Abstract: Methods of forming integrated circuit capacitors include the steps of forming a first electrically insulating layer having a conductive plug therein, on a semiconductor substrate, and then forming second and third electrically insulating layers of different materials on the first electrically insulating layer. A contact hole is then formed to extend through the second and third electrically insulating layers and expose the conductive plug. Next, a conductive layer is formed in the contact hole and on the third electrically insulating layer. A step is then performed to planarize the conductive layer to define a U-shaped electrode in the contact hole. The third electrically insulating layer is then etched-back to expose upper portions of outer sidewalls of the U-shaped electrode, using the second electrically insulating layer as an etch stop layer. However, the second electrically insulating layer is not removed but is left to act as a supporting layer for the U-shaped electrode.

Abstract: Methods of forming integrated circuit capacitors include the steps of forming a first electrically insulating layer having a conductive plug therein, on a semiconductor substrate, and then forming second and third electrically insulating layers of different materials on the first electrically insulating layer. A contact hole is then formed to extend through the second and third electrically insulating layers and expose the conductive plug. Next, a conductive layer is formed in the contact hole and on the third electrically insulating layer. A step is then performed to planarize the conductive layer to define a U-shaped electrode in the contact hole. The third electrically insulating layer is then etched-back to expose upper portions of outer sidewalls of the U-shaped electrode, using the second electrically insulating layer as an etch stop layer. However, the second electrically insulating layer is not removed but is left to act as a supporting layer for the U-shaped electrode.

Abstract: Integrated circuit capacitors include a U-shaped capacitor electrode on a substrate and an HSG silicon layer extending on an inner surface of the U-shaped capacitor electrode. A HSG protection layer comprising silicon nitride is also provided. The HSG protection layer extends on the HSG silicon layer but not on an outer surface of the U-shaped capacitor electrode. A first capacitor dielectric layer comprising silicon nitride extends on the silicon nitride HSG protection layer and on the outer surface of the U-shaped capacitor electrode. A second capacitor dielectric layer comprising an oxide extends on the first capacitor dielectric layer and an upper capacitor electrode extends on the second capacitor dielectric layer.