Methods of forming an integrated circuit with self-aligned trench formation
First Claim
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1. A method of forming an integrated circuit, the method comprising:
- forming a structure on a substrate, the structure comprising a structural material and an etch stop, the etch stop having an upper surface and a lower surface;
planarizing the structure and stopping planarizing on the etch stop;
selectively recessing the structural material such that an exposed upper surface of the structural material is approximately coplanar with the lower surface of the etch stop at the end of said selectively recessing; and
selectively removing the etch stop to leave an approximately coplanar surface including the previously exposed upper surface of the recessed structural material and an upper surface of a material exposed by removing the etch stop.
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Abstract
Methods for forming a semiconductor device include forming self-aligned trenches, in which a first set of trenches is used to align a second set of trenches. Methods taught herein can be used as a pitch doubling technique, and may therefore enhance device integration. Further, employing a very thin CMP stop layer, and recessing surrounding materials by about an equal amount to the thickness of the CMP stop layer, provides improved planarity at the surface of the device.
241 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of forming an integrated circuit, the method comprising:
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forming a structure on a substrate, the structure comprising a structural material and an etch stop, the etch stop having an upper surface and a lower surface; planarizing the structure and stopping planarizing on the etch stop; selectively recessing the structural material such that an exposed upper surface of the structural material is approximately coplanar with the lower surface of the etch stop at the end of said selectively recessing; and selectively removing the etch stop to leave an approximately coplanar surface including the previously exposed upper surface of the recessed structural material and an upper surface of a material exposed by removing the etch stop. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of forming an integrated circuit, the method comprising:
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forming a structure on a substrate, the structure comprising a structural material and an etch stop adjacent the structural material, the etch stop having an upper surface at a first height above the substrate and a lower surface at a second height above the substrate; planarizing the structure at approximately the first height; selectively recessing the structural material to approximately the second height at the end of said selectively recessing; and selectively removing the etch stop to expose an underlying surface, wherein the underlying surface is approximately coplanar with an exposed upper surface of the recessed structural material. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of forming an integrated circuit, the method comprising:
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forming a structure on a substrate, the structure comprising a structural material and an etch stop, the etch stop having an upper surface and a lower surface; forming a trench in the substrate; lining the trench with a liner layer, wherein the etch stop and an adjacent etch stop are disposed over the substrate on opposing sides of the trench; planarizing the structure and stopping planarizing on the etch stop; selectively recessing the structural material such that an exposed upper surface of the structural material is approximately coplanar with the lower surface of the etch stop, wherein a portion of the liner layer protrudes above the structural material between the etch stop and the adjacent etch stop after selectively recessing the structural material; and selectively removing the etch stop to leave an approximately coplanar surface including the exposed upper surface of the recessed structural material. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification