Patent ID: 8492269
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: forming a dielectric layer above a circuit element having a contact region formed in a semiconductor region; forming a contact opening in said dielectric layer, said contact opening exposing said contact region; filling said contact opening with a first conductive material; forming a contact element comprising said first conductive material in said dielectric layer by performing a chemical mechanical planarization process to remove excess portions of said first conductive material that are formed outside of said contact opening and above said dielectric layer, wherein said contact element connects to said contact region and completely fills said contact opening; forming a recess in said contact element by removing a portion of said first conductive material; after forming said recess, forming a trench in said dielectric layer that connects to said recess and has a depth that is less than a depth of said recess; and filling said recess and said trench with a second conductive material, said second conductive material differing from said first conductive material.