Abstract: A semiconductor Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) cell is fabricated using a vertical access transistor and a storage capacitor formed in a vertical trench. A Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) region is used as a masking region to confine the channel region of the access transistor, the first and second output regions of the access transistor, and a strap region connecting the second output region to the storage capacitor, to a narrow portion of the trench. The so confined second output region of the access transistor has reduced leakage to similar second output regions of adjacent memory cells. Adjacent memory cells can then be placed closer to one another without an increase in leakage and cross-talk between adjacent memory cells.

Abstract: A method of providing isolation between active areas of memory cells in a memory device having a plurality of isolation trenches (115) separating the active areas, comprising depositing a first insulating material (116) and forming a resist (120) over the first insulating material (116) over at least the trenches (115), leaving a first top portion of the first insulating material (116) exposed. At least a second top portion of the first insulating material (116) is removed, the resist (120) is removed, and a second insulating material (216) is deposited over the wafer (100) to completely fill the isolation trenches (115).

Abstract: A semiconductor Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) cell is fabricated using a vertical access transistor and a storage capacitor formed in a vertical trench. A Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) region is used as a masking region to confine the channel region of the access transistor, the first and second output regions of the access transistor, and a strap region connecting the second output region to the storage capacitor, to a narrow portion of the trench. The so confined second output region of the access transistor has reduced leakage to similar second output regions of adjacent memory cells. Adjacent memory cells can then be placed closer to one another without an increase in leakage and cross-talk between adjacent memory cells.

Abstract: In a method of making a W/WN/Poly-Gatestack, the improvement of providing low temperature sidewall oxidation to affect less outdiffusion of dopant implants near the surface to allow more margin in small groundrule device design for a support device, comprising:

Abstract: A method of providing isolation between element regions of a semiconductor memory device (200). Isolation trenches (211) are filled using several sequential anisotropic insulating material (216/226/230) HPD-CVD deposition processes, with each deposition process being followed by an isotropic etch back to remove the insulating material (216/226/230) from the isolation trench (211) sidewalls. A nitride liner (225) may be deposited after isolation trench (211) formation. A top portion of the nitride liner (225) may be removed prior to the deposition of the top insulating material (230) layer.

Abstract: Processing of a DRAM device containing vertical MOSFET arrays proceeds through planarization of the array gate conductor (GC) polysilicon of the vertical MOSFET to the top surface of the top oxide. A thin polysilicon layer is deposited over the planarized surface and an active area (M) pad nitride and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) stack is deposited. The M mask is used to open the pad layer to the silicon surface, and shallow trench isolation (STI) etching is used to form isolation trenches. An AA oxidation is performed, the isolation trenches are filled with high density plasma (HDP) oxide and planarized to the top surface of the AA pad nitride. Following isolation trench (IT) planarization, the AA pad nitride is stripped, with the thin silicon layer serving as an etch stop protecting the underlying top oxide. The etch support (ES) nitride liner is deposited, and the ES mask is patterned to open the support areas. The ES nitride, thin polysilicon layer and top oxide are etched from the exposed areas.

Abstract: A method of providing isolation between active areas of memory cells in a memory device having a plurality of isolation trenches (115) separating the active areas, comprising depositing a first insulating material (116) and forming a resist (120) over the first insulating material (116) over at least the trenches (115), leaving a first top portion of the first insulating material (116) exposed. At least a second top portion of the first insulating material (116) is removed, the resist (120) is removed, and a second insulating material (216) is deposited over the wafer (100) to completely fill the isolation trenches (115).

Abstract: A method of providing isolation between element regions of a semiconductor memory device (200). Isolation trenches (211) are filled using several sequential anisotropic insulating material (216/226/230) HPD-CVD deposition processes, with each deposition process being followed by an isotropic etch back to remove the insulating material (216/226/230) from the isolation trench (211) sidewalls. A nitride liner (225) may be deposited after isolation trench (211) formation. A top portion of the nitride liner (225) may be removed prior to the deposition of the top insulating material (230) layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) cell is fabricated using a vertical access transistor and a storage capacitor formed in a vertical trench. A Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) region is used as a masking region to confine the channel region of the access transistor, the first and second output regions of the access transistor, and a strap region connecting the second output region to the storage capacitor, to a narrow portion of the trench. The so confined second output region of the access transistor has reduced leakage to similar second output regions of adjacent memory cells. Adjacent memory cells can then be placed closer to one another without an increase in leakage and cross-talk between adjacent memory cells.

Abstract: A photomask for lithographic processing, in accordance with the present invention, includes a plurality of features for providing an image pattern. The features are arranged in a column on a mask substrate. Each feature is dimensioned to provide an individual image separate from all other images provided by the photomask when exposed to light. A line feature is formed on the mask substrate and extends between and intersects with each of the plurality of features in the column. The line feature extends a length of images produced by the plurality of features arranged in the column when exposed to light wherein the images produced by each of the plurality of features and the line feature remain separate from each other.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device in which the bitlines and the bitline contacts are fabricated utilizing a single masking step in which line-space resist patterns are employed in defining the regions for the bitlines and the bitline contacts. The method utilizes a first line-space resist pattern and a second line-space resist pattern which is perpendicularly aligned to the first line-space resist pattern to form bitlines that are self-aligned to the bitline contacts.

Abstract: A method for forming isolation trenches for a semiconductor device forms, in a substrate, a plurality of trenches having different widths including widths above a threshold size and widths below a threshold size. The plurality of trenches have a same first depth. A masking layer is deposited in the plurality of trenches, the masking layer has a thickness sufficient to both line the trenches with the widths above the threshold size and completely fill the trenches with the widths below the threshold size. A portion of the substrate is exposed at a bottom of the trenches with the widths above the threshold size by etching the masking layer. The plurality of trenches is etched to extend the trenches with the widths above the threshold size to different depths.