Abstract: The invention is a storage cell capacitor and a method for forming the storage cell capacitor having a storage node electrode having a barrier layer interposed between a conductive plug and an oxidation resistant layer. A thick insulative layer protects the sidewalls of the barrier layer during the deposition and anneal of a dielectric layer having a high dielectric constant. The method comprises forming the conductive plug in a thick layer of insulative material such as oxide or oxide/nitride. The conductive plug is recessed from a planarized top surface of the thick insulative layer. The barrier layer is then formed in the recess. The process is continued with a formation of a second insulative layer, a potion of which is removed to form an opening exposing a portion of the barrier layer. An oxidation resistant conductive layer is deposited in the recess and forms at least a portion the storage node electrode of the capacitor.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed which facilitate improved high-density memory circuitry, most preferably dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuitry. A semiconductor memory device includes i) a total of no more than 68,000,000 functional and operably addressable memory cells arranged in multiple memory arrays formed on a semiconductor die; and ii) circuitry formed on the semiconductor die permitting data to be written to and read from one or more of the memory cells, at least one of the memory arrays containing at least 100 square microns of continuous die surface area having at least 128 of the functional and operably addressable memory cells, more preferably, at least 100 square microns of continuous die surface area having at least 170 of the functional and operably addressable memory cells.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed which facilitate improved high-density memory circuitry, most preferably dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuitry. In accordance with aspects of the invention, considerably greater numbers of die sites per wafer are achieved for 6-inch, 8-inch and 12-inch wafers for 4M, 16M, 64M and 256M integration levels. Further, a semiconductor memory device includes i) a plurality of functional and operably addressable memory cells arranged in multiple memory arrays formed on a semiconductor die; and ii) circuitry formed on the semiconductor die permitting data to be written to and read from one or more of the memory cells, at least one of the memory arrays containing at least 100 square microns of continuous die surface area having at least 170 of the functional and operably addressable memory cells.

Abstract: This invention is a process for forming an effective titanium nitride barrier layer between the upper surface of a polysilicon plug formed in a thick dielectric layer and a platinum lower capacitor plate in a dynamic random access memory which is being fabricated on a silicon wafer.

Abstract: A method of forming isolation structures in semiconductor substrates comprising exposing a region of the semiconductor simultaneously to a transforming agent and to a viscosity reducing agent so that the transforming agent transforms a portion of the substrate into an isolation structure and the viscosity reducing agent reduces the viscosity of the isolation structure during formation. In one embodiment, a silicon substrate is exposed to oxygen in the presence of fluorine so that a silicon oxide isolation region is formed. The fluorine reduces the viscosity of the silicon oxide isolation region during formation which results in less lateral, bird's beak encroachment under adjacent masking stacks and also results in lower internal stress in the isolation region during formation. The lower internal stress and the lessened lateral encroachment result in thicker and improved isolation regions.

Abstract: A method of forming isolation structures in semiconductor substrates comprising exposing a region of the semiconductor simultaneously to a transforming agent and to a viscosity reducing agent so that the transforming agent transforms a portion of the substrate into an isolation structure and the viscosity reducing agent reduces the viscosity of the isolation structure during formation. In one embodiment, a silicon substrate is exposed to oxygen in the presence of fluorine so that a silicon oxide isolation region is formed. The fluorine reduces the viscosity of the silicon oxide isolation region during formation which results in less lateral, bird's beak encroachment under adjacent masking stacks and also results in lower internal stress in the isolation region during formation. The lower internal stress and the lessened lateral encroachment result in thicker and improved isolation regions.

Abstract: The invention is a storage cell capacitor and a method for forming the storage cell capacitor having a storage node electrode comprising a barrier layer interposed between a conductive plug and an oxidation resistant layer. A thick insulative layer protects the sidewalls of the barrier layer during the deposition and anneal of a dielectric layer having a high dielectric constant. The method comprises forming the conductive plug in a thick layer of insulative material such as oxide or oxide/nitride. The conductive plug is recessed from a planarized top surface of the thick insulative layer. The barrier layer is then formed in the recess. The process is continued with a formation of a second insulative layer, a potion of which is removed to form an opening exposing a portion of the barrier layer. An oxidation resistant conductive layer is deposited in the recess and forms at least a portion the storage node electrode of the capacitor.

Abstract: A storage cell capacitor and a method for forming the storage cell capacitor having a storage node electrode including a barrier layer interposed between a conductive plug and an oxidation resistant layer. A layer of titanium silicide is fabricated to lie between the conductive plug and the oxidation resistant layer. An insulative layer protects the sidewalls of the barrier layer during the deposition and anneal of a dielectric layer having a high dielectric constant.

Abstract: This invention is a process for forming an effective titanium nitride barrier layer between the upper surface of a polysilicon plug formed in a thick dielectric layer and a platinum lower capacitor plate in a dynamic random access memory which is being fabricated on a silicon wafer.

