Abstract:
A method for patterning a material during fabrication of a semiconductor device provides for the selective formation of either asymmetrical features or symmetrical features using a symmetrical photomask, depending on which process flow is chosen. The resulting features which are fabricated use spacers formed around a patterned material. If one particular etch is used to remove a base material, symmetrical features result. If two particular etches are used to remove the base material, asymmetrical features remain.
Abstract:
Methods of isolating spaces formed between features in an array during a pitch reduction process and semiconductor device structures having the same. In one embodiment, ends of the features are wider than middle regions of the features. During the pitch reduction process, spacer sidewalls formed between adjacent ends of the features come into substantial contact with on another, isolating the spaces between the features. In another embodiment, the features have a single width and an additional feature is located near ends of the features. Spacer sidewalls formed between adjacent features and the additional feature come into substantial contact with one another, isolating the spaces between the features.
Abstract:
A method of processing a substrate of a device comprises the as following steps. Form a cap layer (14) over the substrate (12). Form a dummy layer (DL) over the cap layer (14), the cap layer having a top surface. Etch the dummy layer (DL) forming patterned dummy elements (DA, DB, DC) of variable widths and exposing sidewalls (3ON, 31N, 32N, 33N) of the dummy elements and portions of the top surface of the cap layer (14) aside from the dummy elements. Deposit a spacer layer (18C) over the device covering the patterned dummy elements (DA, DB, DC) and exposed surfaces of the cap layer (14). Etch back the spacer layer (18C) forming sidewall spacers (30N, 31N, 32N, 33N) aside from the sidewalls of the patterned dummy elements (DA, DB, DC) spaced above a minimum spacing and forming super-wide spacers between sidewalls of the patterned dummy elements spaced less than the minimum spacing. Strip the patterned dummy elements. Expose portions of the substrate aside from the sidewall spacers (30N, 31N, 32N, 33N). Pattern exposed portions of the substrate (12) by etching into the substrate.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to the formation of sublithographic features in a semi conduct or structure using self-assembling polymers The self-assembling polymers are formed in openings in a hard mask, annealed and then etched, followed by etching of the underlying dielectric material. At least one subiithograpliic feature is formed according to this method. Abo disclosed is an intermediate semiconductor structure in which at least one interconnect wiring feature has a dimension that is defined by a self-assembled block copolymer.
Abstract:
High density semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating the same are provided. Spacer fabrication techniques are utilized to form circuit elements having reduced feature sizes, which in some instances are smaller than the smallest lithographically resolvable element size of the process being used. Spacers are formed that serve as a mask for etching one or more layers beneath the spacers. An etch stop pad layer having a material composition substantially similar to the spacer material is provided between a dielectric layer and an insulating sacrificial layer such as silicon nitride. When etching the sacrificial layer, the matched pad layer provides an etch stop to avoid damaging and reducing the size of the dielectric layer. The matched material compositions further provide improved adhesion for the spacers, thereby improving the rigidity and integrity of the spacers.
Abstract:
Devices having a thin film or laminate structure comprising hafnium and/or zirconium oxy hydroxy compounds, and methods for making such devices, are disclosed. The hafnium and zirconium compounds can be doped, typically with other metals, such as lanthanum. Examples of electronic devices or components that can be made include, without limitation, insulators, transistors and capacitors. A method for patterning a device using a positive or negative resist also is described. For example, a master plate for imprint lithography can be made. An embodiment of a method for making a device having a corrosion barrier also is described. Embodiments of an optical device comprising an optical substrate and coating also are described. Embodiments of a physical ruler also are disclosed, such as for accurately measuring dimensions using an electron microscope.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for forming a patterned material layer on a structure, by condensing a vapor to a solid condensate layer on a surface of the structure and then localized removal of selected regions of the condensate layer by directing a beam energy at the selected regions. The structure can be processed, with at least a protion of the patterned solid condensate layer on the structure surface, and then the solid condensate layer removed.Further there can be stimulated localized reaction between the solid condensate layer and the structure by directing a beam of energy at at least one selected region of the condensate layer.
Abstract:
Methods of forming electrically conductive and/or semiconductive features for use in integrated circuits are disclosed. Various pattern transfer and etching steps can be used, in combination with pitch-reduction techniques, to create densely-packed features. The features can have a reduced pitch in one direction and a wider pitch in another direction. Conventional photo- lithography steps can be used in combination with pitch-reduction techniques to form elongate, pitch-reduced features such as bit-line contacts (732), for example.