Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure may include: forming a first dielectric layer having a first thickness over a substrate; removing a first portion of the first dielectric layer to expose a second region of the substrate; forming a second dielectric layer having a second thickness over the second region of the substrate; removing a second portion of the first dielectric layer to expose a third region of the substrate; forming a third dielectric layer having a third thickness over the third region of the substrate; and forming a first plurality of gate stacks comprising the first dielectric layer in a first region of the substrate, a second plurality of gate stacks comprising the second dielectric layer in the second region of the substrate, and a third plurality of gate stacks comprising the third dielectric layer in the third region of the substrate.

Abstract: An interconnection structure and method disclosed for providing an interconnection structure that includes conductive features having reduced topographic variations. The interconnection structure includes a contact pad disposed over a substrate. The contact pad includes a first layer of a first conductive material and a second layer of a second conductive material over the first layer. The first conductive material and the second conductive material are made of substantially the same material and have a first average grain size and a second average grain size that is smaller than the first average grain size. The interconnection structure also includes a passivation layer covering the substrate and the contact pad, and the passivation layer has an opening exposing the contact pad.

Abstract: A CMP slurry composition which provides for a high Ge- or SiGe-to-dielectric material selectivity a low rate of Ge or SiGe recess formation includes an oxidant and a germanium removal rate enhancer including at least one of a methylpyridine compound and a methylpyridine derivative compound. In some examples, the slurry composition also includes an etching inhibitor. In some cases, the slurry composition may include an abrasive, a surfactant, an organic complexant, a chelating agent, an organic or inorganic acid, an organic or inorganic base, a corrosion inhibitor, or a buffer. The slurry composition may be distributed onto a surface of a polishing pad disposed on a platen that is configured to rotate. Additionally, a workpiece carrier configured to house a substrate may bring the substrate into contact with the rotating polishing pad and thereby polish the substrate utilizing the slurry composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-transistor element including a substrate, a first floating gate disposed on the substrate, a second floating gate disposed on the substrate and coupled to the first floating gate, and a first active region disposed in the substrate and coupled to the first and second floating gates.

Abstract: A method of photomask reticle design provides for greatly increased tolerance to adjacent exposure field alignment and/or stepper magnification errors, thus eliminating gaps between adjacent exposure fields in the fabrication of semiconductor integrated circuit devices.The resulting insurance of complete exposure of photoresist eliminates the formation of non-exposed unwanted photoresist residues or stringers, which constitute defects in the manufacture of such devices.