Abstract: Capacitors and methods of forming capacitors are described. According to one implementation, a capacitor opening is formed over a substrate node location. Electrically conductive material is subsequently formed within the capacitor opening and makes an electrical connection with the node location. A protuberant insulative structure is formed within the capacitor opening and includes a lateral outer surface at least a portion of which is supported by and extends elevationally below adjacent conductive material. First and second capacitor plates and a dielectric layer therebetween are formed within the capacitor opening and supported by the protuberant structure. In one aspect, the conductive material is formed to occupy less than all of the capacitor opening and to leave a void therewithin, with the protuberant structure substantially, if not completely filling in the void.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed which facilitate improved high-density memory circuitry, most preferably dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuitry. Considerably greater numbers of die sites per wafer are achieved for 6 inch, 8 inch and 12 inch wafers for 4M, 16M, 64M, and 256M integration levels. Further, an integrated circuit includes a semiconductor die, a plurality of functional and operably addressable memory cells arranged in at least one array formed on the semiconductor die, and circuitry formed on the semiconductor die and coupled to the memory cells for permitting data to be written to and read from the memory cells, wherein at least one area of 100 square microns of continuous surface area of the die has at least 170 of the memory cells.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed which facilitate improved high density memory circuitry, most preferably dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuitry. An integrated circuit includes a semiconductor die; a plurality of functional and operably addressable memory cells arranged in at least one array formed on the semiconductor die; and circuitry formed on the semiconductor die and coupled to the memory cells for permitting data to be written to and read from the memory cells. The memory cells are formed with a minimum capable photolithographic feature dimension, and a single one of the memory cells consumes an area of no more than eight times the square of the minimum capable photolithographic feature dimension.

Abstract: The invention is a storage cell capacitor and a method for forming the storage cell capacitor having a storage node electrode comprising a barrier layer interposed between a conductive plug and an oxidation resistant layer. A layer of titanium silicide is fabricated to lie between the conductive plug and the oxidation resistant layer. A thick insulative layer protects the sidewalls of the barrier layer during the deposition and anneal of a dielectric layer having a high dielectric constant. The method comprises forming the conductive plug in a thick layer of insulative material such as oxide or oxide/nitride. The conductive plug is recessed from a planarized top surface of the thick insulative layer. Titanium is deposited and a rapid thermal anneal is performed. The titanium reacts with silicide of the conductive plug to form TiSi at the bottom of the recess. Unreacted Ti is removed. The barrier layer is then formed in the recess.

Abstract: The invention is a storage cell capacitor and a method for forming the storage cell capacitor having a storage node electrode comprising a barrier layer interposed between a conductive plug and an oxidation resistant layer. A layer of titanium silicide is fabricated to lie between the conductive plug and the oxidation resistant layer. A thick insulative layer protects the sidewalls of the barrier layer during the deposition and anneal of a dielectric layer having a high dielectric constant. The method comprises forming the conductive plug in a thick layer of insulative material such as oxide or oxide/nitride. The conductive plug is recessed from a planarized top surface of the thick insulative layer. Titanium is deposited and a rapid thermal anneal is performed. The titanium reacts with silicide of the conductive plug to form TiSi at the bottom of the recess. Unreacted Ti is removed. The barrier layer is then formed in the recess.

Abstract: The invention is a storage cell capacitor and a method for forming the storage cell capacitor having a storage node electrode comprising a barrier layer interposed between a conductive plug and an oxidation resistant layer. A thick insulative layer protects the sidewalls of the barrier layer during the deposition and anneal of a dielectric layer having a high dielectric constant. The method comprises forming the conductive plug in a thick layer of insulative material such as oxide or oxide/nitride. The conductive plug is recessed from a planarized top surface of the thick insulative layer. The barrier layer is then formed in the recess. The process is continued with a formation of a second insulative layer, a potion of which is removed to form an opening exposing a portion of the barrier layer. An oxidation resistant conductive layer is deposited in the recess and forms at least a portion the storage node electrode of the capacitor.

Abstract: A method of forming a capacitor includes, a) providing a node to which electrical connection to a first capacitor plate is to be made; b) then, providing a finned lower capacitor plate in ohmic electrical connection with the node using no more than one photomasking step; and c) providing a capacitor dielectric layer and a conductive second capacitor plate layer over the conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of forming isolation structures in semiconductor substrates comprising exposing a region of the semiconductor simultaneously to a transforming agent and to a viscosity reducing agent so that the transforming agent transforms a portion of the substrate into an isolation structure and the viscosity reducing agent reduces the viscosity of the isolation structure during formation. In one embodiment, a silicon substrate is exposed to oxygen in the presence of fluorine so that a silicon oxide isolation region is formed. The fluorine reduces the viscosity of the silicon oxide isolation region during formation which results in less lateral, bird's beak encroachment under adjacent masking stacks and also results in lower internal stress in the isolation region during formation. The lower internal stress and the lessened lateral encroachment result in thicker and improved isolation regions.

Abstract: A microelectronic device includes a field oxide isolation pad which extends from a trench formed in a microelectronic substrate by a height which is less than approximately two times the height of a gate structure formed on the microelectronic substrate. Spacers are formed around the gate structures, although little or no spacer forms around the isolation pad.

Abstract: A method of forming isolation structures in semiconductor substrates comprising exposing a region of the semiconductor simultaneously to a transforming agent and to a viscosity reducing agent so that the transforming agent transforms a portion of the substrate into an isolation structure and the viscosity reducing agent reduces the viscosity of the isolation structure during formation. In one embodiment, a silicon substrate is exposed to oxygen in the presence of fluorine so that a silicon oxide isolation region is formed. The fluorine reduces the viscosity of the silicon oxide isolation region during formation which results in less lateral, bird's beak encroachment under adjacent masking stacks and also results in lower internal stress in the isolation region during formation. The lower internal stress and the lessened lateral encroachment result in thicker and improved isolation regions.

Abstract: A microelectronic device includes a field oxide isolation pad which extends from a trench formed in a microelectronic substrate by a height which is less than approximately two times the height of a gate structure formed on the microelectronic substrate. Spacers are formed around the gate structures, although little or no spacer forms around the isolation pad.