Abstract:
A field effect transistor (FET) structure, and method for making the same, which further suppresses short-channel effects based on variations within the gate dielectric itself. The FET structure utilizes non-uniform gate dielectrics to alter the vertical electric field presented along the channel. The thickness and/or dielectric constant of the gate dielectric is varied along the length of the channel to present a vertical electric field which varies in a manner that tends to reduce the short-channel effects and gate capacitances.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to field effect transistors (FETs), and more particularly to an FET with non-uniform gate/dielectric characteristics.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The field effect transistor (FET) is well known as a fundamental component of a large variety of integrated circuits. As with integrated circuits in general, two primary goals with respect to the ongoing development of FETs are reduced size and increased speed of operation. The reduction or scaling in size has necessarily led to shorter channel lengths.  
           [0003]    It has been found that with process technology improved to the point where devices can be fabricated with channel lengths smaller than 2 μm, FET devices began to exhibit phenomena not predicted by long-channel models. Such phenomena have since been termed “short-channel” effects. These short-channel effects are oftentimes undesirable and have become a major limiting factor in the scaling of FETs. For example, short-channel effects include increased dependence of the saturation drain current vs. the channel length variation; increased leakage current when the FET is in the “off” condition; and reliability problems. (See, e.g., S. Wolf,  Silicon Processing for the VLSI Era , Vol. 3, Chap. 5, Lattice Press (1995), for discussion on short-channel effects).  
           [0004]    The conventional approach to suppressing short-channel effects involves device engineering in the semiconductor substrate (e.g., silicon) underneath the gate dielectrics. For example, various techniques such as lightly doped drain (LDD), shallow junction, pocket ion implantation, etc. have been utilized.  
           [0005]    Nevertheless, there is a strong need in the art for further improvements in suppressing short-channel effects in FETs. There is a strong need for a technique which goes beyond device engineering underneath the gate dielectric. In particular, there is a strong need in the art for an FET structure and method of making the same which enables even further reduction in size substantially without detriment due to short-channel effects.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention relates to an FET structure, and method for making the same, which further suppresses short-channel effects based on designed variations within the gate dielectric itself. The FET structure utilizes a non-uniform gate dielectric to alter the vertical electric field presented along the channel. For example, the thickness and/or dielectric constant of the gate dielectric is varied along the length of the channel to present a vertical electric field which varies in a manner that tends to reduce the short-channel effects and gate capacitance.  
           [0007]    Generally speaking, the present invention proposes a new FET structure (e.g., a metal-oxide-semiconductor FET (MOSFET)). By strategically placing the same or different gate materials above various gate dielectric materials along the channel, significant improvements in many aspects of device performance can be obtained. Since existing and emerging technologies, such as electron beam (e-beam), selective/angle ion implantation, precise lithographic alignment, etc. can be used to generate well defined asymmetric gate structures and varied gate dielectrics, such technologies are particularly suited for the making a FET in accordance with the present invention.  
           [0008]    An FET in accordance with the present invention is typified by a structure in which the gate dielectric thickness and/or dielectric constant varies along the length of the channel. The gate dielectric may have multiple thickness and/or dielectric constant changes along the channel to optimize the device performance, reliability, manufacturability, etc.  
           [0009]    The attributes of the new structure have been analyzed. The results indicate that the structure improves short-channel effects by stabilizing threshold voltages to a fairly constant value upon scaling. In addition, the new structure suppresses drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) to make the structure ideal for use as a current source or an active load for analog applications. Furthermore, the structure reduces punchthrough tendencies to facilitate a reduced need in substrate doping limitations. The new structure also decreases maximum electric field along the channel to overcome reliability problems, and increases the Idsat/Idsoff ratio to provide improved performance.  
           [0010]    According to a particular aspect of the invention, a transistor is provided which includes a semiconductor substrate; a source region and a drain region formed within the semiconductor substrate; a channel region defined within the semiconductor substrate extending between the source region and the drain region; a gate dielectric layer formed on the substrate above the channel region, the gate dielectric layer having at least one of a non-uniform thickness and a non-uniform dielectric constant along a length of the channel region; and a gate material layer formed above the gate dielectric layer.  
