Abstract: A method for forming a cobalt silicide layer employs a sequential treatment of a silicon substrate with a hydrofluoric acid material followed by a wet chemical oxidant material. A cobalt material layer is then formed upon the sequentially treated silicon substrate and the silicon substrate/cobalt material layer laminate is thermally annealed to form a cobalt silicide layer. Use of the wet chemical oxidant material for treating the silicon substrate provides the cobalt silicide layer with enhanced electrical properties.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various methods of controlling the formation of metal silicide regions, and a system for performing same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises forming a layer of refractory metal above a feature, performing at least one anneal process to convert a portion of the layer of refractory metal to at least one metal silicide region on the feature, and measuring at least one characteristic of at least one metal silicide region while the anneal process is being performed. In another illustrative embodiment, the method comprises forming a layer of refractory metal above a feature, performing at least one anneal process to convert a portion of the layer of refractory metal to at least one metal silicide region on the feature, and performing at least one scatterometric measurement of the metal silicide region after at least a portion of the anneal process is performed to determine at least one characteristic of the metal silicide region.

Abstract: A cleaning solution selectively removes a titanium nitride layer and a non-reacting metal layer. The cleaning solution includes an acid solution and an oxidation agent with iodine. The cleaning solution also effectively removes a photoresist layer and organic materials. Moreover, the cleaning solution can be employed in tungsten gate electrode technologies that have been spotlighted because of the capability to improve device operation characteristics.

Abstract: The stack-type DRAM memory structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of self-aligned thin third conductive islands over shallow heavily-doped source diffusion regions without dummy transistors to obtain a cell size of 6F2 or smaller; a rectangular tube-shaped cavity having a conductive island formed above a nearby transistor-stack being formed over each of the self-aligned thin third conductive islands to offer a larger surface area for forming a high-capacity DRAM capacitor of the present invention; a planarized third conductive island being formed between a pair of first sidewall dielectric spacers and on each of shallow heavily-doped common-drain diffusion regions to offer a larger contact area and a higher contact integrity; and a plurality of planarized conductive contact-islands being formed over the planarized third conductive islands to eliminate the aspect-ratio effect and being patterned and etched simultaneously with a plurality of bit lines.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of a gate stack, in particular in very large scale integrated semiconductor memories, uses a combination of a damascene process and a CMP process to produce a gate stack which includes a polysilicon section, a silicide section and a covering-layer section thereabove. The gate stack can be fabricated by using conventional materials, has a very low sheet resistance of <1 ohm/unit area and may carry self-aligning contact sections.

Abstract: Methods for etching or removing oxide scale from a substrate by applying a composition containing a polymer and an effective amount of hydrofluoric acid and maintaining the composition on the substrate until the substrate is etched or the oxide scale is removed.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicide layer of a semiconductor memory device is disclosed. A silicide layer is formed in an impurity junction region through a contact hole exposing the impurity junction region on a semiconductor substrate. Here, two thermal annealing processes are performed on the semiconductor substrate on which a metal layer is deposited, by using low and high temperature up speeds and maintaining the semiconductor substrate under the highest temperature for less than one second, and then dropping the temperature at high speed. The process for removing a portion of the metal layer which did not react is carried out. As a result, a shallow junction can be formed in a very small devices, and deterioration of an electrical property of the semiconductor device is minimized by reducing junction leakage current, which results in the rapid operation of the device.

Abstract: A window is mounted directly to an upper surface of a micromirror device chip. More particularly, the window is mounted above a micromirror device area on the upper surface of the micromirror device chip by a bead. The window in combination with the bead form a hermetic enclosure about the micromirror device area thus protecting the micromirror device area from moisture and contamination.

