Abstract: Transistor structures with gate material self-aligned to underlying channel material. A channel mask material employed for patterning channel material is retained during selective formation of a second mask material upon exposed surfaces of gate material. The channel mask material is then thinned to expose a sidewall of adjacent gate material. The exposed gate material sidewall is laterally recessed to expand an opening beyond an edge of underlying channel material. A third mask material may be formed in the expanded opening to protect an underlying portion of gate material during a gate etch that forms a trench bifurcating the underlying portion of gate material from an adjacent portion of gate material. The underlying portion of gate material extends laterally beyond the channel material by an amount that is substantially symmetrical about a centerline of the channel material and this amount has a height well controlled relative to the channel material.

Abstract: Transistor structures comprising a gate electrode, or “gate,” that is self-aligned to underlying channel material. A mask material employed for patterning the channel material is further employed to define a cap of mask material having a larger width that protects a portion of gate material during a gate etch. The cap is therefore self-aligned to the channel material so that an amount by which a gate material extends laterally beyond the channel material is ensured to be symmetrical about a centerline of the channel material.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, contact patterning may be divided into two or more passes which may allow designers to control the gate height critical dimension relatively independent from the contact top critical dimension.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, contact patterning may be divided into two or more passes which may allow designers to control the gate height critical dimension relatively independent from the contact top critical dimension.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, contact patterning may be divided into two or more passes which may allow designers to control the gate height critical dimension relatively independent from the contact top critical dimension.

Abstract: A method to form transistor contacts begins with providing a transistor that includes a gate stack and first and second diffusion regions formed on a substrate, and a dielectric layer formed atop the gate stack and the diffusion regions. A first photolithography process forms first and second diffusion trench openings for the first and second diffusion regions. A sacrificial layer is then deposited into the first and second diffusion trench openings. Next, a second photolithography process forms a gate stack trench opening for the gate stack and a local interconnect trench opening coupling the gate stack trench opening to the first diffusion trench opening. The second photolithography process is carried out independent of the first photolithography process. The sacrificial layer is then removed and a metallization process is carried out to fill the first and second diffusion trench openings, the gate stack trench opening, and the local interconnect trench opening with a metal layer.