Abstract: A method of forming a vertical channel semiconductor structure, comprises forming a source/drain layer in contact with at least one semiconductor fin. A first sacrificial layer is formed over the source/drain layer. A second sacrificial layer is formed over the first sacrificial layer. A trench is formed in the second sacrificial layer to expose a portion of the first sacrificial layer. After forming the second sacrificial layer, the first sacrificial layer is selectively removed to form a cavity under the second sacrificial layer. A spacer layer is then formed within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of forming a vertical channel semiconductor structure, comprises forming a source/drain layer in contact with at least one semiconductor fin. A first sacrificial layer is formed over the source/drain layer. A second sacrificial layer is formed over the first sacrificial layer. A trench is formed in the second sacrificial layer to expose a portion of the first sacrificial layer. After forming the second sacrificial layer, the first sacrificial layer is selectively removed to form a cavity under the second sacrificial layer. A spacer layer is then formed within the cavity.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuits having a compressive nitride layer are disclosed. In one example, a method of fabricating an integrated circuit includes depositing an aluminum layer over a semiconductor substrate, depositing a tensile silicon nitride layer or a neutral silicon nitride layer over the aluminum layer, and depositing a compressive silicon nitride layer over the tensile silicon nitride layer or the neutral silicon nitride layer. The compressive silicon nitride layer is deposited at a thickness that is at least about twice a thickness of the tensile silicon nitride layer or the neutral silicon nitride layer. Further, there is no delamination present at an interface between the aluminum layer and the tensile silicon nitride layer or the neutral silicon nitride layer, or at an interface between tensile silicon nitride layer or the neutral silicon nitride layer and the compressive nitride layer.

Abstract: Manufacturing yield of integrated circuits having differentiated areas such as array and support areas of a memory is improved by reducing height/step height difference between structures in the respective differentiated areas and is particularly effective in conjunction with top-oxide-early (TOE) and top-oxide-late processes. A novel planarization technique avoids damage of active devices, isolation structures and the like due to scratching, chipping or dishing which is particularly effective to improve manufacturing yield using TON processes and also using TOE and TOL processes when average height/step height is substantially equalized. Alternative mask materials such as polysilicon may also be used to simplify and/or improve control of processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming self-aligned metal silicide contacts over at least two silicon-containing semiconductor regions that are spaced apart from each other by an exposed dielectric region. Preferably, each of the self-aligned metal silicide contacts so formed comprises at least nickel silicide and platinum silicide with a substantially smooth surface, and the exposed dielectric region is essentially free of metal and metal silicide. More preferably, the method comprises the steps of nickel or nickel alloy deposition, low-temperature annealing, nickel etching, high-temperature annealing, and aqua regia etching.

Abstract: The use of nickel, Ni, based alloys that enables higher contact module which, in turn, provides the device designers additional gains in transistor speeds is provided. Specifically, the use of Ni based alloys for silicide formation in 90 nm technologies and beyond enables higher temperature (greater than 450° C.) processing in the contact module for advanced devices. This capability of higher thermal budget in processing stress inducing films in the contact module helps enhance device performance beyond what is possible with conventional pure Ni based silicides. Another benefit of this application is the deposition temperature of the contact dielectric (e.g., pre-metal dielectric) can be increased to enable moisture free, denser, higher quality films.

Abstract: Manufacturing yield of integrated circuits having differentiated areas such as array and support areas of a memory is improved by reducing height/step height difference between structures in the respective differentiated areas and is particularly effective in conjunction with top-oxide-early (TOE) and top-oxide-late processes. A novel planarization technique avoids damage of active devices, isolation structures and the like due to scratching, chipping or dishing which is particularly effective to improve manufacturing yield using TON processes and also using TOE and TOL processes when average height/step height is substantially equalized. Alternative mask materials such as polysilicon may also be used to simplify and/or improve control of processes.

Abstract: A dual layer of polymeric material is deposited with a base layer and top layer resist onto an integrated circuit structure with topography. The base layer planarizes the surface and fills in the native topography. The base layer decomposes almost completely when exposed to an oxidizing environment. The top layer contains a high composition of oxidizing elements and is photosensitive. (i.e., the layer can be patterned by exposing normal lithographic techniques.) The patterning allows the creation of escape paths for the decomposition products of the underlying base layer. This structure is decomposed in an oxidizing ambient (or plasma) leaving behind a thin carbon-containing membrane. This membrane layer blocks deposition of future layers, creating air gaps in the structure.

Abstract: A suicide resistor for inclusion in a BEOL layer, and a method of forming the same that provides few additional manufacturing steps. The method allows formation of a passive resistor during BEOL processing without high temperature anneals that would damage other BEOL wiring structures. In particular, the method includes forming a silicide over a polysilicon base in a trough, where the silicide provides the desired resistivity and has a silicidation temperature less than a damaging temperature of the plurality of BEOL layers.

Abstract: A method of forming bitlines for a memory cell array of an integrated circuit and conductive lines interconnecting transistors of an external region outside of the memory cell array is provided. The method includes patterning troughs in a dielectric region covering the memory cell array according to a first critical dimension mask. Bitline contacts to a substrate and bitlines are formed in the troughs. Thereafter, conductive lines are formed which consist essentially of at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals and conductive compounds of metals in horizontally oriented patterns patterned by a second critical dimension mask, wherein the conductive lines interconnect the bitlines to transistors of external circuitry outside of the memory cell array, the conductive lines being interconnected to the bitlines only at peripheral edges of the memory cell array.

Abstract: A method of forming bitlines for a memory cell array of an integrated circuit and conductive lines interconnecting transistors of an external region outside of the memory cell array is provided. The method includes patterning troughs in a dielectric region covering the memory cell array according to a first critical dimension mask. Bitline contacts to a substrate and bitlines are formed in the troughs. Thereafter, conductive lines are formed which consist essentially of at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals and conductive compounds of metals in horizontally oriented patterns patterned by a second critical dimension mask, wherein the conductive lines interconnect the bitlines to transistors of external circuitry outside of the memory cell array, the conductive lines being interconnected to the bitlines only at peripheral edges of the memory cell array.