Patent ID: 8450197
Filing Date: 2013-05-28
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a contact element in a semiconductor device, the method comprising: forming a metal in a contact opening formed in a dielectric material of a contact level by performing a selective deposition process, said contact opening connecting to a contact area of a circuit element formed at least partially in a semiconductor layer of said semiconductor device, wherein an upper surface of said dielectric material defines a first height level, wherein performing said selective deposition process comprises depositing said metal in said contact opening without depositing said metal above said upper surface of said dielectric material; forming a contact element from said metal by partially filling said contact opening with said metal, wherein an upper surface of said metal partially filling said contact opening defines a second height level that is below said first height level; and performing a planarization process to remove an upper portion of said dielectric material until a planarized surface of said dielectric material is lowered to at least said second height level.