Abstract:
One method includes forming a sidewall spacer adjacent a gate structure, forming a first liner layer on the sidewall spacer, forming a second liner layer on the first liner layer, forming a first layer of insulating material above the substrate and adjacent the second liner layer, selectively removing at least portions of the second liner layer relative to the first liner layer, forming a second layer of insulating material above the first layer of insulating material, performing at least one second etching process to remove at least portions of the first and second layers of insulating material and at least portions of the first liner layer so as to thereby expose an outer surface of the sidewall spacer, and forming a conductive contact that contacts the exposed outer surface of the sidewall spacer and a source/drain region of the transistor.
Abstract:
One method discloses performing an etching process to form a contact opening in a layer of insulating material above at least a portion of a source/drain, region wherein, after the completion of the etching process, a portion of a gate structure of the transistor is exposed, selectively forming an oxidizable material on the exposed gate structure, converting at least a portion of the oxidizable material to an oxide material, and forming a conductive contact in the contact opening that is conductively coupled to the source/drain region. A novel transistor device disclosed herein includes an oxide material positioned between a conductive contact and a gate structure of the transistor, wherein the oxide material contacts the conductive contact and contacts a portion, but not all, of the exterior surface of the gate structure.
Abstract:
A dielectric metal compound liner can be deposited on a semiconductor fin prior to formation of a disposable gate structure. The dielectric metal compound liner protects the semiconductor fin during the pattering of the disposable gate structure and a gate spacer. The dielectric metal compound liner can be removed prior to formation of source and drain regions and a replacement gate structure. Alternately, a dielectric metal compound liner can be deposited on a semiconductor fin and a gate stack, and can be removed after formation of a gate spacer. Further, a dielectric metal compound liner can be deposited on a semiconductor fin and a disposable gate structure, and can be removed after formation of a gate spacer and removal of the disposable gate structure. The dielectric metal compound liner can protect the semiconductor fin during formation of the gate spacer in each embodiment.
Abstract:
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a sacrificial gate structure over a semiconductor substrate. A spacer is formed around the sacrificial gate structure and a dielectric material is deposited over the spacer and semiconductor substrate. The method includes selectively etching the spacer to form a trench between the sacrificial gate structure and the dielectric material. The trench is bounded by a trench surface upon which a replacement spacer material is deposited. The method merges an upper region of the replacement spacer material to enclose a void within the replacement spacer material.
Abstract:
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a sacrificial gate structure above a fin, wherein the sacrificial gate structure is comprised of a sacrificial gate insulation layer, a layer of insulating material, a sacrificial gate electrode layer and a gate cap layer, forming a sidewall spacer adjacent opposite sides of the sacrificial gate structure, removing the sacrificial gate structure to thereby define a gate cavity that exposes a portion of the fin, and forming a replacement gate structure in the gate cavity. One illustrative device disclosed herein includes a plurality of fin structures that are separated by a trench formed in a substrate, a local isolation material positioned within the trench, a gate structure positioned around portions of the fin structures and above the local isolation material and an etch stop layer positioned between the gate structure and the local isolation material within the trench.
Abstract:
Methods for forming a semiconductor device include forming a first spacer on a plurality of fins. A second spacer is formed on the first spacer, the second spacer being formed from a different material from the first spacer. Gaps between the fins are filled with a support material. The first spacer and second spacer are polished to expose a top surface of the plurality of fins. All of the support material is etched away after polishing the first spacer and second spacer. The plurality of fins is etched below a bottom level of the first spacer to form a fin cavity. Material from the first spacer is removed to expand the fin cavity. Fin material is grown directly on the etched plurality of fins to fill the fin cavity.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and structures for protecting gates during epitaxial growth. An inner spacer of a first material is deposited adjacent a transistor gate. An outer spacer of a different material is deposited adjacent the inner spacer. Stressor cavities are formed adjacent the transistor gate. The inner spacer is recessed, forming a divot. The divot is filled with a material to protect the transistor gate. The stressor cavities are then filled. As the gate is safely protected, unwanted epitaxial growth (“mouse ears”) on the transistor gate is prevented.
Abstract:
A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, and a replacement metal gate (RMG) structure is attached to the substrate. The RMG structure includes a lower portion and an upper tapered portion. A source junction is disposed on the substrate and attached to a first low-k spacer portion. A drain junction is disposed on the substrate and attached to a second low-k spacer portion. A first oxide layer is disposed on the source junction, and attached to the first low-k spacer portion. A second oxide layer is disposed on the drain junction, and attached to the second low-k spacer portion. A cap layer is disposed on a top surface layer of the RMG structure and attached to the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer.
Abstract:
A device includes first and second fins defined in a semiconductor substrate and a raised isolation post structure positioned between the first and second fins, wherein an upper surface of the raised isolation post structure is at a level that is approximately equal to or greater than a level corresponding to an upper surface of each of the first and second fins. A first space is defined by a sidewall of the first fin and a first sidewall of the raised isolation post structure, a second space is defined by a sidewall of the second fin and a second sidewall of the raised isolation post structure, and a gate structure is positioned around a portion of each of the first and second fins and around a portion of the raised isolation post structure, wherein at least portions of the gate structure are positioned in the first and second spaces.
Abstract:
Semiconductor devices include a passivating layer over a pair of fins. A barrier extends through the passivating layer and between the pair of fins and that electrically isolates the fins. Electrical contacts are formed through the passivating layer to the fins. The electrical contacts directly contact sidewalls of the barrier.