Abstract: A method for forming self-aligned contact (SAC) is disclosed to improve device reliability. The method includes forming a dielectric liner over the contact opening before the contact plug is filled in. Optional contact implantation before and after the liner formation can be added to enhance the doping profile of the device.

Abstract: A method for making capacitor-over-bit line (COB) DRAM using a self-aligned contact etching technology is achieved. After forming FET gate electrodes, sidewall spacers are formed from a first Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 etch-stop layer, while a portion of the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 is retained as an etch-stop layer on the source/drain areas. Self-aligned contact openings are etched in a first oxide layer to the source/drain areas, and polysilicon landing plugs are formed in all the self-aligned openings. A second oxide layer is deposited and contact holes are etched to the landing plugs for bit lines. A polycide layer having a cap layer is deposited and patterned to form bit lines. A third Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 etch-stop layer is conformally deposited over the bit lines and patterned to form openings over the landing plugs for the capacitor node contacts while forming Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 sidewall spacers on the bit lines exposed in the openings.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a MOSFET device has been developed featuring a polycide gate structure, comprised of a metal silicide component, overlying a polysilicon component, and with the metal silicide shape intentionally fabricated to be narrower than the underlying polysilicon shape. This polycide configuration is obtained using an isotropic RIE procedure for the metal silicide shape, while using an anisotropic RIE procedure for the definition of the polysilicon shape. The undercut metal silicide shape can now accommodate a thermally grown oxide layer, thicker than the thermally grown oxide formed on the underlying, straight walled polysilicon shape, and thus allowing a lightly doped source and drain region, and the subsequent MOSFET channel length, to be defined by the thin oxide, on the sides of the straight walled polysilicon shape.

Abstract: A system for probing a circuit is disclosed. In particular, a system for monitoring power levels close to the tip of a measurement probe in order to more accurately monitor the power applied to a circuit is contemplated. Microwave and millimeter wave signals are monitored through the use of a directional coupler which is mounted proximate the probe tip of a measurement probe. Power delivered to the probe tip is then detected by a signal created in the directional coupler. Connected to the directional coupler is a diode. The voltage across the diode is monitored and is indicative of the power delivered to the probe tip. A control signal resulting from the diode voltage may provide feedback control to a power source which delivers power to the measurement probe. Thus, utilizing feedback control a more accurate power delivery system is provided.