Abstract: In a general aspect, a silicon carbide (SiC) field-effect transistor (FET) can include a substrate of a first conductivity type, a drift region of the first conductivity type disposed on the substrate, a spreading layer of the first conductivity type disposed in the drift region, a body region of a second conductivity type disposed in the spreading layer, and a source region of the first conductivity type disposed in the body region. The SiC FET can further include a spacer layer of the first conductivity type disposed on the source region the body region and the spreading layer, and a lateral channel region of the first conductivity type disposed in the spacer layer. The SiC FET can also include a gate structure that includes an aluminum nitride layer disposed on the lateral channel region, and an aluminum gallium nitride layer of the second conductivity disposed on the AlN layer.

Abstract: Provided is an oxide semiconductor device. A source, a drain, and a first gate are buried in a first dielectric layer, and the first gate is located between the source and the drain. A first barrier layer is located on the first dielectric layer, partially overlaps the source and the drain and overlaps the first gate. The first barrier layer includes a first opening and a second opening respectively corresponds to the source and the drain. An oxide semiconductor layer covers the first barrier layer and fills in the first opening and the second opening. A second barrier layer is located on the oxide semiconductor layer. A second gate is located on the second barrier layer and overlaps with the source, the drain, and the first gate.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating nano-scale structures are provided. A method includes forming a first hard mask pattern corresponding to first openings in a dense region, forming first guide elements on the first hard mask pattern aligned with the first openings, and forming second hard mask patterns in a sparse region to provide isolated patterns. A blocking layer is formed in the sparse region to cover the second hard mask patterns. A first domain and second domains are formed in the dense region using a phase separation of a block co-polymer layer. Related nano-scale structures are also provided.

Abstract: A method for far back end of the line (FBEOL) protection of a semiconductor device includes forming a patterned layer over a back end of the line (BEOL) stack, depositing a first conformal protection layer on the patterned layer which covers horizontal surfaces of a top surface and sidewalls of openings formed in the patterned layer. A resist layer is patterned over the first conformal protection layer such that openings in the resist layer correspond with the openings in the patterned layer. The first conformal protection layer is etched through the openings in the resist layer to form extended openings that reach a stop position. The resist layer is removed, and a second conformal protection layer is formed on the first conformal protection layer and on sidewalls of the extended openings to form an encapsulation boundary to protect at least the patterned layer and a portion of the BEOL stack.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method of a magnetic memory includes forming a magnetoresistive element in a cell array section on a semiconductor substrate, forming a dummy element in a peripheral circuit section on the semiconductor substrate, the dummy element having the same stacked structure as the magnetoresistive element and being arranged at the same level as the magnetoresistive element, collectively flattening the magnetoresistive element and the dummy element, applying a laser beam to the dummy element to form the dummy element into a non-magnetic body, and forming an upper electrode on the flattened magnetoresistive element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a silicon carbide Schottky barrier diode. In the method, an n? epitaxial layer is deposited on an n+ substrate. A sacrificial oxide film is formed on the n? epitaxial layer by heat treatment, and then a portion where a composite oxide film is to be formed is exposed by etching. Nitrogen is implanted into the n? epitaxial layer and the sacrificial oxide film using nitrogen plasma. A silicon nitride is deposited on the n? epitaxial layer and the sacrificial oxide film. The silicon nitride is thermally oxidized to form a composite oxide film. An oxide film in a portion where a Schottky metal is to be deposited is etched, and then the Schottky metal is deposited, thereby forming a silicon carbide Schottky barrier diode.

Abstract: A semiconductor package without a chip carrier formed thereon and a fabrication method thereof. A metallic carrier is half-etched to form a plurality of grooves and metal studs corresponding to the grooves. The grooves are filled with a first encapsulant and a plurality of bonding pads are formed on the metal studs. The first encapsulant is bonded with the metal studs directly. Each of the bonding pads and one of the metal studs corresponding to the bonding pad form a T-shaped structure. Therefore, bonding force between the metal studs and the first encapsulant is enhanced such that delamination is avoided. Die mounting, wire-bonding and molding processes are performed subsequently. Since the half-etched grooves are filled with the first encapsulant, the drawback of having pliable metallic carrier that makes transportation difficult to carry out as encountered in prior techniques is overcome, and the manufacturing cost is educed by not requiring the use of costly metals as an etching resist layer.

