The disclosed subject matter provides a semiconductor structure and fabrication method thereof. In a semiconductor structure, a dielectric layer, a plurality of discrete gate structures, and a plurality of sidewall spacers are formed on a semiconductor substrate. The plurality of discrete gate structures and sidewall spacers are formed in the dielectric layer, and a sidewall spacer is formed on each side of each gate structure. A top portion of each gate structure and a top portion of the dielectric layer between neighboring sidewall spacers of neighboring gate structures are removed. A protective layer is formed on each of the remaining dielectric layer and the remaining gate structures. Contact holes are formed on the semiconductor substrate, between neighboring sidewall spacers, and on opposite sides of the protective layer on the remaining dielectric layer. A metal plug is formed in each contact hole.

A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment, includes a plurality of semiconductor pillars extending in a first direction and being arranged along a second direction crossing the first direction, two interconnects extending in the second direction and being provided on two sides of the plurality of semiconductor pillars in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction, and an electrode film disposed between each of the semiconductor pillars and each of the interconnects. The two interconnects are drivable independently from each other.

A semiconductor device and a method of making the same are provided. A first die and a second die are placed over a carrier substrate. A first molding material is formed adjacent to the first die and the second die. A first redistribution layer is formed overlying the first molding material. A through via is formed over the first redistribution layer. A package component is on the first redistribution layer next to the copper pillar. The package component includes a second redistribution layer. The package component is positioned so that it overlies both the first die and the second die in part. A second molding material is formed adjacent to the package component and the first copper pillar. A third redistribution layer is formed overlying the second molding material. The second redistribution layer is placed on a substrate and bonded to the substrate.

A method for forming conductive lines comprises forming a hardmask on an insulator layer, a planarizing layer on the hardmask, and a hardmask on the planarizing layer, removing exposed portions of a layer of sacrificial mandrel material to form first and second sacrificial mandrels on the hardmask, and depositing a layer of spacer material in the gap, and over exposed portions of the first and second sacrificial mandrels and the hardmask. Portions of the layer of spacer material are removed to expose the first and second sacrificial mandrels. A filler material is deposited between the first and second sacrificial mandrels. A portion of the filler material is removed to expose the first and second sacrificial mandrels. Portions of the layer of spacer material are removed to expose portions of the hardmask. A trench is formed in the insulator layer, and the trench is filled with a conductive material.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to circuitry operable with enhanced capacitance and mitigation of avalanche breakdown. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus and/or method involves respective transistors of a cascode circuit, one of which controls the other in an off state by applying a voltage to a gate thereof. A plurality of doped regions are separated by trenches, with the conductive trenches being configured and arranged with the doped regions to provide capacitance across the source and the drain of the second transistor, and restricting voltage at one of the source and the drain of the second transistor, therein mitigating avalanche breakdown of the second transistor.

A semiconductor interconnect structure and its manufacturing method are presented. The manufacturing method includes: providing a substrate structure, wherein the substrate structure comprises: a substrate; a first metal layer on the substrate; a dielectric layer on the substrate, wherein the dielectric layer covers the first metal layer, and wherein the dielectric layer has a hole extending to the first metal layer; and a hard mask layer on the dielectric layer; removing the hard mask layer on the dielectric layer; selectively depositing a second metal layer at the bottom of the hole; and depositing a third metal layer, wherein the third metal layer fills the hole.

This semiconductor interconnect structure provides improved reliability over conventional structures.

A varactor transistor includes a semiconductor fin having a first conductivity type, a plurality of gate structures separated from each other and surrounding a portion of the semiconductor fin. The plurality of gates structures include a dummy gate structure on an edge of the semiconductor fin, and a first gate structure spaced apart from the dummy gate structure. The dummy gate structure and the gate structure each include a gate insulator layer on a surface portion of the semiconductor fin, a gate on the gate insulator layer, and a spacer on the gate. The varactor transistor also includes a raised source/drain region on the semiconductor fin and between the dummy gate structure and the first gate structure, the raised source/drain region and the gate of the dummy gate structure being electrically connected to a same potential.

An interconnect structure includes a substrate, a dielectric layer on the substrate, a metal interconnect layer in the dielectric layer and in contact with the substrate, the metal interconnect layer having an upper surface flush with an upper surface of the dielectric layer, and a graphene layer on the metal interconnect layer. The graphene layer insulates a metal from air and prevents the metal from being oxidized by oxygen in the air, thereby increasing the queue time for the CMP process and the device reliability.

An interconnect structure includes a substrate, a dielectric layer on the substrate, a metal interconnect layer in the dielectric layer and in contact with the substrate, the metal interconnect layer having an upper surface flush with an upper surface of the dielectric layer, and a graphene layer on the metal interconnect layer. The graphene layer insulates a metal from air and prevents the metal from being oxidized by oxygen in the air, thereby increasing the queue time for the CMP process and the device reliability.

A barrier chemical mechanical planarization polishing composition is provided that includes suitable chemical additives. The suitable chemical additives are silicate compound and high molecular weight polymers/copolymers. There is also provided a chemical mechanical polishing method using the barrier chemical mechanical planarization polishing composition.