Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit chip having a first region of a first layout rule and a second region of a second layout rule. The method includes using a first material to establish a first hard mask pattern in only the first region and using a second material to establish a second hard mask pattern on top of the first hard mask pattern. The second material is additionally used to establish a third hard mask pattern in the second region.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit chip having a first region of a first layout rule and a second region of a second layout rule. The method includes using a first material to establish a first hard mask pattern in only the first region and using a second material to establish a second hard mask pattern on top of the first hard mask pattern. The second material is additionally used to establish a third hard mask pattern in the second region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process and liner for trench isolation which includes either a single oxynitride layer or a dual oxynitride (or oxide)/nitride layer. Such a process and liner has an improved process window as well as being an effective O.sub.2 diffusion barrier and resistant to hot phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids.

Abstract: A composite dielectric material useful in advanced memory applications such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cells is provided. The composite dielectric material of the present invention includes a mixed oxide such as TiO.sub.2 or Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 that is interdiffused into a Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 film. Capacitors including the composite dielectric material of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an improved resistor and method of fabrication is provided. The method for fabricating a resistive element into an integrated circuit semiconductor device comprises the steps of: depositing a dielectric film, such as silicon nitride; depositing a titanium film upon the dielectric film; and annealing the titanium and dielectric films. This causes titanium to be diffused into the dielectric film. This creates a resistive element having a relatively high resistivity. The preferred embodiment method has the advantage of being easily integrated into conventional integrated circuit fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A method of forming interlevel studs in an insulating layer on a semiconductor wafer. First, a conformal BPSG layer is formed on a Front End of the Line (FEOL) semiconductor structure. Vias are opened through the BPSG layer to the FEOL structure. A layer of poly is formed (deposited) on the BPSG layer, filling the vias. The poly layer may be insitu doped poly or implanted after it is deposited. The wafer is annealed to diffuse dopant from the poly to form diffusions wherever the poly contacts the substrate. A non-selective slurry of colloidal silica and at least 1% ammonium hydroxide is used to chem-mech polish the poly from the BPSG layer and, simultaneously, planarize the BPSG layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dielectric material useful in advanced memory applications which comprises a metal oxide such as TiO.sub.2 or Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5 interdiffused into a Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 film is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process and liner for trench isolation which includes either a single oxynitride layer or a dual oxynitride (or oxide)/nitride layer. Such a process and liner has an improved process window as well as being an effective O.sub.2 diffusion barrier and resistant to hot phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids.