Abstract: Structures for a photonics chip that include a photodetector and methods of forming such structures. The structure comprises a photodetector that is disposed on a substrate and that includes a light-absorbing layer. The light-absorbing layer includes a sidewall and a notch in the sidewall. The structure further comprises a waveguide core including a section adjacent to the notch in the sidewall of the light-absorbing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for implementing a Physically Unclonable Function (PUF)-based random number generator and a method for forming the structure. The structure includes same-type, same-design devices in a semiconductor layer. While values of a performance parameter exhibited by some devices (i.e., first devices) are within a range established based on the design, values of the same performance parameter exhibited by other devices (i.e., second devices) is outside that range. A random distribution of the first and second devices is achieved by including randomly patterned dopant implant regions in the semiconductor layer. Each first device is separated from the dopant implant regions such that its performance parameter value is within the range and each second device has a junction with dopant implant region(s) such that its performance parameter value is outside the range or vice versa. A random number generator can be operably connected to the devices to generate a PUF-based random number.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to transistors with faceted raised source/drain regions and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a substrate; a gate structure on the substrate; and faceted, raised source/drain regions adjacent to the gate structure and including at least two different semiconductor materials.

Abstract: An illustrative device disclosed herein includes a doped well region and a conductive well tap conductively coupled to the doped well region, the conductive well tap including first and second opposing sidewall surfaces. In this example the device also includes a first sidewall spacer that has a first vertical height positioned around the conductive well tap and a second sidewall spacer positioned adjacent the first sidewall spacer along the first and second opposing sidewall surfaces of the conductive well tap, wherein the second sidewall spacer has a second vertical height that is less than the first vertical height.

Abstract: A structure and method use different stress-inducing isolation dielectrics to induce appropriate stresses in different polarity FETs to improve performance of both type FETs. The structure may include a first stress-inducing isolation dielectric surrounding and contacting a first active region for a p-type field effect transistor (PFET), and a second stress-inducing isolation dielectric surrounding and contacting a second active region for an n-type field effect transistor (NFET). The first and second stress-inducing isolation dielectrics induce different types of stress, thus improving performance of both polarity of FETs.

Abstract: An illustrative device disclosed herein includes a doped well region and a conductive well tap conductively coupled to the doped well region, the conductive well tap including first and second opposing sidewall surfaces. In this example the device also includes a first sidewall spacer that has a first vertical height positioned around the conductive well tap and a second sidewall spacer positioned adjacent the first sidewall spacer along the first and second opposing sidewall surfaces of the conductive well tap, wherein the second sidewall spacer has a second vertical height that is less than the first vertical height.

Abstract: Structures and methods implement an enlarged waveguide. The structure may include a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) layer over a buried insulator layer over a semiconductor substrate. An inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer is over the SOI substrate. A first waveguide has a lower surface extending at least partially into the buried insulator layer, which allows vertical enlargement of the waveguide, without increasing the thickness of the ILD layer or increasing the length of interconnects to other devices. The enlarged waveguide may include nitride, and can be implemented with other conventional silicon and nitride waveguides.

Abstract: Structures and methods implement an enlarged waveguide. The structure may include a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) layer over a buried insulator layer over a semiconductor substrate. An inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer is over the SOI substrate. A first waveguide has a lower surface extending at least partially into the buried insulator layer, which allows vertical enlargement of the waveguide, without increasing the thickness of the ILD layer or increasing the length of interconnects to other devices. The enlarged waveguide may include nitride, and can be implemented with other conventional silicon and nitride waveguides.

Abstract: A structure and method use different stress-inducing isolation dielectrics to induce appropriate stresses in different polarity FETs to improve performance of both type FETs. The structure may include a first stress-inducing isolation dielectric surrounding and contacting a first active region for a p-type field effect transistor (PFET), and a second stress-inducing isolation dielectric surrounding and contacting a second active region for an n-type field effect transistor (NFET). The first and second stress-inducing isolation dielectrics induce different types of stress, thus improving performance of both polarity of FETs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for implementing a Physically Unclonable Function (PUF)-based random number generator and a method for forming the structure. The structure includes same-type, same-design devices in a semiconductor layer. While values of a performance parameter exhibited by some devices (i.e., first devices) are within a range established based on the design, values of the same performance parameter exhibited by other devices (i.e., second devices) is outside that range. A random distribution of the first and second devices is achieved by including randomly patterned dopant implant regions in the semiconductor layer. Each first device is separated from the dopant implant regions such that its performance parameter value is within the range and each second device has a junction with dopant implant region(s) such that its performance parameter value is outside the range or vice versa. A random number generator can be operably connected to the devices to generate a PUF-based random number.

Abstract: A method forms a trench isolation opening extending into an SOI substrate, and forms an etch stop member in a portion of the insulator layer abutting a side of the trench isolation opening. The etch stop member has a higher etch selectivity than the insulator layer of the SOI substrate. A trench isolation is formed in the trench isolation opening. A contact is formed to a portion of the semiconductor layer of the SOI substrate. The etch stop member is structured to prevent contact punch through to the base substrate of the SOI substrate.

Abstract: A method forms a trench isolation opening extending into an SOI substrate, and forms an etch stop member in a portion of the insulator layer abutting a side of the trench isolation opening. The etch stop member has a higher etch selectivity than the insulator layer of the SOI substrate. A trench isolation is formed in the trench isolation opening. A contact is formed to a portion of the semiconductor layer of the SOI substrate. The etch stop member is structured to prevent contact punch through to the base substrate of the SOI substrate.

Abstract: One disclosed method includes forming a fin in a substrate by etching a plurality of fin-formation trenches, forming a layer of insulating material in the trenches, performing a densification anneal process on the layer of insulating material and, after performing the densification anneal process, performing at least one ion implantation process to form a counter-doped well region in the fin. The method also includes forming an undoped semiconductor material on an exposed upper surface of the fin, recessing the insulating material so as to expose at least a portion of the undoped semiconductor material and forming a gate structure around the exposed portion of the undoped semiconductor material.