Abstract: FinFET semiconductor devices with local isolation features and methods for fabricating such devices are provided. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a plurality of fin structures formed thereon, wherein each of the plurality of fin structures has sidewalls, forming spacers about the sidewalls of the plurality of fin structures, and forming a silicon-containing layer over the semiconductor substrate and in between the plurality of fin structures. The method further includes removing at least a first portion of the silicon-containing layer to form a plurality of void regions while leaving at least a second portion thereof in place and depositing an isolation material in the plurality of void regions.

Abstract: A method includes forming a raised isolation structure with a recess above a substrate, forming a gate structure above the fin, forming a plurality of spaced-apart buried fin contact structures within the recess that have an outer perimeter surface that contacts at least a portion of an interior perimeter surface of the recess and forming at least one source/drain contact structure for each of the buried fin contact structures. One device includes a plurality of spaced-apart buried fin contact structures positioned within a recess in a raised isolation structure on opposite sides of a gate structure. The upper surface of each of the buried fin contact structures is positioned below an upper surface of the raised isolation structure and an outer perimeter surface of each of the buried fin contact structures contacts at least a portion of an interior perimeter surface of the recess.

Abstract: An intermediate semiconductor structure of a FinFET device in fabrication includes a substrate, a plurality of fin structures coupled to the substrate and a dummy gate disposed perpendicularly over the fin structures. A portion of the dummy gate is removed between the fin structures to create one or more vias and the one or more vias are filled with a dielectric. The dummy gate is then replaced with a metal gate formed around the dielectric-filled vias.

Abstract: Forming a plurality of initial trenches that extend through a layer of silicon-germanium and into a substrate to define an initial fin structure comprised of a portion of the layer of germanium-containing material and a first portion of the substrate, forming sidewall spacers adjacent the initial fin structure, performing an etching process to extend the initial depth of the initial trenches, thereby forming a plurality of final trenches having a final depth that is greater than the initial depth and defining a second portion of the substrate positioned under the first portion of the substrate, forming a layer of insulating material over-filling the final trenches and performing a thermal anneal process to convert at least a portion of the first or second portions of the substrate into a silicon dioxide isolation material that extends laterally under an entire width of the portion of the germanium-containing material.

Abstract: A field effect transistor (FET) having one or more fins provides an extended current path as compared to conventional finFETs. A raised source terminal is disposed on a fin adjacent to a sidewall spacer of a gate structure. The drain terminal and a first portion of the gate structure overlie a first well of a first conductivity type. A raised drain terminal is disposed such that it is spaced apart from the gate structure sidewalls. In some embodiments the drain terminal is disposed on a second, separate fin. the drain terminal and a second portion of the gate structure overlie a second well of a second conductivity type.

Abstract: An embodiment integrated circuit (e.g., diode) and method of making the same. The embodiment integrated circuit includes a well having a first doping type formed over a substrate having the first doping type, the well including a fin, a source formed over the well on a first side of the fin, the source having a second doping type, a drain formed over the well on a second side of the fin, the drain having the first doping type, and a gate oxide formed over the fin, the gate oxide laterally spaced apart from the source by a back off region of the fin. The integrated circuit is compatible with a FinFET fabrication process.

Abstract: Provided are semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating the same. The methods may include forming a molding layer on a semiconductor substrate. A storage electrode passing through the molding layer is formed. A part of the storage electrode is exposed by partially etching the molding layer. A sacrificial oxide layer is formed by oxidizing the exposed part of the storage electrode. The partially-etched molding layer and the sacrificial oxide layer are removed. A capacitor dielectric layer is formed on the substrate of which the molding layer and the sacrificial oxide layer are removed. A plate electrode is formed on the capacitor dielectric layers.

