Abstract: The present disclosure provide a method for making a mask. The method includes assigning a plurality of pattern features to different data types; writing the plurality of pattern features on a mask; inspecting the plurality of pattern features with different inspection sensitivities according to assigned data types; and repairing the plurality of pattern features on the mask according to the inspecting of the plurality of pattern features.

Abstract: The present disclosure provide a method for making a mask. The method includes assigning a plurality of pattern features to different data types; writing the plurality of pattern features on a mask; inspecting the plurality of pattern features with different inspection sensitivities according to assigned data types; and repairing the plurality of pattern features on the mask according to the inspecting of the plurality of pattern features.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate comprising a PMOS region and an NMOS region; a PMOS device in the PMOS region; and an NMOS device in the NMOS region. The PMOS device includes a first gate stack on the semiconductor substrate; a first offset spacer on a sidewall of the first gate stack; a stressor in the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the first offset spacer; and a first raised source/drain extension region on the stressor and adjoining the first offset spacer, wherein the first raised source/drain extension region has a higher p-type dopant concentration than the stressor.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a PMOS device and an NMOS device. The step of forming the PMOS device includes forming a first gate stack on a semiconductor substrate; forming a first offset spacer on a sidewall of the first gate stack; forming a stressor in the semiconductor substrate using the first offset spacer as a mask; and epitaxially growing a first raised source/drain extension (LDD) region on the stressor. The step of forming the NMOS device includes forming a second gate stack on the semiconductor substrate; forming a second offset spacer on a sidewall of the second gate stack; epitaxially growing a second raised LDD region on the semiconductor substrate using the second offset spacer as a mask; and forming a deep source/drain region adjoining the second raised LDD region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal gate includes providing a substrate including a gate electrode located on the substrate. A plurality of layers is formed, including a first layer located on the substrate and the gate electrode and a second layer adjacent the first layer. The layers are etched to form a plurality of adjacent spacers, including a first spacer located on the substrate and adjacent the gate electrode and a second spacer adjacent the first spacer. The first spacer is then etched and a metal layer is formed on the device immediately adjacent to the gate electrode. The metal layer is then reacted with the gate electrode to form a metal gate.

Abstract: A method for controlling phase angle of a mask is provided. A mask comprising a substrate and an absorber is formed. A nitrogen-containing plasma treatment is performed on the mask to reduce the phase angle. Alternatively, a nitrogen-containing plasma treatment is performed on the mask, followed by a vacuum ultraviolet treatment to form a passivated layer on the mask.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a pellicle onto a mask is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base provided with a track; a dummy plate holder coupled to the base, the dummy plate holder for receiving a dummy plate having an elevated portion on one side thereof; a mask holder for receiving a mask, the mask holder slidably coupled to the base; a pellicle holder for receiving a pellicle frame, the pellicle holder slidably coupled to the base; and drive means being adapted to drive the pellicle holder along the track towards the dummy plate holder, wherein during operation when the pellicle frame is mounted onto the mask causing the mask to contact the dummy plate, the mounting pressure in the mask is distributed by way of the elevated portion in the dummy plate, thus reducing distortion in the mask.

Abstract: A lithographic machine platform and applications thereof is disclosed. The lithographic machine platform comprises: an electron beam or an ion beam generator generating an electron beam or an ion beam; a substrate supporting platform supporting a substrate; and a precursory gas injector injecting a precursory gas above the substrate. The present invention uses the electron beam or the ion beam to induce the precursory gas to react with the electron beam or the ion beam, and then the precursory gas is deposited on the substrate. The present invention not only fabricates a patterned layer on the substrate in a single step but also achieves a high lithographic resolution and avoids remains of contaminations by using the properties of the electron beam or the ion beam and the precursory gas.

Abstract: A system separating defective dies from a wafer comprises a film frame platform and a pick-and-place device. The film frame platform comprises a support table assembly configured for supporting a film frame assembly and a platform surface configured to receive the placement of bins thereupon. The pick-and-place device is configured for moving in a linear manner between the support table assembly and the platform surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor device provides a transistor adjacent an isolation trench. The device may be formed by producing isolation trenches in a semiconductor substrate, filling the trenches with a filler material, creating voids near top edges of the trenches and annealing by a gaseous ambient to reflow the edges of the trenches causing the edges to become rounded and overhang the trench. The filler material may be a dielectric. The transistors which are then formed in close proximity to the trenches may include source/drain regions formed in the rounded portion of the semiconductor substrate that overhangs the trench.

