Abstract: A parallel plate capacitor formed in the back end of an integrated circuit employs conductive capacitor plates that are formed simultaneously with the other interconnects on that level of the back end (having the same material, thickness, etc). The capacitor plates are set into the interlevel dielectric using the same process as the other interconnects on that level of the back end (preferably dual damascene). Some versions of the capacitors have perforations in the plates and vertical conductive members connecting all plates of the same polarity, thereby increasing reliability, saving space and increasing the capacitive density compared with solid plates.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a capacitor with inter-digitated vertical plates and a method of forming the capacitor such that the effective gap distance between plates is reduced. This gap width reduction significantly increases the capacitance density of the capacitor. Gap width reduction is accomplished during back end of the line processing by masking connecting points with nodes, by etching the dielectric material from between the vertical plates and by etching a sacrificial material from below the vertical plates. Etching of the dielectric material from between the plates forms air gaps and various techniques can be used to cause the plates to collapse in on these air gaps, once the sacrificial material is removed. Any remaining air gaps can be filled by depositing a second dielectric material (e.g., a high k dielectric), which will further increase the capacitance density and will encapsulate the capacitor in order to make the reduced distance between the vertical plates permanent.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises providing a substrate with recessed gates and deep trench capacitor devices therein. Protrusions of the recessed gates and upper portions of the deep trench capacitor devices are revealed. Spacers are formed on sidewalls of the upper portions and the protrusions. Buried portions of conductive material are formed in spaces between the spacers. The substrate, the spacers and the buried portions are patterned to form parallel shallow trenches for defining buried bit line contacts and capacitor buried surface straps. A layer of dielectric material is formed in the shallow trenches. Word lines are formed across the recessed gates. Bit lines are formed to electrically connect the buried bit line contacts without crossing the capacitor buried surface straps, and stack capacitors are formed to electrically connect with the capacitor buried surface straps. A semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) cell structure at least comprising a substrate, a transistor, an upper electrode and a capacitor dielectric layer. A device isolation structure is set up in the substrate to define an active region. The active region has an opening. The transistor is set up over the active region of the substrate. The source region of the transistor is next to the opening. The upper electrode is set up over the opening such that the opening is completely filled. The capacitor dielectric layer is set up between the upper electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device provided with a field-effect transistor, the field-effect transistor including: a active region defined by element isolating region 3 formed on semiconductor substrate 1; gate electrode 5 provided so as to intersect the active region and having at least a part thereof embedded in a gate trench formed on semiconductor substrate 1; and SOI structure channel layer 4 formed in the active region so that one lateral face thereof is opposite to a part of gate electrode 5 embedded in the gate trench and the other lateral face thereof is in contact with a lateral face of element isolating region 3, wherein impurity diffusion layer 5 that functions as a source/drain region is disposed above channel layer 4, and impurity diffusion layer 9 and channel layer 4 are formed spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement includes an undulating capacitor in a conductive structure layer. The surface area of the capacitor is enlarged in comparison with an even capacitor. The capacitor is interlinked with dielectric regions at its top side and/or its underside, so that it can be produced by methods which may not have to be altered in comparison with conventional CMP methods.

Abstract: A process and an architecture related to a vertical MOSFET device and a capacitor for use in integrated circuits. Generally, the integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor layer with a major surface formed along a plane thereof and further including a first doped region formed in the surface. A second doped region of a different conductivity type than the first doped region is positioned over the first region. A third doped region of a different conductivity type than the second region is positioned over the second region. In one embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor device includes a first layer of semiconductor material and a first field-effect transistor having a first source/drain region formed in the first layer. A channel region of the transistor is formed over the first layer and an associated second source/drain region is formed over the channel region. The integrated circuit further includes a capacitor having a bottom plate, dielectric layer and a top capacitor plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a capacitor of a semiconductor device. In such a method, a mold insulating layer is formed on an insulating interlayer provided with a storage node plug, and the mold insulating layer is etched to form a hole through which the storage node plug is exposed. Next, a metal storage electrode with an interposed WN layer is formed on a hole surface including the exposed storage node plug and the mold insulating layer is removed. Finally, a dielectric layer and a plate electrode are formed in order on the metal storage electrode.

Abstract: A method of forming a capacitor comprising the following steps. An inchoate capacitor is formed on a substrate within a capacitor area whereby portions of the substrate separate the inchoate capacitor from isolating shallow trench isolation (STI) structures. STIs. A first dielectric layer is formed over the structure. The first dielectric layer is patterned to: form a portion masking the inchoate capacitor; and expose at least portions of the STIs and the substrate portions separating the inchoate capacitor from the shallow trench isolation structures. Metal portions are formed at least over the substrate portions. A second dielectric layer is formed over the patterned first dielectric layer portion, the metal portions and the STIs, whereby the metal portions formed at least over the substrate portions prevent formation of native oxide on at least the substrate portions. The invention also includes the structures formed thereby.

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: A thin-film device comprises: a substrate; a flattening film made of an insulating material and disposed on the substrate; and a capacitor provided on the flattening film. The capacitor incorporates: a lower conductor layer disposed on the flattening film; a dielectric film disposed on the lower conductor layer; and an upper conductor layer disposed on the dielectric film. The thickness of the dielectric film falls within a range of 0.02 to 1 ?m inclusive and is smaller than the thickness of the lower conductor layer. The surface roughness in maximum height of the top surface of the flattening film is smaller than that of the top surface of the substrate and equal to or smaller than the thickness of the dielectric film. The surface roughness in maximum height of the top surface of the lower conductor layer is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the dielectric film.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided including forming a first interlayer insulating film 11, a crystalline conductive film 21, a first conductive film 23, a ferroelectric film 24 and a second conductive film 25 on a silicon substrate 1 in sequence, forming a conductive cover film 18 on the second conductive film 25, forming a hard mask 26a on the conductive cover film 18, forming a capacitor upon etching the conductive cover film 18, the second conductive film 25, the ferroelectric film 24 and the first conductive film 23 using the hard mask 26a as an etching mask in areas exposed from the hard mask 26a, and etching the hard mask 26a and the crystalline conductive film 21 exposed from the lower electrode 23a using an etching condition under which the hard mask 26a is etched.

Abstract: In accordance with the objectives of the invention a new method and structure is provided for the creation of a capacitor. A contact pad and a lower capacitor plate have been provided over a substrate. Under the first embodiment of the invention, a layer of etch stop material, serving as the capacitor dielectric is deposited after which a triple layer of passivation is created over a substrate. The compound passivation layer is first etched, using a fuse mask, to define and expose the capacitor dielectric and a fuse area after which the passivation layer is second etched to define and expose the contact pad. A layer of AlCu is then deposited, patterned and etched to create a capacitor upper plate and a contact interconnect over the contact pad. Under a second embodiment of the invention, a triple layer of passivation is created over a layer of etch stop material deposited over a substrate, a contact pad and a lower capacitor plate have been provided over the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device, which includes a substrate and a sensing memory device. The substrate includes a metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor having a gate. The sensing memory device is disposed on the gate of the metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor and includes followings. The second conductive layer is covering the first conductive layer. The charge trapping layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the first conductive layer has a sensing region therein when charges stored in the charge trapping layer, and the sensing region is adjacent to the charge trapping layer. The first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer are respectively disposed between the charge trapping layer and the first conductive layer and between the charge trapping layer and the second conductive layer, wherein a third dielectric layer is disposed between the gate and the sensing memory device.

Abstract: A substrate is provided with a first wiring layer 111, an interlayer insulating film 132 on the first wiring layer 111, a hole 112A formed in the interlayer insulating film, a first metal layer 112 covering the hole 112A, a second metal layer 113 formed in the hole 112A, a dielectric insulating film 135 on the first metal layer 112, and second wiring layers 114-116 on the dielectric insulating film 135, wherein the first metal layer 112 constitutes at least part of the lower electrode, an area, facing the lower electrode, of the second wiring layers 114-116 constitutes the upper electrode, and a capacitor 160 is constructed of the lower electrode, the dielectric insulating film 135 and the upper electrode P1.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device may include a substrate, a plurality of storage electrode landing pads on the substrate, and a plurality of storage electrodes. Each of the plurality of storage electrodes may be on a portion of a respective one of the plurality of storage electrode landing pads. In addition, an insulating support layer may be on the substrate, on portions of the storage electrode landing pads that are free of the storage electrodes, and on portions of sidewalls of storage electrodes. Moreover, portions of sidewalls of the storage electrodes may be free of the insulating support layer. Related methods and structures are also discussed.