Abstract: A FinFET device includes a substrate, a fin, and isolation regions on either side of the fin. The device also includes sidewall spacers above the isolation regions and formed along the fin structure. A recessing trench is formed by the sidewall spacers and the fin, and an epitaxially-grown semiconductor material is formed in and above the recessing trench, forming an epitaxial structure.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a band engineered semiconductor device comprising a substrate and a protruding structure that is formed in a recess in the substrate. The protruding structure extends above the recess and has a buried portion and an extended portion. At least the extended portion comprises a semiconductor material having an inverted ‘V’ band gap profile with a band gap value increasing gradually from a first value at lateral edges of the structure to a second value, higher than the first value, in a center of the structure. The disclosure is also related to the method of manufacturing of such a band engineered semiconductor device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that includes: first to fourth conductive lines embedded in a semiconductor substrate; a first semiconductor pillar located between the first and second conductive lines; a second semiconductor pillar located between the second and third conductive lines; a third semiconductor pillar located between the third and fourth conductive lines; a first storage element connected to an upper portion of the first semiconductor pillar; a second storage element connected to an upper portion of the third semiconductor pillar; and a bit line embedded in the semiconductor substrate connected to lower portions of the first to third semiconductor pillars. At least one of the first and second conductive lines and at least one of the third and fourth conductive lines being supplied with a potential so as to form channels in the first and third semiconductor pillars.

Abstract: Novel etch techniques are provided for shaping silicon features below the photolithographic resolution limits. FinFET devices are defined by recessing oxide and exposing a silicon protrusion to an isotropic etch, at least in the channel region. In one implementation, the protrusion is contoured by a dry isotropic etch having excellent selectivity, using a downstream microwave plasma etch.

Abstract: A metal oxide bilayer second electrode for a MIM DRAM capacitor is formed wherein the layer of the electrode that is in contact with the dielectric layer (i.e. bottom layer) has a desired composition and crystal structure. An example is crystalline MoO2 if the dielectric layer is TiO2 in the rutile phase. The other component of the bilayer (i.e. top layer) is a sub-oxide of the same material as the bottom layer. The top layer serves to protect the bottom layer from oxidation during subsequent PMA or other DRAM fabrication steps by reacting with any oxygen species before they can reach the bottom layer of the bilayer second electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a band engineered semiconductor device comprising a substrate, a protruding structure that is formed in a recess in the substrate and is extending above the recess having a buried portion and an extended portion, and wherein at least the extended portion comprises a semiconductor material having an inverted ‘V’ band gap profile with a band gap value increasing gradually from a first value at lateral edges of the structure to a second value, higher than the first value, in a center of the structure. The disclosure is also related to the method of manufacturing of such band engineered semiconductor device.

Abstract: A device manufacturing method includes: sequentially forming a first sacrificial film, a first support film, a second sacrificial film, and a second support film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a hole to pass through these films; forming a crown-shaped electrode covering an inner surface of the hole and connected to the second support film and the first support film; forming a first opening in the second support film into a first pattern designed such that the connection between the crown-shaped electrode and the second support film is at least partially maintained; removing at least a part of the second sacrificial film through the first opening; forming a second opening in the first support film with use of the first opening; and removing the first sacrificial film through the second opening. This method is able to prevent misalignment of openings between the support films.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, device and computer/software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory) are presented for realizing eDRAM strap formation in Fin FET device structures. Semiconductor on insulator (SOI) substrate comprising at least an insulator layer between a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer is provided. The (metal) strap formation is accomplished by depositing conductive layer on fins portion of the second semiconductor layer (Si) and a semiconductor material (polysilicon) in each DT capacitor extending to the second semiconductor layer. The metal strap is sealed by a nitride spacer to prevent the shorts between PWL and DT capacitors.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device is disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a substrate and forming a plurality of fins over the substrate. The method further includes forming a first opening in the substrate in a first longitudinal direction. The method further includes forming a second opening in the substrate in a second longitudinal direction. The first and second longitudinal directions are different. The method further includes depositing a filling material in the first and second openings.

