Abstract: In a replacement gate approach, a top area of a gate opening may receive a superior cross-sectional shape on the basis of a material erosion process, wherein a sacrificial material may protect sensitive materials, such as a high-k dielectric material, in the gate opening. In one illustrative embodiment, the sacrificial material may be applied after depositing a work function adjusting species in the gate opening.

Abstract: When forming via openings in sophisticated semiconductor devices, a silicon-containing anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer may be efficiently used for adjusting the critical dimension of the via openings by using a two-step etch process in which, in at least one of the process steps, the flow rate of a reactive gas component may be controlled to increase or reduce the resulting width of an opening in the silicon ARC layer. In this manner, the spread of critical dimensions of vias around the target value may be significantly reduced while also reducing any maintenance and rework efforts.

Abstract: When forming via openings in sophisticated semiconductor devices, a silicon-containing anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer may be efficiently used for adjusting the critical dimension of the via openings by using a two-step etch process in which, in at least one of the process steps, the flow rate of a reactive gas component may be controlled to increase or reduce the resulting width of an opening in the silicon ARC layer. In this manner, the spread of critical dimensions of vias around the target value may be significantly reduced while also reducing any maintenance and rework efforts.

Abstract: When forming metal lines and vias in complex metallization systems of semiconductor devices, an additional control mechanism for adjusting the final critical dimension may be implemented in the last etch process for etching through the etch stop layer after having patterned the low-k dielectric material. To this end, the concentration of a polymerizing gas may be controlled in accordance with the initial critical dimension obtained after the lithography process, thereby efficiently re-adjusting the final critical dimension so as to be close to the desired target value.

Abstract: In a replacement gate approach, a top area of a gate opening may receive a superior cross-sectional shape on the basis of a material erosion process, wherein a sacrificial material may protect sensitive materials, such as a high-k dielectric material, in the gate opening. In one illustrative embodiment, the sacrificial material may be applied after depositing a work function adjusting species in the gate opening.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a trench capacitor with an insulation collar in a substrate, which is electrically connected to the substrate on one side via a buried contact, using a hard mask with a corresponding mask opening.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a trench capacitor with an insulation collar in a substrate, which is electrically connected to the substrate on one side via a buried contact, using a hard mask with a corresponding mask opening.