Abstract: Integrated circuit transistors may be fabricated by simultaneously removing a photoresist layer on a first active area of an integrated circuit substrate and a carbon-containing layer on a second active area of the integrated circuit substrate, to expose a nitride stress-generating layer on the second active area. A single mask may be used to define the second active area for removal of the photoresist layer on the first active area and for implanting source/drain regions into the second active area.

Abstract: Integrated circuit transistors may be fabricated by simultaneously removing a photoresist layer on a first active area of an integrated circuit substrate and a carbon-containing layer on a second active area of the integrated circuit substrate, to expose a nitride stress-generating layer on the second active area. A single mask may be used to define the second active area for removal of the photoresist layer on the first active area and for implanting source/drain regions into the second active area.

Abstract: A method for making concurrently metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors and a metal resistors in a Cu damascene back-end-of-line process is achieved. The method forms a Cu capacitor bottom metal plate using a dual-damascene process. A Si3N4 or SiC is deposited to form a capacitor dielectric layer on the Cu bottom plate. A metal layer having an upper etch-stop layer is deposited and patterned to form concurrently capacitor top plates and metal resistors. The patterning is terminated in the capacitor dielectric layer to prevent Cu particle contamination. An insulating layer is deposited and via holes are etched to the capacitor top plates and the metal resistors using the upper etch-stop layer to prevent overetching and damage. The method provides a MIM capacitor using only one additional photoresist mask while improving process yield.

Abstract: A method is described for forming gate sidewall spacers having different widths. The variation in spacer width allows for optimization of the MOSFET characteristics by changing the dimensions of the lightly doped source/drain extensions. The process is achieved using a method where the gate structure, comprising the gate electrode and gate oxide, is formed by conventional techniques upon a substrate. Lightly doped source drain extensions are implanted into the substrate not protected by the gate structure. The exposed substrate and gate structure are then covered with an insulating liner layer. This is followed by an etch stop layer deposition over the insulating liner layer. A first spacer oxide layer is then deposited over the etch stop layer. Areas where thicker spacers are desired are masked, and the unmasked spacer oxide layer is removed. The mask is then stripped away and additional spacer oxide is grown over the entire surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a gate stack having an endpoint detect layer and a multi-step etch process to prevent damage to a gate dielectric layer. The special endpoint detect layer emits an endpoint signal that allows the etch chemistry to be changed to a more selective polysilicon to oxide ratio to prevent damage to the gate oxide layer. The invention begins by forming a gate dielectric layer over a substrate. We then form an endpoint detect layer over the gate dielectric layer. A gate stack is formed over the bottom silicon layer. Then a mask is formed over the gate stack. The mask defines a gate electrode. We etch the gate stack and the endpoint detect layer using a multi-step etch comprising at least 3 steps. In a main etch step, the gate stack and the endpoint detect layer are etched using a first etch chemistry. Upon an endpoint detection signal generated by etching the gate stack, the first etch step is stopped.