Patent ID: 8563441
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a semiconductor FIN structure with rounded top corners and edges, comprising: forming a plurality of semiconductor FIN structures wherein said plurality of semiconductor FIN structures include a top surface and sidewall surfaces; forming a sacrificial oxide layer on said top surface and said sidewall surfaces of said plurality of semiconductor FIN structures wherein said forming a sacrificial oxide layer comprises varying the etch energy of the sacrificial oxide based on temperature and pressure to be greatest at the corner and edges adjacent said top surface and to decrease along said sidewall surfaces from top to bottom to cause a rounding of the corners and edges between said top surface and said sidewall surfaces of said FIN structure free of additional operations; removing said sacrificial oxide layer with a high selectivity oxide etchant; annealing the plurality of semiconductor FIN structures in a hydrogen environment; and forming a tunnel oxide on said plurality of semiconductor FIN structures.