Integrated Device Technology, Inc.

Eric Lee

Wanqing Cao

Shih-Ked Lee

Guo-Qiang Lo

Robert B Hixson

Ken Mui

Aaron Marmorstein

Dave Cobert

A process for forming CMOS devices is disclosed in which disposable spacers are used to obtain a structure having improved gap-fill characteristics. First, gate film stacks are formed on the substrate. A shallow implant process is performed so as to form shallow source/drain implant regions. A layer of oxide and a layer of silicon nitride are deposited and etched to form a first set of spacers that extend on opposite sides of the gate film stacks. A second implant is performed so as to form intermediate source/drain implant regions. A set of disposable spacers are then formed that extend on opposite sides of each of the gate film stacks. A third implant process is performed so as to form deep source/drain implant regions. The disposable spacers are then removed, providing more space for the subsequently-formed contact to land.

Process for forming CMOS devices using removable spacers

A semiconductor structure is provided that includes a gate, a dielectric spacer located adjacent to a sidewall of the gate, a source/drain region, and a continuous silicide strap located over the gate, the dielectric spacer and the source/drain region. The silicide strap provides an electrical connection between the gate and the source drain region. In one embodiment, the silicide strap is formed by a method that includes the steps of (1) implanting a semiconductor material, such as silicon, into upper surfaces of the gate, the dielectric spacer, and the source/drain region, (2) depositing a refractory metal over the implanted semiconductor material, and (3) reacting the refractory metal with the implanted semiconductor material, thereby forming the continuous silicide strap at the upper surfaces of the gate, the dielectric spacer and the source/drain region. Advantageously, the dielectric spacer does not need to be removed prior to forming the silicide strap.

Conformal surface silicide strap on spacer and method of making same

Disclosed are methods and systems for forming salicide, in which a semiconductor substrate is provided with at least one exposed silicon surface. The semiconductor substrate is placed into a sputtering chamber. A silicide-forming metal layer, formed of a metal such as Co, Ni, is sputter-deposited over the exposed silicon surface. A process temperature is controlled below room temperature during the sputter deposition and preferably between approximately 0&deg; C. to 10&deg; C. The silicide-forming metal layer formed on the exposed silicon surface is first annealed to convert the silicide-forming metal layer into a salicide layer. Also, the system of the present invention is comprised of a sputter chamber including a mount for mounting a semiconductor substrate and a cooling mechanism coupled with the mount for cooling the semiconductor substrate. The cooling mechanism includes a controller to maintain a process temperature below room temperature. Improved device characteristics such as increased charge-to-breakdown can be achieved in the devices according to the present invention compared to the devices with high-temperature sputtered salicide.

Low-temperature sputtering system and method for salicide process

Growing community of inventors

Vancouver, WA, United States of America

Eric Lee