Patent ID: 6069077
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of forming a self-aligned contact in the fabrication of an integrated circuit comprising:forming semiconductor device structures on a semiconductor substrate wherein said semiconductor device structures have top and side surfaces and wherein said top and side surfaces are covered by a silicon nitride layer;depositing a layer of silicon oxide over the surface of said substrate and overlying said semiconductor device structures wherein said silicon oxide contacts said semiconductor substrate adjacent to at least one of said semiconductor device structures where said self-aligned contact is to be formed;covering said substrate with a layer of photoresist and patterning said photoresist to provide an opening over planned said self-aligned contact;thereafter curing said photoresist layer;etching away said silicon oxide at a high wafer temperature of between 140 and 180.degree. C. to provide an opening to said silicon substrate using said patterned and cured photoresist and said silicon nitride layer on the side surfaces of said at least one semiconductor device structure as a mask; anddepositing a conducting layer within said opening to complete said self-aligned contact in the manufacture of said integrated circuit device.