Abstract: The method requires fewer process steps. A nitride layer and a first overlying photoresist are deposited on a semiconductor substrate having wells of different impurity types. The resist layer is developed and to cover first type well and the device area of the opposite second type well. After the resultant exposed nitride layer is removed, impurity ions are implanted. The first photoresist layer is removed and a second photoresist layer deposited. The second resist layer is deposited and developed to cover the second well and the device area in the first well. The resultant exposed nitride areas are removed and ions implanted. The second photoresist layer is removed and the substrate oxidized to form field oxide regions. The nitride layer is removed and the substrate completed by forming devices, passivation layers and metallurgy.

Abstract: A new method of fabricating a high coupling ratio Flash EEPROM memory cell is achieved. A layer of silicon dioxide is provided over the surface of a semiconductor substrate. A layer of silicon nitride is deposited over the silicon dioxide layer and patterned. The silicon dioxide layer not covered by the patterned silicon nitride layer is removed, thereby exposing portions of the substrate. A tunnel oxide layer is grown on the exposed portions of the semiconductor substrate. Silicon nitride spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the patterned silicon nitride layer. Ions are implanted into the substrate using the silicon nitride layer and spacers as a mask to form implanted regions within the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is oxidized where the implanted regions have been formed leaving the thin tunnel oxide only under the silicon nitride spacers. The silicon nitride layer and spacers are removed.