Abstract: A method of silicide formation in a semiconductor fabrication process is disclosed. An active area (RX) mask is used to form an active silicon area, and is then reused to form a trench transfer (TT) area. A trench block (TB) mask is logically ANDed with the active area (RX) mask to form a trench silicide (TS) region.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices, and a method of manufacturing the same, include a gate insulating film pattern over a semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode is formed over the gate insulating film pattern. A spacer structure is formed on at least one side of the gate electrode and the gate insulating film pattern. The spacer structure includes a first insulating film spacer contacting the gate insulating film pattern, and a second insulating film spacer on an outer side of the first insulating film spacer. The semiconductor device has an air gap between the first insulating film spacer and the second insulating film spacer.

Abstract: A method for far back end of the line (FBEOL) protection of a semiconductor device includes forming a patterned layer over a back end of the line (BEOL) stack, depositing a first conformal protection layer on the patterned layer which covers horizontal surfaces of a top surface and sidewalls of openings formed in the patterned layer. A resist layer is patterned over the first conformal protection layer such that openings in the resist layer correspond with the openings in the patterned layer. The first conformal protection layer is etched through the openings in the resist layer to form extended openings that reach a stop position. The resist layer is removed, and a second conformal protection layer is formed on the first conformal protection layer and on sidewalls of the extended openings to form an encapsulation boundary to protect at least the patterned layer and a portion of the BEOL stack.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a gate electrode of a transistor on an insulator layer on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, forming an isolation region by performing ion implantation of an impurity of a first conductivity type into the semiconductor substrate, forming a lightly doped drain region by performing, after forming a mask pattern including an opening portion narrower than a width of the gate electrode on an upper layer of the gate electrode of the transistor, ion implantation of an impurity of a second conductivity type near the surface of the semiconductor substrate with the mask pattern as a mask, and forming a source region and a drain region of the transistor by performing ion implantation of an impurity of the second conductivity type into the semiconductor substrate after forming the gate electrode of the transistor.

Abstract: A method includes forming a plurality of trenches extending from a top surface of a semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate, with semiconductor strips formed between the plurality of trenches. The plurality of trenches includes a first trench and second trench wider than the first trench. A first dielectric material is filled in the plurality of trenches, wherein the first trench is substantially fully filled, and the second trench is filled partially. A second dielectric material is formed over the first dielectric material. The second dielectric material fills an upper portion of the second trench, and has a shrinkage rate different from the first shrinkage rate of the first dielectric material. A planarization is performed to remove excess second dielectric material. The remaining portions of the first dielectric material and the second dielectric material form a first and a second STI region in the first and the second trenches, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip (IC) having an ultra-thick metal layer formed in a metal layer trench having a rounded shape that reduces stress between an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer and an adjacent metal layer, and a related method of formation. In some embodiments, the IC has an inter-level dielectric layer disposed above a semiconductor substrate. The ILD layer has a cavity with a sidewall having a plurality of sections, wherein respective sections have different slopes that cause the cavity to have a rounded shape. A metal layer is disposed within the cavity. The rounded shape of the cavity reduces stress between the ILD layer and the metal layer to prevent cracks from forming along an interface between the ILD layer and the metal layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, first and second pattern structures respectively include first and second conductive line patterns and first and second hard masks sequentially stacked, and at least portions thereof extends in a first direction. The insulation layer patterns contact end portions of the first and second pattern structures. The first pattern structure and a first insulation layer pattern of the insulation layer patterns form a first closed curve shape in plan view, and the second pattern structure and a second insulation layer pattern of the insulation layer patterns form a second closed curve shape in plan view. The insulating interlayer covers upper portions of the first and second pattern structures and the insulation layer patterns, a first air gap between the first and second pattern structures, and a second air gap between the insulation layer patterns.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a channel region disposed in a semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric disposed on the channel region and a drift region disposed in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the channel region. The apparatus can further include a field plate having an end portion disposed between a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the gate dielectric The end portion can include a surface in contact with the gate dielectric, the surface having a first portion aligned along a first plane non-parallel to a second plane along which a second portion of the surface is aligned, the first plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Methods for creating chemical guide patterns by DSA lithography for fabricating an integrated circuit are provided. In one example, an integrated circuit includes forming a bifunctional brush layer of a polymeric material overlying an anti-reflective coating on a semiconductor substrate. The polymeric material has a neutral polymeric block portion and a pinning polymeric block portion that are coupled together. The bifunctional brush layer includes a neutral layer that is formed of the neutral polymeric block portion and a pinning layer that is formed of the pinning polymeric block portion. A portion of the neutral layer or the pinning layer is selectively removed to define a chemical guide pattern. A block copolymer layer is deposited overlying the chemical guide pattern. The block copolymer layer is phase separated to define a nanopattern that is registered to the chemical guide pattern.

