Abstract: Field effect transistor and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The field effect transistor includes a gate electrode, a contact etch stop layer (CESL), an inter layer dielectric (ILD) and a protection layer. The CESL includes SiCON and is disposed on a sidewall of the gate electrode. The IDL is laterally adjacent to the gate electrode. The protection layer covers the CESL and is disposed between the CESL and the ILD.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with a stop layer for planarization process therein and a method for forming the same is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: forming a trench in a substrate and between active areas; filling the trench with isolation layer; doping the isolation layer with an element to form a doped isolation region; annealing the doped isolation region; and planarizing the annealed and doped isolation region and measuring a planarization depth thereof. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the stop layer, the dielectric layer, and the active area are different.

Abstract: Semiconductor device structures having low-k features and methods of forming low-k features are described herein. Some examples relate to a surface modification layer, which may protect a low-k feature during subsequent processing. Some examples relate to gate spacers that include a low-k feature. Some examples relate to a low-k contact etch stop layer. Example methods are described for forming such features.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes: forming a semiconductor fin protruding from a substrate; depositing a spacer layer over the semiconductor fin; after the depositing the spacer layer over the semiconductor fin, implanting a first dopant in the spacer layer and depositing a dopant layer of the first dopant on the spacer layer in alternating repeating steps; removing the dopant layer; and performing a thermal anneal process to drive the first dopant into the semiconductor fin from the spacer layer.

Abstract: A method includes forming a semiconductor capping layer over a first fin in a first region of a substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor capping layer, and forming an insulation material over the dielectric layer, an upper surface of the insulation material extending further away from the substrate than an upper surface of the first fin. The method further includes recessing the insulation material to expose a top portion of the first fin, and forming a gate structure over the top portion of the first fin.

Abstract: A fin field-effect transistor (FinFET) structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The FinFET structure includes a first fin structure that protrudes from a first region of a substrate. A second fin structure protrudes from a second region of the substrate. Isolation regions cover lower portions of the first fin structure and the second fin structure and leave upper portions of the first fin structure and the second fin structure above the isolation regions. A first liner layer is positioned between the lower portion of the first fin structure and the isolation regions in the first region. A second liner layer covers the lower portion of the second fin structure and is positioned between the second fin structure and the isolation regions in the second region. The first liner layer and the second liner layer are formed of different materials.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure comprises the following steps. A silane-base precursor having a volumetric flowrate of 500 to 750 sccm and a nitrogen-base precursor having a volumetric flowrate of 300 to 600 sccm are introduced and mixed under a first pressure ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 torr at a first temperature ranging from 30 to 105 centigrade to deposit a flowable dielectric layer in a trench of a substrate. Then, ozone gas and oxygen gas are introduced and mixed under a second pressure ranging from 300 to 650 torr at a second temperature ranging from 50 to 250 centigrade to treat the flowable dielectric layer, wherein a volumetric flowrate ratio of ozone gas and oxygen gas ranges from 1:1 to 3:1. A method for fabricating a FinFET is provided.

Abstract: A method includes forming a flowable dielectric layer in a trench of a substrate; curing the flowable dielectric layer; and annealing the cured flowable dielectric layer to form an insulation structure and a liner layer. The insulation structure is formed in the trench, the liner layer is formed between the insulation structure and the substrate, and the liner layer includes nitrogen.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with a stop layer for planarization process therein and a method for forming the same is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: forming a trench in a substrate and between active areas; filling the trench with isolation layer; doping the isolation layer with an element to form a doped isolation region; annealing the doped isolation region; and planarizing the annealed and doped isolation region and measuring a planarization depth thereof. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the stop layer, the dielectric layer, and the active area are different.

Abstract: A trench structure of a semiconductor device includes a substrate, an isolation structure, and a liner layer. The substrate has a trench therein. The isolation structure is disposed in the trench. The liner layer is disposed between the substrate and the isolation structure. The liner layer includes nitrogen, and the liner layer has spatially various nitrogen concentration.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with a stop layer for planarization process therein and a method for forming the same is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: forming a trench in a substrate and between active areas; filling the trench with isolation layer; doping the isolation layer with an element to form a doped isolation region; annealing the doped isolation region; and planarizing the annealed and doped isolation region and measuring a planarization depth thereof. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the stop layer, the dielectric layer, and the active area are different.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure comprises the following steps. A silane-base precursor having a volumetric flowrate of 500 to 750 sccm and a nitrogen-base precursor having a volumetric flowrate of 300 to 600 sccm are introduced and mixed under a first pressure ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 torr at a first temperature ranging from 30 to 105 centigrade to deposit a flowable dielectric layer in a trench of a substrate. Then, ozone gas and oxygen gas are introduced and mixed under a second pressure ranging from 300 to 650 torr at a second temperature ranging from 50 to 250 centigrade to treat the flowable dielectric layer, wherein a volumetric flowrate ratio of ozone gas and oxygen gas ranges from 1:1 to 3:1. A method for fabricating a FinFET is provided.

Abstract: A fin field effect transistor (FinFET) including a substrate, a plurality of insulators, and a gate stack is provided. The substrate includes a plurality of trenches and at least one semiconductor fin between the trenches. The insulators are disposed in the trenches and include doped regions distributed therein. The gate stack partially covers the at least one semiconductor fin and the insulators. A method for fabricating the aforesaid FinFET is also discussed.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with a stop layer for planarization process therein and a method for forming the same is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: forming a trench in a substrate and between active areas; filling the trench with isolation layer; doping the isolation layer with an element to form a doped isolation region; annealing the doped isolation region; and planarizing the annealed and doped isolation region and measuring a planarization depth thereof. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the stop layer, the dielectric layer, and the active area are different.

Abstract: A trench structure of a semiconductor device includes a substrate, an isolation structure, and a liner layer. The substrate has a trench therein. The isolation structure is disposed in the trench. The liner layer is disposed between the substrate and the isolation structure. The liner layer includes nitrogen, and the liner layer has spatially various nitrogen concentration.