Abstract: Field effect transistor devices comprising III-V semiconductors and organic gate dielectric materials, such dielectric materials as can afford flexibility in device design and fabrication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring living cells or similar biocomponents comprising a field effect transistor which is provided with a source, a drain and a channel area placed on a substrate. Said channel area connects said source and drain and is provided with a gate-electrode mounted thereon. The gate electrode has at least two laterally disposed parallel electrode areas which are perpendicular to a direction in which the channel area connects the source to the drain in such a way that they are distant and electrically insulated from each other.

Abstract: A field ionization device can include a first insulator layer on a first side of a substrate, a conductive gate layer on the first insulator layer, a cavity in the substrate, a portion of first insulator over the cavity, an aperture in the portion of the first insulator layer and the conductive gate layer thereby forming an aperture and aperture sidewall. The device can include a second insulator layer on the aperture sidewall and surface of the cavity, a metallization layer over the second insulator layer, a catalyst layer on the metallization layer, and a carbon nanotube. The cavity can be made by etching a second side of the substrate to near the insulator layer, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. The carbon nanotube can be grown from the catalyst layer. The device can further include a collector located near the carbon nanotube. The conductive gate layer can be biased negative with respect to the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. A non-volatile memory device may include a semiconductor substrate including a body and at least one pair of fins vertically protruding from the body and spaced apart from each other, and at least one control gate electrode on at least portions of outer side surfaces of the at least one pair of fins and extending onto top portions of the at least one pair of fins on an angle with the at least one pair of fins. The non-volatile memory device may further include at least one pair of gate insulating layers between the at least one control gate electrode and the at least one pair of fins, and at least one pair of storage node layers between the at least one pair of gate insulating layers and at least a portion of the at least one control gate electrode. The at least one control gate electrode may extend onto top portions of the at least one pair of fins in a zigzag fashion.

Abstract: A curled transistor comprises a coiled semiconductor substrate having a plurality of concentrically curled layers. Source and drain regions are configured on a portion of the coiled semiconductor substrate, and a gate dielectric is positioned between the source and drain regions. A first set of metallic contacts electrically couple to the source region on the coiled semiconductor substrate and a second set of metallic contacts electrically couple to the drain region on the coiled semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a convex portion of a first conductive type protruding from a semiconductor substrate between insulating films formed on the semiconductor substrate in an upper direction than the insulating films. A gate insulating film contains nitrogen and is formed on at least a portion of the convex portion. A gate electrode is formed on the gate insulating film to contain an impurity of a same conductive type as the first conductive type.

Abstract: A nitrogenated carbon electrode suitable for use in a chalcogenide device and method of making the same are described. The electrode comprises nitrogenated carbon and is in electrical communication with a chalcogenide material. The nitrogenated carbon material may be produced by combining nitrogen and vaporized carbon in a physical vapor deposition process.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes: a first conductive layer; a second conductive layer; a first insulating film; a first plug; a second plug; a second insulating film having a first opening and a second opening; a first metal film; a second metal film; a first capacitor insulating film formed on the first metal film; a second capacitor insulating film formed on the second metal film; and a third metal film. The second metal film is formed so that an end thereof located away from the first opening extends onto the top surface of the second insulating film. The second metal film is connected at its extending portion to the third metal film.

Abstract: To securely prevent hydrogen from entering a ferroelectric layer of a ferroelectric memory. A first hydrogen barrier layer 5 is formed on the lower side of ferroelectric capacitors 7. Upper surfaces and side surfaces of the ferroelectric capacitors 7 are covered by a second hydrogen barrier layer. All upper electrodes 7c of the plural ferroelectric capacitors 7 to be connected to a common plate line P are connected to one another by an upper wiring layer 91. The upper wiring layer 91 is connected to the plate line P through a lower wiring 32 provided below the ferroelectric capacitors 7. A third hydrogen barrier layer 92 is formed on the upper wiring layer 91 such that all edge sections 92a of the third hydrogen barrier layer 92 come in contact with the first hydrogen barrier layer 5.

Abstract: Container structures for use in integrated circuits and methods of their manufacture. The container structures have a dielectric cap on the top of a conductive container to reduce the risk of container-to-container shorting by insulating against bridging of conductive debris across the tops of adjacent container structures. The container structures are adapted for use in memory cells and apparatus incorporating such memory cells, as well as other integrated circuits.

Abstract: A transistor including a semiconductor substrate defined with an active region and a device isolation region, a gate formed on the semiconductor substrate, an insulating spacers formed on respective side walls of the gate, and source/drain junctions formed in the semiconductor substrate at opposite sides of the gate, the source/drain junctions having asymmetrical junction structures, respectively, wherein the gate has a lower portion arranged on the active region of the substrate, the lower gate portion having a stepped profile having a lower surface, an upper surface and a vertically-extending side surface. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing this transistor. In accordance with this transistor structure, an increase in the dopant concentration of a storage node is prevented. Accordingly, a reduction in the amount of leakage current is achieved, so that an improvement in the refresh characteristics of the transistor is achieved.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes an electrically insulating region on top of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a first semiconductor region on top of and in direct physical contact with the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a second semiconductor region on top of the insulating region. The semiconductor structure further includes a capacitor in the first semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a capacitor electrode contact in the second semiconductor region and the electrically insulating region.

Abstract: A METAL-INSULATOR-METAL structured capacitor is formed with polysilicon instead of an oxide film as a sacrificial layer material that defines a storage electrode region. A MPS (Meta-stable Poly Silicon) process is performed to increase the surface area of the sacrificial layer that defines the storage electrode region and also increase the area of the storage electrode formed over sacrificial layer. This process results in increasing the capacity of the capacitor in a stable manner.

Abstract: As an oxygen diffusion prevention layer, a multilayer film formed by a metal nitride and a noble metal element. As an interlayer insulation film on the oxygen diffusion prevention layer, a plasma CVD oxide film is used. Moreover, as an interlayer insulation film on a capacitor, an ozone TEOS film is used.

Abstract: A capacitor structure comprises a plurality of cylinders and a supporting ring positioned among the plurality of cylinders and connecting a portion of the sidewall of each cylinder. The cylinders can be hollow circular cylinders, and the supporting ring can be positioned on a top portion of the cylinders. The capacitor structure may comprise a plurality of supporting rings and a hard mask separating these supporting rings from each other. The supporting rings and the hard mask are made of different material; for example, the supporting rings can be made of silicon oxide or aluminum oxide, and the hard mask can be made of silicon oxide or polysilicon. The capacitor structure comprises a first electrode positioned in the hollow circular cylinder, a dielectric layer positioned on the surface of the first electrode and a second electrode positioned on the surface of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a floating gate memory device comprises using thin buried diffusion regions with increased encroachment by a buried diffusion oxide layer into the buried diffusion layer and underneath the tunnel oxide under the floating gate. Further, the floating gate polysilicon layer has a eight than the buried diffusion height. The increased step height of the gate polysilicon layer to the buried diffusion layer, and the increased encroachment of the buried diffusion oxide, can produce a higher GCR, while still allowing decreased cell size using a virtual ground array design.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate having a first region and a second region. A first gate electrode is disposed on the first region. A multi-layered charge storage layer is interposed between the first gate electrode and the substrate, the multi-layered charge storage including a tunnel insulation, a trap insulation, and a blocking insulation layer which are sequentially stacked. A second gate electrode is placed on the substrate of the second region, the second gate electrode including a lower gate and an upper gate connected to a region of an upper surface of the lower gate. A gate insulation layer is interposed between the second gate electrode and the substrate. The first gate electrode and the upper gate of the second gate electrode comprise a same material.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a semiconductor layer comprising an n-type semiconductor region; p-type source-drain regions separated from each other within the n-type semiconductor region; a charge storage layer provided on the semiconductor layer and between the p-type source-drain regions, the charge storage layer comprising a high dielectric constant material; and a control gate electrode provided on the charge storage layer and comprising a material selected from n-type Si, a metal-based conductive material, and a p-type semiconductor material including at least one of Si and Ge.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a substrate having a cell active region. A cell gate electrode may be formed in the cell active region. A cell gate capping layer may be formed on the cell gate electrode. At least two cell epitaxial layers may be formed on the cell active region. One of the at least two cell epitaxial layers may extend to one end of the cell gate capping layer and another one of the at least two cell epitaxial layers may extend to an opposite end of the cell gate capping layer. Cell impurity regions may be disposed in the cell active region. The cell impurity regions may correspond to a respective one of the at least two cell epitaxial layers.

