Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a wiring layer with an air bridge construction includes the steps of forming a lower layer metal interconnect, depositing an interlayer insulation film, depositing a first and a second insulation film, patterning the second insulation film and of etching the first insulation film and the interlayer insulation film using the second insulation film as a mask so as to form a post opening part and a via hole to connect an upper layer metal interconnect with the lower layer metal interconnect, depositing a third insulation film over the entire surface, etching back so as to leave the third insulation film in a side wall of the post opening part and fill the via hole with the third insulation film, depositing a fourth insulation film over the entire surface of the structure, then removing the fourth insulation film until the via hole is exposed, and then removing the third insulation film inside the via hole, filling the via hole with a metal, and then flatten

Abstract: Air-bridges are formed at controlled lateral separations using the extremely high HF etch rate of a gap-fill spin-on-glass such as uncured hydrogen silsequioxane (HSQ) in combination with other dielectrics having a much slower etch rate in HF. The advantages of an air-bridge system with controlled lateral separations include providing an interconnect isolation dielectric which meets all requirements for sub-0.5 micron technologies and providing a device with reduced reliability problems.

Abstract: A fabrication method for an air-gap, in which method hard mask is used, is described. A patterned hard mask layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. Taking advantage of the etching selectivity of the hard mask layer to the dielectric layer, an opening with a high aspect ratio is formed in the dielectric layer. A conductive plug is then formed in the opening, followed by forming a conductive layer on the hard mask layer to cover the conductive plug. The hard mask layer is further removed. A silicon oxide layer with poor step coverage is formed to cover the substrate. Using the space remaining after the removal of the hard mask layer, an air-gap is formed between the conductive layer and the dielectric layer to enhance the insulation effect.

Abstract: A multilevel interconnect structure with a low-k dielectric constant is fabricated in an integrated circuit structure by the steps of depositing a layer of photoresist on a substrate assembly, etching the photoresist to form openings, forming a metal layer on the photoresist layer to fill the openings and then removing the photoresist layer by, for example, ashing. The metal layer is supported by the metal which filled the openings formed in the photoresist.

Abstract: A new method of forming air gaps between adjacent conducting lines of a semiconductor circuit by using a “holes everywhere” or a “reverse metal holes” mask that can be used to create holes in a dielectric layer. The dielectric that is being etched has been deposited across conducting lines, the holes that are being formed in this manner are closed by depositing a dielectric across the top of the holes. The holes can be etched across the entire layer of the deposited dielectric or can be etched in between the conducting lines.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a semiconductor circuit. The process comprises creating a plurality of adjacent conductive lines having a solid fill between the conductive lines; creating one or more layers above the lines and the fill; creating one or more pathways to the fill through the layers; and converting the fill to a gas that escapes through the pathways, leaving an air void between adjacent lines. To protect the lines from oxidation during processing, a related process for encapsulating conductive lines in one or more adhesion-promotion barrier layers may be performed. The encapsulation process may also be practiced in conjunction with other semiconductor manufacturing processes. The processes result in a multi-layer semiconductor circuit comprising conductive lines, wherein the lines have air as a dielectric between them, are encapsulated by an adhesion-promotion barrier layer, or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making an air bridge in an electronic device. This method uses amorphous silicon carbide to protect electrical conductors in the device during formation of the bridge. The silicon carbide also provides hermetic and physical protection to the device after formation.

Abstract: A method for introducing air into the gaps between neighboring conducting structures in a microelectronics fabrication in order to reduce the capacitative coupling between them. A patterned metal layer is deposited on a substrate. The layer is lined with a CVD-oxide. A disposable gap-filling material is deposited over the lined metal layer. A two layer “air-bridge” is formed over the gap-fill by depositing a layer of TiN over a layer of CVD-oxide. This structure is rendered porous by several chemical processes. An oxygen plasma is passed through the porous air-bridge to react with and dissolve the gap-fill beneath it. The reaction products escape through the porous air-bridge resulting in air-filled gaps.

Abstract: An air gap semiconductor structure and corresponding method of manufacture. The method includes forming a sacrificial polymer film over a substrate having metal lines thereon. A portion of the sacrificial polymer film is subsequently removed to form first spacers. A micro-porous structure layer is formed over the substrate and the metal lines and between the first spacers. A portion of the micro-porous structure layer is removed to form second spacers. The first spacers are removed by thermal dissociation to form air gaps. A dielectric layer is formed over the substrate and the metal lines and between the second spacers.

