the-line (BEOL) processing of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of forming a first capacitor array including first and second overlying contacts each formed in a different one of the plurality of BEOL layers, measuring the interlayer capacitance between the first and second overlying contacts, and converting the measured interlayer capacitance to a distance between the first and second overlying contacts. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110084336 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH STRESSED FIN SECTIONS, AND RELATED FABRICATION METHODS - A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method forms a fin arrangement on a semiconductor substrate, the fin arrangement comprising one or more semiconductor fin structures. The method continues by forming a gate arrangement overlying the fin arrangement, where the gate arrangement includes one or more adjacent gate structures. The method proceeds by forming an outer spacer around sidewalls of each gate structure. The fin arrangement is then selectively etched, using the gate structure and the outer spacer(s) as an etch mask, resulting in one or more semiconductor fin sections underlying the gate structure(s). The method continues by forming a stress/strain inducing material adjacent sidewalls of the one or more semiconductor fin sections. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110081764 | METHODS FOR FORMING ISOLATED FIN STRUCTURES ON BULK SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL - Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. A method comprises forming a layer of a first semiconductor material overlying the bulk substrate and forming a layer of a second semiconductor material overlying the layer of the first semiconductor material. The method further comprises creating a fin pattern mask on the layer of the second semiconductor material and anisotropically etching the layer of the second semiconductor material and the layer of the first semiconductor material using the fin pattern mask as an etch mask. The anisotropic etching results in a fin formed from the second semiconductor material and an exposed region of first semiconductor material underlying the fin. The method further comprises forming an isolation layer in the exposed region of first semiconductor material underlying the fin. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110080772 | Body Controlled Double Channel Transistor and Circuits Comprising the Same - By forming a non-oxidizable liner in an isolation trench and selectively modifying the liner within the isolation trench, the stress characteristics of the isolation trench may be adjusted. In one embodiment, a high compressive stress may be obtained by treating the liner with an ion bombardment and subsequently exposing the device to an oxidizing ambient at elevated temperatures, thereby incorporating silicon dioxide into the non-oxidizable material. Hence, an increased compressive stress may be generated within the non-oxidizable layer. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110079779 | SHAPE CHARACTERIZATION WITH ELLIPTIC FOURIER DESCRIPTOR FOR CONTACT OR ANY CLOSED STRUCTURES ON THE CHIP - Shapes and orientations of contacts or other closed contours on an integrated circuit are characterized by calculating Elliptic Fourier descriptors. The descriptors are then used for generating design rules for the integrated circuit and for assessing process capability for the manufacturing of the integrated circuit. Monte Carlo simulation can be performed in conjunction with the elliptic Fourier descriptors. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110070712 | METHOD FOR FABRICATING A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE HAVING A SEMICONDUCTIVE RESISTOR STRUCTURE - Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. A method comprises forming a conductive fin arrangement on a first region of a semiconductor substrate. The method further comprises forming a semiconductive resistor structure on a second region of the semiconductor substrate after forming the conductive fin arrangement, and forming a gate stack foundation structure overlying the conductive fin arrangement after forming the semiconductive resistor structure. The method further comprises removing portions of the gate stack foundation structure overlying the first region of the semiconductor substrate to define a gate structure for the semiconductor device. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110068431 | SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR FORMING ISOLATION BETWEEN FIN STRUCTURES OF FINFET DEVICES - Semiconductor structures and methods for forming isolation between fin structures formed from a bulk silicon wafer are provided. A bulk silicon wafer is provided having one or more fin structures formed therefrom. Forming of the fin structures defines isolation trenches between the one or more fin structures. Each of the fin structures has vertical sidewalls. An oxide layer is deposited in the isolation trenches and on the vertical sidewalls using HPDCVD in about a 4:1 ratio or greater. The oxide layer is isotropically etched to remove the oxide layer from the vertical sidewalls and a portion of the oxide layer from the bottom of the isolation trenches. A substantially uniformly thick isolating oxide layer is formed on the bottom of the isolation trench to isolate the one or more fin structures and substantially reduce fin height variability. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110062519 | FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTORS WITH HIGH-K/METAL GATE ELECTRODES - Semiconductor devices with high-K/metal gates are formed with spacers that are substantially resistant to subsequent etching to remove an overlying spacer, thereby avoiding replacement and increasing manufacturing throughput. Embodiments include forming a high-K/metal gate, having an upper surface and side surfaces, over a substrate, e.g., a SOI substrate, and sequentially forming, on the side surfaces of the high-K/metal gate, a first spacer of a non-oxide material, a second spacer, of a material different from that of the first spacer, and a third spacer, of a material different from that of the second spacer. After formation of source and drain regions, e.g., epitaxially grown silicon-germanium, the third spacer is etched with an etchant, such as hot phosphoric acid, to which the second spacer is substantially resistant, thereby avoiding replacement. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110062501 | METHOD FOR SELF-ALIGNING A STOP LAYER TO A REPLACEMENT GATE FOR SELF-ALIGNED CONTACT INTEGRATION - Semiconductor devices with replacement gate electrodes and integrated self aligned contacts are formed with enhanced gate dielectric layers and improved electrical isolation properties between the gate line and a contact. Embodiments include forming a removable gate electrode on a substrate, forming a self aligned contact stop layer over the removable gate electrode and the substrate, removing a portion of the self aligned contact stop layer over the removable gate electrode and the electrode itself leaving an opening, forming a replacement gate electrode of metal, in the opening, transforming an upper portion of the metal into a dielectric layer, and forming a self aligned contact. Embodiments include forming the contact stop layer of a dielectric material, e.g., a hafnium oxide, an aluminum oxide, or a silicon carbide and transforming the upper portion of the metal into a dielectric layer by oxidation, fluorination, or nitridation. Embodiments also include forming a hardmask layer over the removable gate electrode to protect the electrode during silicidation in source/drain regions of the semiconductor device. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110062443 | THIN BODY SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES HAVING IMPROVED CONTACT RESISTANCE AND METHODS FOR THE FABRICATION THEREOF - Embodiments of a method for fabricating a semiconductor device are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of producing a partially-completed semiconductor device including a substrate, source/drain (S/D) regions, a channel region between the S/D regions, a gate stack over the channel region, and sidewall spacers laterally adjacent the gate stack. The method further includes the steps of amorphizing the S/D regions, depositing a silicide-forming material over the amorphized S/D regions, and heating the partially-completed semiconductor device to a predetermined temperature at which the silicide-forming material reacts with the amorphized S/D regions. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110045648 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING BULK FINFET DEVICES HAVING DEEP TRENCH ISOLATION - Methods are provided for fabricating Bulk FinFET devices having deep trench isolation. One or more deep isolation trenches are formed in a bulk silicon wafer. Mandrel-forming material is deposited overlying the bulk silicon wafer and dielectric pad layer thereon and simultaneously into the trench(es) as filler material. Mandrels are formed, overetching thereof creating a recess at the trench upper end. A conformal sidewall spacer material from which sidewall spacers are fabricated is deposited overlying the mandrels and into the recess forming a spacer overlying the filler material in the trench(es). Mandrels are removed using the spacer as an etch stop. Fin structures are formed from the bulk silicon wafer using the sidewall spacers as an etch mask. The mandrel-forming material is amorphous and/or polycrystalline silicon. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110034020 | METHODS FOR FORMING SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURES USING SELECTIVELY-FORMED SIDEWALL SPACERS - Methods for forming semiconductor structures using selectively-formed sidewall spacers are provided. One method comprises forming a first structure and a second structure. The second structure has a height that is greater than the first structure's height. A first sidewall spacer-forming material is deposited overlying the first structure and the second structure. A second sidewall spacer-forming material is deposited overlying the first sidewall spacer-forming material. A composite spacer is formed about the second structure, the composite spacer comprising the first sidewall spacer-forming material and the second sidewall spacer-forming material. The second sidewall spacer-forming material is removed from the first structure and the first sidewall spacer-forming material is removed from the first structure. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110031603 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES HAVING STRESS RELIEF LAYERS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method comprises the steps of providing a semiconductor die having a conductive terminal, forming an insulating layer overlying the semiconductor die, and forming a cavity in the insulating layer which exposes the conductive terminal. The method also comprises forming a first stress-relief layer in the cavity, forming an interconnecting structure having a first end electrically coupled to the first stress-relief layer, and having a second end, and electrically and physically coupling the second end of the interconnecting structure to a packaging substrate. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110027978 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING NON-PLANAR SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES HAVING STRESS MEMORY - Embodiments of a method are provided for fabricating a non-planar semiconductor device including a substrate having a plurality of raised crystalline structures formed thereon. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of amorphorizing a portion of each raised crystalline structure included within the plurality of raised crystalline structures, forming a sacrificial strain layer over the plurality of raised crystalline structures to apply stress to the amorphized portion of each raised crystalline structure, annealing the non-planar semiconductor device to recrystallize the amorphized portion of each raised crystalline structure in a stress-memorized state, and removing the sacrificial strain layer. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026313 | TRANSISTOR-BASED MEMORY CELL AND RELATED OPERATING METHODS - A loadless static random access memory cell is provided. The memory cell includes four transistors. The first transistor has a gate terminal corresponding to a word line of the memory cell, a source/drain terminal corresponding to a first bit line of the memory cell, and a drain/source terminal corresponding to a first storage node of the memory cell. The second transistor has a gate terminal corresponding to the word line, a source/drain terminal corresponding to a second bit line of the memory cell, and a drain/source terminal corresponding to a second storage node of the memory cell. The third transistor has a gate terminal coupled to the second storage node, a drain terminal coupled to the first storage node, a source terminal corresponding to a reference voltage, and a body terminal directly connected to the third gate terminal. The fourth transistor has a gate terminal coupled to the first storage node, a drain terminal coupled to the second storage node, a source terminal corresponding to the reference voltage, and a body terminal directly connected to the fourth gate terminal. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110021028 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES INCLUDING AZEOTROPIC DRYING PROCESSES - Embodiments of a method for fabricating a semiconductor device are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a partially-completed semiconductor device including a first feature formed in a porous material, wet cleaning the partially-completed semiconductor device with an aqueous cleaning solvent, exposing the partially-completed semiconductor device to a liquid chemical that forms an azeotropic mixture with water, and inducing evaporation of the azeotropic mixture to remove residual water from within the porous material absorbed during the wet cleaning step. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110021027 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING NON-PLANAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES HAVING SIDEWALL SPACERS FORMED ADJACENT SELECTED SURFACES - Methods are provided for fabricating an electronic device having at least one sidewall spacer formed adjacent a selected surface. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of depositing spacer material adjacent first and second raised structures formed on the substrate and extending along substantially perpendicular axes. The method further includes the step of selectively removing spacer material laterally adjacent one of the first raised structure and the second raised structure. During the step of selectively removing, the electronic device is bombarded with ions from a first predetermined direction forming a first predetermined grazing angle with the substrate such that the spacer material adjacent a first sidewall of the first raised structure is substantially exposed to the ion bombardment while the spacer material adjacent opposing sidewalls of the second raised structure is substantially shielded therefrom. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110021026 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING FINFET SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES USING L-SHAPED SPACERS - Methods for fabricating semiconductor structures, such as fin structures of FinFET transistors, are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a plurality of mandrels overlying the semiconductor substrate. Each of the mandrels has sidewalls. L-shaped spacers are formed about the sidewalls of the mandrels. Each L-shaped spacer comprises a rectangular portion disposed at a base of a mandrel and an orthogonal portion extending from the rectangular portion. Each L-shaped spacer also has a spacer width. The orthogonal portions are removed from each of the L-shaped spacers leaving at least a portion of the rectangular portions. The semiconductor substrate is etched to form fin structures, each fin structure having a width substantially equal to the spacer width. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110014791 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING FINFET STRUCTURES HAVING DIFFERENT CHANNEL LENGTHS - Methods for fabricating FinFET structures having gate structures of different gate widths are provided. The methods include the formation of sidewall spacers of different thicknesses to define gate structures of the FinFET structures with different gate widths. The width of a sidewall spacer is defined by the height of the structure about which the sidewall spacer is formed, the thickness of the sidewall spacer material layer from which the spacer is formed, and the etch parameters used to etch the sidewall spacer material layer. By forming structures of varying height, forming the sidewall spacer material layer of varying thickness, or a combination of these, sidewall spacers of varying width can be fabricated and subsequently used as an etch mask so that gate structures of varying widths can be formed simultaneously. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014790 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device on and in a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, a method comprises the steps of forming etch masking features overlying the semiconductor substrate, the etch masking features having a first thickness, and forming an etch barrier layer overlying the substrate, the etch barrier layer having a second thickness less than or substantially equal to the first thickness. The method also comprises removing the etch masking features to expose the substrate, and etching the substrate using the etch barrier layer as an etch mask. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110008966 | PLANARIZATION METHOD USING HYBRID OXIDE AND POLYSILICON CMP - A method of planarizing a semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second components provided on the surface of the substrate, and a first material provided between and above the first and second components. The first component has a height greater than a height of the second component. The method includes performing a first polishing step on the semiconductor device to remove the first material above a top surface of the first component, to remove the first material above a top surface of the second component, and to level the top surface of the first component. The method also includes performing a second polishing step on the semiconductor device to planarize the top surfaces of the first and second components. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100327412 | METHOD OF SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING FOR SMALL FEATURES - Small feature patterning is accomplished using a multilayer hard mask (HM). Embodiments include sequentially forming a first HM layer and a multilayer HM layer over a substrate, the multilayer HM layer comprising sublayers, etching the multilayer HM layer to form a first opening having an upper first opening with sides converging to a lower second opening and a second opening with substantially parallel sides and an opening substantially corresponding to the lower second opening of the first opening, etching through the second opening to form a corresponding opening in the first HM layer, and etching the substrate through the corresponding opening in the first HM layer. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100318209 | FLEXIBLE JOB PREPARATION AND CONTROL - Preparation of a wafer processing or measuring tool for a job can be initiated prior to assigning a wafer carrier to deliver wafers to the tool. The automated process may include transfer of wafers from a container, such as a bare wafer stocker, or between two tools. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314685 | CHARGING PROTECTION DEVICE - Shallow trench isolation silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices are formed with improved charge protection. Embodiments include an SOI film diode and a P | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100311242 | METHODS FOR FABRICATING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. One method comprises providing a first pattern having a first polygon, the first polygon having a first tonality and having a first side and a second side, the first side adjacent to a second polygon having a second tonality, and the second side adjacent to a third polygon having the second tonality, and forming a second pattern by reversing the tonality of the first pattern. The method further comprises forming a third pattern from the second pattern by converting the second polygon from the first tonality to the second tonality forming a fourth pattern from the second pattern by converting the third polygon from the first tonality to the second tonality forming a fifth pattern by reversing the tonality of the third pattern, and forming a sixth pattern by reversing the tonality of the fourth pattern. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100308440 | SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR STABILIZING SILICON-COMPRISING STRUCTURES ON A SILICON OXIDE LAYER OF A SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE - Methods are provided for substantially preventing and filling overetched regions in a silicon oxide layer of a semiconductor substrate. The overetched regions may be formed as a result of overetching of the silicon oxide layer during etching of an overlying silicon-comprising material layer to form a silicon-comprising structure. An etch resistant spacer may be formed after the initial or subsequent overetches. The etch resistant spacer may be formed by depositing an etch resistant material into the overetched region and etching the deposited etch resistant material to leave residual etch resistant material forming the etch resistant spacer. The etch resistant spacer may also be formed by exposing the silicon oxide layer in the overetched region to a nitrogen-supplying material to form a silicon oxynitride etch resistant spacer. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100308409 | FINFET STRUCTURES WITH FINS HAVING STRESS-INDUCING CAPS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - FinFET structures with fins having stress-inducing caps and methods for fabricating such FinFET structures are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for forming stressed structures comprises forming a first stress-inducing material overlying a semiconductor material and forming spacers overlying the first stress-inducing material. The first stress-inducing material is etched using the spacers as an etch mask to form a plurality of first stress-inducing caps. The semiconductor material is etched using the plurality of first stress-inducing caps as an etch mask. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100308382 | SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SILICON OXIDE UNDERCUTS IN A SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE - Methods are provided for fabricating semiconductor structures with an etch resistant layer that reduces undercuts in a silicon oxide layer of a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is provided having the silicon oxide layer. The etch resistant layer is formed which uses at least a portion of the silicon oxide layer. A silicon-comprising material layer is formed overlying the etch resistant layer. The silicon-comprising material layer has an etch rate greater than an etch rate of the etch resistant layer when subjected to an etchant. The silicon-comprising material layer is etched with an etchant to form a fin structure on the silicon oxide layer. The etch resistant layer may be formed by ion implantation, diffusing nitrogen-supplying species into the silicon oxide layer, or forming an insulator material layer overlying the silicon oxide layer. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100308381 | FINFET STRUCTURES WITH STRESS-INDUCING SOURCE/DRAIN-FORMING SPACERS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - Methods for fabricating FinFET structures with stress-inducing source/drain-forming spacers and FinFET structures having such spacers are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a FinFET structure comprises fabricating a plurality of parallel fins overlying a semiconductor substrate. Each of the fins has sidewalls. A gate structure is fabricated overlying a portion of each of the fins. The gate structure has sidewalls and overlies channels within the fins. Stress-inducing sidewall spacers are formed about the sidewalls of the fins and the sidewalls of the gate structure. The stress-inducing sidewall spacers induce a stress within the channels. First conductivity-determining ions are implanted into the fins using the stress-inducing sidewall spacers and the gate structure as an implantation mask to form source and drain regions within the fins. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100301482 | SRAM BIT CELL WITH SELF-ALIGNED BIDIRECTIONAL LOCAL INTERCONNECTS - Improved SRAMs are formed with significantly reduced local interconnect to gate shorts, by a technique providing bidirectional, self-aligned local interconnects, employing a gate hard mask over portions of the gates not connected to the local interconnects. Embodiments include forming a gate hard mask over gates, forming bidirectional trenches overlying portions of the gate electrodes and active silicon regions, etching the hard mask layer to expose regions of the gate electrodes that are to connect to local interconnects, and filling the trenches with conductive material to form self-aligned local interconnects. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100301460 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE HAVING A FILLED TRENCH STRUCTURE AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - Methods are provided for packaging a semiconductor die having a first surface. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method comprises the steps of forming a trench in the first surface of the die, electrically and physically coupling the die to a packaging substrate, forming a sealant layer on the first surface of the die, forming an engagement structure within the trench, and infusing underfill between the sealant layer and the engagement structure and the packaging substrate. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100301423 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES WITH IMPROVED LOCAL MATCHING AND END RESISTANCE OF RX BASED RESISTORS - Semiconductor devices are formed with reduced variability between close proximity resistors, improved end resistances, and reduced random dopant mismatch. Embodiments include ion implanting a dopant, such as B, at a relatively high dosage, e.g. about 4 to about 6 keV, and at a relatively low implant energy, e.g., about 1.5 to about 2E15/cm | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100301401 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND RELATED FABRICATION METHODS THAT USE COMPRESSIVE MATERIAL WITH A REPLACEMENT GATE TECHNIQUE - A semiconductor device and related method of fabricating it are provided. An exemplary fabrication process begins by forming a gate structure overlying a layer of semiconductor material, the gate structure comprising a gate insulator overlying the layer of semiconductor material and comprising a temporary gate element overlying the gate insulator. The process continues by forming a layer of compressive material overlying the gate structure, and by removing a first portion of the compressive material to expose an upper surface of the temporary gate element, while leaving a second portion of the compressive material intact and external to sidewalls of the temporary gate element. Thereafter, at least a portion of the temporary gate element is removed, while leaving the second portion of the compressive material intact, resulting in a gate recess. The process continues by at least partially filling the gate recess with a gate electrode material. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100295103 | GATE ETCH OPTIMIZATION THROUGH SILICON DOPANT PROFILE CHANGE - Improved semiconductor devices comprising metal gate electrodes are formed with reduced performance variability by reducing the initial high dopant concentration at the top portion of the silicon layer overlying the metal layer. Embodiments include reducing the dopant concentration in the upper portion of the silicon layer, by implanting a counter-dopant into the upper portion of the silicon layer, removing the high dopant concentration portion and replacing it with undoped or lightly doped silicon, and applying a gettering agent to the upper surface of the silicon layer to form a thin layer with the gettered dopant, which layer can be removed or retained. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100295058 | TUNNELING FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR SWITCH DEVICE - A tunneling field effect transistor (TFET) device includes a semiconductor substrate having a layer of relatively intermediate bandgap semiconductor material, a layer of relatively low bandgap semiconductor material overlying the layer of relatively intermediate bandgap semiconductor material, and a layer of relatively high bandgap semiconductor material overlying the layer of relatively low bandgap semiconductor material. The TFET device includes a source region, a drain region, and a channel region defined in the semiconductor substrate. The TFET device also has a gate structure overlying at least a portion of the channel region. The source region is highly doped with an impurity dopant having a first conductivity type, and the drain region is highly doped with an impurity dopant having a second conductivity type. The layer of relatively low bandgap semiconductor material promotes tunneling at a first junction between the source region and the channel region, and the layer of relatively high bandgap semiconductor material inhibits tunneling at a second junction between the source region and the channel region. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100285650 | METHOD OF FABRICATING SEMICONDUCTOR TRANSISTOR DEVICES WITH ASYMMETRIC EXTENSION AND/OR HALO IMPLANTS - A method of fabricating semiconductor devices begins by providing or fabricating a device structure that includes a semiconductor material and a plurality of gate structures formed overlying the semiconductor material. The method continues by creating light dose extension implants in the semiconductor material by bombarding the device structure with ions at a non-tilted angle relative to an exposed surface of the semiconductor material. During this step, the plurality of gate structures are used as a first implantation mask. The method continues by forming a patterned mask overlying the semiconductor material, the patterned mask being arranged to protect shared drain regions of the semiconductor material and to leave shared source regions of the semiconductor material substantially exposed. Thereafter, the method creates heavy dose extension implants and/or halo implants in the semiconductor material by bombarding the device structure with ions at a tilted angle relative to the exposed surface of the semiconductor material, and toward the plurality of gate structures. During this step, the plurality of gate structures and the patterned mask are used as a second implantation mask. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100244156 | METHODS FOR PROTECTING GATE STACKS DURING FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES FABRICATED FROM SUCH METHODS - Methods for protecting gate stacks during fabrication of semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices fabricated from such methods are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a gate stack comprising a first gate stack-forming layer overlying a semiconductor substrate and forming first sidewall spacers about sidewalls of the gate stack. After the step of forming the first sidewall spacers, a portion of the first gate stack-forming layer is exposed. The exposed portion is anisotropically etched using the gate stack and the first sidewall spacers as an etch mask. Second sidewall spacers are formed adjacent the first sidewall spacers after the step of anisotropically etching. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100187586 | SOI DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ITS FABRICATION - A silicon on insulator (SOI) device is provided. The device includes an MOS capacitor coupled between voltage busses and formed in a monocrystalline semiconductor layer overlying an insulator layer and a semiconductor substrate. The device includes at least one electrical discharge path for discharging potentially harmful charge build up on the MOS capacitor. The MOS capacitor has a conductive electrode material forming a first plate of the MOS capacitor and an impurity doped region in the monocrystalline silicon layer beneath the conductive electrode material forming a second plate. A first voltage bus is coupled to the first plate of the capacitor and to an electrical discharge path through a diode formed in the semiconductor substrate and a second voltage bus is coupled to the second plate of the capacitor. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100044761 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING SAME - A semiconductor device is provided which includes a substrate including an inactive region and an active region, a gate electrode structure having portions overlying the active region, a compressive layer overlying the active region, and a tensile layer overlying the inactive region and located outside the active region. The active region has a lateral edge which defines a width of the active region, and a transverse edge which defines a length of the active region. The gate electrode structure includes: a common portion spaced apart from the active region; a plurality of gate electrode finger portions integral with the common portion, and a plurality of fillet portions integral with the common portion and the gate electrode finger portions. A portion of each gate electrode finger portion overlies the active region. The fillet portions are disposed between the common portion and the gate electrode finger portions, and do not overlie the active region. The compressive layer also overlies the gate electrode finger portions, and the tensile layer is disposed adjacent the transverse edge of the active region. | 02-25-2010 |