Abstract: The non-volatile memory device may include a semiconductor substrate having a body and a pair of fins. A bridge insulating layer may non-electrically connect upper portions of the pair of fins to define a void between the pair of fins. Outer surfaces of the pair of fins are the surfaces of the pair of fins that do not face the void and inner surfaces of the pair of fins are the surfaces of the pair of fins that do face the void. The non-volatile memory device may further include at least one control gate electrode that may cover at least a portion of outer surfaces of the pair of fins, may extend over the bridge insulating layer, and may be isolated from the semiconductor substrate. At least one pair of gate insulating layers may be between the at least one control gate electrode and the pair of fins, and at least one pair of storage nodes may be between the at least one pair of gate insulating layers and the at least one control gate electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a deposited-type insulating film disposed on a substrate; a coating-type insulating film disposed on a surface of the deposited-type insulating film and having a film density which is lower than a film density of the deposited-type insulating film; and an intermediate insulating film disposed between the deposited-type insulating film and the coating-type insulating film and having a film density which is intermediate between the film density of the deposited-type insulating film and the film density of the coating-type insulating film.

Abstract: A memory device includes active regions extending in a first direction, the active regions being formed in a semiconductor substrate. Transistors are formed in the active regions, including a first and a second source/drain region, a channel formed between the first and the second source/drain region, a gate electrode, and a charge storage layer stack disposed between the gate electrode and the channel, where adjacent active regions are isolated from each other by fin isolation grooves. Wordlines extend in a second direction, and each wordline is connected with a plurality of gate electrodes that are assigned to different active regions. The active regions are formed as ridges in the semiconductor substrate, with the word lines and the charge storing layer stack being disposed adjacent to at least two sides of each of the active regions. Each of the ridges has a top portion and a bottom portion, where the maximum width of the top portion is larger than the minimum width of the bottom portion.

Abstract: Methods of forming a non-volatile memory device may include forming a tunnel insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate and forming a charge-trap layer on the tunnel insulating layer. A trench may then be formed extending through the tunnel insulating layer and the charge-trap layer and into the semiconductor substrate so that portions of the charge-trap layer and the tunnel insulating layers remain on opposite sides of the trench. A device isolation layer may be formed in the trench, and a blocking insulating layer may be formed on the device isolation layer and on remaining portions of the charge-trap layer. A gate electrode may be formed on the blocking insulating layer, and the blocking insulating layer and remaining portions of the charge-trap layer may be patterned to provide a blocking insulating pattern and a charge-trap pattern between the gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate. Related structures are also discussed.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device capable of suppressing detrapping of stored charges from a charge storage dielectric is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor memory device comprising a semiconductor substrate, a blocking dielectric disposed on the semiconductor substrate a charge storage dielectric disposed on the blocking dielectric to store holes, a hole conductive dielectric disposed on the charge storage dielectric, and a gate electrode disposed on the hole conductive dielectric.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first group III-V nitride semiconductor layer, a second group III-V nitride semiconductor layer having a larger band gap than the first group Ill-V nitride semiconductor layer and at least one ohmic electrode successively formed on a substrate. The ohmic electrode is formed so as to have a base portion penetrating the second group III-V nitride semiconductor layer and reaching a portion of the first group III-V nitride semiconductor layer disposed beneath a two-dimensional electron gas layer. An impurity doped layer is formed in portions of the first group III-V nitride semiconductor layer and the second group III-V nitride semiconductor layer in contact with the ohmic electrode.

