Abstract: Integrated circuit structures having channel cap reduction, and methods of fabricating integrated circuit structures having channel cap reduction, are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a sub-fin structure beneath a stack of nanowires, the stack of nanowires having a first end and a second end. A dielectric cap has a first portion vertically over the first end of the stack of nanowires and has a second portion vertically over the second end of the stack of nanowires. The dielectric cap is not vertically over a location between the first end and the second end of the stack of nanowires. A gate electrode is over and around the stack of nanowires and laterally between the first and second portions of the dielectric cap. A gate dielectric structure is between the gate electrode and the stack of nanowires.

Abstract: Integrated circuit structures having gate cut plugs removed from trench contacts, and methods of fabricating integrated circuit structures having gate cut plugs removed from trench contacts, are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a vertical stack of horizontal nanowires. A gate electrode is over the vertical stack of horizontal nanowires. A conductive trench contact is adjacent to the gate electrode. A dielectric sidewall spacer is between the gate electrode and the conductive trench contact. A gate cut plug extends through the gate electrode and the dielectric sidewall spacer. The gate cut plug extends to and is conformal with a side of the conductive trench contact.

Abstract: Integrated circuit structures having backside self-aligned conductive source or drain contacts, and methods of fabricating integrated circuit structures having backside self-aligned conductive source or drain contacts, are described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a sub-fin structure over a vertical stack of horizontal nanowires. An epitaxial source or drain structure is laterally adjacent and coupled to the vertical stack of horizontal nanowires. A conductive source or drain contact is laterally adjacent to the sub-fin structure and is on and in contact with the epitaxial source or drain structure. The conductive source or drain contact does not extend around the epitaxial source or drain structure.

Abstract: Spacer self-aligned via structures for gate contact or trench contact are described. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a plurality of gate structures above a substrate. A plurality of conductive trench contact structures is alternating with the plurality of gate structures. A corresponding one of a plurality of dielectric spacers is between adjacent ones of the plurality of gate structures and the plurality of conductive trench contact structures. The plurality of dielectric spacers protrudes above the plurality of gate structures and above the plurality of conductive trench contact structures. A conductive structure is in direct contact with one of the plurality of gate structures or with one of the plurality of conductive trench contact structures. The conductive structure has a flat edge along a direction across the one of the plurality of gate structures or the one of the plurality of conductive trench contact structures.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein to form fin cut structures, or fin isolation structures, after the metal gate has been formed. In an example, a row of semiconductor devices each include a semiconductor region extending in a first direction between a source region and a drain region, and a gate structure extending in a second direction over the semiconductor regions of each neighboring semiconductor device along the row. A fin cut structure that includes a dielectric material interrupts the gate structure and replaces the semiconductor region of one of the semiconductor devices, effectively cutting through the length of the semiconductor device fin (or nanoribbons). The gate structure is formed first followed by removing a portion of the gate structure and removing the semiconductor region of one of the semiconductor devices to form the fin cut structure. In this way, the fin cut structure does not interfere when forming the gate structure.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein to form an integrated circuit having gate cut structures or plug structures between source or drain regions, with an angled cut made to the top portion of the structures. In an example, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor region extending between source and drain regions, and a gate structure extending over the semiconductor region. A gate cut structure is present adjacent to the semiconductor device and interrupts the gate structure. The gate cut structure has a first width along a first plane that extends through the semiconductor region and a second width along a second plane parallel to the first plane and above the semiconductor region, where the first width is greater than the second width. Similar angled plug structures may be provided adjacent to the source and drain regions to increase the landing area made to the metal contacts on the source and drain regions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are in the field of integrated circuit structure fabrication. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a dielectric material structure having a trench therein. A conductive interconnect line in the trench, the conductive interconnect line having a length and a width, the width having a cross-sectional profile, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the width of the conductive interconnect line has a bottom lateral width, a mid-height lateral width, and a top lateral width, and wherein the mid-height lateral width is greater than the bottom lateral width, and the mid-height lateral width is greater than the top lateral width.

Abstract: Techniques for improved extreme ultraviolet (EUV) patterning using assist features, related transistor structures, integrated circuits, and systems, are disclosed. A number of semiconductor fins and assist features are patterned into a semiconductor substrate using EUV. The assist features increase coverage of absorber material in the EUV mask, thereby reducing bright field defects in the EUV patterning. The semiconductor fins and assist features are buried in fill material and a mask is patterned that exposes the assist features and covers the semiconductor fins. The exposed assist features are partially removed and the protected active fins are ultimately used in transistor devices.

Abstract: Fin cuts in neighboring gate and source or drain regions for advanced integrated circuit structure fabrication is described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a horizontal stack of semiconductor nanowire portions. A dielectric gate spacer is vertically over the horizontal stack of semiconductor nanowire portions. A gate isolation structure is laterally adjacent to a first side of the horizontal stack of semiconductor nanowire portions. A source or drain isolation structure is laterally adjacent to a second side of the horizontal stack of semiconductor nanowire portions.

Abstract: Gate aligned fin cut for advanced integrated circuit structure fabrication is described. For example, an integrated circuit structure includes a first fin segment having a fin end, and a second fin segment spaced apart from the first fin segment, the second fin segment having a fin end facing the fin end of the first fin segment. A first gate structure is over the first fin segment, the first gate structure substantially vertically aligned with the fin end of the first fin segment. A second gate structure is over the second fin segment, the second gate structure substantially vertically aligned with the fin end of the second fin segment. An isolation structure is laterally between the fin end of the first fin segment and the fin end of the second fin segment.

Abstract: Spacer self-aligned via structures for gate contact or trench contact are described. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a plurality of gate structures above a substrate. A plurality of conductive trench contact structures is alternating with the plurality of gate structures. The integrated circuit structure also includes a plurality of dielectric spacers, a corresponding one of the plurality of dielectric spacers between adjacent ones of the plurality of gate structures and the plurality of conductive trench contact structures, wherein the plurality of dielectric spacers protrudes above the plurality of gate structures and above the plurality of conductive trench contact structures. A conductive structure is in direct contact with one of the plurality of gate structures or with one of the plurality of conductive trench contact structures.