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: Techniques for low temperature ion implantation are provided to improve throughput. Specifically, the pressure of the backside gas may temporarily, continually or continuously increase before the starting of the implant process, such that the wafer may be quickly cooled down from room temperature to be essentially equal to the prescribed implant temperature. Further, after the vacuum venting process, the wafer may wait an extra time in the load lock chamber before the wafer is moved out the ion implanter, in order to allow the wafer temperature to reach a higher temperature quickly for minimizing water condensation on the wafer surface. Furthermore, to accurately monitor the wafer temperature during a period of changing wafer temperature, a non-contact type temperature measuring device may be used to monitor wafer temperature in a real time manner with minimized condensation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor package, includes the steps of forming a first terminal at a first substrate; mixing a polymer resin and solder particles to provide a mixture; covering at least one of an upper surface and side surfaces of the first terminal with the mixture; and heating the first substrate at a temperature higher than a melting point of the solder particles of the mixture to form a solder layer that covers the at least one of an upper surface and a side surface of the first terminal. The solder particles flow or diffuse toward the terminal in the heated polymer resin to adhere to at least some of the exposed surfaces of the terminal thereby forming the solder layer. The solder layer improves the adhesive strength between the terminals of the semiconductor chip and the substrate in the subsequent flip chip bonding process.

Abstract: A method of producing a thin film transistor includes a gate electrode formation step that forms a gate electrode on a substrate, a gate insulating layer formation step that forms a gate insulating layer on the substrate in such a manner as to cover the gate electrode formed in the gate electrode formation step, a source/drain electrodes formation step that forms a source electrode and a drain electrode on the gate insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer formation step that applies an aqueous solution for semiconductor layer formation which is an aqueous solution comprising at least a single wall carbon nanotube and a surfactant between the source electrode and the drain electrode formed in the source/drain electrodes formation step by a coating process to form a semiconductor layer comprising the single wall carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The TFT includes a transparent substrate, an insulating layer on a region of the transparent substrate, a monocrystalline silicon layer, which includes source, drain, and channel regions, on the insulating layer and a gate insulating film and a gate electrode on the channel region of the monocrystalline silicon layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a metal semiconductor alloy that includes providing a deposition apparatus that includes a platinum source and a nickel source, wherein the platinum source is separate from the nickel source; positioning a substrate having a semiconductor surface in the deposition apparatus; forming a metal alloy on the semiconductor surface, wherein forming the metal alloy comprises a deposition stage in which the platinum source deposits platinum to the semiconductor surface at an initial rate at an initial period that is greater than a final rate at a final period of the deposition stage, and the nickel source deposits nickel to the semiconductor surface; and annealing the metal alloy to react the nickel and platinum with the semiconductor substrate to provide a nickel platinum semiconductor alloy.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device based on a SiC substrate involves forming an oxide layer on a Si-terminated face of the SiC substrate at an oxidation rate sufficiently high to achieve a near interface trap density below 5×1011 cm?2; and annealing the oxidized SiC substrate in a hydrogen-containing environment, to passivate deep traps formed in the oxide-forming step, thereby enabling manufacturing of a SiC-based MOSFET having improved inversion layer mobility and reduced threshold voltage. It has been found that the density of DTs increases while the density of NITs decreases when the Si-face of the SiC substrate is subject to rapid oxidation. The deep traps formed during the rapid oxidation can be passivated by hydrogen annealing, thus leading to a significantly decreased threshold voltage for a semiconductor device formed on the oxide.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a copper indium diselenide semiconductor film is provided using substrates having a copper and indium composite structure. The substrates are placed vertically in a furnace and a gas including a selenide species and a carrier gas are introduced. The temperature is increased from about 350° C. to about 450° C. to initiate formation of a copper indium diselenide film from the copper and indium composite on the substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a poly-Si layer used in fabricating poly-Si TFT's or devices containing poly-Si layers. Particularly, a method utilizing at least one metal plate covering the amorphous silicon layer or the substrate, and applying RTA (Rapid Thermal Annealing) for light illuminating process, then the light converted into heat by the metal plate will further be conducted to the amorphous silicon layer to realize rapid thermal crystallization. Thus the poly-Si layer of the present invention is obtained.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising: coating an electrically conductive core with a first removable material, creating openings in the first removable material to expose portions of the electrically conductive core, plating a conductive material onto the exposed portions of the electrically conductive core, coating the conductive material with a second removable material, removing the first removable material, electrophoretically coating the electrically conductive core with a dielectric coating, and removing the second removable material.

Abstract: Fabrication methods for nano-scale chalcopyritic powders and polymeric thin-film solar cells are presented. The fabrication method for nano-scale chalcopyritic powders includes providing a solution consisting of group IB, IIIA, VIA elements on the chemistry periodic table or combinations thereof. The solution is heated by a microwave generator. The solution is washed and filtered by a washing agent. The solution is subsequently dried, thereby acquiring nano-scale chalcopyritic powders.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flash memory device is capable of controlling a phenomenon in which a length of the channel between a source and a drain is decreased due to undercut. The method includes forming a gate electrode comprising a floating gate, an ONO film and a control gate using a hard mask pattern over a semiconductor substrate, forming a spacer over the sidewall of the gate electrode, forming an low temperature oxide (LTO) film over the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate including the gate electrode and the spacer, etching the LTO film such that a top portion of the source/drain region and a top portion of the gate electrode are exposed, and removing the LTO film present over the sidewall of the gate electrode by wet-etching.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patterning method including: forming a first film on a substrate; forming a first resist film on the first film; processing the first resist film into a first resist pattern having a preset pitch by photolithography; forming a silicon oxide film on the first resist pattern and the first film by alternately supplying a first gas containing organic silicon and a second gas containing an activated oxygen species to the substrate; forming a second resist film on the silicon oxide film; processing the second resist film into a second resist pattern having a preset pitch by the photolithography; and processing the first film by using the first resist pattern and the second resist pattern as a mask.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a patterning device, the patterning device having at least organic coating material (OLED material) deposited thereon, where the method includes the step of providing a cleaning plasma for removing the coating material from the patterning device by means of a plasma etching process. During the step of removing the coating material from the patterning device, the temperature of the patterning device does not exceed a critical temperature causing damage to the patterning device, while maintaining a plasma etching rate of at least 0.2 ?m/min. In order to generate a pulsed cleaning plasma, pulsed energy is provided. The method can be carried out in a direct plasma etching process or in a remote plasma etching process. Different etching processes may be combined or carried out subsequently.

Abstract: A gate structure is formed on a substrate. An insulating interlayer is formed covering the gate structure. The substrate is heat treated while exposing a surface of the insulating interlayer to a hydrogen gas atmosphere. A silicon nitride layer is formed directly on the interlayer insulating layer after the heat treatment and a metal wiring is formed on the insulating interlayer. The metal wiring may include copper. Heat treating the substrate while exposing a surface of the interlayer insulating layer to a hydrogen gas atmosphere may be preceded by forming a plug through the first insulating interlayer that contacts the substrate, and the metal wiring may be electrically connected to the plug. The plug may include tungsten.

Abstract: There is a need for providing a technology capable of decreasing on-resistance of a power transistor in a semiconductor device that integrates the power transistor and a control integrated circuit into a single semiconductor chip. There is another need for providing a technology capable of reducing a chip size of a semiconductor device. A semiconductor chip includes a power transistor formation region to form a power transistor, a logic circuit formation region to form a logic circuit, and an analog circuit formation region to form an analog circuit. A pad is formed in the power transistor formation region. The pad and a lead are connected through a clip whose cross section is larger than that of a wire. On the other hand, a bonding pad is connected through the wire 29.

Abstract: A method for operating a memory device includes applying a sequence of bias arrangements across a selected metal-oxide memory element to change among resistance states. The sequence of bias arrangements includes a first set of one or more pulses to change the resistance state of the selected metal-oxide memory element from the first resistance state to a third resistance state, and a second set of one or more pulses to change the resistance state of the selected metal-oxide memory element from the third resistance state to the second resistance state.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes forming a hard mask pattern on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the hard mask pattern covers active regions; forming a trench in the semiconductor substrate within an opening defined by the hard mask pattern; filling the trench with a dielectric material, resulting in a trench isolation feature; performing an ion implantation to the trench isolation feature using the hard mask pattern to protect active regions of the semiconductor substrate; and removing the hard mask pattern after the performing of the ion implantation.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor memory device includes forming a tunnel insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, and forming a silicon layer, including metal material, on the tunnel insulating layer. Accordingly, an increase in the strain energy of the conductive layer may be prohibited and, therefore, the growth of grains constituting the conductive layer may be prevented. Furthermore, a threshold voltage distribution characteristic and electrical properties of a semiconductor memory device may be improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying electrical power to a movable member. The apparatus includes a fixed member, the movable member moving relative to the fixed member, a flexible wiring member having an end connected to the movable member and another end connected to the fixed member, configured to transmit the electrical power from the fixed member to the movable member, and a cooling member configured to cool the fixed member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for chip cooling. One embodiment of an inventive method for bonding a liquid metal to an interface surface (e.g., a surface of an integrated circuit chip or an opposing surface of a heat sink) includes applying an adhesive to the interface surface. A metal film is then bonded to the adhesive, thereby easily adapting the interface surface for bonding to the liquid metal.

Abstract: A method includes forming elongate structures (5) on a first substrate (3), such that the material composition of each elongate structure (7) varies along its length so as to define first and second physically different sections in the elongate structures. First and second physically different devices (1, 2) are then defined in the elongate structures. Alternatively, the first and second physically different sections may be defined in the elongate structures after they have been fabricated. The elongate structures may be encapsulated and transferred to a second substrate (7). The invention provides an improved method for the formation of a circuit structure that requires first and second physically different devices (1,2) to be provided on a common substrate. In particular, only one transfer step is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a thermal processing apparatus and method that permits a user to index one or more preselected light sources capable of emitting one or more wavelengths to a collimator. Multiple light sources may permit a single apparatus to have the capability of emitting multiple, preselected wavelengths. The multiple light sources permit the user to utilize multiple wavelengths simultaneously to approximate “white light”. One or more of a frequency, intensity, and time of exposure may be selected for the wavelength to be emitted. Thus, the capabilities of the apparatus and method are flexible to meet the needs of the user.

Abstract: A multi-surface compliant heat removal process includes: identifying one or more components to share a heat rejecting device, applying non-adhesive film to the one or more components, identifying a primary component of the one or more components, and applying phase change material on each of the one or more components other than the primary component. The phase change material is placed on top of the non-adhesive film. The process further includes placing the heat rejecting device on the corresponding one or more components and removing the heat rejecting device from the corresponding one or more components. The phase change material and the non-adhesive film remain with the heat rejecting device.

Abstract: Methods and structures for enhancing the homogeneity in a ratio of perimeter to surface area among heterogeneous features in different substrate regions. At least one shape on the substrate includes an added edge effective to reduce a difference in the perimeter-to-surface area ratio between the features in a first substrate region and features in a second substrate region. The improved homogeneity in the perimeter-to-surface area ratio reduces variations in a thickness of a conformal layer deposited across the features in the first and second substrate regions.

Abstract: A silicon wafer which achieves a gettering effect without occurrence of slip dislocations is provided, and the silicon wafer is subject to heat treatment after slicing from a silicon monocrystal ingot so that a layer which has zero light scattering defects according to the 90° light scattering method is formed in a region at a depth from the wafer surface of 25 ?m or more but less than 100 ?m, and a layer which has a light scattering defect density of 1×108/cm3 or more according to the 90° light scattering method is formed in a region at a depth of 100 ?m from the wafer surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell module, including: forming a laminated body including a first protective member, a first sealing member having a first melting point, a plurality of solar cells, a second sealing member having a second melting point higher than the first melting point, and the second protective member; heating the first sealing member to a temperature equal to or higher than the first melting point but lower than the second melting point; and heating the second sealing member to a temperature equal to or higher than the second melting point. In forming the laminated body, the second sealing member is arranged to form a surface including a plurality of convex portions faces the first sealing member.

Abstract: A bonded silicon wafer is produced by a method including an oxygen ion implantation step on a silicon wafer for active layer having the specified wafer face; a step of bonding the silicon wafer for active layer to a silicon wafer for support; a first heat treatment step; an inner SiO2 layer exposing step; a step of removing the inner SiO2 layer; and a planarizing step of polishing a silicon wafer composite or subjecting the silicon wafer composite to a heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere (a second heat treatment step).

Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a first layer, a second layer, an ion implantation layer between the first and second layers, and an anti-oxidation layer on the second layer, and performing a heat treating process to form an insulating layer between the first and second layers while preventing loss of the second layer using the anti-oxidation layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a nanotube region using a thin epitaxial layer formed on the sidewall of a trench in the semiconductor body. The thin epitaxial layer has uniform doping concentration. In another embodiment, a first thin epitaxial layer of the same conductivity type as the semiconductor body is formed on the sidewall of a trench in the semiconductor body and a second thin epitaxial layer of the opposite conductivity type is formed on the first epitaxial layer. The first and second epitaxial layers have uniform doping concentration. The thickness and doping concentrations of the first and second epitaxial layers and the semiconductor body are selected to achieve charge balance. In one embodiment, the semiconductor body is a lightly doped P-type substrate. A vertical trench MOSFET, an IGBT, a Schottky diode and a P-N junction diode can be formed using the same N-Epi/P-Epi nanotube structure.

Abstract: Provided is a sacrifice layer formed on a first substrate. A thin film laminated body is formed on the sacrifice layer. A separation groove exposing the sacrifice layer is formed to divide the thin film laminated body into at least one thin film device. The sacrifice layer is partially removed using a dry etching process. After the partial removal of the sacrifice layer, a remaining sacrifice layer region maintains the thin film device on the first substrate. A supporting structure is temporarily joined to the thin film device. The thin film device joined to the supporting structure is separated from the first substrate. Then, the remaining sacrifice layer is removed. The thin film device joined to the supporting structure is joined to a second substrate. Finally, the supporting structure is separated from the thin film device.

Abstract: A resin composition for sealing a light-emitting device of the present invention includes a silsesquioxane resin including two or more oxetanyl groups, an aliphatic hydrocarbon including one or more epoxy groups and a cationic polymerization initiator. Furthermore, a lamp of the present invention includes a package equipped with a cup-shaped sealing member, an electrode exposed in the bottom portion of the sealing member, and a light-emitting device arranged on the bottom portion and electrically connected with the electrode, wherein the light-emitting device is sealed with the above-described resin composition for sealing a light-emitting device filled in the sealing member.

Abstract: A device including a first body (101) with terminals (102) on a surface (101a), each terminal having a metallic connector (110), which is shaped as a column substantially perpendicular to the surface. Preferably, the connectors have an aspect ratio of height to diameter of 2 to 1 or greater, and a fine pitch center-to-center. The connector end (110a) remote from the terminal is covered by a film (130) of a sintered paste including a metallic matrix embedded in a first polymeric compound. Further a second body (103) having metallic pads (140) facing the respective terminals (102). Each connector film (130) is in contact with the respective pad (140), whereby the first body (101) is spaced from the second body (103) with the connector columns (110) as standoff. A second polymeric compound (150) is filling the space of the standoff.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device has forming a ferroelectric film over a substrate, placing the substrate having the ferroelectric film in a chamber substantially held in vacuum, introducing oxygen and an inert gas into the chamber, annealing the ferroelectric film in the chamber, and containing oxygen and the inert gas while the chamber is maintained sealed.

Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting device. The method includes forming an electron injection layer by vacuum co-depositing an organic semiconductor material having an electron mobility of about 1×10?6 cm2/V·s or more in an electric field of about 1×106 V/m and a metal azide.

Abstract: A solar cell having an improved structure of rear surface includes a p-type doped region, a dense metal layer, a loose metal layer, at least one bus bar opening, and solderable material on or within the bus bar opening. The solderable material contacts with the dense aluminum layer. The improved structure in rear surface increases the light converting efficiency, and provides a good adhesion between copper ribbon and solar cell layer thereby providing cost advantages and reducing the complexity in manufacturing. A solar module and solar system composed of such solar cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method for modifying a high-k dielectric thin film provided on the surface of an object using a metal organic compound material. The method includes a preparation process for providing the object with the high-k dielectric thin film formed on the surface thereof, and a modification process for applying UV rays to the highly dielectric thin film in an inert gas atmosphere while maintaining the object at a predetermined temperature to modify the high-k dielectric thin film. According to the above constitution, the carbon component can be eliminated from the high-k dielectric thin film, and the whole material can be thermally shrunk to improve the density, whereby the occurrence of defects can be prevented and the film density can be improved to enhance the specific permittivity and thus to provide a high level of electric properties.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a junction semiconductor device having a drain region including a low-resistance layer of a first conductive type formed on one surface of a semiconductor crystal, a source region including a low-resistance layer of a first conductive type formed on the other surface of the semiconductor crystal, a gate region of a second conductive type formed on the periphery of the source region, a high-resistance layer of a first conductive type between the source region and the drain region, and a recombination-inhibiting semiconductor layer of a second conductive type provided in the vicinity of the surface of the semiconductor crystal between the gate region and the source region.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate is irradiated with accelerated hydrogen ions, thereby forming a damaged region including a large amount of hydrogen. After a single crystal semiconductor substrate and a supporting substrate are bonded to each other, the semiconductor substrate is heated, so that the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated in the damaged region. A single crystal semiconductor layer which is separated from the single crystal semiconductor substrate is irradiated with a laser beam. The single crystal semiconductor layer is melted by laser beam irradiation, whereby the single crystal semiconductor layer is recrystallized to recover its crystallinity and to planarized a surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer. After the laser beam irradiation, the single crystal semiconductor layer is heated at a temperature at which the single crystal semiconductor layer is not melted, so that the lifetime of the single crystal semiconductor layer is improved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus having a resist pattern provided over a substrate provided with a thin film transistor, the method includes the steps of forming by application a resist film over the substrate in the state of covering the thin film transistor, forming a resist pattern by subjecting the resist film to exposure to light and a developing treatment, and irradiating the resist pattern with at least one of ultraviolet light and visible light in a dry atmosphere in the condition where a channel part of the thin film transistor is prevented from being irradiated with light having a wavelength of shorter than 260 nm, wherein a step of heat curing the resist pattern is conducted after the irradiation with at least one of ultraviolet light and visible light.

Abstract: A method of electrically connecting an element to wiring includes the steps of forming a conductive fixing member precursor layer at least on wiring provided on a base; and arranging an element having a connecting portion on the wiring such that the connecting portion contacts the conductive fixing member precursor layer, and then heating the conductive fixing member precursor layer to form a conductive fixing member latter, thereby fixing the connecting portion of the element to the wiring, with the conductive fixing member layer therebetween, wherein the conductive fixing member precursor layer is composed of a solution-tape conductive material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell is provided. One surface of a semiconductor substrate is doped with a n-type dopant. The substrate is then subjected to a thermal oxidation process to form an oxide layer on one or both surfaces of the substrate. The thermal process also diffuses the dopant into the substrate, smoothing the concentration profile. The smoothed concentration gradient enables the oxide layer to act as a passivating layer. Anti-reflective coatings may be applied over the oxide layers, and a reflective layer may be applied on the surface opposite the doped surface to complete the solar cell.