Abstract: A transistor device and method are disclosed for reducing parasitic resistance and enhancing channel mobility using a metal alloy layer over a conductive region. A transistor device may include a conductive region such as a source, drain and/or gate including at least one first conductive material, and a metal alloy layer disposed on substantially all of a surface of the conductive region, the metal alloy layer including a second conductive material different than the at least one first conductive materials. In one embodiment, the second conductive material includes a cobalt and/or nickel alloy. The metal alloy layer provides a non-epitaxial raised source/drain (and gate) to reduce the parasitic series resistance in, for example, nFETs fabricated on UTSOI. In addition, the metal alloy layer may include a stress to enhance mobility in a channel of the transistor device. The metal alloy layer may be formed using a selective electrochemical metal deposition process such as electroless or electrolytic plating.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a device isolation structure formed on a semiconductor substrate to define an active region. A first Si-based epitaxial pattern is formed over the active region corresponding to a bit line contact region and a portion of a gate region at both sides adjacent to the bit line contact region. A second Si-based epitaxial layer is formed over the semiconductor substrate which is stepped up on the first Si-based epitaxial pattern. A stepped gate pattern is formed over the stepped second Si-based epitaxial layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming patterned features using a conductive hard mask, where the conductive hard mask protects those features during a subsequent trench etch to form Damascene conductors providing electrical connection to those features from above. The thickness of the hard mask provides a margin to avoid overetch during the trench etch which may be harmful to device performance. The method is advantageously used in formation of a monolithic three dimensional memory array.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, a gate silicon dioxide layer is formed within a trench of a semiconductor wafer. A first gate electrode is formed on a sidewall of the trench of the semiconductor wafer via the gate silicon dioxide layer. An insulating layer is formed on a bottom of the trench of the semiconductor wafer via the gate silicon dioxide layer and surrounded by the first gate electrode. The insulating layer excludes silicon dioxide and has different etching characteristics from those of silicon dioxide. A second gate electrode is buried in the trench of the semiconductor wafer, and is in contact with the first gate electrode and the insulating layer.

Abstract: A transistor advantageously embodied in a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device having a gate located over a channel region recessed into a semiconductor substrate and a method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device includes a source/drain having a lightly doped region located adjacent the channel region and a heavily doped region located adjacent the lightly doped region. The laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device further includes an oppositely doped well located under and within the channel region, and a doped region, located between the heavily doped region and the oppositely doped well, having a doping concentration profile less than a doping concentration profile of the heavily doped region.

Abstract: A method and structure is disclosed for a transistor having a gate, a channel region below the gate, a source region on one side of the channel region, a drain region on an opposite side of the channel region from the source region, a shallow trench isolation (STI) region in the substrate between the drain region and the channel region, and a drain extension below the STI region. The drain extension is positioned along a bottom of the STI region and along a portion of sides of the STI. Portions of the drain extension along the bottom of the STI may comprise different dopant implants than the portions of the drain extensions along the sides of the STI. Portions of the drain extensions along sides of the STI extend from the bottom of the STI to a position partially up the sides of the STI. The STI region is below a portion of the gate. The drain extension provides a conductive path between the drain region and the channel region around a lower perimeter of the STI.

Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor on insulator wafers by providing a semiconductor substrate or a substrate that includes an epitaxial semiconductor layer as a source substrate, attaching the source substrate to a handle substrate to form a source handle assembly and detaching the source substrate at a predetermined splitting area provided inside the source substrate and being essentially parallel to its main surface, to remove a layer from the source handle assembly to thereby create the semiconductor on insulator wafer. A diffusion barrier layer, in particular, an oxygen diffusion barrier layer can be provided on the source substrate. In addition the invention relates to the corresponding semiconductor on insulator wafers that are produced by the method.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a semiconductor memory device comprising a semiconductor substrate; a first dielectric film provided on the semiconductor substrate; two Fins provided on the first dielectric film and made of a semiconductor material; a second dielectric film provided on facing inner side surfaces among side surfaces of the two Fins; a third dielectric film provided on outer side surfaces among side surfaces of the two Fins; a gate electrode provided via the second dielectric film between the inner side surfaces of the two Fins; and a plate electrode provided via the third dielectric film on the outer side surfaces of the two Fins, wherein the two Fins, the gate electrode, and the plate electrode are included in one memory cell.

