Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure uses a substrate. A first insulating layer is formed over the substrate. An amorphous silicon layer is formed over the first insulating layer. Heat is applied to the amorphous silicon layer to form a plurality of seed nanocrystals over the first insulating layer. Silicon is epitaxially grown on the plurality of seed nanocrystals to leave resulting nanocrystals.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate and a charge storage layer. The charge storage layer comprises a bottom layer of oxide, a layer of discrete charge storage elements on the bottom layer of oxide, and a top layer of oxide on the charge storage elements. A control gate is on the top layer of oxide. A surface of the top layer of oxide facing a surface of the control gate is substantially planar.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate and a charge storage layer. The charge storage layer comprises a bottom layer of oxide, a layer of discrete charge storage elements on the bottom layer of oxide, and a top layer of oxide on the charge storage elements. A control gate is on the top layer of oxide. A surface of the top layer of oxide facing a surface of the control gate is substantially planar.

Abstract: A method includes forming a first dielectric layer over a substrate; forming nanoclusters over the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the nanoclusters; annealing the second dielectric layer using nitrous oxide; and after the annealing the second dielectric layer, forming a gate electrode over the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: A photodetector is formed to have a germanium detector on a waveguide. The germanium detector has a first surface on the waveguide and a second surface that, when exposed to ambient conditions, forms germanium oxide. In a processing platform, an oxygen-free plasma is applied to the second surface. The oxygen-free plasma removes oxygen that is bonded to germanium at the second surface. A cap layer is formed on the second surface prior to removing the germanium detector from the processing platform.

Abstract: A method includes forming a first dielectric layer over a substrate; forming nanoclusters over the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the nanoclusters; annealing the second dielectric layer using nitrous oxide; and after the annealing the second dielectric layer, forming a gate electrode over the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Nanocrystals are formed over an insulating layer by depositing a semiconductor layer over the insulating layer. The semiconductor layer is annealed to form a plurality of globules from the semiconductor layer. The globules are annealed using oxygen. Semiconductor material is deposited on the plurality of globules to add semiconductor material to the globules. After depositing the semiconductor material, the globules are annealed to form the nanocrystals. The nanocrystals can then be used in a storage layer of a non-volatile memory cell, especially a split-gate non-volatile memory cell having a select gate over the nanocrystals and a control gate adjacent to the select gate.

Abstract: Nanocrystals are formed over an insulating layer by depositing a semiconductor layer over the insulating layer. The semiconductor layer is annealed to form a plurality of globules from the semiconductor layer. The globules are annealed using oxygen. Semiconductor material is deposited on the plurality of globules to add semiconductor material to the globules. After depositing the semiconductor material, the globules are annealed to form the nanocrystals. The nanocrystals can then be used in a storage layer of a non-volatile memory cell, especially a split-gate non-volatile memory cell having a select gate over the nanocrystals and a control gate adjacent to the select gate.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication process includes forming a gate electrode overlying a substrate. A first silicon nitride spacer is formed adjacent the gate electrode sidewalls and a disposable silicon nitride spacer is then formed adjacent the offset spacer. An elevated source/drain structure, defined by the boundaries of the disposable spacer, is then formed epitaxially. The disposable spacer is then removed to expose the substrate proximal to the gate electrode and a shallow implant, such as a halo or extension implant, is introduced into the exposed substrate proximal the gate electrode. A replacement spacer is formed substantially where the disposable spacer existed a source/drain implant is done to introduce a source/drain impurity distribution into the elevated source drain. The gate electrode may include an overlying silicon nitride capping layer and the first silicon nitride spacer may contact the capping layer to surround the polysilicon gate electrode in silicon nitride.