Abstract: A capacitor may include a first electrode, a second electrode, a low dielectric layer, and/or a high dielectric layer. The first electrode may include at least one first electrode branch. The second electrode may face the first electrode and include at least one second electrode branch. The low dielectric layer may be formed between the first electrode branch and the second electrode branch. The high dielectric layer may be formed between the first electrode branch and the second electrode branch. The high dielectric layer may have a higher dielectric constant than the low dielectric layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor junction varactor utilizes gate enhancement for enabling the varactor to achieve a high ratio of maximum capacitance to minimum capacitance.

Abstract: A memory structure including a substrate, a first dielectric layer, a first conducting layer, a second conducting layer, a second dielectric layer, a spacer and a doped region is provided. The substrate has a trench wherein. The first dielectric layer is disposed on the interior surface of the trench. The first conducting layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer of the lower portion of the trench. The second conducting layer is disposed above the first conducting layer and filling the trench. The second dielectric layer is disposed between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer. The spacer is disposed between the first dielectric layer and the second conducting layer. The doped region is disposed in the substrate of a side of the trench.

Abstract: Structures and methods for making a semiconductor structure are discussed. The semiconductor structure includes a rough surface having protrusions formed from an undoped silicon film. If the semiconductor structure is a capacitor, the protrusions help to increase the capacitance of the capacitor. The semiconductor structure also includes a relatively smooth surface abutting the rough surface, wherein the relatively smooth surface is formed from a polycrystalline material.

Abstract: A ferroelectric memory device is fabricated while mitigating edge degradation. A bottom electrode is formed over one or more semiconductor layers. A ferroelectric layer is formed over the bottom electrode. A top electrode is formed over the ferroelectric layer. The top electrode, the ferroelectric layer, and the bottom electrode are patterned or etched. A dry clean is performed that mitigates edge degradation. A wet etch/clean is then performed.

Abstract: A SOI based integrated circuit and method for manufacturing a SOI based integrated circuit is disclosed. One embodiment provides an integrated circuit having a silicon-on-insulator carrier including a substrate, a buried insulating layer on the substrate and a semiconductor layer on the buried insulating layer. A trench extends at least through the semiconductor layer and into the buried insulating layer. A conductive region is formed in the buried insulating layer, wherein the conductive region partly surrounds the trench and is configured to interconnect the semiconductor layer and the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a semiconductor having a capacitor and a method of fabricating the same, that may be capable of simplifying a manufacturing process and increasing a capacitance of a capacitor. In embodiments, a method of forming a capacitor may use a dual damascene process and may be simplified by simultaneously forming a contact plug for applying a bias voltage to a bottom electrode and a capacitor.

Abstract: A trench-type semiconductor device structure is disclosed. The structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric layer and a substrate channel structure. The semiconductor substrate includes a trench having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a conductive layer formed therein. The lower portion includes a trench capacitor formed therein. The gate dielectric layer is located between the semiconductor substrate and the conductive layer. The substrate channel structure with openings, adjacent to the trench, is electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate via the openings.

Abstract: A memory device is provided. The memory device includes a substrate, a trench having an upper portion and a lower portion formed in the substrate, a trench capacitor formed in the lower portion of the trench, a collar dielectric layer formed on a sidewall of the trench capacitor and extending away from a top surface of the substrate, a first doping region formed on a side of the upper portion of the trench in the substrate for serving as source/drain, a conductive layer formed in the trench and electrically connected to the first doping region, a top dielectric layer formed on conductive layer, a gate formed on the top dielectric layer, an epitaxy layer formed on both sides of the gate and on the substrate and a second doping area formed on a top of the epitaxy layer for serving as source/drain.

