Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark. A second etching forms the sub-lithographic structures in the semiconductor layer using the patterned hard mask and to form the registration mark in the semiconductor layer using the at least one selected mandrel and the patterned hard mask.

Abstract: After forming a laterally contacting pair of a semiconductor fin and a conductive strap structure having a base portion vertically contacting a deep trench capacitor embedded in a substrate and a fin portion laterally contacting the semiconductor fin, conducting spikes that are formed on the sidewalls of the deep trench are removed or pushed deeper into the deep trench. Subsequently, a dielectric cap that inhibits epitaxial growth of a semiconductor material thereon is formed over at least a portion of the base portion of the conductive strap structure. The dielectric cap can be formed either over an entirety of the base portion having a stepped structure or on a distal portion of the base portion.

Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark. A second etching forms the sub-lithographic structures in the semiconductor layer using the patterned hard mask and to form the registration mark in the semiconductor layer using the at least one selected mandrel and the patterned hard mask.

Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark such as an alignment mark or overlay mark during formation of sub-lithographic structures are provided. Methods may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected of the plurality of mandrels and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern of the sub-lithographic structure and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor wafer includes generating a stress topography model of a semiconductor wafer with a plurality of desired structures in a desired layout. The method also includes determining a topography and calculating a compensation pattern based upon the topography, wherein the compensation pattern balances wafer topography. The method also includes patterning a semiconductor front side with the plurality of desired microstructures in the desired layout. The method also includes patterning the semiconductor back side with a compensation block mask corresponding to the compensation pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor wafer includes generating a stress topography model of a semiconductor wafer with a plurality of desired structures in a desired layout. The method also includes determining a topography and calculating a compensation pattern based upon the topography, wherein the compensation pattern balances wafer topography. The method also includes patterning a semiconductor front side with the plurality of desired microstructures in the desired layout. The method also includes patterning the semiconductor back side with a compensation block mask corresponding to the compensation pattern.

Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark such as an alignment mark or overlay mark during formation of sub-lithographic structures are provided. Methods may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected of the plurality of mandrels and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern of the sub-lithographic structure and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark.

Abstract: Device structures for a deep trench capacitor and methods of fabricating device structures for a deep trench capacitor. A dielectric layer is formed on a substrate and an opening is formed that extends from a top surface of the dielectric layer through the dielectric layer. A deep trench is formed in the substrate and is aligned with the opening in the dielectric layer. A plate of a deep trench capacitor is formed that is located at least partially inside the deep trench and at least partially inside the opening in the dielectric layer. A diffusion pad is formed that arranged at the top surface of the dielectric layer relative to the opening such that the diffusion pad is coupled with the plate of the deep trench capacitor.

Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark such as an alignment mark or overlay mark during formation of sub-lithographic structures are provided. Methods may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected of the plurality of mandrels and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern of the sub-lithographic structure and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark.

Abstract: After forming a laterally contacting pair of a semiconductor fin and a conductive strap structure having a base portion vertically contacting a deep trench capacitor embedded in a substrate and a fin portion laterally contacting the semiconductor fin, conducting spikes that are formed on the sidewalls of the deep trench are removed or pushed deeper into the deep trench. Subsequently, a dielectric cap that inhibits epitaxial growth of a semiconductor material thereon is formed over at least a portion of the base portion of the conductive strap structure. The dielectric cap can be formed either over an entirety of the base portion having a stepped structure or on a distal portion of the base portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and integrated circuit (IC) structures. In some cases, an IC can include: a substrate; a deep trench within the substrate; a buried oxide (BOX) layer adjacent the deep trench; a first fin structure over the deep trench; a second fin structure over the BOX layer; an ONO layer over the first fin structure; and a gate electrode contacting the ONO layer.

