Self-aligned trenched contact (satc) process

Abstract

A method of forming a self-aligned trenched contact in the fabrication of an integrated circuit is described. Semiconductor device regions are formed in and on a semiconductor substrate wherein the semiconductor device regions include gate electrodes on the surface of the semiconductor substrate and source/drain regions within the semiconductor substrate. Spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the gate electrodes. A layer of silicon oxide is deposited over the surface of the substrate wherein the silicon oxide contacts the source/drain regions within the substrate between the gate electrodes. The substrate is covered with a layer of photoresist which is patterned to provide an opening over the planned self-aligned trenched contact between the gate electrodes. The silicon oxide is etched away to provide an opening to the silicon substrate using the patterned photoresist and the sidewall spacers as a mask. A trench is etched into the silicon substrate within the opening using the photoresist and the sidewall spacers as a mask to form the self-aligned trenched contact opening. A conducting layer is deposited within the trenched opening to complete the contact in the manufacture of the integrated circuit device.