Abstract: Gate-all-around integrated circuit structures having pre-spacer-deposition cut gates are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a first vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires and a second vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires. A first gate stack is over the first vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires, and a second gate stack is over the second vertical arrangement of horizontal nanowires. An end of the second gate stack is spaced apart from an end of the first gate stack by a gap. The integrated circuit structure also includes a dielectric structure having a first portion providing a gate spacer along sidewalls of the first gate stack, a second portion providing a gate spacer along sidewalls of the second gate stack, and a third portion filling the gap, the third portion contiguous with the first and second portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are in the field of integrated circuit structure fabrication. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a first conductive interconnect line in a first inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer above a substrate, a second conductive interconnect line in a second ILD layer above the first ILD layer, and a conductive via coupling the first conductive interconnect line and the second conductive interconnect line, the conductive via having a single, nitrogen-free tantalum (Ta) barrier layer. In another example, a method of fabricating an integrated circuit structure includes forming a partial trench in an inter-layer dielectric (ILD layer, the ILD layer on an etch stop layer, etching a hanging via that lands on the etch stop layer, and performing a breakthrough etch through the etch stop layer to form a trench and via opening in the ILD layer and the etch stop layer.