Abstract: A mask for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises a transparent substrate. A metal-containing layer overlies the transparent substrate in a first region. A capping layer overlies and is coextensive with the metal-containing layer without wrapping around side edges of the metal-containing layer. The capping layer is substantially free of nitride. The transparent substrate has a second region separate from the first region. The transparent substrate is exposed in the second region.

Abstract: A method for forming a substrate contact on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer is provided that can be integrated with a process for fabricating SOI devices without additional processing after wafer dicing. The method is applicable in many of the more advanced packaging technologies, e.g., such as flip chip and die stacking, directly creating a contact to silicon substrate via the front of the diced SOI wafer.

Abstract: A flash memory device includes a floating gate made of a multi-layered structure. The floating gate includes a hetero-pn junction which serves as a quantum well to store charge in the floating gate, thus increasing the efficiency of the device, allowing the device to be operable using lower voltages and increasing the miniaturization of the device. The floating gate may be used in n-type and p-type devices, including n-type and p-type fin-FET devices. The stored charge may be electrons or holes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provide a method for making a mask. The method includes assigning a plurality of pattern features to different data types; writing the plurality of pattern features on a mask; inspecting the plurality of pattern features with different inspection sensitivities according to assigned data types; and repairing the plurality of pattern features on the mask according to the inspecting of the plurality of pattern features.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure having a recessed active region and a method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a first and a second isolation structure having an active region therebetween. The first and second isolation structures have sidewalls with a tilt angle of substantially less than 90 degrees. The active region is recessed. By recessing the active region, the channel width is increased and device drive current is improved.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor device and a method of manufacture. MOS devices along with their polycrystalline or amorphous gate electrodes are fabricated such that the intrinsic stress within the gate electrode creates a stress in the channel region between the MOS source/drain regions. Embodiments include forming an NMOS device and a PMOS device after having converted a portion of the intermediate NMOS gate electrode layer to an amorphous layer and then recrystallizing it before patterning to form the electrode. The average grain size in the NMOS recrystallized gate electrode is smaller than that in the PMOS recrystallized gate electrode. In another embodiment, the NMOS device comprises an amorphous gate electrode.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and system for performing data preparation are provided. An integrated circuit design is received, and a plurality of pre-optical proximity correction processes are invoked such that the plurality of pre-optical proximity correction processes are performed in parallel. An optical proximity correction process is invoked in response to a determination that each of the plurality of pre-optical proximity correction processes have completed. A post-optical proximity correction process is invoked in response to a determination that the optical proximity correction process has completed.

Abstract: Provided are a microelectronic device and a method for its manufacture. In one example, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate layer having a first material (e.g., silicon or silicon germanium). An insulating layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate layer with multiple openings exposing portions of the surface of the semiconductor substrate layer. A semiconductor layer is then formed in the openings directly upon the exposed portions of the semiconductor substrate layer using a second material different from the first material (e.g., silicon germanium or silicon). In other examples, multiple semiconductor layers may be formed using alternating materials.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate stack overlying the semiconductor substrate, a spacer on a sidewall of the gate stack, a lightly doped source/drain (LDD) region adjacent the gate stack, a deep source/drain region adjoining the LDD region, and a graded silicide region on the deep source/drain region and the LDD region. The graded silicide region includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion adjoining the first portion and having a second thickness substantially less than the first thickness. The second portion is closer to a channel region than the first portion.

Abstract: A phase change memory device with a reduced phase change volume and lower drive current and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a bottom insulating layer comprising a bottom electrode contact, forming a bottom electrode film on the bottom electrode contact, forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) film on the bottom electrode film, patterning and etching the ARC film and the bottom electrode film to form a bottom electrode comprising a side edge, and forming a phase change material portion on the ARC film and the bottom insulating layer, wherein the phase change material portion physically contacts the side edge of the bottom electrode. The method further includes forming a top electrode on the phase change material portion, and forming a top electrode contact on the top electrode.