Patent ID: 8178406
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of making a semiconductor device on a semiconductor layer, comprising: forming a first select gate having a first sidewall over the semiconductor layer; forming a first recess in the semiconductor layer adjacent to the first sidewall of the first select gate; forming a thin layer of charge storage material, wherein a first portion of the thin layer of charge storage material is formed in the first recess and in direct contact with the semiconductor layer, and a second portion of the thin layer of charge storage material is formed along the first sidewall of the first select gate; forming a first control gate over the first portion of the thin layer of charge storage material; forming a first source/drain region in the semiconductor layer adjacent to a second sidewall of the first select gate, and forming a second source/drain region in the semiconductor layer, wherein the first control gate is between the first sidewall of the first select gate and the second source/drain region, and wherein the second source/drain region is formed below the first recess and not within the first recess; forming a sidewall spacer adjacent to the first sidewall of the first select gate prior to the step of forming the first recess; and removing at least a portion of the sidewall spacer after the step of forming the first recess and before the step of forming the thin layer of charge storage material.