Abstract: An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a microcrystalline semiconductor film with favorable quality over a large-area substrate. After forming a gate insulating film over a gate electrode, in order to improve quality of a microcrystalline semiconductor film formed in an initial stage, glow discharge plasma is generated by supplying high-frequency powers with different frequencies, and a lower part of the film near an interface with the gate insulating film is formed under a first film formation condition, which is low in film formation rate but results in a good quality film. Thereafter, an upper part of the film is deposited under a second film formation condition with higher film formation rate, and further, a buffer layer is stacked on the microcrystalline semiconductor film.

Abstract: A solution of a hydrazine-based precursor of a metal chalcogenide is prepared by adding an elemental metal and an elemental chalcogen to a hydrazine compound. The precursor solution can be used to form a film. The precursor solutions can be used in preparing field-effect transistors, photovoltaic devices and phase-change memory devices.

Abstract: Method for simultaneously forming doped regions having different conductivity-determining type elements profiles are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method comprises the steps of diffusing first conductivity-determining type elements into a first region of a semiconductor material from a first dopant to form a doped first region. Second conductivity-determining type elements are simultaneously diffused into a second region of the semiconductor material from a second dopant to form a doped second region. The first conductivity-determining type elements are of the same conductivity-determining type as the second conductivity-determining type elements. The doped first region has a dopant profile that is different from a dopant profile of the doped second region.

Abstract: A line-form insulator is formed on a substrate and then the substrate is etched with the insulator used as a mask to form first trenches on both sides of the insulator. Side wall insulators are formed on the side walls of the first trenches, the substrate is etched with the insulator and side wall insulators used as a mask to form second trenches in the bottom of the first trenches. After, the substrate is oxidized with the insulator and side wall insulators used as an anti-oxidation mask to cause oxide regions formed on the adjacent side walls of the second trenches lying on both sides of the substrate to make contact with each other and the insulator and side wall insulators are removed. Then, a fin FET having a semiconductor region as a line-form fin is formed in the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxide semiconductor having an amorphous structure, wherein higher mobility and reduced carrier concentration are achieved. Also disclosed are a thin film transistor, a method for producing the oxide semiconductor, and a method for producing the thin film transistor. Specifically disclosed is an oxide semiconductor which is characterized by being composed of an amorphous oxide represented by the following a general formula: Inx+1MZny+1SnzO(4+1.5x+y+2z) (wherein M is Ga or Al, 0?x?1, ?0.2?y?1.2, z?0.4 and 0.5?(x+y)/z?3). This oxide semiconductor is preferably subjected to a heat treatment in an oxidizing gas atmosphere after film formation. Also specifically disclosed is a thin film transistor which is characterized by comprising the oxide semiconductor.

Abstract: Multi-layered carbon-based hardmask and method to form the same. The multi-layered carbon-based hardmask includes at least top and bottom carbon-based hardmask layers having different refractive indexes. The top and bottom carbon-based hardmask layer thicknesses and refractive indexes are tuned so that the top carbon-based hardmask layer serves as an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ferroelectric memory device includes the steps of: forming a ferroelectric capacitor on a substrate; forming a hydrogen barrier film that covers the ferroelectric capacitor; forming a dielectric film that covers the hydrogen barrier film; and forming a through hole that penetrates the dielectric film and the hydrogen barrier film by etching that uses a mixed gas containing perfluorocarbon gas and oxygen gas, wherein the flow quantity of the perfluorocarbon gas is 0.77 times or more but 3.8 times or less the flow quantity of the oxygen gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming a high-k dielectric over a substrate, forming a first metal layer over the high-k dielectric, forming a second metal layer over the first metal layer, forming a first silicon layer over the second metal layer, implanting a plurality of ions into the first silicon layer and the second metal layer overlying a first region of the substrate, forming a second silicon layer over the first silicon layer, patterning a first gate structure over the first region and a second gate structure over a second region, performing an annealing process that causes the second metal layer to react with the first silicon layer to form a silicide layer in the first and second gate structures, respectively, and driving the ions toward an interface of the first metal layer and the high-k dielectric in the first gate structure.