Abstract: A method for semiconductor processing is provided wherein a workpiece having an underlying body and a plurality of features extending therefrom, is provided. A first set of the plurality of features extend from the underlying body to a first plane, and a second set of the plurality features extend from the underlying body to a second plane. A protection layer overlies each of the plurality of features and an isolation layer overlies the underlying body and protection layer, wherein the isolation has a non-uniform first oxide density associated therewith. The isolation layer anisotropically etched based on a predetermined pattern, and then isotropically etched, wherein a second oxide density of the isolation layer is substantially uniform across the workpiece. The predetermined pattern is based, at least in part, on a desired oxide density, a location and extension of the plurality of features to the first and second planes.

Abstract: A method for semiconductor processing is provided wherein a workpiece having an underlying body and a plurality of features extending therefrom, is provided. A first set of the plurality of features extend from the underlying body to a first plane, and a second set of the plurality features extend from the underlying body to a second plane. A protection layer overlies each of the plurality of features and an isolation layer overlies the underlying body and protection layer, wherein the isolation has a non-uniform first oxide density associated therewith. The isolation layer anisotropically etched based on a predetermined pattern, and then isotropically etched, wherein a second oxide density of the isolation layer is substantially uniform across the workpiece. The predetermined pattern is based, at least in part, on a desired oxide density, a location and extension of the plurality of features to the first and second planes.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method, in one embodiment, includes forming semiconductor features (405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445) over a substrate (310), and then forming a layer of material (510) over the semiconductor features (405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445). This method further includes selectively etching portions of the layer of material (510) based upon a density or size of the semiconductor features (405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445) located thereunder, and then polishing remaining portions of the layer of material (510).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method, in one embodiment, includes forming semiconductor features (405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445) over a substrate (310), and then forming a layer of material (510) over the semiconductor features (405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445). This method further includes selectively etching portions of the layer of material (510) based upon a density or size of the semiconductor features (405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445) located thereunder, and then polishing remaining portions of the layer of material (510).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a contact structure of a semiconductor device within an integrated circuit includes an active region, the active region having been defined using a mask provided on a substrate. The contact structure further includes an isolation region adjacent the active region and including a field oxide: the field oxide having been grown by exposure of the substrate to a thermal process and an oxygen-containing gas; a film having been formed on a top surface of the mask during exposure to the thermal process and oxygen-containing gas; a dry etching process having been performed to substantially remove the film from the top surface of the mask and to remove a top portion of the field oxide in the isolation region; and a wet etching process having been performed to substantially remove any portion of the mask remaining after the dry etching process.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a contact structure of a semiconductor device within an integrated circuit includes an active region, the active region having been defined using a mask provided on a substrate. The contact structure further includes an isolation region adjacent the active region and including a field oxide: the field oxide having been grown by exposure of the substrate to a thermal process and an oxygen-containing gas; a film having been formed on a top surface of the mask during exposure to the thermal process and oxygen-containing gas; a dry etching process having been performed to substantially remove the film from the top surface of the mask and to remove a top portion of the field oxide in the isolation region; and a wet etching process having been performed to substantially remove any portion of the mask remaining after the dry etching process.