Method for self-aligning a stop layer to a replacement gate for self-aligned contact integration
US8048790B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S438/926
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Semiconductor devices with replacement gate electrodes and integrated self aligned contacts are formed with enhanced gate dielectric layers and improved electrical isolation properties between the gate line and a contact. Embodiments include forming a removable gate electrode on a substrate, forming a self aligned contact stop layer over the removable gate electrode and the substrate, removing a portion of the self aligned contact stop layer over the removable gate electrode and the electrode itself leaving an opening, forming a replacement gate electrode of metal, in the opening, transforming an upper portion of the metal into a dielectric layer, and forming a self aligned contact. Embodiments include forming the contact stop layer of a dielectric material, e.g., a hafnium oxide, an aluminum oxide, or a silicon carbide and transforming the upper portion of the metal into a dielectric layer by oxidation, fluorination, or nitridation. Embodiments also include forming a hardmask layer over the removable gate electrode to protect the electrode during silicidation in source/drain regions of the semiconductor device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.