Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor device structure. In such method a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) and an n-type field effect transistor (NFET), each of the NFET and the PFET having a conduction channel disposed in a single-crystal semiconductor region of a substrate. A stressed film having a compressive stress at a first magnitude can be formed to overlie the PFET and the NFET. Desirably, a mask is formed to cover the PFET while exposing the NFET, after which, desirably, a portion of the stressed film overlying the NFET is subjected to ion implantation, while the mask protects another portion of the stressed film overlying the PFET from the ion implantation. The substrate can then be annealed, whereby, desirably, the compressive stress of the implanted portion of the stressed film is much reduced from the first magnitude by the annealing.

Abstract: Methods of forming CMOS integrated circuit devices include forming at least first, second and third transistors in a semiconductor substrate and then covering the transistors with one or more electrically insulating layers that impart a net stress (tensile or compressive) to channel regions of the transistors. The covering step may include covering the first and second transistors with a first electrically insulating layer having a sufficiently high internal stress characteristic to impart a net tensile (or compressive) stress in a channel region of the first transistor and covering the second and third transistors with a second electrically insulating layer having a sufficiently high internal stress characteristic to impart a net compressive (or tensile) stress in a channel region of the third transistor. A step may then performed to selectively remove a first portion of the second electrically insulating layer extending opposite a gate electrode of the second transistor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming a photodiode in a substrate, forming a source/drain region in the substrate and extending over at least a portion of the photodiode, and growing a thermal oxide layer over the photodiode by performing a rapid thermal anneal (RTA) process utilizing an oxidizing environment.

Abstract: A method of forming an active device is provided. The method includes performing a first patterning operation on a first plurality of layers. This first patterning operation defines a first feature of the active device. Then, a second patterning operation can be performed on at least one layer of the first plurality of layers. This second patterning operation defines a second feature of the active device. Of importance, the first and second patterning operations are performed substantially back-to-back, thereby ensuring that the active device can accurately function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device fabrication method including the steps of: forming first gate insulating films in first to third active regions of a silicon substrate; wet-etching the first gate insulating film of the second active region through a first resist opening portion of a first resist pattern; forming a second gate insulating film in the second active region; forming on the silicon substrate a second resist pattern having a second resist portion larger than the first resist opening portion; wet-etching the first gate insulating film of the third active region through a second resist opening portion of the second resist pattern; and forming a third gate insulating film in the third active region.

Abstract: The invention also relates to an apparatus and method for selectively providing a silicide coating over the transistor gates of a CMOS imager to improve the speed of the transistor gates. The method further includes an apparatus and method for forming a self aligned photo shield over the CMOS imager.

Abstract: A method for producing a field effect transistor, in which a plurality of layers are in each case deposited, planarized and etched back, in particular a gate electrode layer, is disclosed. This method allows the manufacturing of transistors having outstanding electrical properties and having outstanding reproducibility.

Abstract: A method for forming a sense amplifier of a semiconductor device prevents bit lines from being bridged to each other by a stepped portion created on an insulation interlayer due to irregular density of a P-type impurity, which is ion-implanted into an insulation interlayer in a P+ pickup region when a sense amplifier of a semiconductor device is formed. Yield ratio of semiconductor devices is improved.

Abstract: A fabricating method of a CMOS image sensor includes the steps of: forming a transfer gate on a semiconductor substrate where a device isolation layer is formed; forming a first n-type ion implantation region for a photodiode beneath a surface of the semiconductor substrate, the first n-type ion implantation region being aligned at one side of the transfer gate and having a first width and a first ion implantation depth; forming a second n-type ion implantation region aligned at one side of the transfer gate, the second n-type ion implantation region enclosing the first n-type ion implantation region and having a second width wider than the first width and a second ion implantation depth deeper than the first ion implantation depth and a second depth; forming a p-type ion implantation region between a surface of the semiconductor substrate and the first n-type ion implantation region, the p-type ion implantation region being aligned at one side of the transfer gate and partially overlapped with the first n-ty

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a memory device having improved erasing characteristics, the method includes sequentially forming a tunneling oxide layer, a charge storing layer, and a blocking oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate; annealing the semiconductor substrate including the tunneling oxide layer, the charge storing layer, and the blocking oxide layer under a gas atmosphere so that the blocking oxide layer has a negative fixed oxide charge; forming a gate electrode on the blocking oxide layer with the negative fixed oxide charge and etching the tunneling oxide layer, the charge storing layer, and the blocking oxide layer to form a gate structure; and forming a first doped region and a second doped region in the semiconductor substrate at sides of the gate structure by doping the semiconductor substrate with a dopant.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a dual gate is formed on a substrate having a dielectric layer. A first metallic conductive layer is formed on the dielectric layer to a first thickness, and annealed to have a reduced etching rate. A second metallic conductive layer is formed on the first metallic conductive layer to a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. A portion of the second metallic conductive layer formed in a second area of the substrate is removed using an etching selectivity. A first gate structure having a first metallic gate including the first and the second metallic conductive layers is formed in a first area of the substrate. A second gate structure having a second metallic gate is formed in the second area. A gate dielectric layer is not exposed to an etching chemical due to the first metallic conductive layer, so its dielectric characteristics are not degraded.

Abstract: In a high frequency LDMOS transistor, a gate structure is formed on a substrate. A drain, doped with first type impurities at a first concentration, is formed on the substrate spaced apart from the gate structure. A buffer well, doped with the first type impurities at a second concentration lower than the first concentration, surrounds side and lower portions of the drain. A lightly doped drain, doped with the first type impurities at a third concentration lower than the second concentration, is formed between the buffer well and the gate structure. A source, doped with the first type impurities at the first concentration, is formed on the substrate adjacent to the gate structure and opposite to the drain with respect to the gate structure. Accordingly, an on-resistance decreases while a breakdown voltage increases in the LDMOS transistor without increasing a capacitance between the gate structure and the drain.

Abstract: A transistor of an integrated circuit is provided. A first doped well region is formed in a well layer at a first active region. At least part of the first doped well region is adjacent to a gate electrode of the transistor. A recess is formed in the first doped well region, and the recess preferably has a depth of at least about 500 angstroms. A first isolation portion is formed on an upper surface of the well layer at least partially over an isolation region. A second isolation portion is formed at least partially in the recess of the first doped well region. At least part of the second isolation portion is lower than the first isolation portion. A drain doped region is formed in the recess of the first doped well region. The second isolation portion is located between the gate electrode and the drain doped region.

Abstract: A method and device for image sensing. The method includes forming a first well and a second well in a substrate, forming a gate oxide layer on the substrate, and depositing a first gate region and a second gate region on the gate oxide layer. The first gate region is associated with the first well, and the second gate region is associated with the second well. Additionally, the method includes forming a third well in the substrate, implanting a first plurality of ions to form a first lightly doped source region and a first lightly doped drain region in the first well, implanting a second plurality of ions to form at least a second lightly doped drain region in the second well, and implanting a third plurality of ions to form a source in the second well.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a CMOS image sensor can minimize a dark current by avoiding a dry etch process of a photodiode surface. The method can also reduce a contact resistance and variation of the contact resistance of a read-out circuit unit within a unit pixel. The method includes steps of forming an insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate divided into a photodiode area and a transistor area, removing the insulating layer on a gate electrode forming area, forming a gate insulating layer, forming a conductive layer, forming a gate electrode by planarizing the conductive layer, selectively removing the insulating layer to expose the semiconductor substrate, forming a lightly doped impurity region in the exposed semiconductor substrate, forming a spacer on a sidewall of the gate electrode, completely removing the insulating layer, and forming a heavily doped impurity region on the transistor area of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor on insulator (SOI) device. The method includes, in one embodiment, providing a monocrystalline silicon substrate having a monocrystalline silicon layer overlying the substrate and separated therefrom by a dielectric layer. A gate electrode material is deposited and patterned to form a gate electrode and a spacer. Impurity determining dopant ions are implanted into the monocrystalline silicon layer using the gate electrode as an ion implant mask to form spaced apart source and drain regions in the monocrystalline silicon layer and into the monocrystalline silicon substrate using the spacer as an ion implant mask to form spaced apart device regions in the monocrystalline substrate. Electrical contacts are then formed that contact the spaced apart device regions.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a germanium photo detector includes preparing a silicon substrate wafer and depositing and planarizing a silicon oxide layer on the silicon substrate. Contact holes are formed in the silicon oxide layer. An N+ epitaxial germanium layer is grown on the silicon oxide layer and in the contact holes. An N+ germanium layer is formed by ELO. The structure is smoothed and thinned. An intrinsic germanium layer is grown on the N+ epitaxial germanium layer. A P+ germanium layer is formed on the intrinsic germanium layer and a silicon oxide overcoat is deposited. A window is opened through the silicon oxide overcoat to the P+ germanium layer. A layer of conductive material is deposited on the silicon oxide overcoat and in the windows therein. The conductive material is etched to form individual sensing elements.

Abstract: Certain aspects of a method for reducing noise disturbing at least one signal in an electronic device may comprise shielding a first layer doped with a first dopant from a signaling layer employing a second layer doped with a second dopant. A first signaling component of the signaling layer may be coupled to the second layer and a second signaling component of the signaling layer may be coupled to the second layer. The second layer may be coupled to the first layer, and this reduces the signal disturbing noise in the electronic device. Shielding the first layer from the signaling layer may comprise disposing the second layer between the first layer and the signaling layer. Shielding the first layer from the signaling layer may comprise disposing a deep N-well between the first layer and the signaling layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a germanium photo detector includes preparing a silicon substrate; depositing and planarizing a silicon oxide layer; forming contact holes in the silicon oxide layer which communicate with the underlying silicon substrate; growing an epitaxial germanium layer of a first type on the silicon oxide layer and in the contact holes; growing an intrinsic germanium layer on the epitaxial germanium layer and any exposed silicon oxide layer; growing a germanium layer of a second type on the intrinsic germanium layer and any exposed silicon oxide layer; depositing a layer of covering material take from the group of materials consisting of polysilicon, polysilicon-germanium and In2O3—SnO2; and etching the covering material to form individual sensing elements.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes a first transistor area having a first gate electrode and first source/drain areas, a second transistor area having a second gate electrode and second source/drain areas, and an interface area provided at an interface of the first transistor area and the second transistor area and having a third gate electrode. A first stress film is on the first gate electrode and the first source/drain areas of the first transistor area and at least a portion of the third gate electrode of the interface area. A second stress film is on the second gate electrode and the second source/drain areas of the second transistor area and not overlapping the first stress film on the third gate electrode of the interface area or overlapping at least a portion of the first stress film. The second stress film overlapping at least the portion of the first stress film is thinner than the second stress film in the second transistor area. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate (12), a first insulating layer (14) over a surface of the substrate (12), a layer of nanocrystals (13) over a surface of the first insulating layer (14), a second insulating layer (15) over the layer of nanocrystals (13). A nitriding ambient is applied to the second insulating layer (15) to form a barrier to further oxidation when a third insulating layer (22) is formed over the substrate (12). The nitridation of the second insulating layer (15) prevents oxidation or shrinkage of the nanocrystals and an increase in the thickness of the first insulating layer 14 without adding complexity to the process flow for manufacturing the semiconductor device (10).

Abstract: A method and device for image sensing. The method includes forming a first well and a second well in a substrate, forming a gate oxide layer on the substrate, and depositing a first gate region and a second gate region on the gate oxide layer. The first gate region is associated with the first well, and the second gate region is associated with the second well. Additionally, the method includes forming a third well in the substrate, implanting a first plurality of ions to form a first lightly doped source region and a first lightly doped drain region in the first well, implanting a second plurality of ions to form at least a second lightly doped drain region in the second well, and implanting a third plurality of ions to form a source in the second well.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first MIS transistor and a second MIS transistor. The first MIS transistor includes: a first gate insulating film formed on a first active region of a substrate; and a first gate electrode formed on the first gate insulating film. The second MIS transistor includes: a second gate insulating film formed on a second active region of the substrate and having a dielectric constant lower than the first gate insulating film; and a second gate electrode formed on the second gate insulating film. Insulting sidewall spacers having the same structure are formed on respective side faces of the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imager device with a floating diffusion region resistant to charge leakage. The floating diffusion region is formed having a first doped region and a second doped region which has a higher concentration of dopants than the first doped region. The floating diffusion region is resistant to charge leakage while maintaining good contact to a conductor connected to a gate of a source follower transistor.

Abstract: A mounting method for a semiconductor component. The method includes application of solder material to the semiconductor component, application of at least one contact/mounting element made of semiconductor material and/or metal and/or insulator material to the solder material, heating of at least one part of the semiconductor component to a temperature lying above the melting point of the solder material by impressing an electrical power into the semiconductor component, as a result of which corresponding soldering connections arise between the semiconductor component and the at least one contact/mounting element, and cooling of the connection complex that comprises the semiconductor component and at least one contact/mounting element and was produced in the preceding step.

Abstract: A silicon on insulator (SOI) device and methods for fabricating such a device are provided. The device includes an MOS capacitor coupled between voltage busses and formed in a monocrystalline semiconductor layer overlying an insulator layer and a semiconductor substrate. The device includes at least one electrical discharge path for discharging potentially harmful charge build up on the MOS capacitor. The MOS capacitor has a conductive electrode material forming a first plate of the MOS capacitor and an impurity doped region in the monocrystalline silicon layer beneath the conductive electrode material forming a second plate. A first voltage bus is coupled to the first plate of the capacitor and to an electrical discharge path through a diode formed in the semiconductor substrate and a second voltage bus is coupled to the second plate of the capacitor.

Abstract: A lower electrode may be covered by a protective film to reduce the exposure of the lower electrode to subsequent processing steps or the open environment. As a result, materials that may have advantageous properties as lower electrodes may be utilized despite the fact that they may be sensitive to subsequent processing steps or the open environment.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates semiconductor device fabrication by providing mechanisms for utilizing different isolation schemes within embedded memory and other logic portions of a device. The isolation mechanism of the embedded memory portion is improved relative to other portions of the device by increasing dopant concentrations or reducing the depth of the dopant profiles within well regions of the embedded memory array. As a result, smaller isolation spacing can be employed thereby permitting a more compact array. The isolation mechanism of the logic portion is relatively less than that of the embedded memory portion, which permits greater operational speed for the logic.

Abstract: In a method for fabricating a semiconductor device in which a semiconductor memory element having an ONO film and a CMOS part are formed on a single semiconductor substrate, a CMOS gate-oxidation step is performed several times. Thereafter, a bit line diffusion layer and a bit line oxide film are formed in the semiconductor memory element.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanowire CHEMFET sensor mechanism includes preparing a silicon substrate; depositing a polycrystalline ZnO seed layer on the silicon substrate; patterning and etching the polycrystalline ZnO seed layer; depositing an insulating layer over the polycrystalline ZnO seed layer and the silicon substrate; patterning and etching the insulating layer to form contact holes to a source region and a drain region; metallizing the contact holes to form contacts for the source region and the drain region; depositing a passivation dielectric layer over the insulating layer and the contacts; patterning the passivation layer and etching to expose the polycrystalline ZnO seed layer between the source region and the drain region; and growing ZnO nanostructures on the exposed ZnO seed layer to form a ZnO nanostructure CHEMFET sensor device.

Abstract: A nitride layer of the gate mask for the semiconductor device is deposited at a temperature higher than 750 deg. C so as to release hydrogen from the nitride layer. Alternatively, a nitride layer of the gate mask for the semiconductor device is deposited in a gas atmosphere with use of an ammonia gas and a silane gas such that a flow rate of the ammonia gas is set at least twenty times or greater than that of the silane gas. Accordingly, the problem with respect to the threshold voltages Vt of the semiconductor devices varying greatly from device to device when the polysilicon layer or the amorphous silicon layer is formed in the vicinity of the nitride layer and is doped with Group III impurities, will be solved.

Abstract: To reduce electric current concentration and electric field concentration in junction parts even in the case of miniaturization, and to achieve triggering at low voltage, an ESD protection apparatus is installed between an input terminal of a semiconductor integrated circuit chip and a CMOS transistor. The ESD protection apparatus includes a trigger element having diodes which are broken down by overvoltage applied to the input terminal and an ESD protection element including vertical bipolar transistors for discharging the accumulated electric charge of the input terminal by being electrically discharged owing to the breakdown of the diodes.

Abstract: Processing a semiconductor wafer can include forming a plurality of Light Emitting Devices (LED) on a semiconductor wafer having a first thickness. The plurality of LEDs on the wafer are brought into contact with a surface of a carrier to couple the wafer to the carrier. The first thickness of the wafer is reduced to a second thickness that is less than the first thickness by processing the backside of the wafer. The carrier is separated from the plurality of LEDs on the wafer and the wafer is cut to separate the plurality of LEDs from one another. Related devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method to form a very low resistivity interconnection in the manufacture of an integrated circuit device is achieved. A bottom conductive layer is formed overlying a substrate. The bottom conductive layer creates a first electrical coupling of a first location and a second location of the integrated circuit device. A dielectric layer is formed overlying the bottom conductive layer. A top conductive layer is formed overlying the dielectric layer. The top conductive layer is coupled to the bottom conductive layer through openings in the dielectric layer to form a second electrical coupling of the first location and the second location. A metal wire is bonded to the top conductive layer to form a third electrical coupling of the first location and the second location to complete the very low resistivity interconnection in the manufacture of the integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a first and second transistor of an ESD protection and internal circuit respectively. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate, forming gates of the first and second transistor on the substrate, depositing a mask layer and patterning the mask layer using one single mask to remove the mask layer on the gates, a portion of a drain region of the first transistor, and a source and drain region of the second transistor, implementing ESD implantation under the regions without the patterned mask layer, removing the mask layer and forming sidewall spacers of the gates, and implementing drain diffusion.

Abstract: In an integrated circuit, a diode is interposed between the semiconductor substrate and the contact pad to an external bias voltage, and the substrate is biased at an internal voltage reference. Between each contact pad of the integrated circuit and semiconductor substrate, there is positioned a protection device against permanent overloads and a protection device against electrostatic discharges. By isolating the semiconductor substrate from the external voltages source and by placing a protection device between each contact pad and the substrate, a broad, general protection of the integrated circuit is obtained against all the destructive phenomena such as overloads, positive and negative overvoltages, polarity reversal and electrostatic discharges.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a triple well structure, which includes a substrate of a first conductive type, a deep buried well of a second conductive type, a well of a first conductive type, a well ring of a second conductive type, and a well ring of a first conductive type. The deep buried well of the second conductive type is in the substrate. The well of the first conductive type is disposed over the deep buried well of the second conductive type in the substrate. The well ring of the second conductive type surrounds the well of the first conductive type. The well ring of the first conductive type is between the well of the first conductive type and the well ring of the second conductive type.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a nonvolatile memory and the fabrication method of the same is described formed on a semiconductor substrate. According to the semiconductor device, a second gate electrode film is used for a gate electrode film of a logic circuit, and for a control gate electrode film of a nonvolatile memory. As the second gate electrode film is formed at a relatively later step in fabrication, subsequent thermal process may be avoided. The gate structure is suitable for miniaturization of the transistor in the logic circuit.

Abstract: An imager pixel utilizing a silicon-on-insulator substrate, a photodiode in said substrate below the buried oxide, and a dual contact to said photodiode and methods of forming said imager pixel. The photodiode has an increased fill factor due to its increased size relative to the pixel.

Abstract: Wells are formed in a substrate where standard Vt and low Vt devices of both a first and second type are to be fabricated. Wells defining the locations of first type standard Vt devices are masked, and a first voltage threshold implant adjustment is performed within wells defining the second type standard Vt devices, and each of the first and second type low Vt devices. Wells that define the locations of second type standard Vt devices are masked, and a second voltage threshold implant adjustment is performed to the wells defining the first type standard Vt devices, and each of the first and second type low Vt devices. Doped polysilicon gate stacks are then formed over the wells. Performance characteristics and control of each device Vt is controlled by regulating at least one of the first and second voltage threshold implant adjustments, and the polysilicon gate stack doping.

Abstract: A method for forming a sense amplifier of a semiconductor device prevents bit lines from being bridged to each other by a stepped portion created on an insulation interlayer due to irregular density of a P-type impurity, which is ion-implanted into an insulation interlayer in a P+ pickup region when a sense amplifier of a semiconductor device is formed. Yield ratio of semiconductor devices is improved.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-volatile DRAM includes, in part: forming p-well and an n-well between two trench isolation regions formed in a semiconductor substrate, forming a polysilicon control gate of the non-volatile device disposed in the non-volatile DRAM, forming a first oxide spacer above portions of the body region and adjacent said first control gate, forming gate oxide layers of varying thicknesses above the body region, forming the guiding gate of the non-volatile device and the gate of an associated passgate transistor, forming LDD implant regions of the non-volatile device and the associated pass-gate transistor, forming source/drain regions of the non-volatile device and the associated pass-gate transistor, depositing a dielectric layer over the polysilicon guiding gate of the non-volatile device and the polysilicon gate of the associated passgate transistor, forming polysilicon landing pads, and forming polysilicon vertical walls defining capacitor plates of the non-volatile DRAM capacitor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device by a small number of processes and by a means with high usability of materials to have high-definition and a gate insulating with a high step coverage property is disclosed. According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises the steps of forming a plurality of first conductive layers over a substrate; forming a first insulating layer to fill the gaps of the plurality of the first conductive layers; forming a second insulating layer over the first insulating layer and the plurality of the first conductive layers; and forming a semiconductor region and a second conductive layer over the second insulating layer.

Abstract: A method of construction of an inkjet printhead having a large array of inkjet nozzle arrangements by defining a single inkjet nozzle arrangement for the ejection of ink from a single nozzle and utilizing a series of translations and rotations of the single inkjet nozzle arrangement to form all the inkjet nozzles of the inkjet print head. The utilizing step can comprise: initially forming those nozzles in a pod; forming a group of pods corresponding to each color utilized in the print head; forming a firing group of pods; forming a segment of the printhead; forming each segment of the print head. The inkjet nozzle arrangements can include a series of layers deposited and etch utilizing a mask.

Abstract: A variety of processes are disclosed for controlling NDR characteristics for an NDR element, such as peak-to-valley ratio (PVR), NDR onset voltage (VNDR) and related parameters. The processes are based on conventional semiconductor manufacturing operations so that an NDR device can be fabricated using silicon based substrates and along with other types of devices.

Abstract: In a method for fabricating a semiconductor device in which a semiconductor memory element having an ONO film and a CMOS part are formed on a single semiconductor substrate, a CMOS gate-oxidation step is performed several times. Thereafter, a bit line diffusion layer and a bit line oxide film are formed in the semiconductor memory element.

Abstract: A phase-change memory cell may be formed by selectively depositing the lower electrode in the phase-change memory pore. Thereafter, an adhesion-promoting material may be selectively deposited on the selectively deposited lower electrode and the upper surface surrounding the pore. Through the use of selective deposition techniques, the adhesion-promoting material can be positioned where needed and the lower electrode may be defined in a fashion that may reduce shunting current, reduce device current requirements, and increase dynamic range in some embodiments.

Abstract: A structure for making a LDMOS transistor (100) includes an interdigitated source finger (26) and a drain finger (21) on a substrate (15). Termination regions (35, 37) are formed at the tips of the source finger and drain finger. A drain (45) of a second conductivity type is formed in the substrate of a first conductivity type. A field reduction region (7) of a second conductivity type is formed in the drain and is wrapped around the termination regions for controlling the depletion at the tip and providing higher voltage breakdown of the transistor.

Abstract: An EEPROM device manufacturing method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of oxidation, polysilicon deposition, and etching to form first polysilicon layers of a select transistor and a floating gate electrode. The method also includes a second polysilicon deposition step followed by an etching step to form a logic gate electrode and a control gate electrode at the same time. This method prevents damage to the silicon substrate and reduces the number of process steps compared to conventional manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming semiconductor structures using tensilely strained gettering layers. The method includes forming a donor wafer comprising a tensilely strained gettering layer disposed over a substrate, and at least one material layer disposed over the tensilely strained gettering layer. Additionally, the donor wafer may possess a particle-confining region proximate the tensilely strained layer. The method also includes introducing particles into the donor wafer to a depth below the surface, and accumulating at least some particles within the tensilely strained gettering layer. Next, the method includes initiating a cleaving action so as to separate at least one of the material layers form the substrate. The tensilely strained gettering layer may accumulate particles and/or point defects and reduce the implantation dose and thermal budget required for cleaving.