Abstract: A method including providing fins etched from a semiconductor substrate and covered by an oxide layer and a nitride layer, the oxide layer being located between the fins and the nitride layer, removing a portion of the fins to form an opening, forming a dielectric spacer on a sidewall of the opening, and filling the opening with a fill material, wherein a top surface of the fill material is substantially flush with a top surface of the nitride layer. The method may further include forming a deep trench capacitor in-line with one of the fins, removing the nitride layer to form a gap between the fins and the fill material, wherein the fill material has re-entrant geometry extending over the gap, and removing the re-entrant geometry and causing the gap between the fins and the fill material to widen.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, device and computer/software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory) are presented for realizing eDRAM strap formation in Fin FET device structures. Semiconductor on insulator (SOI) substrate comprising at least an insulator layer between a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer is provided. The (metal) strap formation is accomplished by depositing conductive layer on fins portion of the second semiconductor layer (Si) and a semiconductor material (polysilicon) in each DT capacitor extending to the second semiconductor layer. The metal strap is sealed by a nitride spacer to prevent the shorts between PWL and DT capacitors.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating layer on a substrate, and a direct contact (DC) structure vertically penetrating the interlayer insulating layer and contacting the substrate, the DC structure including a DC hole exposing the substrate, an insulating DC spacer on an inner wall of the DC hole, and a conductive DC plug on the DC spacer and filling the DC hole, the DC plug including a lower DC plug and an upper DC plug on the lower DC plug, the lower DC plug having a smaller horizontal width than that of the upper DC plug.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a semiconductor device are provided. The method includes forming a first mold layer on a in a cell region and a peripheral region, forming first storage nodes penetrating the first mold layer in the cell region and a first contact penetrating the first mold layer in the peripheral region, forming a second mold layer on the first mold layer, forming second storage nodes that penetrate the second mold layer to be connected to respective ones of the first storage nodes, removing the second mold layer in the cell and peripheral regions and the first mold layer in the cell region to leave the first mold layer in the peripheral region, and forming a second contact that penetrates a first interlayer insulation layer to be connected to the first contact. Related devices are also provided.

Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a sacrificial gate structure above a fin, wherein the sacrificial gate structure is comprised of a sacrificial gate insulation layer, a layer of insulating material, a sacrificial gate electrode layer and a gate cap layer, forming a sidewall spacer adjacent opposite sides of the sacrificial gate structure, removing the sacrificial gate structure to thereby define a gate cavity that exposes a portion of the fin, and forming a replacement gate structure in the gate cavity. One illustrative device disclosed herein includes a plurality of fin structures that are separated by a trench formed in a substrate, a local isolation material positioned within the trench, a gate structure positioned around portions of the fin structures and above the local isolation material and an etch stop layer positioned between the gate structure and the local isolation material within the trench.

Abstract: Capacitance blocks (first block and second block) respectively formed on two different adjacent common pad electrodes are electrically connected in series through an upper electrode. A distance between two adjacent capacitance blocks connected in series through an upper electrode film for the upper electrode corresponds to a distance between opposing lower electrodes disposed in an outermost perimeter of each capacitance block, and is two or less times than a total film thickness of the upper electrode film embedded between the two adjacent capacitance blocks.

Abstract: A high density bulk fin capacitor is disclosed. Fin capacitors are formed near finFETs by further etching the fin capacitors to provide more surface area, resulting in increased capacitance density. Embodiments of the present invention include depletion-mode varactors and inversion-mode varactors.

Abstract: A chip capacitor and interconnecting wiring is described incorporating a metal insulator metal (MIM) capacitor, tapered vias and vias coupled to one or both of the top and bottom electrodes of the capacitor in an integrated circuit. A design structure tangibly embodied in a machine readable medium is described incorporating computer readable code defining a MIM capacitor, tapered vias, vias and wiring levels in an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a core insulating film that includes first openings, on a semiconductor substrate; forming cylindrical lower electrodes that cover sides of the first openings with a conductive film; forming a support film that covers at least an upper surface of the core insulating film between the lower electrodes; forming a mask film in which an outside of a region where at least the lower electrodes are formed is removed, by using the support film; and performing isotropic etching on the core insulating film so as to leave the core insulating film at a part of an area between the lower electrodes, after the mask film is formed.

