Patent · US Active

Gate height control and ILD protection

US9923080B1 · kind B1 · utility

6Cited by
7References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 2017
Grant dateMar 20, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 2, 2037

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L21/31144
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments are directed to methods of forming a semiconductor device and resulting structures for improving gate height control and providing interlayer dielectric (ILD) protection during replacement metal gate (RMG) processes. The method includes forming a semiconductor fin on a substrate. A sacrificial gate is formed over a channel region of the semiconductor fin, and an oxide hard mask is formed on a surface of the sacrificial gate. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) is formed adjacent to the sacrificial gate. The ILD is recessed below a surface of the oxide hard mask, and a nitride layer is formed on a surface of the recessed ILD.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.