US Patent:
20090200635, Aug 13, 2009
Inventors:
Viktor Koldiaev - San Jose CA, US
International Classification:
H01L 29/06
H01L 21/762
H01L 21/31
US Classification:
257506, 438424, 438761, 257E21546, 257E2902, 257E2124
Abstract:
An integrated circuit device (e.g., a logic or memory device) having a plurality of memory cells each including at least one transistor, wherein transistors of neighboring memory cells are separated by isolation regions. The isolation regions include a first liner layer, a barrier layer disposed on or over the first liner layer, wherein the barrier layer is less than 3 nanometers, and preferably between about 1 nanometer to about 2 nanometers in thickness. The isolation regions further include a second liner layer (comprising, e.g., a silicon nitride material), disposed on or over the barrier layer, and an electrical isolation material, disposed on or over the second liner layer. The barrier layer prohibits, minimizes, reduces, inhibits and/or retards diffusion of nitrogen atoms there through. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such integrated circuit devices as well as methods of manufacture of a mask for use in fabrication of integrated circuits, wherein the mask comprises depositing a pad layer, depositing a barrier layer on or over the pad layer wherein the barrier layer includes a thickness of about 1 nanometer to about 2 nanometers, and depositing a hard mask layer on or over the barrier layer which includes a silicon nitride material. The barrier layer prohibits, minimizes, reduces, inhibits and/or retards diffusion of nitrogen atoms there through.