Abstract: A method for forming double-sided capacitors for a semiconductor device includes forming a dielectric structure which supports capacitor bottom plates during wafer processing. The structure is particularly useful for supporting the bottom plates during removal of a base dielectric layer to expose the outside of the bottom plates to form a double-sided capacitor. The support structure further supports the bottom plates during formation of a cell dielectric layer, a capacitor top plate, and final supporting dielectric. An inventive structure is also described.

Abstract: A member for light path to a photoelectric conversion portion includes a middle portion, and a peripheral portion having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the middle portion, and within some plane in parallel with the light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion portion, and within other plane closer to the light receiving surface than the some plane in parallel with the light receiving surface, the peripheral portion is continuous with the middle portion and surrounds the middle portion, and also the refractive index of the peripheral portion is higher than the refractive index of an insulator film, and the thickness of the peripheral portion within the other plane is smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion within the some plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a surface that is defined by a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a capacitor disposed on the substrate, the capacitor having an anode component that includes a plurality of first conductive features and a cathode component that includes a plurality of second conductive features. The first conductive features and the second conductive features each include two metal lines extending along the first axis. At least one metal via extending along a third axis that is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate and interconnecting the two metal lines. The first conductive features are interdigitated with the second conductive features along both the second axis and the third axis.

Abstract: A method includes forming an ESD diode including performing an epitaxy growth to form an epitaxy region comprising silicon and substantially free from germanium. The epitaxy region is doped with a p-type impurity to form a p-type region, wherein the p-type region forms an anode of the ESD diode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including: a bit line being arranged on top surfaces of first and second contact plugs via a first insulation layer and extending in a direction connecting a first impurity diffusion layer and a second impurity diffusion layer; a bit line contact plug being formed through the first insulation layer and electrically connecting the bit line to the first contact plug; a first cell capacitor having a first lower electrode beside one of side surfaces of the bit line; a first insulation film insulating the bit line and the first lower electrode from each other; and a first contact conductor electrically connecting a bottom end of the first lower electrode to a side surface of the second contact plug.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. An additional spacer is formed at a lateral surface of an upper part of the bit line so that the distance of insulation films between a storage node and a neighboring storage node contact plug is increased. Accordingly, the distance between the storage node and the neighboring storage node contact is guaranteed and a bridge failure is prevented.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first storage electrode, a second storage electrode, a first landing pad, a capacitive insulating film, and a plate electrode. The second storage electrode is arranged above the first storage electrode. The first landing pad is arranged between a top surface of the first storage electrode and a bottom surface of the second storage electrode. The first landing pad connects the first storage electrode and the second storage electrode. The first landing pad has a first landing surface larger than the bottom surface of the second storage electrode. The second storage electrode is placed on the first landing surface. The capacitive insulating film is laminated on the first and second storage electrodes and on an outer circumferential surface of the first landing pad. The plate electrode contacts the capacitive insulating film.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a gate region extending above a semiconductor substrate and extending in a first longitudinal direction. A first fin has a first sidewall that extends in a second longitudinal direction above the semiconductor substrate such that the first fin intersects the gate region. A second fin has a second sidewall extending in the second direction above the semiconductor substrate such that the second fin intersects the gate region. A shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed in the semiconductor substrate between the first and second sidewalls of the first and second fins. A conductive layer disposed over the first insulating layer and over top surfaces of the first and second fins. A first insulating layer is disposed between an upper surface of the STI region and a lower surface of the conductive layer to separate the STI region from the conductive layer.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a memory device where an area occupied by a memory cell is small, and moreover, a memory device where an area occupied by a memory cell is small and a data holding period is long. A memory device includes a bit line, a capacitor, a first insulating layer provided over the bit line and including a groove portion, a semiconductor layer, a second insulating layer in contact with the semiconductor layer, and a word line in contact with the second insulating layer. Part of the semiconductor layer is electrically connected to the bit line in a bottom portion of the groove portion, and another part of the semiconductor layer is electrically connected to one electrode of the capacitor in a top surface of the first insulating layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is an asymmetric multi-gated transistor that has a semiconductor fin with a non-uniform doping profile. A first portion of the fin has a higher doping concentration while a second portion of the fin has a lower doping concentration. In another embodiment, there is an asymmetric multi-gated transistor with gate dielectrics formed on the semiconductor fin that vary in thickness. This asymmetric multi-gated transistor has a thin gate dielectric formed on a first side portion of the semiconductor fin and a thick gate dielectric formed on a second side portion of the fin.