Abstract: The invention discloses a decoupling capacitor circuit, comprising a plurality of coupled deep trench capacitors connected in series and a plurality of push-pull circuits. The decoupling capacitor circuit controls the voltage across each deep trench capacitor via the push-pull circuit so that it will not be influenced by the defect (leakage current) of the deep trench capacitor or the bias voltage of the parasitic devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming conductive structures on a substrate. Each of the conductive structures has a line shape that extends along a first direction parallel to the substrate. Insulating spacers are formed on upper sidewalls of the conductive structures. An insulating interlayer is formed that covers the conductive structures. A portion of the insulating interlayer between the conductive structures is etched to form a contact hole. An upper portion of the contact hole is larger than a lower portion thereof. The upper portion of the contact hole has a first width along the first direction and a second width along a second direction parallel to the substrate and substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first width is substantially larger than the second width. The contact hole is filled with a conductive material to form a contact plug.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having superior capacitance may include interconnections formed on a semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulation layer on the interconnections and having vias exposing a portion of the top surface of the interconnections, a capacitor which may be on the interlayer insulation layer and having a bottom electrode, a dielectric layer pattern, and a top electrode which may be sequentially stacked, and a pad structure may be connected to the interconnections through the vias. The pad structure may include pads for bonding with external electronic devices and a first upper interconnection connected to the top electrode of the capacitor.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor integrated with 1T-SRAM is provided on a substrate having a pixel array part, a logic circuit part, and a memory part by adding only one photoresist process. There are a plurality of CMOS image sensor devices in the pixel array part, a logic circuit in the logic circuit part, and a plurality of 1T-SRAMs in the memory part, and each part is isolated by a plurality of STI regions. The 1T-SRAM includes a capacitor structure and a transistor. The capacitor structure includes a well region as a bottom capacitor plate, a capacitor dielectric layer, and a top capacitor plate formed on the substrate respectively. The transistor includes a gate dielectric layer, a gate, a drain, and a source continuous with and electrically connected to the well region.

Abstract: A ferroelectric memory device, which includes a vertical ferroelectric capacitor having an electrode distance smaller than a minimum feature size of lithography technology being used and suitable for the miniaturization, and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is provided a ferroelectric memory device comprising an MIS transistor formed on a substrate, and a ferroelectric capacitor formed on an interlevel insulator above the MIS transistor, wherein a pair of electrodes of the ferroelectric capacitor are disposed in a channel length direction of the MIS transistor to face each other putting a ferroelectric film in-between, and wherein a distance between the electrodes of the ferroelectric capacitor is smaller than a gate length of the MIS transistor.

Abstract: Trench capacitors that have insulating layer collars in undercut regions and methods of fabricating such trench capacitors are provided. Some methods of fabricating a trench capacitor include forming a first layer on a substrate. A second layer is formed on the first layer opposite to the substrate. A mask is formed that has an opening on top of the first and second layers. A first trench is formed by removing a portion of the first and second layers through the opening in the mask. A portion of the first layer under the second layer is removed to form an undercut region under the second layer. An insulating layer collar is formed in the undercut region under the second layer. A second trench is formed that extends from the first trench by removing a portion of the substrate through the opening in the mask. A buried plate is formed in the substrate along the second trench. A dielectric layer is formed on an inner wall and bottom of the second trench.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having an isolation pattern inside an interlayer insulating layer between capacitor contact plugs and methods of fabrication the same: The semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating layer covering a semiconductor substrate. At least two contact plugs passing the interlayer insulating layer and connected to the semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer pattern, which is formed of a material having an etch rate lower than that of the interlayer insulating layer, covers the interlayer insulating layer between the neighboring contact plugs. An isolation pattern, which is formed of a material having an etch rate lower than that of the interlayer insulating layer, is extended from the insulating layer pattern and located inside the interlayer insulating layer between the neighboring contact plugs. A charge storage electrode contacts the contact plug.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a substrate includes a thin film capacitor embedded within. In an embodiment, a plurality of adhesion holes extend through the thin film capacitor. These adhesion holes may improve the adhesion of the capacitor to other portions of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trench silicon-on-insulator (SOI) dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell and a method for making the same. A source and a drain are utilized to each connect to one of two semiconductor conductive units on an external side of a main body having a plurality of semiconductor conductive units, and the semiconductor conductive units are utilized to accumulate electric charges generated from the drain so as to decrease a threshold voltage. In addition, the DRAM cell only uses one field effect transistor (FET) device (1T), has characteristics of the conventional 1T-DRAM, and has higher integration density. Moreover, the process of the invention is simple, so the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit includes: forming a trench in a substrate, forming a high-k dielectric layer lining the trench, and removing a section of the high-k dielectric layer from the trench via an isotropic dry etch process.

Abstract: A capacitance circuit assembly mounted on a semiconductor chip, and methods for forming the same, are provided. A plurality of divergent capacitors is provided in a parallel circuit connection between first and second ports, the plurality providing at least one Metal Oxide Silicon Capacitor and at least one Vertical Native Capacitor or Metal-Insulator-Metal Capacitor. An assembly has a vertical orientation, a Metal Oxide Silicon capacitor located at the bottom and defining a footprint, with a middle Vertical Native Capacitor having a plurality of horizontal metal layers, including a plurality of parallel positive plates alternating with a plurality of parallel negative plates. In another aspect, vertically asymmetric orientations provide a reduced total parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: In order to improve the discharging speed of potential from a match line, a semiconductor device includes a capacitor, a memory transistor having a source/drain region connected to a storage node of the capacitor, a search transistor having a gate electrode connected to the storage node, and a stacked contact connecting a match line and the source/drain region of the search transistor. The storage node has a configuration in which a sidewall of the storage node facing the match line partially recedes away from the stacked contact such that a portion of the sidewall in front of the stacked contact in plan view along the direction of the match line is located farther away from the stacked contact than the remaining portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A capacitor structure is described, including a substrate, a first metal layer in the substrate, an etching stop layer on the substrate having therein an opening that exposes a portion of the first metal layer, a connection layer on the portion of the first metal layer, the sidewall of the opening and a portion of the etching stop layer, a second metal layer over the connection layer, and an insulating layer between the second metal layer and the connection layer.

Abstract: An isolated shallow trench isolation portion is formed in a top semiconductor portion of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate along with a shallow trench isolation structure. A trench in the shape of a ring is formed around a doped top semiconductor portion and filled with a conductive material such as doped polysilicon. The isolated shallow trench isolation portion and the portion of a buried insulator layer bounded by a ring of the conductive material are etched to form a cavity. A capacitor dielectric is formed on exposed semiconductor surfaces within the cavity and above the doped top semiconductor portion. A conductive material portion formed in the trench and above the doped top semiconductor portion constitutes an inner electrode of a capacitor, while the ring of the conductive material, the doped top semiconductor portion, and a portion of a handle substrate abutting the capacitor dielectric constitute a second electrode.

Abstract: A memory cell, array and device include cross-shaped active areas and polysilicon gate areas disposed over arm portions of adjacent cross-shaped active areas. The polysilicon gate areas couple word lines with capacitors associated with each arm portion of the cross-shaped active areas. Buried digit lines are coupled to body portions of the cross-shaped active areas. The word lines and digit lines provide a unique contact to each capacitor of the array of memory cells. Each memory cell has an area of 5F2. An electronic system and method for fabricating a memory cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to improve the discharging speed of potential from a match line, a semiconductor device includes a capacitor, a memory transistor having a source/drain region connected to a storage node of the capacitor, a search transistor having a gate electrode connected to the storage node, and a stacked contact connecting a match line and the source/drain region of the search transistor. The storage node has a configuration in which a sidewall of the storage node facing the match line partially recedes away from the stacked contact such that a portion of the sidewall in front of the stacked contact in plan view along the direction of the match line is located farther away from the stacked contact than the remaining portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A radio frequency arrangement is disclosed, having a first semiconductor body with an integrated circuit formed therein and also with first and second terminal locations. A second semiconductor body with a charge store integrated therein and with a first and second contact locations is arranged with its contact locations mutually facing the terminal locations of the first semiconductor body. The first terminal and the first contact location and also the second terminal and the second contact location are coupled to one another in order thus to form an integrated circuit and also a charge store for supplying the integrated circuit. Realizing the integrated circuit and the charge store separately enables a simple and cost-effective manufacturing procedure for the individual components.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device according to embodiments of the invention, a capacitor includes a storage electrode having a cylindrical storage conductive layer pattern and connecting members formed on the upper portion of the cylindrical storage conductive layer pattern. The connecting member connects to an adjacent connecting member of another storage electrode. A dielectric layer and a plate electrode are successively formed on the storage electrode. All of the capacitors are connected by one another by forming cylindrical storage electrodes so that the storage electrode does not fall down when the capacitors have an extremely large aspect ratio. Thus, the capacitance of the capacitors may be improved to the desired level. A semiconductor device that includes these capacitors may have improved reliability and the throughput of a semiconductor manufacturing process may be increased.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a decoupling capacitor and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a cell region, a first peripheral circuit region, and a second peripheral circuit region. At least one channel trench is disposed in the cell region of the semiconductor substrate. At least one first capacitor trench is disposed in the first peripheral circuit region of the semiconductor substrate, and at least one second capacitor trench is disposed in the second peripheral circuit region of the semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode is disposed in the cell region of the semiconductor substrate and fills the channel trench. A first upper electrode is disposed in the first peripheral circuit region of the semiconductor substrate and fills at least the first capacitor trench. A second upper electrode is disposed in the second peripheral circuit region of the semiconductor substrate and fills at least the second capacitor trench.