Abstract: A low dielectric constant material and a process for controllably reducing the dielectric constant of a layer of such material is provided and comprises the step of exposing the layer of dielectric material to a concentration of an oxygen plasma at a temperature and a pressure sufficient for the oxygen plasma to etch the layer of dielectric material to form voids in the layer of dielectric material. The process may also include the step of controlling the reduction of the dielectric constant by controlling the size and density of the voids. The size and density of the voids can be controlled by varying the pressure under which the reaction takes place, by varying the temperature at which the reaction takes place, by varying the concentration of the oxygen plasma used in the reaction or by varying a combination of these parameters. The process of the present invention is particularly useful in the fabrication of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method for the formation of an air gap structure for use in inter-metal applications. A metal pattern of metal lines is formed, a layer of Plasma Polymerized Methylsilane (PPMS) resist is deposited on top of this pattern. The surface of the PPMS resist is subjected to selective exposure. The unexposed PPMS is removed after which the process is completed by closing up the openings within the PPMS.

Abstract: A fabrication method for an ultra short channel device comprising a self-aligned landing pad is described in which a first opening is formed in the oxide layer to define a gate structure region. A pad oxide layer is then formed in the first opening covering the substrate followed by forming a spacer on the inner sidewall of the first opening. Using the spacer as an etching mask, a portion of the oxide layer is removed to form a second opening exposing the substrate. A gate oxide layer is then deposited in the second opening, followed by forming a first conductive layer to fill the second opening. A third opening is then formed in the oxide layer to expose the substrate and to define the source/drain region. An ion implantation is then conducted in the substrate of the third opening to form a heavily doped region of the source/drain region. Thereafter, a landing pad is formed to fill the third opening and to electrically connect with the source/drain region.

Abstract: STI is sometimes effected by etching back shallow trenches that have been over-filled with oxide in order to make the upper surfaces co-planar with the semiconductor. This results in the formation of a groove at the oxide-semiconductor interface which exposes the source/drain PN junction, making it vulnerable to shorting during subsequent SALICIDE processes. In the present invention, manufacture of the LDD device proceeds in the normal way except that when silicon nitride spacers are grown on the vertical sides of the gate pedestal, the depositing silicon nitride is also allowed to coat the exposed vertical walls of the trenches (i.e. inside the groove). Following standard practice, a layer of pad oxide is interposed between the trench wall and this additional silicon nitride for purposes of stress relief.

Abstract: Multi-level semiconductor devices are formed with reduced parasitic capacitance without sacrificing structural integrity or electromigration performance by removing the inter-layer dielectrics and supporting the interconnection system with a metal silicide lining. Embodiments include depositing a dielectric sealing layer, e.g., silicon nitride, before forming the first metallization level, removing the inter-layer dielectrics after forming the last metallization level, electroplating or electroless plating a metal, such as cobalt or nickel, to line the interconnection system, depositing a thin layer of polycrystalline silicon on the metal, heating to form the metal silicide lining on the interconnection system, and forming dielectric protective layers, e.g. a silane derived oxide bottommost protective layer, on the uppermost metallization level.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for forming a raised structure on a semiconductor wafer. In the method, a patterned masking layer is formed over a wafer layer. The patterned masking layer typically includes a first mask covering a first region of the wafer layer and at least one side mask adjacent to the first mask, covering a side region of the wafer layer. After forming the patterned masking layer, exposed portions of the wafer layer adjacent the masks are removed using the patterned masking layer. This leaves a first raised structure (relative to an adjacent removed area) in the first substrate region and a sacrificial raised structure in the side region adjacent the first raised structure. After removing the exposed portions of the wafer layer, the sacrificial raised structure is selectively removed while leaving the first raised structure intact.