Abstract: In one implementation, a chemical sensor is described. The chemical sensor includes a chemically-sensitive field effect transistor including a floating gate conductor having an upper surface. A dielectric material defines an opening extending to the upper surface of the floating gate conductor. A conductive element on a sidewall of the opening and extending over an upper surface of the dielectric material.

Abstract: Embodiments include semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrates having SOI layers strained by oxidation of the base substrate layer and methods of forming the same. The method may include forming a strained channel region in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a buried insulator (BOX) layer above a base substrate layer and a SOI layer above the BOX layer by first etching the SOI layer and the BOX layer to form a first isolation recess region and a second isolation recess region. A portion of the SOI layer between the first isolation recess region and the second isolation recess region defines a channel region in the SOI layer. A portion of the base substrate layer below the first isolation recess region and below the second isolation recess region may then be oxidized to form a first oxide region and a second oxide region, respectively, that apply compressive strain to the channel region.

Abstract: A gate insulating film and a gate electrode of non-single crystalline silicon for forming an nMOS transistor are provided on a silicon substrate. Using the gate electrode as a mask, n-type dopants having a relatively large mass number (70 or more) such as As ions or Sb ions are implanted, to form a source/drain region of the nMOS transistor, whereby the gate electrode is amorphized. Subsequently, a silicon oxide film is provided to cover the gate electrode, at a temperature which is less than the one at which recrystallization of the gate electrode occurs. Thereafter, thermal processing is performed at a temperature of about 1000° C., whereby high compressive residual stress is exerted on the gate electrode, and high tensile stress is applied to a channel region under the gate electrode. As a result, carrier mobility of the nMOS transistor is enhanced.

Abstract: Fabrication methods, device structures, and design structures for a bipolar junction transistor. An emitter is formed in a device region defined in a substrate. An intrinsic base is formed on the emitter. A collector is formed that is separated from the emitter by the intrinsic base. The collector includes a semiconductor material having an electronic bandgap greater than an electronic bandgap of a semiconductor material of the device region.

Abstract: In sophisticated semiconductor devices, replacement gate approaches may be applied in combination with a process strategy for implementing a strain-inducing semiconductor material, wherein superior proximity of the strain-inducing semiconductor material and/or superior robustness of the replacement gate approach may be achieved by forming the initial gate electrode structures with superior uniformity and providing at least one cavity for implementing the strained channel regions in a very advanced manufacturing stage, i.e., after completing the basic transistor configuration.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, an opening formed in a semiconductor substrate by using a mask and covering an inner side face of the opening with a sidewall protective film. The mask is removed, while a part of the sidewall protective film remains.

Abstract: Methods for making a semiconductor device are disclosed. The method includes forming a plurality of gate stacks on a substrate, forming an etch buffer layer on the substrate, forming a dielectric material layer on the etch buffer layer, forming a hard mask layer on the substrate, wherein the hard mask layer includes one opening, and etching the dielectric material layer to form a plurality of trenches using the hard mask layer and the etch buffer layer as an etch mask.

Abstract: A through portion is formed on a semiconductor substrate. Into the semiconductor substrate, a first ion implantation is performed via the through portion. The through portion is at least partially removed in the thickness direction from a region of at least a portion of the through portion when viewed in a plan view. A second ion implantation is performed into the semiconductor substrate at the region of at least the portion thereof. An implantation energy for the first ion implantation is equal to an implantation energy for the second ion implantation.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices include a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of trench isolation regions therein that define respective semiconductor active regions therebetween. A trench is provided in the semiconductor substrate. The trench has first and second opposing sidewalls that define opposing interfaces with a first trench isolation region and a first active region, respectively. A first electrical interconnect is provided at a bottom of the trench. An electrically insulating capping pattern is provided, which extends between the first electrical interconnect and a top of the trench. An interconnect insulating layer is also provided, which lines the first and second sidewalls and bottom of the trench. The interconnect insulating layer extends between the first electrical interconnect and the first active region. A recess is provided in the first active region. The recess has a sidewall that defines an interface with the interconnect insulating layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an insulating film over a semiconductor substrate, forming a capacitor including a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film including a ferroelectric material, and an upper electrode over the insulating film, forming a first protective insulating film over a side surface and upper surface of the capacitor by a sputtering method, and forming a second protective insulating film over the first protective insulating film by an atomic layer deposition method.

Abstract: When forming high-k metal gate electrode structures in a semiconductor device on the basis of a basic transistor design, undue exposure of sensitive materials at end portions of the gate electrode structures of N-channel transistors may be avoided, for instance, prior to and upon incorporating a strain-inducing semiconductor material into the active region of P-channel transistors, thereby contributing to superior production yield for predefined transistor characteristics and performance.

Abstract: A method for spalling local areas of a base substrate utilizing at least one stressor layer portion which is located on a portion, but not all, of an uppermost surface of a base substrate. The method includes providing a base substrate having a uniform thickness and a planar uppermost surface spanning across an entirety of the base substrate. At least one stressor layer portion having a shape is formed on at least a portion, but not all, of the uppermost surface of the base substrate. Spalling is performed which removes a material layer portion from the base substrate and provides a remaining base substrate portion. The material layer portion has the shape of the at least one stressor layer portion, while the remaining base substrate portion has at least one opening located therein which correlates to the shape of the at least one stressor layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an isolation structure includes forming a trench at an upper portion of a substrate, forming a first oxide layer on an inner wall of the trench, oxidizing a portion of the substrate adjacent to the trench to form a second oxide layer such that the portion of the substrate adjacent to the trench has the first oxide layer thereon, forming a nitride layer on the first oxide layer, and forming an insulation layer pattern on the nitride layer such that the insulation layer pattern fills a remaining portion of the trench.

Abstract: The method includes a step of forming a mask having an opening, for forming an opening in multiple insulating films, above a semiconductor substrate on which a member becoming a first insulating film, a member becoming a second insulating film being different from the member becoming the first insulating film, a member becoming a third insulating film, and a member becoming a fourth insulating film being different from the member becoming the third insulating film are stacked in this order; a first step of continuously removing the member becoming the fourth insulating film and the member becoming the third insulating film at a portion corresponding to the opening of the mask; and a second step of removing the member becoming the second insulating film, after the first step, at a portion corresponding to the opening of the mask.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure which includes a shielded gate FET is formed as follows. A plurality of trenches is formed in a semiconductor region using a mask. The mask includes (i) a first insulating layer over a surface of the semiconductor region, (ii) a first oxidation barrier layer over the first insulating layer, and (iii) a second insulating layer over the first oxidation barrier layer. A shield dielectric is formed extending along at least lower sidewalls of each trench. A thick bottom dielectric (TBD) is formed along the bottom of each trench. The first oxidation barrier layer prevents formation of a dielectric layer along the surface of the semiconductor region during formation of the TBD. A shield electrode is formed in a bottom portion of each trench. A gate electrode is formed over the shield electrode in each trench.

Abstract: A method includes performing an etching step on a package. The package includes a package component, a connector on a top surface of the package component, a die bonded to the top surface of the package component, and a molding material molded over the top surface of the package component. The molding material covers the connector, wherein a portion of the molding material covering the connector is removed by the etching step, and the connector is exposed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a non-volatile semiconductor memory element formed over the semiconductor substrate, including a variable resistance element including a laminate comprising a first electrode, a variable resistance layer, and a second electrode, and a volatile semiconductor memory element formed over the semiconductor substrate, including a capacitance element including a laminate comprising a third electrode, a dielectric layer including a same material as the variable resistance layer, and a fourth electrode.

