Abstract: A method comprises applying a first patterning process to a first photoresist layer to form a first opening, a second opening, a third opening and a fourth opening in the sacrificial layer, applying a second patterning process to a second photoresist layer to form a fifth opening, a sixth opening, a seventh opening and an eighth opening in the sacrificial layer, wherein distances between two adjacent openings formed from the first and second patterning processes are substantially equal to each other, applying a third patterning process to a third photoresist layer to form a ninth opening, a tenth opening, an eleventh opening and a twelfth opening in the sacrificial layer, wherein distances between two adjacent openings formed from the second and third patterning processes are substantially equal to each other and forming a plurality of nanowires based on the openings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relate to a method to an integrated chip having a source/drain self-aligned contact to a transistor or other semiconductor device. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a pair of gate structures including a gate electrode arranged over a substrate and an insulating material arranged over the gate electrode. A source/drain region is arranged within the substrate between the pair of gate structures. An etch stop layer is arranged along sidewalls of the pair of gate structures and over the source/drain region, and a dielectric layer is over the insulating material. A source/drain contact is arranged over the insulating material and the etch stop layer and is separated from the sidewalls of the pair of gate structures by the etch stop layer. The source/drain contact is electrically coupled to the source/drain region.

Abstract: A method includes providing a semiconductor structure that includes an epitaxial layer and a cap layer above the epitaxial layer, filling a trench above the cap layer with a sacrificial layer, and removing the sacrificial layer. As such, the cap layer is protected by the sacrificial layer during an etching process and the epitaxial layer is protected by the cap layer during another etching process.

Abstract: A device comprises a first group of nanowires having a first pattern, a second group of nanowires having a second pattern, a third group of nanowires having a third pattern and a fourth group of nanowires having a fourth pattern, wherein the first pattern, the second pattern, the third pattern and the fourth pattern form a repeating pattern.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method to form a source/drain self-aligned contact to a transistor or other semiconductor device. The method comprises forming a pair of gate structures over a substrate, and forming a source/drain region between the pair of gate structures. The method further comprises forming a sacrificial source/drain contact which is arranged over the source/drain region and which is arranged laterally between neighboring sidewalls of the pair of gate structures. The method further comprises forming a dielectric layer which extends over the sacrificial source/drain contact and over the pair of gate structures. The dielectric layer differs from the sacrificial source/drain contact. The method further comprises removing a portion of the dielectric layer over the sacrificial source/drain contact and subsequently removing the sacrificial source/drain contact to form a recess, and filling the recess with a conductive material to form a source/drain contact.

Abstract: A method of forming a MOSFET structure is provided. In the method, an epitaxial layer is formed. A cap layer is formed above the epitaxial layer. A first trench is formed above the epitaxial layer. A protection layer is deposited within the first trench. The protection layer is a material selected from the group consisting of germanium and silicon-germanium.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first Inter-Layer Dielectric (ILD), a gate stack in the first ILD, a second ILD over the first ILD, a contact plug in the second ILD, and a dielectric protection layer on opposite sides of, and in contact with, the contact plug. The contact plug and the dielectric protection layer are in the second ILD. A dielectric capping layer is over and in contact with the contact plug.

Abstract: A device comprises a first group of nanowires having a first pattern, a second group of nanowires having a second pattern, a third group of nanowires having a third pattern and a fourth group of nanowires having a fourth pattern, wherein the first pattern, the second pattern, the third pattern and the fourth pattern form a repeating pattern.

Abstract: A method includes forming a pattern-reservation layer over a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a major surface. A first self-aligned multi-patterning process is performed to pattern a pattern-reservation layer. The remaining portions of the pattern-reservation layer include pattern-reservation strips extending in a first direction that is parallel to the major surface of the semiconductor substrate. A second self-aligned multi-patterning process is performed to pattern the pattern-reservation layer in a second direction parallel to the major surface of the semiconductor substrate. The remaining portions of the pattern-reservation layer include patterned features. The patterned features are used as an etching mask to form semiconductor nanowires by etching the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method to form a source/drain self-aligned contact to a transistor or other semiconductor device. The method comprises forming a pair of gate structures over a substrate, and forming a source/drain region between the pair of gate structures. The method further comprises forming a sacrificial source/drain contact which is arranged over the source/drain region and which is arranged laterally between neighboring sidewalls of the pair of gate structures. The method further comprises forming a dielectric layer which extends over the sacrificial source/drain contact and over the pair of gate structures. The dielectric layer differs from the sacrificial source/drain contact. The method further comprises removing a portion of the dielectric layer over the sacrificial source/drain contact and subsequently removing the sacrificial source/drain contact to form a recess, and filling the recess with a conductive material to form a source/drain contact.

Abstract: A method of forming a MOSFET structure is provided. In the method, an epitaxial layer is formed. A cap layer is formed above the epitaxial layer. A first trench is formed above the epitaxial layer. A protection layer is deposited within the first trench. The protection layer is a material selected from the group consisting of germanium and silicon-germanium.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery and a lithium-ion battery electrode structure are disclosed. The lithium-ion battery electrode structure comprises a metal foil and a semiconductor nanowire matrix. The semiconductor nanowire matrix is disposed on the metal foil, and is doped with dopants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium battery including a silicon negative electrode, a lithium mixed metal oxide positive electrode, a separator disposed between the negative and positive electrodes to define a reservoir region, an electrolytic solution filled in the reservoir region, and a sealant structure wrapped around the silicon negative electrode, the lithium mixed metal oxide positive electrode, the separator, and the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution includes an organic solvent, a lithium salt, and an additive. The additive includes a maleimide compound and vinylene carbonate. The silicon negative electrode of the lithium battery employing the described electrolytic solution has higher cycle efficiency and longer operating lifespan.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium battery including a silicon negative electrode, a lithium mixed metal oxide positive electrode, a separator disposed between the negative and positive electrodes to define a reservoir region, an electrolytic solution filled in the reservoir region, and a sealant structure wrapped around the silicon negative electrode, the lithium mixed metal oxide positive electrode, the separator, and the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution includes an organic solvent, a lithium salt, and an additive. The additive includes a maleimide compound and vinylene carbonate. The silicon negative electrode of the lithium battery employing the described electrolytic solution has higher cycle efficiency and longer operating lifespan.