Abstract: A microelectronic structure and a method for fabricating the microelectronic structure include a resistor located and formed over a substrate. A conductor contact layer contacts the resistor. A maximum length of the conductor contact layer is determined using a Blech constant to avoid electromigration of a conductor material that comprises the conductor contact layer.

Abstract: A system and method for electrostatic discharge protection. The system includes a first transistor coupled to a first system and including a first gate, a first dielectric layer located between the first gate and a first substrate, a first source, and a first drain. The first system includes or is coupled to a core transistor, and the core transistor includes a second gate, a second dielectric layer located between the second gate and a second substrate, a second source, and a second drain. The first transistor is selected from a plurality of transistors, and the plurality of transistors include a plurality of gate regions, a plurality of source regions, and a plurality of drain regions. Each of the plurality of gate regions intersects a polysilicon region.

Abstract: Even when one of IGBTs fails in a semiconductor power converter apparatus in which a plurality of semiconductor elements are connected in parallel, the remaining IGBT(s) is prevented from failing with a simple circuit configuration. The semiconductor power converter apparatus includes: a semiconductor power conversion circuit in which a first IGBT having a temperature sensing unit and a second IGBT having a current sensing unit are connected in parallel, for causing the first and second semiconductor elements to perform switching operations; an overheat protection circuit for performing overheat protection for the first and second IGBTs based on temperature information obtained from the temperature sensing unit of the first IGBT; and an overcurrent protection circuit for performing overcurrent protection for the first and second IGBTs based on current information obtained from the current sensing unit of the second IGBT.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrostatic discharge protection circuit used for a semiconductor device including a first power supply terminal, a second power supply terminal, and an input/output terminal, includes: a thyristor passing a surge current from the input/output terminal to the second power supply terminal; and a bipolar transistor passing a surge current from the first power supply terminal to the input/output terminal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for locally protecting an integrated circuit input/output (I/O) pad (301) against ESD events, when the I/O pad is located between a power pad (303) and a ground potential pad (305a). A first diode (311) and a second diode (312) are connected in series, the anode (311b) of the series connected to the I/O pad and the cathode (312a) connected to the power pad. A third diode (304) has its anode (304b) tied to the ground pad and its cathode (304a) tied to the I/O pad. A string (320) of at least one diode has its anode (321b) connected to the series between the first and second diode (node 313), isolated from the I/O pad, and its cathode (323a) connected to the ground pad. The string (320) may comprise three or more diodes.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrostatic breakdown protection method protects a semiconductor device from a surge current impressed between a first terminal and a second terminal, the semiconductor device including: a diode impressing a forward-bias current from the first terminal to the second terminal; and a bipolar transistor impressing a current in a direction from the second terminal to the first terminal under an ON state, a continuity between a collector terminal and an emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor being attained before a potential difference between the first terminal and the second terminal reaches such a level that the diode is broken down.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having regions filled with an additive that forms a source/drain for a MOS device, a gate dielectric layer deposited over the substrate, the gate dielectric layer electrically isolates the substrate from subsequently deposited layers, a gate electrode deposited over the gate dielectric layer, an oxide liner formed along laterally opposite sidewalls of the gate electrode, a nitride layer formed along the oxide liner extending above the gate electrode, and wherein the additive and the nitride layer enclose the gate electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated circuit with multiple semiconductor fins having different widths and variable spacing on the same substrate. The method of forming the circuit incorporates a sidewall image transfer process using different types of mandrels. Fin thickness and fin-to-fin spacing are controlled by an oxidation process used to form oxide sidewalls on the mandrels, and more particularly, by the processing time and the use of intrinsic, oxidation-enhancing and/or oxidation-inhibiting mandrels. Fin thickness is also controlled by using sidewalls spacers combined with or instead of the oxide sidewalls. Specifically, images of the oxide sidewalls alone, images of sidewall spacers alone, and/or combined images of sidewall spacers and oxide sidewalls are transferred into a semiconductor layer to form the fins. The fins with different thicknesses and variable spacing can be used to form a single multiple-fin FET or, alternatively, various single-fin and/or multiple-fin FETs.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a transistor of a first conductivity type formed on a semiconductor substrate and having a first gate insulating film and a first gate electrode and a transistor of a second conductivity type having a second gate insulating film and a second gate electrode. The first gate electrode is a metal gate electrode having a metal film and the second gate electrode is a fully-silicided gate electrode made of a silicide film.