Abstract: A method for forming a gate stack which minimizes or eliminates damage to the gate dielectric layer and/or silicon substrate during the gate stack formation by the reduction of the temperature during formation. The temperature reduction prevents the formation of silicon clusters within the metallic silicide film in the gate stack which has been found to cause damage during the gate etch step. The present invention also includes methods for dispersing silicon clusters prior to the gate etch step.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing flash memory cells. During a cleaning process after an etching process for forming a control gate is performed, polymer remains at the sidewall of a tungsten silicide layer. Therefore, the sidewall of the tungsten silicide layer is protected from a subsequent a self-aligned etching process. In addition, upon a self-aligned etching process, the etch selective ratio of the tungsten silicide layer to a polysilicon layer is sufficiently obtained using a mixed gas of HBr/O2. Therefore, etching damage to the sidewall of the tungsten silicide layer can be prevented. As a result, reliability of the process and an electrical characteristic of the resulting device are improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fabrication of a gate stack or other layered structure in a semiconductor device, and more particularly to methods to selectively etch a metal silicide layer, such as tungsten silicide (WSix), without etching excessive amounts of an underlying polysilicon or gate dielectric layer. The methods of the invention employ an etch chemistry that minimizes or eliminates the formation of lateral growth structures on a metal silicide layer during oxidation steps following etch of a gate stack. A preferred etch composition comprises ammonium fluoride and less than 2% by volume hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution with a pH control agent to maintain the solution at about pH 7 to 10.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing an amorphous silicon thin film is disclosed including the steps of preparing a substrate having a conductive layer, depositing an amorphous silicon thin film on the substrate, forming a metal thin film selectively overlying the amorphous silicon thin film, and performing a heat treatment and application of electric field to the metal thin film; and a method of fabricating a thin film transistor including the steps of preparing a substrate having a conductive layer, forming an active layer of amorphous silicon on the substrate, forming a gate insulating layer and a gate electrode on the active layer, doping the active layer with a first conductivity type impurity using the gate electrode as a mask, forming a metal thin film on the entire surface of the substrate including the active layer doped with the impurity, and performing a heat treatment and applying electric field to the substrate including the metal thin film.

Abstract: A method of removing ruthenium silicide from a substrate surface which comprises exposing the ruthenium silicide surface to a solution containing chlorine and fluorine containing chemicals. In particular, said solution is designed to react with said ruthenium silicide film such that water-soluble reaction products are formed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a polycide self aligned contact for MOSFET devices in which the electrical isolation between the source/drain contact and gate structure is improved. In the method a gate insulator layer, a polysilicon layer, a metal silicide layer and an insulating layer are deposited on a semiconductor substrate. The insulator layer is patterned and anisotropically etched to expose the underlying metal silicide layer. The metal silicide layer is then dip etched to form an undercut beneath the insulating layer. The metal silicide and polysilicon layers are patterned with an anisotropic etch, dopants introduced into the opening to form lightly doped source/drain regions, and sidewall spacers formed on the sidewalls of the etched layers. After a dopant is introduced to form heavily doped source/drain regions, a contact structure is formed in the opening defined by the sidewall spacers.

Abstract: A method of forming a gate electrode in a semiconductor device which can prevent abnormal oxidation of a titanium silicide layer when performing gate re-oxidation process after a gate electrode having a stacked structure of a doped polysilicon layer and the titanium silicide layer.

Abstract: A self-aligned silicide process with a selective etch of unreacted metal (plus any nitride) with respect to silicide plus a two step process of highly selective strip of unreacted metal (plus any nitride) followed by a silicide etch to remove unwanted silicide filament.

Abstract: A method of removing ruthenium silicide from a substrate surface which comprises exposing the ruthenium silicide surface to a solution containing chlorine and fluorine containing chemicals. In particular, said solution is designed to react with said ruthenium silicide film such that water- soluble reaction products are formed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a self-aligned contact hole is formed by providing a side wall oxide film on a gate electrode, covering the gate electrode and the side wall oxide film by an oxide film and further covering the oxide film by a nitride film, wherein the oxide film is formed by a plasma CVD process with a reduced plasma power such that the H2O content in the oxide film is less than about 2.4 wt %.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor substrate includes the steps of laminating a first substrate having a single-crystal semiconductor region with a second substrate having an insulator region, and selectively removing the portion of the first substrate of the laminated substrates where lamination strength is weak.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a miniaturized semiconductor device having a conductive portion with a silicide structure. The manufacturing method includes depositing metal on the surface of a patterned semiconductor film to form the conductive portion, heat treating the semiconductor film on which the metal is deposited, removing the residual metal that did not react during the heat treatment, and repeating the depositing step, the heat treating step, and the removing step once or a number of times.

Abstract: A method for removing a formation of oxide of titanium that is generated as a byproduct of a process that forms cobalt disilicide within an insulated-gate field effect transistor (FET). The method applies a chemical reagent to the FET at a predetermined temperature, and for a predetermined period of time, necessary for removing the formation, wherein the reagent does not chemically react with the cobalt disilicide. A reagent that accomplishes this task comprises water (H2O), ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), wherein the NH4OH and the H2O2 each comprise approximately 4% of the total reagent volume. An effective temperature is 65° C. combined with a 3 minute period of application.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which a chamfered metal silicide layer is formed by a 2-stage continuous wet etching process using different etchants, thereby resulting in a sufficient insulation margin between a lower conductive layer including the metal silicide layer and the contact plug self-aligned with the lower conductive layer are disclosed. In the manufacture of a semiconductor device, a mask pattern is formed on a metal silicide layer to expose a portion of the metal silicide layer. The exposed portion of the metal silicide layer is isotropically etched in a first etchant to form a metal silicide layer with a shallow groove, and defects due to the silicon remaining on the surface of the metal silicide layer with the shallow groove are removed using a second etchant, to form a metal silicide layer with a smooth surface. Microelectronic structures produced by methods of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power field effect transistor is disclosed that includes polysilicon gate bodies (40) and (42), which includes platinum silicide contact layers (74) and (78) disposed on the outer surfaces of bodies (40) and (42), respectively. In addition, the device comprises an n+drain region (64) which also has a platinum silicide drain contact layer (76) formed on its outer surface and platinum silicide source contact layers (75) and (77). During formation, sidewall spacers (50) and (52), as well as mask bodies (70) and (72) are used to ensure that platinum silicide layer (76) spaced apart from both gate bodies (40) and (42) and platinum silicide gate contact layers (74) and (78).

Abstract: A substrate is washed with a washing liquid. Compressed air is blown to the substrate to remove the washing liquid. A thin film is formed on the substrate from which the washing liquid has been removed.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for heat treating and etching refractory metal and silicides of the refractory metal include integrated multi-chamber, multi-processing of substrates to react refractory metal and exposed silicon in self-aligned silicidation operations. Unreacted refractory metal on silicon oxide regions is selectively etched away distinctively from reacted silicide to yield highly precise self-aligned regions of silicide. Subsequent heat treatment at elevated temperatures reduces the sheet resistance of the silicide to yield highly conductive regions that are conducive to formation of conductor lines less than 0.25 &mgr;m wide.

Abstract: A method for forming the gate electrode in an integrated circuit, in which a cap silicon nitride layer is deposited in a two step process to improve the condition of silicon nitride residue remaining on the surface of tungsten silicide. First, a layer of polysilicon and a layer of tungsten silicide are sequentially formed on the semiconductor substrate, subsequently, a thin film of silicon nitride is formed at a first temperature and a second silicon nitride is formed at a second temperature, then the pattern of the contact window of gate is defined and the first etching is performed to remove the second and the second silicon nitride, finally, the second etching is performed to remove the layers of polysilicon and tungsten silicide to form a gate electrode.

Abstract: A strip for TiN with selectivity to TiSi2 consisting of a water solution of H2O2 with possible small amounts of NH4OH.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing local interconnects includes providing a substrate with a gate oxide layer thereover, a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode above the gate oxide layer, spacers on the sidewalls of the gate electrodes, including a first spacer on one sidewall of the first gate electrode and a second spacer on the other sidewall of the first gate electrode. Then, a photoresist layer is applied while keeping the first spacer exposed. Subsequently, the first spacer is removed to expose the sidewall of the first gate electrode. Then, a metal silicide layer is formed over the first gate electrode, the second gate electrode, the one sidewall of the first gate electrode and the substrate. Wet etching is used to remove the first spacer so that local interconnects are automatically formed after the self-aligned silicide processing operation.

Abstract: This invention is a process for manufacturing a random access memory array. Each memory cell within the array which results from the process incorporates a stacked capacitor, a silicon nitride coated access transistor gate electrode, and a self-aligned high-aspect-ratio digit line contact having a tungsten plug which extends from the substrate to a metal interconnect structure located at a level above the stacked capacitor. The contact opening is lined with titanium metal which is in contact with the substrate, and with titanium nitride that is in contact with the plug. Both the titanium metal and the titanium nitride are deposited via chemical vapor deposition reactions.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in semiconductor fabrications to form a self-aligned contact (SAC) in a semiconductor device, which can help increase the contact area between the metallization layer and the substrate and also prevent the occurrence of a short-circuit between the metallization layer and a conductive layer, such as a tungsten silicide layer, in the gate structures. In particular, the method utilizes an etchant that can etch into the tungsten silicide much more effectively than into the overlying silicon nitride layer and the underlying polysilicon layer. The constricted shape can better prevent the silicide layer from coming into contact, and thus forming a short-circuit, with the subsequently formed metallization layer. Moreover, since the silicide layer is reduced in size due the constriction, the underlying polysilicon layer can be correspondingly made smaller, allowing the contact area between the metallization layer and the substrate to be increased.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polysilicon gate 8 in a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor in an integrated circuit includes providing a metal layer 18, such as cobalt, on the sidewall 12 of the polysilicon gate 8, silicidizing the metal with the polysilicon in the polysilicon gate 8 to form a metal silicide sidewall 20, and removing the metal silicide sidewall 20 by etching.

