N-Channel Sub-Threshold Leakage “Pipes” Generated From Micro-Twinning Near Shallow Trench Isolation Interface

Author(s):  
Erick M. Spory

Abstract The pursuit of shorter and narrower channel transistor processes, especially those employing Shallow Trench Isolation (STI), can readily produce devices that are increasingly susceptible to the formation of sub-threshold, leakage-generating defects. Specifically, STI N-channel devices exhibiting lengths at or below 0.35 um and with widths below 1 um, are at a heightened risk of developing a channel micro-twin defect “pipe” due to the very high compressive stress within the silicon lattice. Wider, sub-0.35 um devices can also exhibit the problem if their channels are in extremely close proximity to an active/STI corner region. Modification of the relevant process parameters can significantly alleviate this stress and reduce the frequency of “pipe” formation.

2002 ◽  
Vol 732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajasekhar Venigalla ◽  
Laertis Economikos ◽  
S.V. Babu

AbstractWe investigated pattern density effects during chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) for shallow trench isolation (STI) applications using fixed abrasive pads to better control the fixed abrasive polishing process. We observed that the polishing characteristics of higher pattern density features are strongly dependent on the presence of lower pattern density features on the same die in the wafer. This has been attributed to the aggressive action of lower pattern density features on the fixed abrasive pad which results in a more effective activation of the pad by them. Thus even the 100% pattern density features are initially polished at a very high rate when lower density features are present.


2004 ◽  
Vol 833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Gokirmak ◽  
Sandip Tiwari

ABSTRACTWe have developed a hydrofluoric acid (HF) resistant, composite shallow trench isolation (STI) process for MOSFETs utilizing silicon nitride as isolation material for on-chip integration of micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) resonators and CMOS devices. Peripheral leakage currents in silicon nitride isolated MOSFETs are suppressed by employing an independently controlled polysilicon side-gate, surrounding the active area of the devices. Electrostatic control of the threshold voltage at the device periphery alleviates the need for edge implants, resulting in increased thermal budget. Compatibility with HF release processes and high temperature anneal cycles allows integration of MEMS components in close proximity to CMOS devices for system-on-chip applications. nMOSFET devices fabricated using this composite STI process show excellent device characteristics.


1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. De Wolf ◽  
G. Groeseneken ◽  
H.E. Maes ◽  
M. Bolt ◽  
K. Barla ◽  
...  

Abstract It is shown, using micro-Raman spectroscopy, that Shallow Trench Isolation introduces high stresses in the active area of silicon devices when wet oxidation steps are used. These stresses result in defect formation in the active area, leading to high diode leakage currents. The stress levels are highest near the outer edges of line structures and at square structures. They also increase with decreasing active area dimensions.


MRS Bulletin ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 743-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajiv K. Singh ◽  
Rajeev Bajaj

AbstractThe primary aim of this issue of MRS Bulletin is to present an overview of the materials issues in chemical–mechanical planarization (CMP), also known as chemical–mechanial polishing, a process that is used in the semiconductor industry to isolate and connect individual transistors on a chip. The CMP process has been the fastest-growing semiconductor operation in the last decade, and its future growth is being fueled by the introduction of copper-based interconnects in advanced microprocessors and other devices. Articles in this issue range from providing a fundamental understanding of the CMP process to the latest advancements in the field. Topics covered in these articles include an overview of CMP, fundamental principles of slurry design, understanding wafer–pad–slurry interactions, process integration issues, the formulation of abrasive-free slurries for copper polishing, understanding surface topography issues in shallow trench isolation, and emerging applications.


2017 ◽  
Vol 137 ◽  
pp. 123-127
Author(s):  
Ilho Myeong ◽  
Dokyun Son ◽  
Hyunsuk Kim ◽  
Myounggon Kang ◽  
Hyungcheol Shin

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