Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an optical isolator device, and various methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a single SOI substrate, the SOI substrate having an active layer comprised of silicon and a buried insulation layer, forming a doped layer of silicon above the active layer of the SOI substrate, forming first and second isolated regions in at least the doped layer of silicon, forming a photon generating device in the first isolated region, and forming a photon receiving device in the second isolated region.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an optical isolator device, and various methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a single SOI substrate, the SOI substrate having an active layer comprised of silicon and a buried insulation layer, forming a doped layer of silicon above the active layer of the SOI substrate, forming first and second isolated regions in at least the doped layer of silicon, forming a photon generating device in the first isolated region, and forming a photon receiving device in the second isolated region.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an optical isolator device, and various methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a single SOI substrate, the SOI substrate having an active layer comprised of silicon and a buried insulation layer, forming a doped layer of silicon above the active layer of the SOI substrate, forming first and second isolated regions in at least the doped layer of silicon, forming a photon generating device in the first isolated region, and forming a photon receiving device in the second isolated region.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a multi-stage epi process for forming semiconductor devices, and the resulting device. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises forming a first layer of epitaxial silicon above a surface of a semiconducting substrate, forming a second layer of epitaxial silicon above the first layer of epitaxial silicon, forming a third layer of epitaxial silicon above the second layer of epitaxial silicon, forming a trench isolation region that extends through at least the third layer of epitaxial silicon and forming a portion of a semiconductor device above the third layer of epitaxial silicon within an area defined by the isolation region.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an optical isolator device, and various methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a single SOI substrate, the SOI substrate having an active layer comprised of silicon and a buried insulation layer, forming a doped layer of silicon above the active layer of the SOI substrate, forming first and second isolated regions in at least the doped layer of silicon, forming a photon generating device in the first isolated region, and forming a photon receiving device in the second isolated region.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a multi-stage epi process for forming semiconductor devices, and the resulting device. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises forming a first layer of epitaxial silicon above a surface of a semiconducting substrate, forming a second layer of epitaxial silicon above the first layer of epitaxial silicon, forming a third layer of epitaxial silicon above the second layer of epitaxial silicon, forming a trench isolation region that extends through at least the third layer of epitaxial silicon and forming a portion of a semiconductor device above the third layer of epitaxial silicon within an area defined by the isolation region.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various methods of forming isolation regions. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises forming a stack of process layers above a surface of a semiconducting substrate, the stack of process layers comprised of a first layer of insulating material formed above a surface of the substrate, an etch stop layer positioned above the first layer of insulating material, wherein the etch stop layer has an etch selectivity with respect to the first layer of insulating material of at least 3:1, and a second layer of insulating material positioned above the etch stop layer.