Patent ID: 7465635
Filing Date: 2008-12-16
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: forming an isolation structure within a semiconductor substrate; subjecting at least a portion of the isolation structure to a first energy beam treatment, the first energy beam treatment configured to change a stress of the at least a portion of the isolation structure within the semiconductor substrate, and thus change a stress in the substrate; forming a gate structure over the semiconductor substrate; forming at least a portion of gate sidewall spacers proximate sidewalls of the gate structure; after performing the first energy beam treatment, subjecting the at least a portion of the gate sidewall spacers to a second energy beam treatment, the second energy beam treatment configured to change a stress of the at least a portion of the gate sidewall spacers, and thus change a stress in the substrate therebelow; forming a pre-metal dielectric layer over the isolation structure and over the gate structure; and after performing the second energy beam treatment, subjecting at least a portion of the pre-metal dielectric layer to a third energy beam treatment, the third energy beam treatment configured to change a stress of the at least a portion of the pre-metal dielectric layer, and thus change a stress in the semiconductor substrate.