Abstract: A fabrication method for a metal interconnect having an inner air spacer, applicable to multilevel interconnects technologies, is disclosed. The inner air spacer is formed adjacent to a metal layer to provide a lower dielectric constant in a metal interconnect structure. The inner air spacer is formed by initially forming a dielectric spacer on a sidewall of a second dielectric layer, which sidewall defines a trench opening. The trench opening is then filled with the metal layer. The dielectric spacer is removed to form an air gap between the metal layer and the second dielectric layer. The air gap is sealed off with a portion of a third dielectric layer to form the inner air spacer adjacent to a sidewall of the metal layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inter-metal dielectric layer. A substrate having a plurality of wires formed thereon is provided. A portion of the substrate is exposed to form an opening between the wires. The opening is filled with a flowable dielectric material, wherein a surface level of the flowable dielectric material is lower than that of the wires. A plurality of spacers is formed on the sidewall of the wires exposed by the flowable dielectric material. The flowable dielectric material is removed. An anisotropic deposition process with a poor-lateral-filling ability is performed to form a dielectric layer with a void under the spacer over the substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a plug etches back the first plug material layer to form a dished surface on the first plug material layer and then performs a second coverage step. A second plug material layer is formed to fill the dished surface and a hole. Thus, the slurry cannot fill the hole during chemical mechanical polishing nor can slurry react with the plug material or the first metallic layer. The reliability of the plug according to the present invention is increased. The thickness of the second plug material layer is thinner than the plug material layer of the conventional method. The thickness is decreased by about 60% when compared with the conventional method, which decreases fabrication costs.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes two or more semiconductor elements provided on a semi-insulating substrate with a buffer layer and an interlevel film being interposed therebetween, an element isolating portion provided as a result of forming a groove between the two or more semiconductor elements through the buffer layer and the interlevel film so as to reach the semi-insulating substrate, and a protective film for protecting at least ends of the buffer layer in the vicinity of the element isolating portion.

Abstract: Air-gap technology is introduced in the damascene scheme, reducing the capacitance between interconnect metal lines on an integrated circuit substrate, and ultimately enhancing the speed of the device. Reduction of extraneous signal energy (cross-talk) from traversing from one metal line to another is also realized. The method for implementing an air-gap filled dielectric between the interconnect metal lines involves depositing a first dielectric layer on the substrate at a predetermined height. Next the first dielectric is patterned and etched to form lines. A second dielectric layer is then deposited using air-gap technology, such that the second dielectric contains air-gaps between the first dielectric lines. These air-gaps are situated below the predetermined height of the first dielectric. The substrate is then polished so that the top surface of the first dielectric is exposed. The first dielectric lines are then etched and removed.

Abstract: A process for forming controlled airgaps (22) between metal lines (16). A two-step high density plasma (HDP) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process is used to form the silicon dioxide dielectric layer (20) with the controlled airgaps (22). The first step involves a high gas flow and low substrate bias conditions to deposit silicon dioxide with a high deposition to sputter etch ratio. The second step uses a low gas flow and high substrate bias condition to increase the sputter component of the deposition.

Abstract: Structures and methods are disclosed for insulating a polysilicon gate adjacent to an electrically active region with a silicon base layer. A layer of silicon nitride having a thickness in a range from about 100 Å to about 150 Å is conformally deposited over the polysilicon gate. A layer of silicon dioxide is formed over the layer of silicon nitride on the polysilicon gate. The layer of silicon dioxide is subjected to a spacer etch to form spacers upon the layer of silicon nitride and on lateral sidewalls of the polysilicon gate. A portion of the layer of silicon nitride situated between the polysilicon gate and the spacer is removed by an etching process that is selective to silicon dioxide and to polysilicon. The etch forms a recess defined between the polysilicon gate and each respective spacer. A cover layer is formed to close an opening to the recess so as to enclose a void therein.

Abstract: A fabrication method for a dual damascene structure comprising an air-gap is provided. The method includes forming sequentially a first dielectric layer, a stop layer and a second dielectric layer on a substrate comprising a first metal layer. The first and the second dielectric layers are then defined to form a via. opening exposing the first metal layer and an opening in a predetermined position on the first and second dielectric layers. An oxide layer is then formed on the second dielectric layer covering the opening and forming a gap. The oxide layer and the second dielectric layer are then defined to form a trench, which exposes the first metal layer. A second metal layer and a via plug are then formed in the trench and the via. opening, wherein the second metal layer and the first metal layer are electrically connected through the via plug.

Abstract: A method for creating low intra-level dielectric interface between conducting lines using conventional deposition and etching processes. A layer of conducting lines is formed interspersed with dielectric material. A dummy, high-density pattern of low k dielectric material is created on top of this layer. The dielectric material between the metal lines is removed. The dummy high-density pattern is interconnected, deposited on top of this interconnected layer is a low k dielectric to form an inter layer dielectric.

Abstract: A new method of preventing passivation keyhole damage and resist extrusion using a hydrophillic solvent before photoresist coating is described. Semiconductor device structures are formed in and on a semiconductor substrate and covered by an insulating layer. Metal lines are formed overlying the insulating layer wherein there is a gap between two of the metal lines. A passivation layer is deposited overlying the metal lines wherein the gap is not filled completely by the passivation layer. The passivation layer is coated with a hydrophillic solvent wherein the hydrophillic solvent completely fills the gap. The passivation layer is coated with a photoresist layer which is exposed and developed to form a photoresist mask. The hydrophillic solvent completely filling the gap allows a uniform thickness photoresist layer. The passivation layer is etched away where it is not covered by the photoresist mask where a bonding pad is formed.