Abstract: After forming a laterally contacting pair of a semiconductor fin and a conductive strap structure having a base portion vertically contacting a deep trench capacitor embedded in a substrate and a fin portion laterally contacting the semiconductor fin, conducting spikes that are formed on the sidewalls of the deep trench are removed or pushed deeper into the deep trench. Subsequently, a dielectric cap that inhibits epitaxial growth of a semiconductor material thereon is formed over at least a portion of the base portion of the conductive strap structure. The dielectric cap can be formed either over an entirety of the base portion having a stepped structure or on a distal portion of the base portion.

Abstract: Capacitor strap connections for a memory cell and device structures for making such capacitor strap connections. A deep trench capacitor is formed in a substrate. A collar comprised of an electrical insulator is formed at least partially inside an upper section of a deep trench in which the deep trench capacitor is formed. A portion of the collar is removed to define a notch extending through the collar, and a connection strap is formed in the notch. A fin is formed from a portion of the substrate, and is coupled by the connection strap with an electrode of the deep trench capacitor that is located inside the deep trench.

Abstract: After forming a laterally contacting pair of a semiconductor fin and a conductive strap structure having a base portion vertically contacting a deep trench capacitor embedded in a substrate and a fin portion laterally contacting the semiconductor fin, conducting spikes that are formed on the sidewalls of the deep trench are removed or pushed deeper into the deep trench. Subsequently, a dielectric cap that inhibits epitaxial growth of a semiconductor material thereon is formed over at least a portion of the base portion of the conductive strap structure. The dielectric cap can be formed either over an entirety of the base portion having a stepped structure or on a distal portion of the base portion.

Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark such as an alignment mark or overlay mark during formation of sub-lithographic structures are provided. Methods may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected of the plurality of mandrels and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern of the sub-lithographic structure and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark.

Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark such as an alignment mark or overlay mark during formation of sub-lithographic structures are provided. Methods may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected of the plurality of mandrels and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern of the sub-lithographic structure and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark.

Abstract: A self-aligned strap structure can be formed by forming trench capacitors and overlying trench top conductive material portions. End portions of fin mask structures overlie portions of the trench top conductive material portions. A dielectric spacer is formed around each end portions of the fin mask structure to cover additional areas of the trench top conductive material portions. An anisotropic etch is performed to recess portions of the trench top conductive material portions that are not covered by the fin mask structures or dielectric spacers. Conductive strap structures that are self-aligned to end portions of semiconductor fins are formed simultaneously with formation of the semiconductor fins. Access fin field effect transistors can be subsequently formed.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method for forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure having one or more oxide layers and a nitride plug. Specifically, the structure and method involves forming one or more trenches in a substrate. The STI structure is formed having one or more oxide layers and a nitride plug, wherein the STI structure is formed on and adjacent to at least one of the one or more trenches. One or more gates are formed on the substrate and spaced at a distance from each other. A dielectric layer is formed on and adjacent to the substrate, the STI structure, and the one or more gates.

Abstract: Methods of forming a registration mark such as an alignment mark or overlay mark during formation of sub-lithographic structures are provided. Methods may include forming a plurality of mandrels over a hard mask over a semiconductor layer, each mandrel including a spacer adjacent thereto. At least one mandrel is selected of the plurality of mandrels and a mask is formed over the at least one selected mandrel. The plurality of mandrels are removed leaving the spacers, the mask preventing removal of the at least one selected mandrel. The mask is removed. A first etching patterns the sub-lithographic structures and the registration mark into the hard mask using the spacers as a pattern of the sub-lithographic structure and the at least one selected mandrel and adjacent spacer for the registration mark.

Abstract: A method including forming a deep trench in a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate including an SOI layer directly on top of a buried oxide layer directly on top of a base substrate, masking only a top surface of the SOI layer and a sidewall of the SOI layer exposed within an upper portion of the deep trench with a dielectric material without masking any surface of the base substrate exposed within a lower portion of the deep trench, and forming a bottle shaped trench by etching the base substrate exposed in the lower portion of the deep trench selective to the dielectric material and the buried oxide layer.