Abstract: A method of fabricating a metal contact in a reduced aspect ratio contact hole. The method begins by forming a first insulating layer and a first barrier layer having a first barrier opening over a substrate. The first insulating layer is anisotropically etched through the first barrier opening forming an upper contact hole. A second barrier layer is formed on the first barrier layer and the first insulating layer. The second barrier layer is anisotropically etched forming spacers on sidewalls of the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer is anisotropically etched using the first barrier layer and the spacers as an etch mask forming a lower contact hole. The first barrier layer and the spacers are removed to form the reduced aspect ratio contact hole. The reduced aspect ratio contact hole is comprised by the upper and lower contact holes. The reduced aspect ratio contact hole is filled with a contact metal to contact the contact region in the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a conductive fusible link that may be blown by heating with laser irradiation. The integrate circuit comprises: a silicon substrate; a first insulating layer; a fusible link on the first layer; a second insulating layer overlying the first layer and the fusible link; an opening through the second layer exposing the fuse; and a protective layer over the surfaces of the opening. A laser beam is irradiated through the opening and the protective layer to melt the fusible link. The protective layer is highly transparent to a laser beam and does not interfere with the laser melting (trimming) operation. Moreover, the protective layer prevents contaminates from diffusing in through the opening to harm adjacent semiconductor devices.