           [0011]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional FET structure;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a general cross-sectional view of an FET in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIGS. 3 a - 3   f  are cross-sectional views showing various nonuniformities in the FET gate dielectric according to different specific examples in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0015]    FIGS.  4 ( 1 )- 4 ( 7 ) represent typical process steps which are carried out using multiple layer resist processing in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0016]    FIGS.  5 ( 1 )- 5 ( 5 ) represent typical process steps associated with using nitride ion implantation techniques in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0017]    FIGS.  6 ( 1 )- 6 ( 4 ) illustrate typical process steps involved using angle ion implantation in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0018]    FIGS.  7 ( 1 )- 7 ( 3 ) represent typical process steps carried out using precise alignment methods in accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]    The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference labels refer to like elements throughout.  
         [0020]    Referring initially to FIG. 1, a conventional LDD-type FET structure  10  is shown. The FET  10  is formed using a semiconductor substrate  12  such as silicon. A source  14  and drain  16  are formed at the surface of the substrate  1   2  by implanting an n-type dopant (in the case of an N-type device) or a p-type dopant (in the case of a P-type device) in selected regions. Interposed between the source  14  and the drain  1   6  is a channel  18  having a length L.  
         [0021]    The FET  10  further includes a gate dielectric  20  formed on the surface of the substrate  12  above the channel  18 . The gate dielectric  20  may be made of silicon oxide, nitride or other known dielectrics. A gate material  22  is formed above the gate dielectric  22  and functions as the gate electrode. The gate material  22  may be any conventional material such as polysilicon, metals, suicides or other conductive materials. Sidewall spacers  24  are included at opposite ends of the channel  18 , and are used as part of a conventional self-alignment process to form lightly-doped regions  26  in the source  14  and drain  16 . The sidewall spacer materials are insulators such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride.  
         [0022]    As mentioned above, the LDD regions  26  help to suppress short-channel effects in the FET  10 . However, it is noted that in a conventional FET such as that shown in FIG. 1 the gate dielectric  20  generally has a uniform thickness and dielectric constant. The present invention provides a variation in such structure to produce an FET with even further improved suppression of short-channel effects.  
         [0023]    Referring now to FIG. 2, the general structure for an FET  30  in accordance with the present invention is shown. The substrate  1   2 , source  14 , drain  16 , channel  18 , and sidewall spacers  24  are essentially identical to those found in the conventional FET  10 . Hence, the same reference numerals are utilized herein and further description is omitted for sake of brevity.  
         [0024]    On the other hand, the gate dielectric GD and, in some cases, the gate material GM differ significantly from the gate dielectric  20  and the gate material  22 . In accordance with one embodiment, the gate dielectric GD is comprised of two or more non-uniform segments (e.g., GD 1  and GD 2 ) disposed adjacent to each other along the length of the channel  18 . The gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  can be silicon oxide, nitride, other dielectrics, or a combination thereof. The segments of the gate dielectric GD are different from each other in thickness and/or dielectric constant. By selecting an appropriate thickness and/or dielectric constant for the different segments (e.g., GD 1  and GD 2 ), it is possible to alter the vertical electric field applied along the channel via the gate material GM.  
         [0025]    In addition, the gate material GM comprises two or more segments (e.g., GM 1  and GM 2 ) formed atop the corresponding segments of the gate dielectric GD. Like the gate dielectric segments, the gate material segments are arranged adjacent to one another along the length of the channel  18 . Although not as critical as the gate dielectric segments GD, the gate material segments may have the same or different thicknesses. Moreover, the gate material segments may be made of different materials (e.g., polysilicon, tungsten, other gate materials, or a combination thereof) and hence possess different work functions as is discussed in more detail below.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 exemplifies the situation where the FET  30  in accordance with the present invention includes a gate dielectric GD with generally one non-uniformity in thickness and/or dielectric constant along the length of the channel  1   8 . In another embodiment, such as that shown with respect to FIG. 3 f , the FET  30  may include three adjacent gate dielectric segments with different thicknesses and/or dielectric constants. Consequently, the FET  30  as represented in FIG. 3 f  includes generally two non-uniformities in thickness and/or dielectric constant along the length of the channel  18 . More than two non-uniformities is also possible as will be appreciated. However, for sake of simplicity, the present invention will be described primarily in the context of the general embodiment of FIG. 2. It will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art how the invention can be applied to a gate dielectric GD and/or gate material GM using three or more non-uniformities.  
