Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure which includes a conductive layer and a resistance configurable structure over the conductive layer. The resistance configurable structure includes a first electrode, a resistance configurable layer over the first electrode, and a second electrode over the resistance configurable layer. The first electrode has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom surface on the conductive layer. A joint between the first sidewall and the second sidewall includes an electric field enhancement structure. The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing the above semiconductor structure, including patterning a hard mask on a conductive layer; forming a spacer around the hard mask; removing at least a portion of the hard mask; forming a conforming resistance configurable layer on the spacer; and forming a second conductive layer on the conforming resistance configurable layer.

Abstract: Semiconductor structures having capacitors and metal wiring integrated in a same dielectric layer are described. For example, a semiconductor structure includes a plurality of semiconductor devices disposed in or above a substrate. One or more dielectric layers are disposed above the plurality of semiconductor devices. Metal wiring is disposed in each of the dielectric layers. The metal wiring is electrically coupled to one or more of the semiconductor devices. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor is disposed in one of the dielectric layers, adjacent to the metal wiring of the at least one of the dielectric layers. The MIM capacitor is electrically coupled to one or more of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive memory element (for example, a spin-torque magnetoresistive memory element), includes first and second dielectric layers, wherein at least one of the dielectric layers is a magnetic tunnel junction. The memory element also includes a free magnetic layer having a first surface in contact with the first dielectric layer and a second surface in contact with the second dielectric layer. The free magnetic layer, which is disposed between the first and second dielectric layers, includes (i) a first high-iron interface region located along the first surface of the free magnetic layer, wherein the first high-iron interface region has at least 50% iron by atomic composition, and (ii) a first layer of ferromagnetic material adjacent to the first high-iron interface region, the first high-iron interface region between the first layer of ferromagnetic material and the first surface of the free magnetic layer.

Abstract: A nanowire device is disclosed that includes first and second nanowires, a gate structure positioned around a portion of the first and second nanowires and a phase change material surrounding at least a portion of the first nanowire in the source/drain regions of the device but not surrounding the second nanowire in the source/drain regions.

Abstract: A process of forming an integrated circuit forms a high precision capacitor bottom plate with a metallic surface and performs a plasma treatment of the metallic surface. A high precision capacitor dielectric is formed by depositing a first layer of the capacitor dielectric on the high precision capacitor bottom plate wherein the first layer is silicon nitride, depositing a second layer of the capacitor dielectric on the first layer wherein the second portion is silicon dioxide, and depositing a third layer of the capacitor dielectric on the second portion wherein the third layer is silicon nitride. Plasma treatments may also be performed on the layers of capacitor dielectric pre- and/or post-deposition. A metallic high precision capacitor top plate is formed on the high precision capacitor dielectric.

Abstract: An electrical device with a fin structure, a first section of the fin structure having a first width and a first height, a second section of the fin structure having a second width and a second height, wherein the first width is smaller than the second width and the first height is lower than the second height.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, fins coupled to the substrate and surrounded at a bottom portion thereof by isolation material, and resistor(s) situated in the gate region(s), the gate regions being filled with undoped dummy gate material. As part of a replacement gate process, the resistor(s) are realized by forming silicide over dummy gate material, i.e., the dummy gate material for the resistor(s) is not removed.

Abstract: A method for processing a resist mask includes: (a) a step of preparing, in a processing chamber, a target object to be processed having a patterned resist mask provided thereon; and (b) a step of generating a plasma of the hydrogen-containing gas by supplying a hydrogen-containing gas and supplying a microwave into the processing chamber. The hydrogen-containing gas may be, e.g., H2 gas.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first storage electrode, a second storage electrode that is arranged above the first storage electrode, a first landing pad that is arranged between a top surface of the first storage electrode and a bottom surface of the second storage electrode, the first landing pad connecting the first storage electrode and the second storage electrode, the first landing pad having a first landing surface, the first landing surface being larger than the bottom surface of the second storage electrode, and the second storage electrode being placed on the first landing surface, a capacitive insulating film that is laminated on the first and second storage electrodes and on an outer circumferential surface of the first landing pad, and a plate electrode that contacts the capacitive insulating film.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a semiconductor memory device are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus including a first region and a second region. The apparatus may also include a body region disposed between the first region and the second region and capacitively coupled to a plurality of word lines, wherein each of the plurality of word lines is capacitively coupled to different portions of the body region.