Abstract: A new method of fabricating an inductor utilizing air as an underlying barrier in the manufacture of integrated circuits is described. A metal line is provided overlying a dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate. An intermetal dielectric layer is deposited overlying the metal line and the dielectric layer. The intermetal dielectric layer is patterned whereby a plurality of openings are made through the intermetal dielectric layer to the semiconductor substrate. Thereafter, an oxide layer is deposited overlying the intermetal dielectric layer and capping the plurality of openings thereby forming air gaps within the intermetal dielectric layer. A metal plug is formed through the oxide layer and the intermetal dielectric layer to the metal line.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing integrated circuits increases the aspect ratio of the electrical conductor members connected to the circuits by increasing the effective height of the conductors, either by forming a thicker layer of conductor material prior to patterning the conductor members, or by adding a capping dielectric layer to the conductor material prior to patterning, or by overetching the dielectric material underlying the conductor members.The structure is then covered by a dielectric layer having poor step coverage, resulting in a number of voids and open spaces in the dielectric layer to thereby reduce the dielectric constant between the patterned conductors. A plasma etchback of the dielectric layer is employed to open and shape additional voids and open spaces in the dielectric layer. This is followed by the deposition of a second layer of dielectric material to seal the structure, including any open spaces in the first layer of dielectric material.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device having air regions, the method comprises providing a base, forming a pattern of metal leads, depositing a layer of oxide over the metal leads, forming a layer of nitride over said layer of oxide, opening and etching a trench down to the base layer of material, and depositing and planarizing a dielectric layer. An alternate approach teaches the deposition of a layer of SOG over the layer of oxide that has been deposited over the metal leads, planarizing this layer of SOG down to the top of the metal leads, depositing a layer of PECVD oxide, patterning and etching this layer of PECVD oxide thereby creating openings that are in between the metal leads. The SOG that is between the metal leads can be removed thereby creating air gaps as the intra-level dielectric for the metal leads.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure comprises first gate conductors which wrap around N-wells of buried-channel P-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors and second gate conductors which do not wrap around P-wells of surface-channel N-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors and a method of manufacturing the same comprises forming insulators adjacent each of the N-wells and the P-wells, protecting the N-wells with a patterned mask, forming first divots in areas of the insulators adjacent the N-wells and forming second divots in areas of the insulators adjacent P-wells, wherein the first divots have a greater depth than the second divots.

Abstract: A method of semiconductor fabrication includes the steps of forming a dielectric layer on a first surface of a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of laterally distributed semiconductor devices selectively interconnected on the first surface and bonding a support substrate to the first surface of the semiconductor wafer on the dielectric layer to form a composite structure. A portion of the semiconductor wafer from a second surface which is opposite the first surface is removed and the second surface of the semiconductor wafer is processed. Processing of the second surface optionally includes the formation of isolation trenches electrically isolating the laterally distributed semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method for making improved MOSFET structures is achieved. A Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 and a SiO.sub.2 layer are deposited and patterned to have openings for gate electrodes over device areas on a substrate. A second Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer is deposited and etched back to form arc-shaped sidewall spacers in the openings. An anti-punchthrough implant and a gate oxide are formed in the openings between the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 sidewall spacers. A polysilicon layer is deposited and polished back to form gate electrodes. The SiO.sub.2 and the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layers, including the sidewall spacers, are removed to form free-standing gate electrodes that increase in width with height, and having arc-shaped sidewalls. An implant through the edges of the arc-shaped gate electrodes results in lightly doped source/drains that are graded both in junction depth and dopant concentration to reduce hot electron effects. A second SiO.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a semiconductor device. The method comprises the following steps. At least a first opening and at least a second opening are concurrently formed in a dielectric layer which has a bottom portion having first level interconnections so that the first and second openings have a bottom level which lies over the first level interconnections. A dielectric film is deposited over the dielectric layer to form an inter-layer insulator so that top portions of the first and second openings are sealed with the dielectric film so as to form at least a first hollow portion and at least a second hollow portion serving as an air gap.

