Abstract: An integrated circuit device having a reduced buried contact resistance is achieved. A gate electrode lies on the surface of a semiconductor substrate. Source/drain regions within the semiconductor substrate surround the gate electrode. A polysilicon contact lies on the surface of the semiconductor substrate. A buried contact junction underlies the polysilicon contact and adjoins one of the source/drain regions. A doped polysilicon layer partially fills a trench in the semiconductor substrate at the junction between the buried contact junction and one of the source/drain regions wherein the doped polysilicon layer provides a conduction channel between the source/drain region and the adjoining buried contact junction.

Abstract: A new method of forming improved buried contact junctions is described. A first layer of polysilicon is deposited overlying a gate silicon oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate. These layers are etched away to provide an opening to the semiconductor substrate where the planned buried contact junction will be formed. A second polysilicon layer is deposited overlying the first polysilicon layer and the planned buried contact junction. Dopant is driven in from the second polysilicon layer to form the buried contact junction. The second polysilicon layer is etched away to provide a polysilicon contact overlying the buried contact junction and providing an opening to the semiconductor substrate where a planned source/drain region will be formed adjacent to the buried contact junction wherein a portion of the second polysilicon layer remains as residue. The residue is etched away whereby a trench is etched into the substrate at the junction of the planned source/drain region and the buried contact junction.