Abstract: Described herein are composite semiconductor substrates for use in semiconductor device fabrication and related devices and methods. In one embodiment, a composite substrate includes: (1) a bulk silicon layer; (2) a porous silicon layer adjacent to the bulk silicon layer, wherein the porous silicon layer has a Young's modulus value that is no greater than 110.5 GPa; (3) an epitaxial template layer, wherein the epitaxial template layer has a root-mean-square surface roughness value in the range of 0.2 nm to 1 nm; and (4) a set of silicon nitride layers disposed between the porous silicon layer and the epitaxial template layer.

Abstract: A gate insulating film and a gate electrode of non-single crystalline silicon for forming an nMOS transistor are provided on a silicon substrate. Using the gate electrode as a mask, n-type dopants having a relatively large mass number (70 or more) such as As ions or Sb ions are implanted, to form a source/drain region of the nMOS transistor, whereby the gate electrode is amorphized. Subsequently, a silicon oxide film is provided to cover the gate electrode, at a temperature which is less than the one at which recrystallization of the gate electrode occurs. Thereafter, thermal processing is performed at a temperature of about 1000° C., whereby high compressive residual stress is exerted on the gate electrode, and high tensile stress is applied to a channel region under the gate electrode. As a result, carrier mobility of the nMOS transistor is enhanced.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes an imaging region including unit pixels which are two-dimensionally arranged on a semiconductor layer and each of which includes a photoelectric conversion unit and a signal scanning circuit unit. The unit pixel includes a transfer gate provided on the semiconductor layer, a photogate provided on the semiconductor layer, a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, which is provided in the semiconductor layer below the photogate, and a second semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, which is adjacent to the first semiconductor layer and provided in the semiconductor layer between the transfer gate and the photogate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method of a magnetic memory includes forming a magnetoresistive element in a cell array section on a semiconductor substrate, forming a dummy element in a peripheral circuit section on the semiconductor substrate, the dummy element having the same stacked structure as the magnetoresistive element and being arranged at the same level as the magnetoresistive element, collectively flattening the magnetoresistive element and the dummy element, applying a laser beam to the dummy element to form the dummy element into a non-magnetic body, and forming an upper electrode on the flattened magnetoresistive element.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated device is disclosed. In an embodiment, a hard mask layer with a limited thickness is formed over a gate electrode layer. A treatment is provided to the hard mask layer to make the hard mask layer more resistant to a wet etch solution. Then, a patterning is provided on the treated hard mask layer and the gate electrode to from a gate structure.

Abstract: Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same. The method may include forming a gate dielectric layer including a plurality of elements on a substrate; supplying a specific element to the gate dielectric layer; forming a product though reacting the specific element with at least one of the plurality of elements; and removing the product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an insulating film over a semiconductor substrate, forming a capacitor including a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film including a ferroelectric material, and an upper electrode over the insulating film, forming a first protective insulating film over a side surface and upper surface of the capacitor by a sputtering method, and forming a second protective insulating film over the first protective insulating film by an atomic layer deposition method.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a dual damascene structure includes providing a first photoresist layer coated on an underlying dielectric stack, exposing said first photoresist layer to a first predetermined pattern of light, coating a second photoresist layer onto the pre-exposed first photoresist layer, exposing said second photoresist layer to a second predetermined pattern of light, optionally post-exposure baking the multi-tiered photoresist layers and developing said photoresist layers to form a multi-tiered dual damascene structure in the photoresist layers.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication method includes depositing a dummy gate layer onto a substrate, patterning the dummy gate layer, depositing a hardmask layer over the dummy gate layer, patterning the hardmask layer, etching a recess into the substrate, adjacent the dummy gate layer, depositing a semiconductor material into the recess, removing the hardmask layer, depositing replacement spacers onto the dummy gate layer, performing an oxide deposition over the dummy gate layer and replacement spacers, removing the dummy gate and replacement spacers, thereby forming a gate recess in the oxide and depositing a gate stack into the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming vias in a substrate, including the following steps: (a) providing a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; (b) forming a groove on the substrate; (c) filling the groove with a conductive metal; (d) removing part of the substrate which surrounds the conductive metal, wherein the conductive metal is maintained so as to form an accommodating space between the conductive metal and the substrate; (e) forming an insulating material in the accommodating space; and (f) removing part of the second surface of the substrate to expose the conductive metal and the insulating material. In this way, thicker insulating material can be formed in the accommodating space, and the thickness of the insulating material in the accommodating space is even.

