Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a source, a drain, and a gate between the source and the drain. Both the source and the drain include a first edge, and the gate includes a first portion. A first deep trench structure is situated under the first portion of the gate and proximate to the first edge of the source and the first edge of the drain.

Abstract: The invention describes how contaminant particles may be removed from a surface without in any way damaging that surface. First, the positional co-ordinates of all particles on the surface are recorded. Optionally, only particles that can be expected to cause current or future damage to the surface are included. Then, using optical tweezers, each particle is individually removed and then disposed of. Six different ways to remove and dispose of particles are described.

Abstract: A method of forming gate dielectric layers with various thicknesses on a substrate. At least a first active region and a second active region are provided on the substrate. A first thermal oxide layer is formed on the substrate. A blanket dielectric layer with a first thickness is deposited overlying the substrate. The dielectric layer and the underlying first thermal oxide layer on the second active region are removed to expose the substrate. A second thermal oxide layer with a second thickness less than the first thickness is formed on the second active region. A first gate is formed on the dielectric layer on the first active region and a second gate is formed on the second thermal oxide layer on the second active region.

Abstract: The invention describes how contaminant particles may be removed from a surface without in any way damaging that surface. First, the positional co-ordinates of all particles on the surface are recorded. Optionally, only particles that can be expected to cause current or future damage to the surface are included. Then, using optical tweezers, each particle is individually removed and then disposed of. Six different ways to remove and dispose of particles are described.

Abstract: A method for forming a clear code mark that is independent of backend planarization by adding an extra exposing step to the normal photolithography process is described. A layer to be patterned is provided on a substrate. A photoresist layer is coated overlying the layer to be patterned. The photoresist layer is first exposed through a code mask and second exposed through a patterning mask. The photoresist layer is developed to form a photoresist mask having a code mark pattern from the code mask and a device pattern from the patterning mask. The layer to be patterned is etched away where it is not covered by the photoresist mask to form simultaneously device structures and a code mark in the fabrication of an integrated circuit device.