Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a mechanically strained channel, wherein the channel comprises of a single crystalline structure of a strained semiconductor layer having a non-linear geometry, the non-linear geometry including a portion of an arch shape. The semiconductor device further includes a dielectric layer, wherein a first portion of the channel is disposed overlying a point location within the dielectric layer and a second portion of the channel is disposed overlying a portion of the dielectric layer proximate to and outside of the point location. In addition, a gate is disposed proximate to the channel for controlling current flow through the channel between first and second current handling electrodes that are coupled to the channel.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a local strain-inducing structure of a first semiconductor material at a point location within a dielectric layer. The local strain-inducing structure has a prescribed geometry with a surface disposed above a surface of the dielectric layer. A second semiconductor material is formed over the dielectric layer and the local strain inducing structure, wherein formation of a first portion of the second material over the dielectric layer provides a poly crystalline structure of the second material and wherein formation of a second portion of the second material over the local strain-inducing structure provides a single crystalline structure of the second material subject to mechanical strain by the surface of the local strain-inducing structure. The single crystalline structure serves as a strained semiconductor layer of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An electrical contact and method for making an electrical contact allows a flat contact (404) to be formed early in the process of making an electronic device. The flat contact (404) is level with the remainder of the substrate (116) in which it is formed. The flat contact (404) does not interfere with any required subsequent process steps. The flat contact can be reflowed to form a ball contact (302) which protrudes above the top of the substrate (120) to which it is attached.