Abstract: Sophisticated gate electrode structures may be formed by providing a cap layer including a desired species that may diffuse into the gate dielectric material prior to performing a treatment for stabilizing the sensitive gate dielectric material. In this manner, complex high-k metal gate electrode structures may be formed on the basis of reduced temperatures and doses for a threshold adjusting species compared to conventional strategies. Moreover, a single metal-containing electrode material may be deposited for both types of transistors.

Abstract: A first driver transistor includes a first gate insulating film that surrounds a periphery of a first island-shaped semiconductor, a first gate electrode having a first surface that is in contact with the first gate insulating film, and first and second first-conductivity-type high-concentration semiconductors disposed on the top and bottom of the first island-shaped semiconductor, respectively. A first load transistor includes a second gate insulating film having a first surface that is in contact with a second surface of the first gate electrode, a first arcuate semiconductor formed so as to be in contact with a portion of a second surface of the second gate insulating film, and first and second second-conductivity-type high-concentration semiconductors disposed on the top and bottom of the first arcuate semiconductor, respectively. A first gate line extends from the first gate electrode and is made of the same material as the first gate electrode.

Abstract: When forming high-k metal gate electrode structures in a semiconductor device on the basis of a basic transistor design, undue exposure of sensitive materials at end portions of the gate electrode structures of N-channel transistors may be avoided, for instance, prior to and upon incorporating a strain-inducing semiconductor material into the active region of P-channel transistors, thereby contributing to superior production yield for predefined transistor characteristics and performance.

Abstract: A system, method, and layout for a semiconductor integrated circuit device allows for improved scaling down of various back-end structures, which can include contacts and other metal interconnection structures. The resulting structures can include a semiconductor substrate, a buried diffusion region formed on the semiconductor substrate, and at least one of a silicide film, for example tungsten silicide (WSix), and a self-aligned silicide (salicide) film, for example cobalt silicide (CoSi) and/or nickel silicide (NiSi), above the buried diffusion (BD) layer. The semiconductor integrated circuit can also include a memory gate structure formed over at least a portion of the contact layer.

Abstract: In sophisticated semiconductor devices, replacement gate approaches may be applied in combination with a process strategy for implementing a strain-inducing semiconductor material, wherein superior proximity of the strain-inducing semiconductor material and/or superior robustness of the replacement gate approach may be achieved by forming the initial gate electrode structures with superior uniformity and providing at least one cavity for implementing the strained channel regions in a very advanced manufacturing stage, i.e., after completing the basic transistor configuration.

Abstract: Test structures and methods for semiconductor devices, lithography systems, and lithography processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes using a lithography system to expose a layer of photosensitive material of a workpiece to energy through a lithography mask, the lithography mask including a plurality of first test patterns having a first phase shift and at least one plurality of second test patterns having at least one second phase shift. The layer of photosensitive material of the workpiece is developed, and features formed on the layer of photosensitive material from the plurality of first test patterns and the at least one plurality of second test patterns are measured to determine a optimal focus level or optimal dose of the lithography system for exposing the layer of photosensitive material of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for forming a vertical channel transistor in a semiconductor memory device includes: forming a plurality of pillars over a substrate so that the plurality of pillars are arranged in a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction, and so that each of the pillars has a hard mask pattern thereon; forming an insulation layer to fill a regions between the pillars; forming a mask pattern over a resultant structure including the insulation layer, wherein the mask pattern has openings exposing gaps between each two adjacent pillars in the first direction; etching the insulation layer to a predetermined depth using the mask pattern as an etching barrier to form trenches; and filling the trenches with a conductive material to form word lines extending in the first direction.