Abstract: Each pixel has a photoelectric conversion unit configured to convert light into electrical charges and to store the electrical charges, an amplifying unit configured to amplify a signal based on the electrical charges stored in the photoelectric conversion unit and to output the signal to an output line, and a reset unit configured to reset a input part of the amplifying unit. A clip unit, which is configured to limit an electric voltage of the output line, includes an amplifying circuitry for amplifying a signal based on the electric voltage of the output line and an MOS transistor for limiting the electric voltage of the output line based on the difference in electric potential between the gate and source. The clip unit controls the electric potential of the gate of the MOS transistor by the amplifying circuitry.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a circuit cell and a basic end cell. The circuit cell includes a plurality of elements aligned in a first direction, and the basic end cell is arranged adjacent to the circuit cell in the first direction and has a compensation capacitor capable of being connected to a supply voltage of the circuit cell. In the semiconductor device, a diffusion layer forming the compensation capacitor extends along the first direction in a predetermined region of the circuit cell.

Abstract: A device includes an active region formed of a semiconductor material, a gate dielectric at a surface of the active region, and a gate electrode over the gate dielectric. A first source/drain region and a second source/drain region are on opposite sides of the gate electrode. A Contact Etch Stop Layer (CESL) is over the first and the second source/drain regions. An Inter-Layer Dielectric (ILD) includes a top surface substantially level with a top surface of the gate electrode. A first contact plug is over and electrically connected to the first source/drain region. A second contact plug is over and aligned to the second source/drain region. The second contact plug and the second source/drain region are spaced apart from each other by a portion of the first CESL to form a capacitor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device prevents a lower electrode from leaning, in a dip-out process of an interlayer insulation film forming a lower electrode. A conductive material of a lower electrode is used as a support layer instead of a conventional nitride film support layer. This prevents a crack from being generated in a nitride film support layer. A method for manufacturing the semiconductor device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Capacitive circuits are implemented with desirable quality factors in various implementations. According to an example embodiment, a fringe capacitor includes two capacitive circuits (e.g., plates), respectively having a plurality of capacitive fingers extending from an end structure, and respectively having a connecting pin that is adjacent the connecting pin of the other capacitive circuit, on a common side fringe capacitor. The capacitive fingers are arranged in stacked layers, with vias connecting the fingers in different layers back to the connecting pins.

Abstract: A capacitor includes an object or a substrate including an insulation layer having an opening, an electrode structure having conductive patterns, a dielectric layer and an upper electrode. The electrode structure may have a first conductive pattern including metal and a second conductive pattern including metal oxide generated from the first conductive pattern. The first conductive pattern may fill the opening and may protrude over the insulation layer. The second conductive pattern may extend from the first conductive pattern. The electrode structure may additionally include a third conductive pattern disposed on the second conductive pattern. The capacitor including the electrode structure may ensure improved structural stability and electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A device manufacturing method includes: sequentially forming a first sacrificial film, a first support film, a second sacrificial film, and a second support film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a hole to pass through these films; forming a crown-shaped electrode covering an inner surface of the hole and connected to the second support film and the first support film; forming a first opening in the second support film into a first pattern designed such that the connection between the crown-shaped electrode and the second support film is at least partially maintained; removing at least a part of the second sacrificial film through the first opening; forming a second opening in the first support film with use of the first opening; and removing the first sacrificial film through the second opening. This method is able to prevent misalignment of openings between the support films.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a capacitor plate includes a plurality of first parallel conductive members, and a plurality of second parallel conductive members disposed over the plurality of first parallel conductive members. A first base member is coupled to an end of the plurality of first parallel conductive members, and a second base member is coupled to an end of the plurality of second parallel conductive members. A connecting member is disposed between the plurality of first parallel conductive members and the plurality of second parallel conductive members, wherein the connecting member includes at least one elongated via.