Abstract: Gate electrodes made of polysilicon film are isolated and face each other by way of a side wall spacer portion that fills a gap formed above an isolation insulating film at the boundary of NMIS region and PMIS region. A first metal film is formed on one of the gate electrodes, and an inhomogeneous second metal film is formed on the other of the gate electrodes. The both gate electrodes become inhomogeneous metal silicide gates through the promotion of silicide reaction by heat treatment. The mutual diffusion of metal atoms from the metal film to the gate electrode is suppressed by the interposition of the side wall spacer portion being an insulating film.

Abstract: A current-limiting circuit for limiting rising of a current above a predetermined level. The circuit including forward- and reverse-conducting devices, each device including a MOS and a bipolar transistor, wherein ON-resistance of one of the devices is used instead of a current-sensing resistance for another of the devices; and a gate driver connected to the gates of the forward- and reverse-conducting devices for controlling the devices such that a channel of each of the devices simultaneously conducts a current.

Abstract: MOS device formed in a semiconductor body having a first conductivity type and a surface and housing a first current-conduction region and a second current-conduction region, of a second conductivity type. The first and second current-conduction regions define between them a channel, arranged below a gate region, formed on top of the surface and electrically insulated from the channel region. A conductive region extends on top of a portion of the channel, adjacent to and insulated from the gate region only on a side thereof facing the first current-conduction region. The conductive region is biased so as to modulate the current flowing in the channel.

Abstract: A method of forming an isolation region using porous silicon and a related structure are disclosed. One embodiment of the method may include forming a collector region; forming a porous silicon region in the collector region; forming a crystalline silicon intrinsic base layer over the collector region, the intrinsic base layer extending over a portion of the porous silicon region to form an extrinsic base; and forming an isolation region in the porous silicon region. The method is applicable to forming an HBT having a structure including a crystalline silicon intrinsic base extending beyond a collector region and extending over an isolation region to form a continuous intrinsic-to-extrinsic base conduction path of low resistance. The HBT has improved performance by having a smaller collector to intrinsic base interface and larger intrinsic base to extrinsic base interface.

Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate, an SiO2 film provided so as to be in contact with the upper portion of the silicon substrate, and a p-type MOSFET including a polycrystalline silicon film, which is provided so as to be in contact with the upper portion of the SiO2 film. Further, an interior of the SiO2 film or an interface of the SiO2 film with the polycrystalline silicon film is provided with a region containing at least one metallic element of Hf and Zr at an area density of not higher than 1.3×1014 atoms/cm2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device, a method of manufacture therefor, and a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit. The semiconductor device (100), among other possible elements, includes a first transistor (120) located over a semiconductor substrate (110), wherein the first transistor (120) has a metal gate electrode (135) having a work function, and a second transistor (160) located over the semiconductor substrate (110) and proximate the first transistor (120), wherein the second transistor (160) has a plasma altered metal gate electrode (175) having a different work function.

Abstract: A metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor having a gate electrode comprising a metal oxynitride and a method of forming the same are provided. The metal oxynitride preferably comprises molybdenum oxynitride and/or iridium oxynitride. The gate electrode may further comprise carbon and/or silicon. The gate electrode is preferably formed in a chamber containing nitrogen, oxygen and a carbon-containing gas. The gate electrode of the MOS transistor has a high work function and a low equivalent oxide thickness.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microelectronic device including forming a dielectric layer surrounding a dummy feature located over a substrate, removing the dummy feature to form an opening in the dielectric layer, and forming a metal-silicide layer conforming to the opening by a metal deposition process employing a target which includes metal and silicon. The metal-silicide layer may then be annealed.