Abstract: A method of forming a memory cell includes forming an outer electrode material elevationally over and directly against a programmable material. The programmable material and the outer electrode material contact one another along an interface. Protective material is formed elevationally over the outer electrode material. Dopant is implanted through the protective material into the outer electrode material and the programmable material and across the interface to enhance adhesion of the outer electrode material and the programmable material relative one another across the interface. Memory cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first gate electrodes buried in a semiconductor substrate including an active region and a device isolation film, a plurality of junction regions including storage node junction regions and a bit line junction region disposed between the storage node junction regions, a plurality of storage node contact plugs respectively disposed over and coupled to the storage node junction regions, a plurality of storage nodes respectively disposed over and coupled to the storage node contact plugs, and a second gate electrode disposed over a sidewall of a corresponding one of the storage node contact plugs. A vertical transistor includes the second gate electrode and the corresponding storage node contact plug and stores charges leaked from a corresponding one of the storage nodes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a storage node contact on a substrate, and a lower electrode on the storage node contact, a lower sidewall of the lower electrode being covered by a contact residue of a same material as the storage node contact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device including: a substrate having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer arranged deeper than the first conductive layer; a large-diameter concave portion having, on a main side of a substrate, an opening sized to overlap the first and second conductive layers, with the first conductive layer exposed in part of the bottom of the large-diameter concave portion; a small-diameter concave portion extended from the large-diameter concave portion and formed by digging into the bottom of the large-diameter concave portion, with the second conductive layer exposed at the bottom of the small-diameter concave portion; and a conductive member provided in a connection hole made up of the large- and small-diameter concave portions to connect the first and second conductive layers.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a capacitor region and a resistor region. A capacitor dielectric material and a capacitor electrode are sequentially stacked on an active region in the capacitor region of the semiconductor substrate. A resistor is provided on the resistor region of the semiconductor substrate. A protection pattern is provided on a top surface of the capacitor electrode. The protection pattern is spaced apart from the capacitor electrode. The protection pattern and the resistor include the same material and have the same thickness in a direction vertical to a surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit having a self-aligned structure, the method comprises the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate dielectric layer, a first polysilicon layer, and a first capping layer on top of the semiconductor substrate; patterning the first capping layer, the first polysilicon layer and stopping on the gate dielectric layer to form a gate structure; forming and patterning a composite dielectric layer, a second polysilicon layer, and a second capping layer to form an interconnect structure; forming a composite spacer; removing the photo-resist layer; forming a third polysilicon layer; making blanket removal of the third polysilicon layer to leave a remain third polysilicon layer; removing the first and the second capping layer; forming a source and a drain; and forming a silicide layer overlying the gate structure, source, drain and the interconnect structure to form the self-aligned structure.

Abstract: A complementary back end of line (BEOL) capacitor (CBC) structure includes a metal oxide metal (MOM) capacitor structure. The MOM capacitor structure is coupled to a first upper interconnect layer of an interconnect stack of an integrated circuit (IC) device. The MOM capacitor structure includes a lower interconnect layer of the interconnect stack. The CBC structure also includes a second upper interconnect layer of the interconnect stack coupled to the MOM capacitor structure. The CBC structure also includes a metal insulator metal (MIM) capacitor layer between the first upper interconnect layer and the second upper interconnect layer. In addition, CBC structure also includes a MIM capacitor structure coupled to the MOM capacitor structure. The MIM capacitor structure includes a first capacitor plate having a portion of the first upper interconnect layer, and a second capacitor plate having a portion of the MIM capacitor layer(s).