Abstract: A method includes forming an ESD diode including performing an epitaxy growth to form an epitaxy region comprising silicon and substantially free from germanium. The epitaxy region is doped with a p-type impurity to form a p-type region, wherein the p-type region forms an anode of the ESD diode.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices, capacitors, and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a capacitor includes forming a first material over a workpiece, and patterning the first material, forming a first capacitor plate in a first region of the workpiece and forming a first element in a second region of the workpiece. A second material is formed over the workpiece and over the patterned first material. The second material is patterned, forming a capacitor dielectric and a second capacitor plate in the first region of the workpiece over the first capacitor plate and forming a second element in a third region of the workpiece.

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a stacked capacitor (100) has bottom, middle and top metal electrode layers (141A, 141B, 141C) interleaved with dielectric layers (142A, 142B) conformally disposed within holes (140A, 140B, 140C) in a protective overcoat or backend dielectric layer (110) over a top metal layer (115) of an integrated circuit (105). A top electrode (155) contacts the top metal electrode layer (141C). A bottom electrode (150) electrically couples an isolated part of the top metal electrode layer (141C) through a bottom electrode via (165A) to a first contact node (135A) in the top metal layer (115) which is in contact with the bottom metal electrode layer (141A). A middle electrode (160) electrically couples a part of the middle metal electrode layer (141B) not covered by the top metal layer (115) through a middle electrode via (165B) to a second contact node (135B) in the top metal electrode layer (115).

Abstract: A method includes forming a first gate stack over a portion of a fin, forming a dummy gate stack over the fin, growing an epitaxial material from exposed portions of the fin, forming a layer of dielectric material over the epitaxial material, the first gate stack, and the dummy gate stack, performing a planarizing process that removes portions of the layer of dielectric material, the first gate stack, and the dummy gate stack, pattering a first mask over portions of the layer of dielectric material and the dummy gate stack, forming a silicide material on exposed portions of the first gate stack, removing the first mask, pattering a second mask over portions of the layer of dielectric material and the first gate stack, removing a polysilicon portion of the dummy gate stack to define a cavity, removing the second mask, and forming a second gate stack in the cavity.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device, includes a first electrode including a first semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, a side surface insulating film formed on at least a part of a side surface of the first electrode, an upper surface insulating film formed on the first electrode and the side surface insulating film, a second electrode which covers the side surface insulating film and the upper surface insulating film, and a fin-type field effect transistor. The first electrode, the side surface insulating film, and the second electrode constitute a capacitor element. A thickness of the upper surface insulating film between the first electrode and the second electrode is larger than a thickness of the side surface insulating film between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the fin-type field effect transistor includes a second semiconductor layer which protrudes with respect to the plane of the substrate.

Abstract: A transistor includes a first fin structure and at least a second fin structure formed on a substrate. A deep trench area is formed between the first and second fin structures. The deep trench area extends through an insulator layer of the substrate and a semiconductor layer of the substrate. A high-k metal gate is formed within the deep trench area. A polysilicon layer is formed within the deep trench area adjacent to the metal layer. The polysilicon layer and the high-k metal layer are recessed below a top surface of the insulator layer. A poly strap in the deep trench area is formed on top of the high-k metal gate and the polysilicon material. The poly strap is dimensioned to be below a top surface of the first and second fin structures. The first fin structure and the second fin structure are electrically coupled to the poly strap.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a non-planar transistor. Fin field effect transistors (finFETs) are often built around a fin (e.g., a tall, thin semiconductive member). During manufacturing, a fin may encounter various mechanical stresses, e.g., inertial forces during movement of the substrate and fluid forces during cleaning steps. If the forces on the fin are too large, the fin may fracture and possibly render a transistor inoperative. Supporting one side of a fin before forming the second side of a fin creates stability in the fin structure, thereby counteracting many of the mechanical stresses incurred during manufacturing.