Isolated semiconductor layer over buried isolation layer

Abstract

An integrated circuit may be formed by forming an isolation recess in a single-crystal silicon-based substrate. Sidewall insulators are formed on sidewalls of the isolation recess. Thermal oxide is formed at a bottom surface of the isolation recess to provide a buried isolation layer, which does not extend up the sidewall insulators. A single-crystal silicon-based semiconductor layer is formed over the buried isolation layer and planarized to be substantially coplanar with the substrate adjacent to the isolation recess, thus forming an isolated semiconductor layer over the buried isolation layer. The isolated semiconductor layer is laterally separated from the substrate.