Abstract:
In some embodiments, of the present invention, data are written to a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells (Q0, Q15) as follows. A data writing signal is supplied to one of the memory cells (Q0) but not to both of the memory cells. Then data writing signals are supplied to both of the memory cells simultaneously.
Abstract:
The present etching system includes a processing tank with an etching solution containing silicon, a cooling tank, a pre-heating tank, a first pipe for transferring the etching solution from the processing tank to the cooling tank, a second pipe for transferring the etching solution from the cooling tank to the pre-heating tank, and a third pipe for transferring the etching solution from the pre-heating tank to the processing tank. The present method for treating the etching solution first performs an etching process using the etching solution, which is then cooled to a first temperature to form a silicon-saturated etching solution. After silicon-containing particles larger than a predetermined size are filtered out, the silicon-saturated etching solution is heated to a second temperature to form a non-saturated etching solution for performing another etching process later. The second temperature is preferably at least 10° C. higher than the first temperature.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is described. A gate dielectric layer is formed on a substrate, and several gate structures having a gate conductor, a cap layer and spacers are formed on the gate dielectric layer. A mask layer is formed over the substrate covering a portion of the gate structures. Removing the cap layer and spacers that are not covered by the mask layer. After the mask layer is removed, a dielectric layer is formed over the substrate covering the gate structures. A self-aligned contact-hole is formed in the dielectric layer. A conductive layer is formed in the self-aligned contact hole and on the dielectric layer. Since the cap layer and spacers that are not covered by the mask layer are removed and substituted by the dielectric layer having lowerdielectric constant property, the parasitic capacitance can be reduced.
Abstract:
A method of forming a double gate structure including sidewalls of substantially similar vertical profile. One photoresist masking step is used to define the top gate, which is then used as a mask to define the bottom gate. The bottom polysilicon layer is etched by a physical and chemical process combination to form a bottom gate with vertical sidewalls substantially inline with the sidewalls of the top gate.
Abstract:
In a nonvolatile memory, the select gates (144S) are formed from one conductive layer (e.g. polysilicon or polyside), and the wordlines (144) interconnecting the select gates are made from a different conductive layer (e.g. metal). The wordlines overlie an dielectric (302, 304, 310) formed over control gate lines (134). Each control gate line provides control gates for one column of the memory cells. The adjacent control gate lines for the adjacent memory columns are spaced from each other. The dielectric thickness can be controlled to reduce the capacitance between the wordlines and the control gates. In some embodiments, the floating gates (120) are fabricated in a self-aligned manner using an isotropic etch of the floating gate layer.
Abstract:
An alignment mark is made of at least two nonparallel trenches having two reducing-width-to-zero ends. The displacement bias error, produced by a process bias error, of the centerlines of the trenches is zero where the width of the two trenches is zero. Hence, the alignment target on a substrate can be reproduced.
Abstract:
A photolithographic parameter feedback system is described. The photolithographic parameter feedback system includes a database containing substrate history information of a lot having at least one measurement data after exposure of a pre-layer of substrates of a predetermined lot and an exposure tool history information having at least one measurement data after exposure of a predetermined layer of substrates of a pre-lot, and an exposure tool exposing the substrates of the predetermined lot, wherein at least one exposure parameter thereof is updated by feedback of the substrate history information of the lot and the exposure tool history information.
Abstract:
A method of forming contact holes. A dielectric liner is comformally formed on a substrate, parts of the dielectric liner between the second and the third conducting structure are removed, a conductive liner is conformally formed on the substrate, and parts of the metal layer are removed to leave parts thereof between the second and the third conducting structure. An ILD layer is then formed on the entire surface of the substrate, and a patterned photoresist layer is formed on the ILD layer. Finally, the ILD layer is etched using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask to form a first contact hole, a second contact hole, and a third contact hole in the ILD layer at the same time.
Abstract:
A method for removal of hemispherical grained silicon (HSG) in a deep trench is described. A buried silicon germanium (SiGe) layer serving as an etch stop layer is formed in the collar region of the trench, followed by depositing a HSG layer. The HSG layer is then successfully striped by wet etching with a potassium hydroxide/propanone/water etchant, that is, without damage to the trench sidewalls, since a good etch rate selectivity between the HSG layer and the SiGe layer is obtained by the wet etchant. In addition, no etch stop layer exists between the HSG layer and the bottom of the trench when manufacturing trench capacitors in accordance with the method; capacitance degradation is therefore not of concern.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and system for calibration of writing to an optical medium. The method includes: sampling marks in a calibration area of the optical medium; and converting the sampled marks into a digital format utilizing an ADC, the ADC also utilized by a servo control. The present invention provides a controller with an integrated servo and recording processor which allows a single ADC to be used for converting sample marks used in calibrating the writing to an optical media. No separate subsystem for converting sample marks is thus necessary. Less components are required, reducing the cost of manufacturing the controller. With less components, the risk of component failure is reduced as well.