Abstract:
Embodiments include methods of forming an nFET-tuned gate dielectric and a pFET-tuned gate dielectric. Methods may include forming a high-k layer above a substrate having a pFET region and an nFET region, forming a first sacrificial layer, a pFET work-function metal layer, and a second sacrificial layer above the first high-k layer in the pFET region, and an nFET work-function metal layer above the first high-k layer in the nFET region and above the second sacrificial layer in the pFET region. The first high-k layer then may be annealed to form an nFET gate dielectric layer in the nFET region and a pFET gate dielectric layer in the pFET region. The first high-k layer may be annealed in the presence of a nitrogen source to cause atoms from the nitrogen source to diffuse into the first high-k layer in the nFET region.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a replacement metal gate process incorporating a conductive dummy gate layer (e.g., silicon germanium (SiGe), titanium nitride, etc.) and a related are disclosed. The method includes forming an oxide layer on a substrate; removing a gate portion of the oxide layer from the substrate in a first region of the semiconductor device; forming a conductive dummy gate layer on the semiconductor device in the first region; and forming a gate on the semiconductor device, the gate including a gate conductor disposed in the first region and directly connected to the substrate.
Abstract:
Embodiments include methods of forming an nFET-tuned gate dielectric and a pFET-tuned gate dielectric. Methods may include forming a high-k layer above a substrate having a pFET region and an nFET region, forming a first sacrificial layer, a pFET work-function metal layer, and a second sacrificial layer above the first high-k layer in the pFET region, and an nFET work-function metal layer above the first high-k layer in the nFET region and above the second sacrificial layer in the pFET region. The first high-k layer then may be annealed to form an nFET gate dielectric layer in the nFET region and a pFET gate dielectric layer in the pFET region. The first high-k layer may be annealed in the presence of a nitrogen source to cause atoms from the nitrogen source to diffuse into the first high-k layer in the nFET region.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a replacement metal gate process incorporating a conductive dummy gate layer (e.g., silicon germanium (SiGe), titanium nitride, etc.) and a related are disclosed. The method includes forming an oxide layer on a substrate; removing a gate portion of the oxide layer from the substrate in a first region of the semiconductor device; forming a conductive dummy gate layer on the semiconductor device in the first region; and forming a gate on the semiconductor device, the gate including a gate conductor disposed in the first region and directly connected to the substrate.
Abstract:
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate; and a gate structure disposed directly on the substrate, the gate structure including: a graded region with a varied material concentration profile; and a metal layer disposed on the graded region.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to methods for forming fill materials in trenches having different widths and related structures. A method may include: forming a first fill material in a first and second trench where the second trench has a greater width than the first trench; removing a portion of the first fill material from each trench and forming a second fill material over the first fill material; removing a portion of the first and second fill material within the second trench; and forming a third fill material in the second trench. The structure may include a first fill material in trenches having different widths wherein the upper surfaces of the first fill material in each trench are substantially co-planar. The structure may also include a second fill material on the first fill material in each trench, the second fill material having a substantially equal thickness in each trench.
Abstract:
In conjunction with a replacement metal gate (RMG) process for forming a fin field effect transistor (FinFET), gate isolation methods and associated structures leverage the formation of distinct narrow and wide gate cut regions in a sacrificial gate. The formation of a narrow gate cut between closely-spaced fins can decrease the extent of etch damage to interlayer dielectric layers located adjacent to the narrow gate cut by delaying the deposition of such dielectric layers until after formation of the narrow gate cut opening. The methods and resulting structures also decrease the propensity for short circuits between later-formed, adjacent gates.
Abstract:
Methods of self-aligned multiple patterning and structures formed by self-aligned multiple patterning. A mandrel line is patterned from a first mandrel layer disposed on a hardmask and a second mandrel layer disposed over the first mandrel layer. A first section of the second mandrel layer of the mandrel line is removed to expose a first section of the first mandrel layer. The first section of the first mandrel layer is masked, and the second sections of the second mandrel layer and the underlying second portions of the first mandrel layer are removed to expose first portions of the hardmask. The first portions of the hardmask are then removed with an etching process to form a trench in the hardmask. A second portion of the hardmask is masked by the first portion of the first mandrel layer during the etching process to form a cut in the trench.
Abstract:
Methods produce integrated circuit structures that include (among other components) fins extending from a first layer, source/drain structures on the fins, source/drain contacts on the source/drain structures, an insulator on the source/drain contacts defining trenches between the source/drain contacts, gate conductors in a lower portion of the trenches adjacent the fins, a first liner material lining a middle portion and an upper portion of the trenches, a fill material in the middle portion of the trenches, and a second material in the upper portion of the trenches. The first liner material is on the gate conductors in the trenches.
Abstract:
At least one method, apparatus and system providing semiconductor devices with relatively short gate heights but without a relatively high risk of contact-to-gate shorts. In embodiments, the method, apparatus, and system may provide contact formation by way of self-aligned contact processes.