Abstract: A method of selecting a plurality of lithography process parameters for patterning a layout on a wafer includes simulating how the layout will print on the wafer for a plurality of resolution enhancement techniques (RETs), where each RET corresponds to a plurality of lithography process parameters. For each RET, the edges of structures within the simulated layout can be classified based on manufacturability. RETs that provide optimal manufacturability can be selected. In this manner, the simulation tool can be used to determine the optimal combination of scanner setup and reticle type for minimizing the variation in wafer critical dimension (CD).

Abstract: A method of generating a metrology recipe includes identifying regions of interest within a device layout. A coordinate list, which corresponds to the identified regions of interest, can be provided and used to create a clipped layout, which can be represented by a clipped layout data file. The clipped layout data file and corresponding coordinate list can be provided and converted into a metrology recipe for guiding one or more metrology instruments in testing a processed wafer and/or reticle. The experimental metrology results received in response to the metrology request can be linked to corresponding design data and simulation data and stored in a queriable database system.

Abstract: A method of protecting a charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell from UV-induced charging, including fabricating a charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell including a charge trapping dielectric charge storage layer in a semiconductor device; and during processing steps subsequent to formation of the charge trapping dielectric charge storage layer, protecting the charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell from exposure to a level of UV radiation sufficient to deposit a non-erasable charge in the charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell. In one embodiment, the step of protecting is carried out by selecting processes in BEOL fabrication which do not include use, generation or exposure of the semiconductor device to a level of UV radiation sufficient to deposit the non-erasable charge.

Abstract: A method of protecting a charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell from UV-induced charging, including fabricating a charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell in a semiconductor device; depositing over the charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell at least one UV-protective layer; forming at least one layer over the at least one UV-protective layer; and etching the at least one layer to form an opening therein with an etchant species selective to stop on a layer below the at least one UV-protective layer, wherein the UV-protective layer comprises a substantially UV-opaque material.

Abstract: The invention is a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes buried bitlines in a semiconductor substrate. Additionally, doped regions are formed adjacent the buried bitlines. The doped regions adjacent the buried bitlines inhibit a leakage current between the buried bitlines.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device that includes a line and space pattern with variable pitch and critical dimensions in a layer on a substrate. The substrate includes a first region (e.g., a core region) and a second region (e.g., a periphery region). A first sub-line and space pattern in the first region comprises a space of a dimension (A) less than achievable by lithographic processes alone. Further, a second sub-line and space pattern in the second region comprises at least one line including a second critical dimension (B) achievable by lithography. The method uses two critical masking steps to form a hard mask that includes in the core region a critical dimension (A) less than achievable at a resolution limit of lithography. Further, the method uses a single etch step to transfer the pattern of the hard mask to the layer.

Abstract: A method of protecting a charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell from UV-induced charging, including fabricating a charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell in a semiconductor device; depositing and planarizing an interlevel dielectric layer over the charge trapping dielectric flash memory cell and depositing over the planarized interlevel dielectric layer at least one UV-protective layer, the UV-protective layer including a substantially UV-opaque material.

Abstract: A memory device and a method of fabrication are provided. The memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a bottom dielectric, a charge storing layer, and a top dielectric in a stacked gate configuration. Silicided buried bitlines, which function as a source and a drain, are formed within the substrate. The silicided bitlines have a reduced resistance, which greatly reduces the number of bitline contacts necessary in an array of memory devices.

Abstract: A method of selecting a plurality of lithography process parameters for patterning a layout on a wafer includes simulating how the layout will print on the wafer for a plurality of resolution enhancement techniques (RETs), where each RET corresponds to a plurality of lithography process parameters. For each RET, the edges of structures within the simulated layout can be classified based on manufacturability. RETs that provide optimal manufacturability can be selected. In this manner, the simulation tool can be used to determine the optimal combination of scanner setup and reticle type for minimizing the variation in wafer critical dimension (CD).

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of contact holes of varying pitch and density in a contact layer of an integrated circuit device is provided. The plurality of contact holes can include a plurality of regularly spaced contact holes having a first pitch along a first direction and a plurality of semi-isolated contact holes having a second pitch along a second direction. A double-dipole illumination source can transmit light energy through a mask having a pattern corresponding to a desired contact hole pattern. The double-dipole illumination source can include a first dipole aperture, which is oriented and optimized for patterning the regularly spaced contact holes, and a second dipole aperture, which is oriented substantially orthogonal to the first dipole aperture and optimized for patterning the plurality of semi-isolated contact holes. The contact layer can be etched using the patterned photoresist layer.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and a method of manufacturing such apparatus using a damascene process. The method includes the step of patterning a layer disposed over a substrate to include a line and space pattern. The line and space pattern in the layer includes at least one space comprising a width dimension of a feature to be formed. The feature may be, e.g., a wordline(s)/gate electrode(s). Additionally, the sidewalls of the feature, e.g., the wordline(s)/gate electrode(s) include relatively smooth surfaces.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for pre-treating and etching a dielectric layer in a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: (A) pre-treating one or more exposed portions of a dielectric layer with a plasma in a plasma etching tool to increase removal rate of the one or more exposed portions upon etching; and (B) removing the one or more exposed portions of the dielectric layer in the same plasma etching tool of step (A) via plasma etching.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) includes patterning a fin area, a source region, and a drain region on a substrate, forming a fin in the fin area, and forming a mask in the fin area. The method further includes etching the mask to expose a channel area of the MOSFET, etching the fin to thin a width of the fin in the channel area, forming a gate over the fin, and forming contacts to the gate, the source region, and the drain region.

Abstract: A method of operating an immersion lithography system, including steps of immersing at least a portion of a wafer to be exposed in an immersion medium, wherein the immersion medium comprises at least one bubble; directing an ultrasonic wave through at least a portion of the immersion medium to disrupt and/or dissipate the at least one bubble; and exposing the wafer with an exposure pattern by passing electromagnetic radiation through the immersion medium subsequent to the directing. Also disclosed is a monitoring and control system for an immersion lithography system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a planar architecture charge trapping dielectric memory cell array with rectangular gates comprises fabricating a multi-layer charge trapping dielectric on the surface of a substrate. The layer adjacent to the substrate may be an oxide. A polysilicon layer is deposited over the charge trapping dielectric. A word line mask is applied over the polysilicon layer to mask linear word lines in a first direction and to expose trench regions there between and the trenches are etched to expose the charge trapping dielectric in the trench regions. A bit line mask is applied over the polysilicon layer to mask gates in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and to expose bit line regions there between and the bit lines are etched to expose the oxide in the bit line regions. The bit lines are implanted and insulating spacers are fabricated on exposed sidewalls.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a method of manufacturing a structure. The method includes the step of patterning a layer to include a line and space pattern. A space of the line and space pattern in a first region includes a first critical dimension less than achievable at a resolution limit of lithography. A line of the line and space pattern in a second region includes a second critical dimension achievable at a resolution limit of lithography. A sidewall spacer is formed on a line from a masking layer used in the formation of the structure. The method uses one critical masking step and two non-critical masking steps.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device that includes a line and space pattern with variable pitch and critical dimensions in a layer on a substrate. The substrate includes a first region (e.g., a core region) and a second region (e.g., a periphery region). A first sub-line and space pattern in the first region comprises a space of a dimension (A) less than achievable by lithographic processes alone. Further, a second sub-line and space pattern in the second region comprises at least one line including a second critical dimension (B) achievable by lithography. The method uses two critical masking steps to form a hard mask that includes in the core region a critical dimension (A) less than achievable at a resolution limit of lithography. Further, the method uses a single etch step to transfer the pattern of the hard mask to the layer.