Abstract: A transistor comprising a deposited dual-layer spacer structure and method of fabrication. A polysilicon layer is deposited over a gate dielectric, and is subsequently etched to form the polysilicon gate electrode of the transistor. Next, oxide is deposited over the surface of the gate electrode, followed by deposition of a second dielectric layer. Spacers are then formed adjacent to the gate electrode by etching back the second dielectric layer using a substantially anisotropic etch which etches the second dielectric layer faster than it etches the oxide.

Abstract: A polysilicon/amorphous silicon composite layer for improved linewidth control in the patterning of gate electrodes, in the manufacture of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices. The formation of a composite polysilicon/amorphous silicon gate in an integrated circuit gives the device the electrical performance and doping qualities of a polysilicon gate and also gives the device the smoothness of an amorphous silicon gate which improves line definition during gate patterning.

Abstract: Microelectronic structures embodying the present invention include a silicon pillar contiguous with a bulk semiconductor, the pillar being surrounded by a shallow trench isolation insulator, which has been recessed to receive polysilicon and a superjacent layer of silicon deposited thereon. Source and drain (S/D) terminals are formed in the silicon of the recessed portions of the shallow trench isolation insulator. In this way the S/D terminals are substantially isolated from the body, thereby substantially reducing both parasitic junction capacitance and junction leakage currents. Isolation of S/D terminals in this way also reduces the degradation of effective channel length that can otherwise occur in MOSFETs.

Abstract: A transistor comprising a deposited dual-layer spacer structure and method of fabrication. A polysilicon layer is deposited over a gate dielectric, and is subsequently etched to form the polysilicon gate electrode of the transistor. Next, oxide is deposited over the surface of the gate electrode, followed by deposition of a second dielectric layer. Spacers are then formed adjacent to the gate electrode by etching back the second dielectric layer using a substantially anisotropic etch which etches the second dielectric layer faster than it etches the oxide.

Abstract: Microelectronic structures embodying the present invention include a silicon pillar contiguous with a bulk semiconductor, the pillar being surrounded by a shallow trench isolation insulator, which has been recessed to receive polysilicon and a superjacent layer of silicon deposited thereon. Source and drain (SID) terminals are formed in the silicon of the recessed portions of the shallow trench isolation insulator. In this way the S/D terminals are substantially isolated from the body, thereby substantially reducing both parasitic junction capacitance and junction leakage currents. Isolation of S/D terminals in this way also reduces the degradation of effective channel length that can otherwise occur in MOSFETs.

Abstract: Microelectronic structures embodying the present invention include a silicon pillar contiguous with a bulk semiconductor, the pillar being surrounded by a shallow trench isolation insulator, which has been recessed to receive polysilicon and a superjacent layer of silicon deposited thereon. Source and drain (S/D) terminals are formed in the silicon of the recessed portions of the shallow trench isolation insulator. In this way the S/D terminals are substantially isolated from the body, thereby substantially reducing both parasitic junction capacitance and junction leakage currents. Isolation of S/D terminals in this way also reduces the degradation of effective channel length that can otherwise occur in MOSFETs.

Abstract: An insulating layer in a semiconductor device and a process for forming the insulating layer is described. The insulating layer comprises of a nitride layer over the substrate having a residual stress of between -8.times.10.sup.9 dynes/cm.sup.-2 and -3.times.10.sup.10 dynes/cm.sup.-2. The insulating layer can further comprise a doped oxide layer under the nitride layer and can further comprise an interlevel dielectric layer over the nitride layer. Moreover, the nitride layer can be formed by bringing the temperature in a chemical vapor deposition reactor to below 550 degrees Celsius, placing the substrate into the reactor at the temperature, and forming the nitride layer on the substrate. Alternatively, the nitride layer can be formed by pushing the substrate into a chemical vapor deposition reactor at a speed greater than 300 millimeters per minute, and forming the nitride layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A polysilicon/amorphous silicon composite layer for improved linewidth control in the patterning of gate electrodes, in the manufacture of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices. The formation of a composite polysilicon/amorphous silicon gate in an integrated circuit gives the device the electrical performance and doping qualities of a polysilicon gate and also gives the device the smoothness of an amorphous silicon gate which improves line definition during gate patterning.

Abstract: A polishing process for polysilicon gate patterning improvement using standard patterning techniques in the manufacture of high performance metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices. The addition of a short silicon polish step, after deposition and before patterning of a polysilicon layer reduces the non-planarity normally associated with polysilicon. Polysilicon polishing removes the surface roughness in the polysilicon layer caused by the grain structure of polysilicon and the surface roughness due to the replication of the underlying topography of the isolation and substrate regions. The described method for removal of both types of surface roughness leaves the polysilicon layer planarized without increasing the defect level already associated with the manufacture of high performance MOS devices.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin, robust nitrided oxide layer. The process results in a manufacturable, uniform, low-defect density, reliable nitrided oxide that may be used as a gate dielectric, as a portion of a spacer, or as a portion of a trench isolation. First, a substrate is oxidized in a chlorinated dry oxidation followed by a low temperature pyrogenic steam oxidation. Next, a low temperature ammonia anneal is performed, followed by a high temperature anneal in an inert ambient.

Abstract: A transistor comprising a deposited dual-layer spacer structure and method of fabrication. A polysilicon layer is deposited over a gate dielectric, and is subsequently etched to form the polysilicon gate electrode of the transistor. Next, oxide is deposited over the surface of the gate electrode, followed by deposition of a second dielectric layer. Spacers are then formed adjacent to the gate electrode by etching back the second dielectric layer using a substantially anisotropic etch which etches the second dielectric layer faster than it etches the oxide.

Abstract: An insulating layer in a semiconductor device and a process for forming the insulating layer is described. The insulating layer comprises of a nitride layer over the substrate having a residual stress of between -8.times.10.sup.9 dynes/cm.sup.-2 and -3.times.10.sup.10 dynes/cm.sup.-2. The insulating layer can further comprise a doped oxide layer under the nitride layer and can further comprise an interlevel dielectric layer over the nitride layer. Moreover, the nitride layer can be formed by bringing the temperature in a chemical vapor deposition reactor to below 550 degrees Celsius, placing the substrate into the reactor at the temperature, and forming the nitride layer on the substrate. Alternatively, the nitride layer can be formed by pushing the substrate into a chemical vapor deposition reactor at a speed greater than 300 millimeters per minute, and forming the nitride layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Front end processing for a CMOS substrate resulting in the formation of n-wells, p-wells, channel stops and field oxide regions. Both the n-type and p-type dopant are implanted through silicon nitride members with one type dopant being first blocked by a first layer of photoresist and the second dopant by a second layer of photoresist. The field oxide regions are grown after the first dopant is implanted. Relatively low level ion implantation is used and additional threshold adjusting implants are not needed.