Abstract: A method of fabricating metal plugs within via openings comprising the following steps. A semiconductor substrate having an overlying metal layer and oxide hard masks overlying the metal layer is provided. The oxide hard masks are used to etch the metal layer to form metal lines separated by metal line openings. An oxide liner is formed over the etched structure. A layer of FSG is deposited over the oxide liner. The FSG layer is then planarized to remove: the excess of the FSG layer from the etched structure; and the portions of the oxide liner over the oxide hard masks to form FSG blocks within the metal line openings. A cap layer is formed over the planarized structure. The cap layer and hard masks are then planarized to form via openings exposing the metal lines. Planarized metal plugs are then within the via openings.

Abstract: A new method of forming MOS transistors in the manufacture of an integrated circuit device has been achieved. A semiconductor substrate is provided. A pad oxide layer is deposited. A silicon nitride layer is deposited. Trenches are patterned for planned shallow trench isolations. The sidewalls of the trenches are oxidized. A photoresist layer is deposited overlying the silicon nitride layer and filling the trenches. The photoresist layer is etched down to below the top surface of the silicon nitride layer. The silicon nitride layer is patterned to form dummy gate electrodes. Sidewall spacers are formed on the dummy gate electrodes. The photoresist layer is removed. A dielectric layer is deposited overlying the dummy gate electrodes and the trenches. The dielectric layer is polished down to the top surface of the dummy gate electrodes to thereby complete the STI and the ILD. The dummy gate electrodes are etched away. A gate oxide layer is formed.