Abstract: A transistor structure includes a gate trench. The gate trench includes a bottle-shape bottom. The bottle-shape bottom includes a first conductive material wider than its top. The top includes a second material in a substrate, a gate structure on the gate trench and electrically connected to the first conductive material, a source/drain doping region adjacent to the gate trench and a gate channel between the source/drain doping region.

Abstract: A technique for enhancing the performance of a memory- and logic-equipped semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate (1), an insulating layer (19) on the semiconductor substrate (1), a plurality of contact plugs (16, 66) in the insulating layer (19), and an insulating layer (30) where capacitors (82), a plurality of contact plugs (25, 75), barrier metal layers (27, 87) and copper interconnections (29, 88) are formed. Source/drain regions (9) in the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate (1) are electrically connected to the copper interconnections (29). One of adjacent source/drain regions (59) in the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate (1) is electrically connected to the copper interconnection (88), while the other is electrically connected to the capacitor (82).

Abstract: A memory cell and method of forming the same is provided. To make contact between a bit line and a select transistor of a dynamic memory unit on a semiconductor wafer, a contact hole is filled with a metal or a metal alloy. A liner layer may be introduced between the semiconductor substrate and the metal filling. The semiconductor substrate has a doped region in the contact hole.

Abstract: Container structures for use in integrated circuits and methods of their manufacture without the use of mechanical planarization such as chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP), thus eliminating CMP-induced defects and variations. The methods utilize localized masking of holes for protection of the inside of the holes during non-mechanical removal of exposed surface layers. The localized masking is accomplished through differential exposure of a resist layer to electromagnetic or thermal energy. The container structures are adapted for use in memory cells and apparatus incorporating such memory cells, as well as other integrated circuits.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a capacitor with inter-digitated vertical plates and a method of forming the capacitor such that the effective gap distance between plates is reduced. This gap width reduction significantly increases the capacitance density of the capacitor. Gap width reduction is accomplished during back end of the line processing by masking connecting points with nodes, by etching the dielectric material from between the vertical plates and by etching a sacrificial material from below the vertical plates. Etching of the dielectric material from between the plates forms air gaps and various techniques can be used to cause the plates to collapse in on these air gaps, once the sacrificial material is removed. Any remaining air gaps can be filled by depositing a second dielectric material (e.g., a high k dielectric), which will further increase the capacitance density and will encapsulate the capacitor in order to make the reduced distance between the vertical plates permanent.

Abstract: Methods of forming capacitors include forming a first mold layer and a second mold layer on a substrate, forming storage electrodes through the mold layers, the storage electrodes arranged in rows extending in a first direction and spaced apart from adjacent storage electrodes along the first direction by a first interval. The storage electrodes are spaced apart from adjacent storage electrodes along a second direction oblique to the first direction by a second interval smaller than the first interval. First and second sacrificial layers are formed on the storage electrodes layer partially filling up a gap between adjacent storage electrodes along the first direction and filling up a gap between the adjacent storage electrodes along the second direction. Sacrificial spacers may be formed on sidewalls of the storage electrodes by etching the sacrificial layers. The second mold layer may be etched using the sacrificial spacers as etching masks to define a plurality of stabilizing structures.