Abstract: The present invention provides a VRG structure formed on a semiconductor wafer substrate. The VRG structure has a first source/drain region located in a semiconductor wafer substrate, and a conductive layer located adjacent the source/drain region, a second source/drain region and a conductive channel that extends from the first source/drain region to the second source/drain region. The conductive layer provides an electrical connection to the first source/drain region. The conductive layer may have a low sheet resistance that may be less than about 50 &OHgr;/square or less than about 20 &OHgr;/square, to the first source/drain region.

Abstract: Linewidth control features having integral transistors are disclosed. Optical and electrical measurements of the linewidth control feature and its associated transistor may be correlated thereby providing a method of improving production processes.

Abstract: In a two-step etching process for making tapered contact openings in a dieletric, a thin layer of a material is interposed to serve as an adhesive between the dielectric and a photoresist layer the thin layer of material is chosen to remain essentially intact during undercut partial etching of the dielectric. As a result of enhanced adhesion, the photoresist layer remains more accurately positioned for subsequent anisotropic etching across the remainder of the thickness of the dielectric.