Abstract: Within a method for fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit microelectronic fabrication there is first provided a first semiconductor substrate. There is then formed over the first semiconductor substrate at least one microelectronic device to form from the first semiconductor substrate a partially fabricated semiconductor integrated circuit microelectronic fabrication. Within the method there is also provided a second substrate. There is also formed over the second substrate, in inverted order, a dielectric isolated metallization pattern intended to mate with the partially fabricated semiconductor integrated circuit microelectronic fabrication.

Abstract: A method for making a gate in an integrated circuit. A gate layer is formed on a substrate, and a blocking layer is formed on the gate layer. The blocking layer is masked with a photoresist layer, and the photoresist layer is developed to define an exposed gate area. The blocking layer is etched in the gate area to expose the gate layer in the gate area, and the photoresist layer is removed. A metal layer is formed on the blocking layer and on the gate layer in the gate area. The metal layer is selectively reacted with the gate layer in the gate area to form a hard mask over the gate layer in the gate area. The metal layer is removed from the blocking layer. The blocking layer is selectively etched without substantially etching the hard mask in the gate area, to expose the gate layer surrounding the gate area. The exposed gate layer is etched to define a gate in the gate area. The hard mask remains on the gate, and functions as an electrical contact to the gate.

Abstract: This invention discloses the present invention discloses a junction field effect transistor (JFET) device supported on a substrate. The JFET device includes a gate surrounded by a depletion region. As the distance between the gates is large enough, there is a gap between the depletion regions surrounding adjacent gates. Depletion mode JFET transistor which is normally on is provided. The normally on transistors respond to negative bias applied to the gates to shut of the current path in the substrate. The current path in the substrate is normally available with a zero gate bias. As the distance between the gates is reduced, the JFET transistor is normally off because the depletion regions surround the gates shut of the current channel. The depletion region responding to a positive bias applied to the gate to open a current path in the substrate wherein the current path in the substrate is shut off when the gate is zero biased.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for a memory cell for a static random access memory. The memory cell includes a pair of cross-coupled CMOS logic inverters that are connected together to form a latch, and a pair of p-channel transmission gate transistors that are connected to the logic inverters for selectively providing access to the latch. The layout of the memory cell includes a rectangular active area in which the p-channel transistors of the memory cell are located. The rectangular active area abuts a similar active area of an adjacent memory cell along a row of memory cells so as to form a single rectangular active area for the p-channel memory cell transistors. The rectangular active area reduces the occurrence of fabrication-related phenomena that adversely effect the performance of the memory cell.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device having a lightly doped source and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the nonvolatile memory device, a first insulating layer, a floating gate, a second insulating layer and a control gate are sequentially formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a drain, a lightly doped source and a highly doped source are formed around a surface of the semiconductor substrate. At this time, the highly doped source is shallower than the drain without being overlapped by the floating gate. Thus, the integration of the memory cell can be increased, and the trapping of electrons is reduced in the first insulating layer formed between the floating gate and the lightly doped source, to thereby enhance the characteristics of the memory cell.

Abstract: A process for forming a composite, interlevel dielectric, (ILD), layer, for MOSFET devices, has been developed. The composite ILD layer is comprised with an underlying, undoped silicon glass layer, providing the material needed to fill the narrow spaces between polysilicon gate structures of the MOSFET devices. A P2O5 doped, insulator layer, is next formed on the underlying, undoped silicon glass layer, to provide a mobile ion gettering property. An overlying, undoped silicon glass layer is then deposited and subjected to a chemical mechanical polishing procedure, resulting in the desired planar top surface topography, for the composite ILD layer.

Abstract: A magnetic storage cell includes an active layer and a reference layer which is structured to minimize disruptions to magnetization in its active layer. The reference layer is structured so that a pair of its opposing edges overlap a pair of corresponding edges of the active layer. This may be used minimize the effects of demagnetization fields on the active layer. In addition, the reference layer may be thinned at its opposing edges to control the effects of coupling fields on the active layer and balance the demagnetization field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a MOS transistor of an embedded memory on the surface of semiconductor wafer. The method of present invention is first to define a memory array area and a periphery circuit region on the surface of the semiconductor wafer and to depose a dielectric layer, a undoped polysilicon layer, a silicide layer, a doped polysilicon layer, a protection layer and a photoresist layer sequentially. Next, a plurality of gate patterns on the memory array area is defined and the protection layer is etched to the surface of the doped polysilicon layer. Then a plurality of gate patterns on the periphery circuit region is defined in and the doped polysilicon layer, the silicide layer and the undoped polysilicon layer are etched to the surface of the dielectric layer so as to form gates of each MOS transistors in the memory array area and periphery circuit region. Finally a spacer and source and drain region are formed around each gate.

Abstract: A method of forming a notched gate structure having substantially vertical sidewalls and a sub-0.05 &mgr;m electrical critical dimension is provided. The method includes forming a conductive layer on an insulating layer; forming a mask on the conductive layer so as to at least protect a portion of the conductive layer; anisotropically etching the conductive layer not protected by the mask so as to thin the conductive layer to a predetermined thickness and to form a conductive feature underlying the mask, the conductive feature having substantially vertical sidewalls; forming a passivating layer at least on the substantially vertical sidewalls; and isotropically etching remaining conductive layer not protected by the mask to remove the predetermined thickness thereby exposing a lower portion of said conductive feature not containing the passivating layer, while simultaneously removing notched regions in the lower portion of the conductive feature.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) chip having an active layer with a non-uniform thickness. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; providing a buried oxide layer (BOX) on the substrate; providing an active layer on the BOX layer, the active layer having an initially uniform thickness; dividing the active layer into at least a first and a second tile; and altering the thickness of the active layer in the area of the second tile. The method also includes forming a plurality of partially depleted semiconductor devices from the active layer in the area of a thicker of the first and the second tiles and forming a plurality of fully depleted semiconductor devices from the active layer in the area of a thinner of the first and the second tiles.

Abstract: A simplified non-DSCP process for the definition of the tunnel area in nonvolatile memory cells with semi-conductor floating gates is presented. The memory cells are non-aligned and are incorporated in a matrix of cells and have associated control circuitry. In additional, to each cell a selection transistor is associated. The process includes at least the following phases: growth or deposition of a dielectric layer of gate of the sensing transistor and of the cells; tunnel mask for defining the area of tunnel; cleaning etching of the dielectric layer of gate in the area of tunnel up to the surface of the semiconductor; and growth of tunnel oxide. Advantageously, the tunnel mask is extended above the region occupied by the selection transistor.

Abstract: After phosphorus is ion implanted into a portion of a polysilicon film, first RTA is performed. After boron is ion implanted into another portion of the polysilicon film, the polysilicon film is patterned to form a gate electrode and a resistor film. A TEOS film is deposited and patterned to form a silicidation mask having an opening corresponding to a silicidation region. Thereafter, annealing for activating boron is performed in an atmosphere containing oxygen, thereby forming oxide films on a gate electrode and on heavily doped source/drain regions in the silicidation region. The oxide films suppress out-diffusion of the impurities and inhibit the impurity ions from penetrating the gate electrode 8 during ion implantation for promoting silicidation, which is performed subsequently.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a memory cell is described in which an access transistor is first formed on an SOI substrate. The access transistor contains source and drain regions in a semiconductor material layer of the substrate and at least one gate stack which includes a gate region electrically connected with a word line. At least one capacitor is formed on a first side of the substrate and is electrically connected to one of the source and drain regions. At least one bit line conductor is formed on the reverse or flip side of the substrate, wherein the bit line conductor is electrically connected to the other of the source and drain regions. Self-aligned contact openings are formed through insulative material over the substrate to provide vias for the electrical connections for each of the capacitor and bit line conductor. These contact openings and the deposited contact material are substantially preserved throughout the entire fabrication process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a high performance transistor device with a reduced width or “t-shaped” gate electrode. The method disclosed herein comprises forming a gate insulation layer on a semiconducting substrate, forming a layer of polysilicon above the gate insulation layer, forming a layer of amorphous silicon above the layer of polysilicon, and patterning the layer of polysilicon and the layer of amorphous silicon to define a gate structure. The method further comprises reducing the width of the layer of polysilicon and the layer of amorphous silicon by performing an oxidation process, whereby the layer of polysilicon has a post-oxidation width that is less than the post-oxidation width of the layer of amorphous silicon, and forming a plurality of source/drain regions in the substrate adjacent the gate electrode of the device.

Abstract: A transistor structure having a dedicated erase gate where the transistor can be used as a memory cell is disclosed. The presently preferred embodiment of the transistor comprises a floating gate disposed on a substrate and having a control gate and an erase gate overlapping said floating gate, with drain and source regions doped on the substrate. By providing a dedicated erase gate, the gate oxide underneath the control gate can be made thinner and can have a thickness that is conducive to the scaling of the transistor. The overall cell size of the transistor remains the same and the program and read operation can remain the same. Both the common source and buried bitline architecture can be used, namely twin well or triple well architectures. A memory circuit using the transistors of the present invention is disclosed as well for flash memory circuit applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a device. The method provides an insulating substrate including a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode. The method provides carbon nanotube bundles including metallic and semiconducting component nanotubes in contact with the substrate. The method applies a voltage to the gate electrode to deplete the semiconducting component nanotubes of carriers, applies an electrical current through the nanotube, from a source electrode to a drain electrode, and breaks at least one metallic component nanotube to form a field effect transistor. The carbon nanotube bundle can be a multi-walled nanotube or a single-walled nanotube rope.

Abstract: An ultra-large-scale integrated (ULSI) circuit includes MOSFETs on an SOI substrate. The MOSFETs include recessed source and drain regions. The recessed source and drain regions are formed utilizing an amorphous semiconductor layer. The recessed source and drain regions allow sufficient material for silicidation and yet allow an ultra thin channel region to be utilized. The channel region is above an insulative island.

Abstract: A thin film transistor includes: a) a thin film transistor layer comprising a source region, a channel region and a drain region; the thin film transistor layer further comprising a drain offset region positioned between the drain region and the channel region; b) the channel region being substantially polycrystalline and having a first average crystalline grain size; and c) the drain offset region being substantially polycrystalline and having a second average crystalline grain size, the second average crystalline grain size being larger than the first average crystalline grain size. A method for forming such a construction using polycrystalline materials, preferably polysilicon, and an amorphizing silicon implant with subsequent recrystallization is also disclosed.

Abstract: Memory of a multilevel quantum dot structure and a method for fabricating the same, is disclosed, the method including the steps of (1) forming a first insulating layer on a substrate, (2) repeating formation of a conductive layer and a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer at least once, and (3) agglomerating each of the conductive layers to form quantized dot layers.

Abstract: Within a method for forming a metal-silicon layer there is first provided a reactor chamber. There is then positioned within the reactor chamber a substrate spaced from a metal source target. There is also provided within the reactor chamber a minimum of a sputter material and a reactive silicon material. There is then sputtered the metal source target positioned within the reactor chamber with the sputter material provided within the reactor chamber in the presence of the reactive silicon material provided within the reactor chamber to form a metal-silicon layer over the substrate. The method is particularly useful for forming metal silicate layers, metal silicon nitride layers and metal silicon oxynitride layers within microelectronic fabrications. An alternative method employs: (1) a silicon source target rather than a metal source target; and (2) a reactive metal material rather than a reactive silicon material.

Abstract: A method for forming a gate dielectric having regions with different dielectric constants. A dummy dielectric layer is formed over a semiconductor structure. The dummy dielectric layer is patterned to form a gate opening. A high-K dielectric layer is formed over the dummy dielectric and in the gate opening. A low-K dielectric layer is formed on the high-K dielectric layer. Spacers are formed on the low-K dielectric layer at the edges of the gate opening. The low-K dielectric layer is removed from the bottom of the gate opening between the spacers. The spacers are removed to form a stepped gate opening. The stepped gate opening has both a high-K dielectric layer and a low-K dielectric layer on the sidewalls and at the edges of the bottom of the gate opening and only a high-k dielectric layer in the center of the bottom of the stepped gate opening. A gate electrode is formed in the stepped gate opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of selectively forming a silicide layer on a logic region of a semiconductor substrate which has an integration of a memory cell region and the logic region.

Abstract: A process for constructing a monolithic spectrophotometer from a monolithic substrate, which includes the steps of etching a grating for dispersing input optical waves in the monolithic substrate, etching a suspended bridge positioned over an undercut cavity in the monolithic substrate, forming photodiode array on the suspended bridge to receive dispersed optical waves from the grating, orienting the suspended bridge to receive dispersed optical waves from the grating, locking the suspended bridge in a oriented position with an anchor, and photolithographically defining signal processing circuitry on the monolithic substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an embedded dynamic random access memory. After a gate and a source/drain region are formed on a semiconductor substrate, an etch stop layer and a dielectric layer are sequentially formed. The dielectric layer is etched back and patterned, and only the dielectric layer over the source/drain region in the memory circuit region remain. The exposed etch stop layer is removed to expose the salicide layer on the gate and the source/drain region in the logic circuit region.

Abstract: Over the principal surface of a semiconductor substrate body containing an impurity of a predetermined conduction type, there is formed an epitaxial layer which contains an impurity of the same conduction type as that of the former impurity and the same concentration as the designed one of the former impurity. After this, there are formed a well region which has the same conduction type as that of said impurity and its impurity concentration gradually lowered depthwise of said epitaxial layer. The well region is formed with the gate insulating films of MIS.FETS.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a split-gate flash memory cell having a shallow trench isolation without the intrusion of a “smiling” gap near the edge of the trench encompassing the first polysilicon layer. This is accomplished by forming two conformal layers lining the interior walls of the trench. An exceptionally thin nitride layer overlying the first conformal oxide layer provides the necessary protection during the oxidation of the first polysilicon layer so as to prevent the “smiling” effect normally encountered in fabricating ultra large scale integrated circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrostatic discharge protection device. A first gate structure for the electrostatic device is formed. A first lightly doped drain and a second lightly doped drain for the electrostatic discharge protection device is formed. A second gate structure for a data path transistor is formed. A third lightly doped drain and a fourth lightly doped drain for a data path transistor is formed, wherein the first lightly doped drain and the second lightly doped drain have a higher doping level relative to the third lightly doped drain and the fourth lightly doped drain.

Abstract: A static random access memory cell comprising a first invertor including a first p-channel pullup transistor, and a first n-channel pulldown transistor in series with the first p-channel pullup transistor; a second invertor including a second p-channel pullup transistor, and a second n-channel pulldown transistor in series with the second n-channel pullup transistor, the first invertor being cross-coupled with the second a invertor, the first and second pullup transistors sharing a common active area; a first access transistor having an active terminal connected to the first invertor; a second access transistor having an active terminal connected to the second invertor; and an isolator isolating the first pullup transistor from the second pullup transistor.

Abstract: Methods of forming contacts, methods of contacting lines, methods of operating integrated circuitry, and related integrated circuitry constructions are described. In one embodiment, a plurality of conductive lines are formed over a substrate and diffusion regions are formed within the substrate elevationally below the lines. The individual diffusion regions are disposed proximate individual conductive line portions and collectively define therewith individual contact pads with which electrical connection is desired. Insulative material is formed over the conductive line portions and diffusion regions, with contact openings being formed therethrough to expose portions of the individual contact pads. Conductive contacts are formed within the contact openings and in electrical connection with the individual contact pads. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate and diffusion regions provide a pn junction which is configured for biasing into a reverse-biased diode configuration.

Abstract: Methods for forming a T-gate on a substrate are provided that employ a hybrid resist. The hybrid resist specifically is employed to define a base of the T-gate on the substrate with very high resolution. To define a base of the T-gate, a hybrid resist layer is deposited on the substrate. A mask having a reticle feature with an edge is provided and is positioned above the hybrid resist layer so that the edge of the reticle feature is above a desired location for the base of the T-gate. Thereafter, the hybrid resist layer is exposed to radiation through the mask, and the exposed hybrid resist layer is developed to define an opening therein for the base of the T-gate. Preferably the loop feature formed in the hybrid resist layer by the reticle feature during exposure is trimmed. The T-gate may be completed by employing any known T-gate fabrication techniques.

Abstract: With standard DUV lithography technology it is not easy to achieve MOS transistor gates in sub−100 nm range. With the method of trim-etching in HI/O2 plasmas there is an opportunity to use the current lithography tools, to reduce the dimensions of the resist feature, and to achieve sub−100 nm MOS transistor gates for advanced devices. The method of trim-etching in HI/O2 plasmas delivers another factor to control the critical dimension of the MOS devices very accurately. Therefore, this invention helps to significantly reduce the total cost for manufacturing small MOS devices with a critical dimension in the sub−100 nm range.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to this invention is characterized by including the steps of a) forming, on one major surface of a substrate, a gate structure constituted by either one of a dummy gate electrode and a gate electrode having an insulating film at least on bottom surface, and a device isolation insulating film so as to form a first groove divided by the dummy gate electrode or the gate electrode, to position the dummy gate electrode or the gate electrode in the first groove, and to form the gate structure to have an upper surface level not higher than an upper level of the device isolation insulating film, and b) forming source and drain electrodes in the first groove.

Abstract: A method for forming a lateral DMOS transistor comprises: a) forming a first doped region of a first conductivity type in a semiconductor substrate of the first conductivity type; b) forming an epitaxial layer on the substrate; c) forming a second doped region of the first conductivity type in the epitaxial layer; and d) forming a body region of the first conductivity type in the epitaxial layer. The process of forming the first and second doped regions and the body region includes thermally diffusing dopants in these regions so that the first and second doped regions diffuse and meet one another. The body region also meets and contacts the second doped region. The body region is electrically coupled to the substrate via the first and second doped regions. Source and drain regions are then formed in the epitaxial layer. By forming the transistor in this manner, the electrical resistance between the body region and substrate can be reduced or minimized.

Abstract: A method of producing a semiconductor device forming a transistor on a substrate having a first semiconductor layer, an insulating layer, and a second semiconductor layer, including the steps of forming an element isolation region connected to the first semiconductor layer on the second semiconductor layer; forming an opening in the element isolation region; forming a gate electrode on the second semiconductor layer; introducing an impurity in the second semiconductor layer and in the opening to form source/drain regions in the second semiconductor layer and to form a high concentration impurity diffusion region in the first semiconductor layer at the bottom of the opening respectively; forming an interlayer insulating layer; and forming contact holes in the interlayer insulating layer, thereby enabling formation of a semiconductor device and a substrate contact on an SOI substrate by simplified process.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing oxide thin film on a substrate by an ALD type process. According to the process, alternating vapour-phase pulses of at least one metal source material, and at least one oxygen source material are fed into a reaction space and contacted with the substrate. According to the invention, an yttrium source material and a zirconium source material are alternately used as the metal source material so as to form an yttrium-stabilised zirconium oxide (YSZ) thin film on a substrate.

Abstract: A mixed voltage CMOS process for high reliability and high performance core transistors and input-output and analog transistors with reduced mask steps. A patterned silicon nitride film 160 is used to selectively mask various implant species during the formation of the LDD regions 180, 220, and the pocket regions 190, 230 of the core transistors 152, 154. The LDD regions 240, 200 of the I/O or analog transistors 156, 158 are simultaneously formed during the process.

Abstract: A via hole having a bottom is formed in a substrate and then a conductor layer is formed at least over a sidewall of the via hole. Thereafter, the substrate is thinned by removing a portion of the substrate opposite to another portion of the substrate in which the via hole is formed such that the conductor layer is exposed.

Abstract: A gate structure in a transistor and method for fabricating the structure. A gate structure is formed on a substrate. The gate structure includes three layers: an oxide layer, a nitride layer and a polysilicon layer. The oxide layer is located on the substrate, the nitride layer is located on the oxide layer, and the polysilicon layer is located on the nitride layer. The gate structure is reoxidized to form a layer of oxide over the gate structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes field effect transistors, field emission apparatuses, thin film transistors, and methods of forming field effect transistors. According to one embodiment, a field effect transistor includes a semiconductive layer configured to form a channel region; a pair of spaced conductively doped semiconductive regions in electrical connection with the channel region of the semiconductive layer; a gate intermediate the semiconductive regions; and a gate dielectric layer intermediate the semiconductive layer and the gate, the gate dielectric layer being configured to align the gate with the channel region of the semiconductive layer. In one aspect, chemical-mechanical polishing self-aligns the gate with the channel region. According to another aspect, a field emission device includes a transistor configured to control the emission of electrons from an emitter.

Abstract: A variation in threshold may be suppressed by structuring an analog switch by a MOS transistor and forming a signal synchronized to a clock by making the clock which is a common signal in continuity or discontinuity. An object of the present invention is to reduce the variation in the signal synchronized to the clock by the variation in threshold of the MOS transistor in a circuit which is synchronized to the clock.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display device, an improved storage capacitance that uses a pair of transparent conductive films for electrodes is provided. On a flattening film made of a resin, a first transparent conductive film and an insulating film for capacitance are formed into a lamination to form in this laminated film an opening portion An insulating film covering near the opening portion is formed.

Abstract: A semiconductor IC device is designed using a memory core with a plurality of I/O lines, a transfer circuit module and a logic library which are produced beforehand and stored in a data base. The memory core and a logic circuit are arranged so that their I/O lines extend in the same direction. A transfer circuit including plural stages of switch groups is arranged between the I/O lines of the memory core and the I/O lines of the logic circuit. Switches forming each stage of switch group are formed between the I/O lines of the memory core and the I/O lines of the logic circuit. When one stage of or a small number of stages of switch groups are turned on, the I/O lines of the memory core and the I/O lines of the logic circuit are turned on, thereby forming a desired transfer pattern. The memory core is constructed by the combination of functional modules such as an amplifier module, a bank module and a power supply module.

Abstract: Test structures for a high voltage MOSFET are provided that includes a substrate of a first conductivity type. An epitaxial layer also of the first conductivity type is deposited on the substrate. A plurality of trenches are located in the drift region of the epitaxial layer. The trenches, which extend toward the substrate from the first and second body regions, are filled with a material that includes a dopant of the second conductivity type. The dopant is diffused from the trenches into portions of the epitaxial layer adjacent the trenches. The test structures allow the simultaneous optimization of the breakdown voltage and on-resistance of the device.

Abstract: A floating gate transistor is formed by simultaneously creating buried contact openings on both EEPROM transistor gates and DRAM access transistor source/drain diffusions. Conventional DRAM process steps are used to form cell storage capacitors in all the buried contact openings, including buried contact openings on EEPROM transistor gates. An EEPROM transistor gate and its associated cell storage capacitor bottom plate together forms a floating gate completely surrounded by insulating material. The top cell storage capacitor plate on an EEPROM transistor is used as a control gate to apply programming voltages to the EEPROM transistor. Reading, writing, and erasing the EEPROM element are analogous to conventional floating-gate tunneling oxide (FLOTOX) EEPROM devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thin film transistor with sub-gates and Schottky source/drain and a method of manufacturing the same. Doping of source/drain, and the following annealing steps used conventionally are omitted and the complexity of process and process costs are reduced. The temperature of the process is also decreased. A thin film transistor with sub-gates and Schottky source/drain of the invention is able to operate in both the n type and p type channel modes on the same transistor element depending on the biased voltage of the sub-gate. Moreover, an electric junction is formed by induction, using bias voltage applied on the sub-gate, which takes the place of the conventional source/drain extensions. Consequently, the off-state leakage current is reduced.

Abstract: In a semiconductor memory device production method for a semiconductor memory device having a capacitor formed by a high dielectric insulation film and a noble metal upper electrode successively formed on a noble metal lower electrode, the formation of the capacitor is followed by anneal in a gas mixture atmosphere of oxygen concentration of 0 to 5% and nitrogen at temperature of 300 to 400 degrees C. This enables to reduce the leak current at room temperature and suppress leak current increase during a high temperature operation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device in which a cobalt silicide layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. In the method, the semiconductor substrate is prepared, and cobalt is deposited on the semiconductor substrate by sputtering while heating the semiconductor substrate at a temperature approximately equal to 200 degrees Celsius. Thereafter, cobalt is deposited on the semiconductor substrate by sputtering while heating the semiconductor substrate at a temperature between 300 degrees Celsius and 400 degrees Celsius without exposing the semiconductor substrate to the atmosphere. Preferably, the semiconductor substrate is thereafter rapid thermal annealed at a temperature equal to or higher than 500 degrees Celsius in nitrogen atmosphere for a predetermined time. Further, at least a part of cobalt portion or cobalt oxide portion on the semiconductor substrate is removed by wet etching.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin film transistor over a substrate is provided whereby at least one of the source region or the drain region is conductively doped while preventing conductivity doping of the channel region without any masking of the channel region occurring by any separate masking layer.

Abstract: A method for making an integrated circuit includes the step of fabricating a nonconductive layer (22, 23, 27, 29) having therein a lead trench (41) and having therethrough a via channel (36) which communicates with the lead trench. A liner (46) is applied on the nonconductive layer, a metal layer (47) is applied on the liner, and then heat and pressure are applied to extrude the metal layer into the lead trench and the via channel. A planarizing process is thereafter carried out to remove portions of the metal layer and the liner so as to create a planar surface (51) that includes coplanar surface portions on the nonconductive layer and on a portion of the metal layer remaining in the lead trench. The nonconductive layer may be fabricated by forming two dielectric layers which have therebetween an etch stop layer with openings, and then simultaneously etching both of the dielectric layers.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory having a multilevel quantum dot structure is formed by alternatively disposing conductive layers and insulation layers, and processing these layers so that quantum dots are formed in the conductive layers. The writing and reading of data into the semiconductor memory are achieved by using the principle of Coulomb blockade and quantized voltage drops. The size and distribution of the quantum dots are controlled by agglomeration, selective oxidation, etc. in order to achieve the desired quantum dot layer structure so that the immigration of charges between a semiconductor channel and each quantum dot layer is different.