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of forming a capacitor. An opening is formed through a silicon-containing mass to a base, and sidewalls of the opening are lined with protective material. A first capacitor electrode is formed within the opening and has sidewalls along the protective material. At least some of the silicon-containing mass is removed with an etch. The protective material protects the first capacitor electrode from being removed by the etch. A second capacitor electrode is formed along the sidewalls of the first capacitor electrode, and is spaced from the first capacitor electrode by capacitor dielectric. Some embodiments include multi-material structures having one or more of aluminum nitride, molybdenum nitride, niobium nitride, niobium oxide, silicon dioxide, tantalum nitride and tantalum oxide. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device is provided. The nonvolatile memory device comprises a plurality of impurity regions formed in a substrate, a first contact electrically connected to at least one of the impurity regions, a second contact electrically connected to at least one of the impurity regions, a first information storage portion formed at a first height from the substrate and electrically connected to the first contact, and a second information storage portion formed at a second height, which is different from the first height, from the substrate and electrically connected to the second contact.

Abstract: A method of forming an array of gated devices includes forming trenches between walls that longitudinally extend in rows and project elevationally from a substrate. The walls comprise semiconductor material. Gate dielectric is formed within the trenches laterally over side surfaces of the walls and conductive gate material is formed within the trenches laterally over side surfaces of the gate dielectric. Side surfaces of an elevationally inner portion of the gate material within the trenches are laterally covered with masking material and side surfaces of an elevationally inner portion of the gate material within the trenches are laterally uncovered by the masking material. The elevationally outer portion of the gate material that is laterally uncovered by the masking material is removed while the side surfaces of the elevationally inner portion of the gate material are laterally covered by the masking material to form gate lines within the trenches laterally over elevationally inner portions of the walls.

Abstract: A SiC MOSFET device having low specific on resistance is described. The device has N+, P-well and JFET regions extended in one direction (Y-direction) and P+ and source contacts extended in an orthogonal direction (X-direction). The polysilicon gate of the device covers the JFET region and is terminated over the P-well region to minimize electric field at the polysilicon gate edge. In use, current flows vertically from the drain contact at the bottom of the structure into the JFET region and then laterally in the X direction through the accumulation region and through the MOSFET channels into the adjacent N+ region. The current flowing out of the channel then flows along the N+ region in the Y-direction and is collected by the source contacts and the final metal. Methods of making the device are also described.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. The method includes receiving a semiconductor device, patterning a first hard mask to form a first recess in a high-resistor (Hi-R) stack, removing the first hard mask, forming a second recess in the Hi-R stack, forming a second hard mask in the second recess in the Hi-R stack. A HR can then be formed in the semiconductor substrate by the second hard mask and a gate trench etch.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a phase change memory. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a bottom electrode connecting with one or more semiconductor devices, and forming a first dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming a loop-shape electrode in the first dielectric layer, and forming a second dielectric layer having a first opening exposing a portion of the first dielectric layer and a portion of the loop-shape electrode. Further, the method includes forming a phase change layer in the first opening of the second dielectric layer such that a contact area between the phase change layer and the loop-shape electrode may be controlled to achieve desired contact, and forming a top electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device can include a first conductive line crossing over a field isolation region and crossing over an active region of the device, where the first conductive line can include a first conductive pattern being doped, a second conductive pattern, and a metal-silicon-nitride pattern between the first and second conductive patterns and can be configured to provide a contact at a lower boundary of the metal-silicon-nitride pattern with the first conductive pattern and configured to provide a diffusion barrier at an upper boundary of the metal-silicon-nitride pattern with the second conductive pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming a spacer is disclosed that involves forming a layer of spacer material above an etch stop layer, performing a first main etching process on the layer of spacer material to remove some of material, stopping the etching process prior to exposing the etch stop layer and performing a second over-etch process on the layer of spacer material, using the following parameters: an inert gas flow rate of about 50-200 sscm, a reactive gas flow rate of about 3-20 sscm, a passivating gas flow rate of about 3-20 sscm, a processing pressure about 5-15 mT, a power level of about 200-500 W for ion generation and a bias voltage of about 300-500 V. A device includes a gate structure positioned above a semiconducting substrate, a substantially triangular-shaped sidewall spacer positioned proximate the gate structure and an etch stop layer positioned between the spacer and the gate structure.

Abstract: Semiconductor component or device is provided which includes a current barrier element and for which the impedance may be tuned (i.e. modified, changed, etc.) using a focused heating source.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a floating gate formed over a substrate; a contact plug formed on a first side of the floating gate and disposed parallel to the floating gate with a gap defined therebetween; and a spacer formed on a sidewall of the floating gate and filling the gap, wherein the contact plug and the floating gate have a sufficiently large overlapping area to enable the contact plug to operate as a control gate for the floating gate.

Abstract: A monitoring method of a semiconductor process includes the following steps. A semiconductor substrate is provided, and a test structure is formed thereon. The method of forming the test structure includes the following steps. A first doped region and a second doped region are formed in the semiconductor substrate, and an insulating layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. Subsequently, a conductive layer is directly formed on the insulating layer to complete the formation of the test structure, in which the conductive layer in a floating state partially overlaps the first doped region and partially overlaps the second doped region. Then, a voltage signal is applied to the test structure and the breakdown voltage (Vbd) between the first doped region and the second doped region is measured.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic device includes forming an interconnect layer stack on a rigid wafer substrate having a plurality of patterned electrical conductor layers, a dielectric layer between adjacent patterned electrical conductor layers, and at least one solder pad on an uppermost patterned electrical conductor layer. An LCP solder mask having at least one aperture therein alignable with the at least one solder pad is formed. The LCP solder mask and interconnect layer stack are aligned and laminated together. Solder is positioned in the at least one aperture. At least one circuit component is attached to the at least one solder pad using the solder.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device selectively forms a resist film on the multilayer gate film and the gate side wall insulating film extending on the semiconductor substrate. An upper part of the gate side wall insulating film and the hard mask film selectively are removed by etching using the resist film as a mask so as to expose a surface of the metal film. the metal film and the barrier metal film adjoining the metal film are removed, by wet etching. After the removal of the resist film, embedding a space formed by removal of the metal film and the barrier metal film and depositing a pre-metal dielectric to a level higher than an upper surface of the remaining hard mask film. A top part of the pre-metal dielectric is planarized by CMP using the remaining hard mask film as a stopper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory structure including a resistance-changing storage element, which enables a reset operation with a reset gate and in which cross-sectional areas of a resistance-changing film and a lower electrode in a current-flowing direction can be decreased.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, where, with respect to a parasitic resistor in a current mirror circuit, a compensation resistor for compensating the parasitic resistor is provided in the current mirror circuit, the current mirror circuit includes at least two thin film transistors. The thin film transistors each have an island-shaped semiconductor film having a channel formation region and source or drain regions, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, and source or drain electrodes, and the compensation resistor compensates the parasitic resistor of any one of the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode. In addition, each compensation resistor has a conductive layer containing the same material as the gate electrode, the source or drain electrodes, or the source or drain regions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device having a substrate including first and second regions. First interlayer insulation layers and conductive patterns alternately are stacked on a first region of the substrate. A second interlayer insulation layer covers the first interlayer insulation layers and the conductive patterns. A resistor is formed in the second interlayer insulation layer in the second region of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods for a low voltage antifuse device and the resulting devices are disclosed. Embodiments may include forming a plurality of fins above a substrate, removing a portion of a fin, forming a fin tip, forming a first area of a gate oxide layer above at least the fin tip, forming a second area of the gate oxide layer above a remaining portion of the plurality of fins, wherein the first area is thinner than the second area, and forming a gate over at least the fin tip to form an antifuse one-time programmable device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film formed around the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a gate electrode made of a metal and formed around the gate insulating film, a gate line made of a metal and connected to the gate electrode, a second gate insulating film formed around an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first contact made of a second metal and formed around the second gate insulating film, a second contact which is made of a third metal and which connects an upper portion of the first contact to an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a second diffusion layer formed in a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a pillar-shaped resistance-changing layer formed on the second contact, a reset gate insulating film that surrounds the pillar-shaped resistance-changing layer, and a reset gate that surrounds the reset gate insulating

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a device are presented. The device includes a substrate having a device region and first and second isolation regions surrounding the device region. The device includes a multi-time programmable (MTP) memory cell having a single transistor disposed on the device region. The transistor includes a gate having a gate electrode over a gate dielectric which includes a programmable resistive layer. The gate dielectric is disposed over a channel region having first and second sub-regions in the substrate. The gate dielectric disposed above the first and second sub-regions has different characteristics such that when the memory cell is programmed, a portion of the programmable resistive layer above one of the first or second sub-region is more susceptible for programming relative to portion of the programmable resistive above the other first or second sub-region.

Abstract: Vertical 1T-1R memory cells, memory arrays of vertical 1T-1R memory calls, and methods of forming such memory cells and memory arrays are described. The memory cells each include a vertical transistor and a resistivity-switching element coupled in series with and disposed above or below the vertical transistor. The vertical transistor includes a controlling electrode coupled to a word line that is above or below the vertical transistor. The controlling electrode is disposed on a sidewall of the vertical transistor. Each vertical transistor includes a first terminal coupled to a bit line, a second terminal comprising the controlling electrode coupled to a word line, and a third terminal coupled to the resistivity-switching element.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an interface layer, a smooth conductive layer disposed over the interface layer, and a first insulating layer disposed over a first surface of the smooth conductive layer. A first conductive layer is disposed over the first insulating layer and the interface layer, and the first conductive layer contacts the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is disposed over the second insulating layer and the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer is disposed below the first conductive layer and contacts a second surface of the smooth conductive layer. The second surface of the smooth conductive layer is opposite the first surface of the smooth conductive layer. A third insulating layer is disposed over the first insulating layer and the first surface of the smooth conductive layer, and a fourth insulating layer is disposed below the second conductive layer and the interface layer.

Abstract: An object is to provide a memory including a memory device which includes a layer whose resistance changes and in which reset can be performed by using a reset gate. The object is achieved by a memory device including a pillar-shaped layer whose resistance changes, a reset gate insulating film surrounding the pillar-shaped layer whose resistance changes, and a reset gate surrounding the reset gate insulating film.

Abstract: A portion of a top semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is patterned into a semiconductor fin having substantially vertical sidewalls. A portion of a body region of the semiconductor fin is exposed on a top surface of the semiconductor fin between two source regions having a doping of a conductivity type opposite to the body region of the semiconductor fin. A metal semiconductor alloy portion is formed directly on the two source regions and the top surface of the exposed body region between the two source regions. The doping concentration of the exposed top portion of the body region may be increased by ion implantation to provide a low-resistance contact to the body region, or a recombination region having a high-density of crystalline defects may be formed. A hybrid surface semiconductor-on-insulator (HSSOI) metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) thus formed has a body region that is electrically tied to the source region.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). It comprises at least a 3D-array die and at least an integrated intermediate-circuit die comprising both a read/write-voltage generator (VR/VW-generator) and an address/data translator (A/D-translator). The intermediate-circuit die performs voltage, address and/or data conversion between the 3D-M core region and the host. Discrete 3D-M support multiple 3D-array dies.

Abstract: A semiconductor power module includes at least two sub modules. The sub modules include at least one respective transistor having a collector, an emitter, and a gate. The module includes a connection arrangement having a collector terminal unit for connecting the collectors of the at least two sub modules collectively to external circuit components, at least two emitter terminal units for connecting the respective emitters of the at least two sub modules individually to external circuit components, and at least two gate terminal units for connecting the respective gates of the at least two sub modules individually to external circuit components.

Abstract: In an example of a method for controlling the formation of dopants in an electrically actuated device, a predetermined concentration of a dopant initiator is selected. The predetermined amount of the dopant is localized, via diffusion, at an interface between an electrode and an active region adjacent to the electrode. The dopant initiator reacts with a portion of the active region to form the dopants.

Abstract: A self-align method of preparing semiconductor gates for formation of a silicide, such as a cobalt silicide (CoSi) layer, is disclosed. Deposition of silicon nitride (SiN) and low-temperature oxide (LTO) liner types, the SiN liner having an overhang structure, prevent damage to the gates while forming a self-aligned source. The undamaged gates are suitable for CoSi deposition.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate and a resistor provided over the substrate. The resistor includes a first material layer, a second material layer, a first contact structure and a second contact structure. The first material layer includes at least one of a metal and a metal compound. The second material layer includes a semiconductor material. The second material layer is provided over the first material layer and includes a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer. The second sub-layer is provided over the first sub-layer. The first sub-layer and the second sub-layer are differently doped. Each of the first contact structure and the second contact structure provides an electrical connection to the second sub-layer of the second material layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor process is provided, including following steps. A polysilicon layer is formed on a substrate. The polysilicon layer is cryo-implanted with at least two of multiple species including a germanium species, a carbon species and a p- or n-type species, at a temperature ranging between ?40° C. and ?120° C. An asymmetric dual-side heating treatment is performed to the polysilicon layer, wherein a power for a front-side heating is different from a power for a backside heating.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to method for reducing lateral extrusion formed in semiconductor structures and semiconductor structures formed thereof. Various embodiments include a method for reducing lateral extrusion formed in semiconductor structures. The method can include removing a portion of a first lateral extrusion in an aluminum layer of the semiconductor structure, and determining a post-removal thickness of a dielectric layer positioned adjacent the aluminum layer. The post-removal thickness may be determined subsequent to the removing of the portion of the first lateral extrusion. The method can also include determining a difference between the post-removal thickness of the dielectric layer and a pre-removal thickness of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: In a semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor device, a drift layer, a body layer, an emitter layer, and a trench gate electrode are formed. When the semiconductor substrate is viewed in a plane manner, the semiconductor substrate is divided into a first region covered with a heat dissipation member, and a second region not covered with the heat dissipation member. A density of trench gate electrodes in the first region is equal to a density of trench gate electrodes in the second region. A value obtained by dividing an effective carrier amount of channel parts formed in the first region by an area of the first region is larger than a value obtained by dividing an effective carrier amount of channel parts formed in the second region by an area of the second region.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for forming at least one metal gate transistor with a self-aligned source/drain contact includes forming a metal gate over a substrate. The method further includes forming a source/drain region in the substrate adjacent to the metal gate. The method also includes forming a conformal etch stop layer over the metal gate and the source/drain region. The method further includes forming a source/drain contact over the source/drain region, where the conformal etch stop layer imposes a pre-determined distance between the source/drain contact and the metal gate, thereby causing the source/drain contact to be self-aligned to the metal gate.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The method includes sequentially depositing a gate electrode material and a sacrificial insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, patterning the gate electrode material and the sacrificial insulating layer to form one or more holes exposing a surface of the semiconductor substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on an inner sidewall of the hole, forming one or more pillar patterns each filled in the hole and recessed on a top thereof, forming a contact unit and an electrode unit on the pillar pattern, removing a patterned sacrificial insulating layer and forming a spacer nitride material on the semiconductor substrate from which the patterned sacrificial insulating layer is removed, and removing portions of the spacer nitride material and a patterned gate electrode material between the pillar patterns.