Patent ID: 8008095
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a pillar structure that is contacted by a vertical contact in an integrated circuit, the method comprising the steps of: sequentially depositing pillar structure material layers, a hard mask layer and a hard mask cap layer on a substrate; patterning the hard mask cap and hard mask layers to form a hard mask cap and a hard mask on the pillar structure material layers, the hard mask comprising carbon; utilizing the hard mask cap and the hard mask to pattern at least a portion of the pillar structure material layers to form a pillar structure; depositing a liner on the hard mask cap, hard mask and pillar structure; forming a lower dielectric layer in contact with a side portion of the liner; depositing a stop layer on top of the lower dielectric layer and a portion of the liner disposed above the hard mask cap, hard mask and pillar structure; forming an upper dielectric layer on top of the stop layer; forming a trench in the upper dielectric layer down to the stop layer; removing the stop layer and the liner and the hard mask cap selectively to exposed surfaces of the lower and upper dielectric layers and the hard mask to expose an upper surface of the hard mask; removing the hard mask; and depositing a conductive material into the trench and a region previously occupied by the hard mask to form the vertical contact and a conductive line.