Abstract:
One method and device disclosed includes, among other things, forming a recessed sacrificial gate electrode having a recessed upper surface, performing at least one second etching process to define recessed sidewall spacers positioned adjacent the recessed sacrificial gate electrode, forming a plurality of sidewall spacers within a gate opening above the recessed sidewall spacers, wherein one of the spacers comprises a low-k insulating material that is positioned laterally between two other spacers and a gate cap layer, removing the recessed sacrificial gate electrode and forming a replacement gate structure in its place.
Abstract:
Devices with lightly-doped semiconductor channels (e.g., FinFETs) need mid-gap (˜4.6-4.7 eV) work-function layers, preferably with low resistivity and a wide process window, in the gate stack. Tantalum carbide (TaC) has a mid-gap work function that is insensitive to thickness. TaC can be deposited with good adhesion on high-k materials or on optional metal-nitride cap layers. TaC can also serve as the fill metal, or it can be used with other fills such as tungsten (W) or aluminum (Al). The TaC may be sputtered from a TaC target, deposited by ALD or CVD using TaCl4 and TMA, or produced by methane treatment of deposited Ta. Al may be added to tune the threshold voltage.
Abstract:
ALD of HfxAlyCz films using hafnium chloride (HfCl4) and Trimethylaluminum (TMA) precursors can be combined with post-deposition anneal processes and ALD liners to control the device characteristics in high-k metal-gate devices. Variation of the HfCl4 pulse time allows for control of the Al % incorporation in the HfxAlyCz film in the range of 10-13%. Combinatorial process tools can be employed for rapid electrical and materials characterization of various materials stacks. The effective work function (EWF) in metal oxide semiconductor capacitor (MOSCAP) devices with the HfxAlyCz work function layer coupled with ALD deposited HfO2 high-k gate dielectric layers was quantified to be mid-gap at ˜4.6 eV. Thus, HfxAlyCz is a promising metal gate work function material allowing for the tuning of device threshold voltages (Vth) for anticipated multi-Vth integrated circuit (IC) devices.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for forming semiconductor devices with metal-titanium oxide contacts are provided. One intermediate semiconductor device includes, for instance: a substrate, at least one field-effect transistor disposed on the substrate, a first contact region positioned over at least a first portion of the at least one field-effect transistor between a spacer and an interlayer dielectric, and a second contact region positioned over at least a second portion of the at least one field-effect transistor between a spacer and an interlayer dielectric. One method includes, for instance: obtaining an intermediate semiconductor device and forming at least one contact on the intermediate semiconductor device.
Abstract:
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes exposing a portion of a surface of a semiconductor substrate between a first spacer and a second spacer. The method further includes selectively forming a dielectric layer on the portion of the surface. A metal gate is formed over the dielectric layer and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The metal gate contacts the first spacer and the second spacer.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating a replacement gate stack for a semiconductor device includes the following steps after removal of a dummy gate: growing a high-k dielectric layer over the area vacated by the dummy gate; depositing a thin metal layer over the high-k dielectric layer; depositing a sacrificial layer over the thin metal layer; performing a first rapid thermal anneal; removing the sacrificial layer; and depositing a metal layer of low resistivity metal for gap fill.
Abstract:
A multi-device semiconductor structure including a p-type logic device, a p-type memory device, a n-type logic device and a n-type memory device are provided on a bulk silicon substrate. Each of these devices includes a dielectric layer and either a n-type or a p-type work function layer disposed over the dielectric layer. Some of the various device types of the multi-device semiconductor structure are protected, and impurities, such as aluminum and/or nitrogen, are added to the exposed work function layers to achieve one or more other desired work functions with different threshold voltages.
Abstract:
Integrated circuits and methods of fabricating integrated circuits are provided herein. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a first replacement gate structure, wherein the first replacement gate structure includes a layer of a high-k dielectric material and a layer of a first replacement gate fill material, and a second replacement gate structure, wherein the second replacement gate structure includes a layer of a transformed dielectric material and a layer of the replacement gate fill material.
Abstract:
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes removing sacrificial gate structures for NMOS and PMOS transistors to thereby define NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, forming a high-k gate insulation layer in the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, forming a lanthanide-based material layer on the high-k gate insulation layer in the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, performing a heating process to drive material from the lanthanide-based material layer into the high-k gate insulation layer so as to thereby form a lanthanide-containing high-k gate insulation layer in each of the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities, and forming gate electrode structures above the lanthanide-containing high-k gate insulation layer in the NMOS and PMOS gate cavities.
Abstract:
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes exposing a portion of a surface of a semiconductor substrate between a first spacer and a second spacer. The method further includes selectively forming a dielectric layer on the portion of the surface. A metal gate is formed over the dielectric layer and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The metal gate contacts the first spacer and the second spacer.