Abstract: An etch process selective to cobalt silicide is described for the selective removal of titanium and/or titanium nitride, unreacted cobalt, and cobalt reaction products other than cobalt silicide, remaining after the formation of cobalt silicide on an integrated circuit structure on a semiconductor substrate in preference to the removal of cobalt silicide. The first step comprises contacting the substrate with an aqueous mixture of ammonium hydroxide (NH.sub.4 OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) to selectively remove any titanium and/or titanium nitride in preference to the removal of cobalt silicide. The second step comprises contacting the substrate with an aqueous mixture of phosphoric acid (H.sub.3 PO.sub.4), acetic acid (CH.sub.3 COOH), and nitric acid (HNO.sub.3) to selectively remove cobalt and cobalt reaction products (other than cobalt silicide) in preference to the removal of cobalt silicide.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a deep submicron MOSFET device has been developed, featuring a local threshold voltage adjust region in a semiconductor substrate, with the threshold voltage adjust region self aligned to an overlying polysilicon gate structure. The process consists of forming a narrow hole opening in a dielectric layer, followed by an ion implantation procedure used to place the threshold voltage adjust region in the specific area of the semiconductor substrate, underlying the narrow hole opening. A polysilicon deposition, followed by a metal deposition and anneal procedure, converts the unwanted polysilicon to a metal silicide layer, while leaving unconverted polysilicon in the narrow hole opening. Selective removal of the metal silicide layer results in a narrow polysilicon gate structure, in the narrow hole opening, self aligned to the threshold voltage adjust region.

Abstract: Using a nickel element which is a metal element for promoting crystallized of silicon, an amorphous silicon film is crystallization into a crystalline silicon film, and then a thin film transistor (TFT) is produced by using the crystalline silicon film. That is, a solution containing nickel (for example nickel acetate solution) which promotes crystallization of silicon is applied in contact with a surface of an amorphous silicon through the spin coat method. Then the heating treatment is performed to crystallize the amorphous silicon film into the crystalline silicon film. In the state, nickel silicide components are removed using a solution containing hydrofluoric acid, hydrogen peroxide and water.

Abstract: Cleaning solutions for semiconductor devices comprise tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, acetic acid, and water. Methods of removing contaminants from semiconductor devices comprise contacting the semiconductor devices with cleaning solutions to remove the contaminants from the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: In a method for producing a semiconductor device disclosed herein, a titanium film (131) is formed on a silicon layer and a titanium disilicide film (134) of a C49 structure is formed by the first rapid thermal annealing, followed by removing a titanium nitride film (132). The titanium disilicide film (134) thus formed is then subjected to phase transition to form titanium disilicide film (135a) of a C54 structure, and the titanium-excess titanium silicide film (133) is selectively removed by the second wet etching.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a self-aligned silicide strap for connecting thin polysilicon layers (poly-1 and poly-2, etc.) separated by non-conducting gaps. A butting contact opening to the layers is formed in an overlying insulating layer. The contact exposes the poly-1 and poly-2 layers. A thin polysilicon layer (poly-3) is then deposited over the insulating layer and into the contact. This is followed by deposition of a refractory metal layer. The poly-3 layer should be thin enough that, alone, it cannot supply enough silicon to support full silicidation of the refractory metal layer. The structure is next sintered so that a silicide strap is formed in the contact opening and across exposed portions of the poly-1 and poly-2 layers. The ratio of silicon to titanium in regions over the insulating layer is lower than that in the strap, such that these more metallic regions may be selectively removed.

Abstract: A surface having exposed doped silicon dioxide such as BPSG is cleaned with a solution that etches thermal oxide at least one-third as fast as it etches the exposed doped silicon dioxide, resulting in more thorough cleaning with less removal of the exposed doped silicon dioxide. Specific applications to formation of container capacitors are disclosed. Preferred cleaning solutions include about 46 parts ammonium fluoride, about 9.5 parts hydrogen fluoride, and about 8.5 parts ammonium hydroxide in about 100 parts water by weight; and about 670 parts ammonium fluoride and about 3 parts hydrogen fluoride in about 1000 parts water by weight. The latter solution is also useful in cleaning methods in which a refractory metal silicide is exposed to the cleaning solution such as in cleaning prior to spacer formation or prior to a gate stack contact fill, in which case about 670 parts ammonium fluoride and about 1.6 parts hydrogen fluoride in about 1000 parts water is most preferred.