Abstract: Multi-level semiconductor devices are formed with reduced parasitic capacitance without sacrificing structural integrity or electromigation performance by removing the inter-layer dielectrics and supporting the interconnection system with a rigid lining. Embodiments include depositing a dielectric sealing layer, e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride or composite of silicon oxide/silicon nitride, before forming the first metallization level, removing the inter-layer dielectrics after forming the last metallization level, lining the interconnection system with undoped polycrystalline silicon and forming a dielectric protective layer, e.g. a silane derived oxide, on the uppermost metallization level.

Abstract: The process of the present invention can be used for conventional processing or for the Damascene process. The key concept of the present invention is a functional "filler" material which can later be removed (decomposed) to leave an air gap between the conducting lines. The filler material can be deposited as a step during conventional metal etch processing or it can be deposited as a first step of the processing of a semiconductor wafer. Leakage currents can be reduced as part of the present invention by applying passivation layers.

Abstract: An air bridge between closely spaced interconnect lines is formed by a high density plasma chemical vapor deposition of fluorinated amorphous carbon. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, to create the air bridge, high density plasma chemical vapor deposition of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon precursors, with little or no rf bias applied to the substrate is performed. For mechanical support of subsequently formed layers, the air bridge is capped by a hard mask layer, typically formed from an insulating material such as silicon dioxide, fluorinated silicon dioxide, or silicon nitride.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductor with resonant frequency and Q value increased in semiconductor process can reduce substrate coupling effect, because (an) air layer(s) is/are formed just under a spiral metal layer which functions as an inductor. In addition, part of the substrate material still remains around the air layer(s), which can be used as a support for the spiral metal layer. Therefore, a problem causing the above-mentioned spiral metal layer to collapse will never occur.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiconductor device having a plurality of wiring on a semiconductor substrate. It is provided with a first insulating film which covers the surface of all the aforesaid wiring, and a second insulating film containing air gaps which is formed between such of the aforesaid wiring as is mutually adjacent.The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device to which the present invention pertains comprises a process whereby the first insulating film is formed in such a manner as to cover the surface of the plurality of wiring formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a process whereby the second insulating film containing air gaps is formed between such of the wiring on the aforesaid substrate as is mutually adjacent. Here, the first insulating film is formed by means of the plasma CVD or spin coating methods, the second by means of the plasma CVD, spin coating, bias CVD, sputtering or similar methods.

Abstract: A process for forming air gaps in an interconnect system is disclosed. At least two conductive lines are formed upon a substrate. A low-dielectric constant material (LDCM) is formed between the at least two conductive lines. Formation of the LDCM creates first and second adhesive forces between the LDCM and the at least two conductive lines and between the LDCM and the substrate, respectively. The LDCM is expanded. A dielectric layer is formed onto the LDCM and the at least two conductive lines. Formation of the dielectric layer creates a third adhesive force between the LDCM and the dielectric layer. The LDCM is contracted. Contraction of the LDCM resulting from a fourth force within the LDCM. Each of the first, second, and third adhesive forces are substantially stronger than the fourth force.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure having a first conductive trace fabricated adjacent to a second conductive trace over an insulating layer. A dielectric material is located over and between the first and second conductive traces. A borderless contact extends through the dielectric material to contact the first conductive trace. An air gap is formed in the dielectric material between the first and second conductive traces, thereby increasing the capacitance between the first and second traces. The air gap has a first portion with a first width adjacent to the borderless contact, and a second portion with a second width away from the borderless contact. The second width is greater than the first width, and the second portion of the air gap is substantially longer than the first portion of the air gap. The first portion of the air gap is offset toward the second trace.

Abstract: A method for forming a dielectric layer within a microelectronics fabrication. There is first provided a substrate layer formed upon a substrate employed within a microelectronics fabrication. There is then formed upon the substrate layer a pair of patterned titanium nitride conductor layers upon which is formed a pair of aluminum containing conductor layers to provide a pair of patterned conductor stack layers. There is then formed over the patterned conductor stack layers a silicon oxide dielectric layer formed employing an ozone assisted sub-atmospheric pressure thermal chemical vapor deposition (SACVD) method employing tetra-ethyl-ortho-silicate (TEOS) as the silicon source material, where the silicon oxide dielectric layer defines at least in part a series of voids formed interposed between the patterned conductor stack layers.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device. On a semiconductor substrate comprising a device isolation structure and an active region isolated by the device isolation region, an oxide layer is formed and etched on the active region to form an opening, so that the active within the opening is exposed. A first spacer is formed on a side wall of the opening. A gate oxide layer is formed on the active region within the opening. A conductive layer is formed on the gate oxide layer, so that the opening is filled thereby. The oxide layer is removed. The exposed active region is lightly doped to form a lightly doped region by using the conductive layer and the first spacer as a mask. A second spacer is formed on a side wall of the first spacer and leaves a portion of the first spacer to be exposed. The exposed active region is heavily doped to form a source/drain region by using the conductive layer, the first spacer, and the second spacer as a mask.

Abstract: An air bridge type structure of a bridge shape which joins to a substrate or micro-structure is manufactured by forming an air bridge type structure on a first substrate and transferring the air bridge type structure to a second substrate and/or a micro-structure formed on the second substrate. A mold substrate, comprising a recessed portion provided on the surface of the mold substrate and a peeling layer formed on the recessed portion, is used for formation of the air bridge type structure. A micro-structure can be supported by the air bridge type structure, for example, a probe for detecting tunneling current or micro-force, supported by the air bridge type structure. Accordingly, electrical connection between structures and the substrate or between the structures one to another can be performed, even if there is undercutting underneath the structures.

Abstract: A process for forming, on a semiconductor substrate, an isolation structure between two zones of an integrated circuit wherein active regions of electronic components integrated thereto have already been defined, comprises the steps of:defining an isolation region on a layer of silicon oxide overlying a silicon layer;selectively etching the silicon to provide the isolation region;growing thermal oxide over the interior surfaces of the isolation structure;depositing dielectric conformingly; andoxidizing the deposited dielectric.

Abstract: A spike electrostatic discharge (ESD) cavity structure includes an etching stop layer including, for example, polysilicon or metal material. The etching stop layer is used as the etching stop to form an opening in the dielectric layer, inside of which a number of discharging layer pairs are formed. The opening exposes the end portions of the discharge layer pairs. The opening is a cavity and can be vacuumed or filled with air.

Abstract: A MOSFET structure in which the channel region is contiguous with the semiconductor substrate while the source and drain junctions are substantially isolated from the substrate, includes a dielectric volume formed adjacent and subjacent to portions of the source and drain regions.In a further aspect of the invention, a process for forming an isolated junction in a bulk semiconductor includes forming a dielectric volume adjacent and subjacent to portions of the source and drain regions.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a transistor in which capacitive coupling between the gate conductors and adjacent structures employed by the integrated circuit is reduced. According to an embodiment, a gate conductor is dielectrically spaced above a semiconductor substrate, and a masking structure is arranged upon an upper surface of the gate conductor. A source/drain implant self-aligned to opposed lateral sidewalls of the masking structure is performed to form source/drain implant areas within the substrate. Select portions of the gate conductor are removed such that opposed ends of the masking structure extend beyond opposed sidewall surfaces of the gate conductor. A lightly doped drain implant self-aligned to the opposed sidewall surfaces of the narrowed gate conductor is performed to form lightly doped drain implant areas within the substrate.

Abstract: In a method manufacturing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor layer having a device forming region is formed on substrate. Next, a region except for the device forming region is changed into an insulator. In this case, a conducting path is left across the semiconductor device to electrically connect the semiconductor device with an adjacent semiconductor device. Subsequently, the device forming region is etched on the condition that the conducting path is left. Finally, the conducting path is disrupted after the etching process. Thus, the semiconductor device and the adjacent semiconductor device are left in an electrical contact via the conducting path during the etching process. Consequently, the uniformity of the etching between the semiconductor devices is largely improved.

Abstract: A method of providing isolation structure in a semiconductor device having a shallow trench with a rounded top corner is provided for preventing stress centralization as well as current leakage of a device.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a transistor in which capacitive coupling between the gate conductors and adjacent structures employed by the integrated circuit is reduced. According to an embodiment, a gate conductor is dielectrically spaced above a semiconductor substrate, and a masking structure is arranged upon an upper surface of the gate conductor. A source/drain implant self-aligned to opposed lateral sidewalls of the masking structure is performed to form source/drain implant areas within the substrate. Select portions of the gate conductor are removed such that opposed ends of the masking structure extend beyond opposed sidewall surfaces of the gate conductor. A lightly doped drain implant self-aligned to the opposed sidewall surfaces of the narrowed gate conductor is performed to form lightly doped drain implant areas within the substrate.

Abstract: A MOS transistor includes a void space as part of the gate oxide layer on the drain end of the transistor. The void space replaces a region of the gate oxide layer so that no oxide is present for injection of hot carriers. The presence of the void space, preferably containing a vacuum, also reduces the total gate capacitance of the device. The void space is formed by chemical etching of the gate oxide layer and void space sealing during device manufacture.