         [0027]    Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  have corresponding thicknesses t GD1  and t GD2 . The gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  have corresponding thicknesses tGM 1  and tGM 2 . The gate dielectric and gate material segments GD 1  and GM 1 , respectively, each have a length I G1  along the length L of the channel  18 . The gate dielectric and gate material segments GD 2  and GM 2 , respectively, each have a length I G2 , where the sum of I G1  and I G2  is equal to L.  
         [0028]    The present invention will now be described by way of several illustrative examples. It will be appreciated, however, that such specific examples are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention. Rather, they are provided as an illustration of the manner in which various non-uniformities in the gate dielectric GD and the gate material GM are possible.  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 a  illustrates a first example of an FET  30  in accordance with the present invention. The FET  30  has the same basic structure as that shown in FIG. 2. More particularly, in this specific example the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  are made of the same dielectric material (e.g., silicon oxide) but have different thicknesses. Namely, the thickness t GD1  of gate dielectric segment GD 1  is less than the thickness t GD2  of the gate dielectric segment GD 2 . The gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  are made of the same material (e.g., polysilicon). The top surfaces of each may or may not be flush with one another; however, they are illustrated as flush as shown in FIG. 3 a.    
       EXAMPLE 2  
       [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 b  illustrates a second example identical to that of Example 1 in FIG. 3 a , with the exception that the gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  are made of different materials (e.g., polysilicon and tungsten, respectively) with different work functions.  
       EXAMPLE 3  
       [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 c  represents a third example similar to that of Example 1 in FIG. 3 a , except that in the present example the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  are made of different materials with different dielectric constants. For example, segment GD 1  may be made of silicon oxide whereas segment GD 2  is made of nitride.  
       EXAMPLE 4  
       [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 d  illustrates a fourth example similar to that shown in FIG. 3 c . However, in this particular example the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  have the same thickness while being made of different materials with different dielectric constants.  
       EXAMPLE 5  
       [0033]    [0033]FIG. 3 e  presents an example similar to that of FIG. 3 d  (Example 4), except that the gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  also are made of different materials. In this case, the gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  exhibit different work functions.  
         [0034]    Generally speaking, the thickness of the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  may or may not be the same. The thickness of the gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  may or may not be the same. The stack height of GM 1  plus GD 1  may or may not be the same as the stack height of GM 2  plus GD 2 .  
       EXAMPLE 6  
       [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3 f  illustrates an example where three adjacent gate dielectric segments GD 1 , GD 2  and GD 3  are formed along the length of the channel with different thicknesses and/or dielectric constants. For example, the center segment GD 2  may have a larger thickness/dielectric constant than the thickness/dielectric constant of the end segments GD 1  and GD 3 . Alternatively, the center segment GD 2  may have a smaller thickness/dielectric constant than the thickness/dielectric constant of the end segments GD 1  and GD 3 .  
         [0036]    Guidelines:  
         [0037]    The following general guidelines are provided as exemplary for achieving favorable performance with the FET  30  in accordance with the present invention. Depending on whether the FET  30  is an N-type device (NMOS) or a P-type device (PMOS), the following guidelines are considered useful:  
         [0038]    i)a NMOS Case 1  
         [0039]    decrease gate dielectric thickness from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., t GD1 &gt;t GD2 ); and/or  
         [0040]    increase dielectric constant from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., dielectric constant of GD 1  material &lt;dielectric constant of GD 2  material); and/or  
         [0041]    decrease work function of gate materials from the source  14  to the drain  
         [0042]    i)b NMOS Case 2  
         [0043]    increase gate dielectric thickness from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., t GD1 &lt;t GD2 ); and/or  
         [0044]    decrease dielectric constant from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., dielectric constant of GD 1  material&gt;dielectric constant of GD 2  material); and/or  
         [0045]    increase work function of gate materials from the source  14  to the drain  
         [0046]    ii)a PMOS Case 1  
         [0047]    increase gate dielectric thickness from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., t GD1 &lt;t GD2 ); and/or  
         [0048]    decrease dielectric constant from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., dielectric constant of GD 1  material&gt;dielectric constant of GD 2  material); and/or  
         [0049]    increase work function of gate materials from the source  14  to the drain  
         [0050]    ii)b PMOS Case 2  
         [0051]    decrease gate dielectric thickness from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., t GD1 &gt;t GD2 ); and/or  
         [0052]    decrease dielectric constant from the source  14  to the drain  16  (e.g., dielectric constant of GD 1  material&lt;dielectric constant of GD 2  material); and/or  
         [0053]    decrease work function of gate materials from the source  14  to the drain  
         [0054]    iii) Both NMOS and PMOS  
         [0055]    minimize the transition region from one gate dielectric thickness/dielectric constant/gate material to the other or make the transition as steep as possible and to the degree that is comparable or less than the magnitude of the gate dielectric thickness  
         [0056]    decrease the length of materials near the source  14  (e.g., length of GD 1 /GM 1 ) to improve driving current/performance  
         [0057]    increase the length of materials near the drain  16  (e.g., length of GD 2 /GM 2 ) to improve short- channel effects (including Vt roll-off, DIBL, punchthrough, hot carriers, etc.)  
