Abstract: A method is provided for making a semiconductor device. In accordance with the method, a substrate (203) is provided which has first (205) and second (207) gate structures thereon. A first stressor layer (215) is formed over the substrate, and a sacrificial layer (216) is formed over the first stressor layer. A second stressor layer (219) is formed over the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device is provided herein. In accordance with the method, a semiconductor structure is provided which comprises an active semiconductor layer (224) disposed on a buried dielectric layer (222). A trench (229) is created in the semiconductor structure which exposes a portion of the buried dielectric layer. An oxide layer (250) is formed over the surfaces of the trench, and at least one stressor structure (254) is formed over the oxide layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor isolation trench includes forming a pad oxide layer over a substrate and forming a barrier layer over the substrate. A masking layer is formed over the barrier layer and is patterned to form at least one opening in the masking layer. At least a part of the barrier layer and at least a part of the pad oxide layer are etched through the at least one opening resulting in a trench pad oxide layer. Etching of the trench pad oxide layer stops substantially at a top surface of the substrate within the isolation trench. An oxide layer is grown by diffusion on at least the top surface of the substrate corresponding to the at least one isolation trench. The method further includes etching the oxide layer and at least a portion of the substrate to form at least one isolation trench opening.

Abstract: The cleaning of particles from an electrostatic chuck. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning an electrostatic chuck in a processing chamber is disclosed. The method comprises directing a flow of gas across the electrostatic chuck to dislodge particles from the electrostatic chuck and removing the flow of gas and particles through an exhaust port in the processing chamber. In this embodiment, the vacuum integrity of the chamber is not compromised during the cleaning of the electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: A process can be used to achieve the benefits of corner rounding of a semiconductor layer near an edge of a trench field isolation region without having the bird's beak or stress issues that occur with a conventional SOI device. A trench can be partially etched into a semiconductor layer, and a liner layer may be formed to help round corners of the second semiconductor layer. In one embodiment, the trench can be etched deeper and potentially expose an underlying buried oxide layer. Formation of the trench field isolation region can be completed, and electronic components can be formed within the semiconductor layer. An electronic device, such as an integrated circuit, will have a liner layer that extends only partly, but not completely, along a sidewall of the trench. In another embodiment, the process can be extended to other substrates and is not limited only to SOI substrates.

Abstract: The cleaning of particles from an electrostatic chuck. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning an electrostatic chuck in a processing chamber is disclosed. The method comprises directing a flow of gas across the electrostatic chuck to dislodge particles from the electrostatic chuck and removing the flow of gas and particles through an exhaust port in the processing chamber. In this embodiment, the vacuum integrity of the chamber is not compromised during the cleaning of the electrostatic chuck.