         [0058]    control the gate dielectric thickness/dielectric constant/gate material near the source  14  to optimize the overall device threshold  
         [0059]    A variety of processing techniques are available for fabricating an FET  30  in accordance with the present invention. For example, FIGS.  4 ( 1 )- 4 ( 7 ) illustrate some basic multiple layer resist with e-beam/ion-beam, etc. processing steps for fabricating an FET with different thickness gate dielectric segments using the same or different gate dielectric materials.  
         [0060]    Referring to FIG. 4( 1 ), a substrate (e.g., silicon)  31  has formed thereon a second dielectric material  32  (e.g., a material such as silicon oxide or stacked materials (collectively referred to herein as “material”) such as SiO 2 /Si 3 N 4 , etc., which is to make up gate dielectric segment GD 2 ). A gate material  34  such as polysilicon is formed on the dielectric material  32  layer, and a first sacrificial material  36  is formed atop the gate material  34 . A photo resist layer  38  is then applied to the sacrificial material  36 . The photo resist layer  38  is then patterned using patterning techniques such as e-beam to form a void  40  corresponding to the length of the gate dielectric segment GD 1 .  
         [0061]    Next, the first sacrificial material  36  exposed by the void  40  is etched away down to the gate material  34  and the resist layer  38  is then removed as shown in FIG. 4( 2 ). Thereafter, a second sacrificial material  44  is deposited within the void  40  as shown in FIG. 4( 3 ).  
         [0062]    Subsequently, another photo resist layer is formed on the second sacrificial material  44  and is patterned and removed so as to leave a remaining resist portion  45  as shown in FIG. 4( 4   a ). The resist portion  45  is aligned on one edge with the void  40  and extends past the other edge of the void  40  by a distance which defines the length of the gate dielectric segment GD 2  which is to be formed (designated  42 ). Using the resist portion  45  as part of a self-align etch, the second sacrificial material  44  and the first sacrificial material  36  are etched away to expose the gate material layer  34  as shown in FIG. 4( 4   b ).  
         [0063]    Next, the gate material  34  and second dielectric material  32  are removed by etching again using the sacrificial material  44  as part of a self-aligned etch as represented in FIG. 4( 5 ).  
         [0064]    Thereafter, a gate defining material  50 , such as a photo resist, polyimide, CVD oxides or other dielectric thin films, is deposited and patterned on the substrate  31  to redefine the voids  40  and  42  as represented in FIG. 4( 6 ). Also as represented in FIG. 4( 6 ), the second sacrificial material  44  is removed and the gate material  34  and part of the second dielectric material  32  or part layers of the dielectric if using multiple dielectric layers for  32  are etched to form first dielectric material  52  (FIG. 4( 7 )) in the void  40 , using the second sacrificial material  36  as a mask. Optional clean and/or thermal annealing in ambient conditions may be performed after the removal of the gate material  34  to produce the first dielectric material  52 . The first dielectric material  52  thus obtained may be the same material as the second dielectric material  32  but with a different thickness, or may even be a different material with a different dielectric constant.  
         [0065]    Next, as shown in FIG. 4( 7 ), a gate material  54  is deposited atop the first dielectric material  52 . The gate material  54  may be the same material as the gate material  34 , or different as will be appreciated. In addition, the first sacrificial material  36  is removed together with a portion of the gate defining material  50  (e.g., via chemical-mechanical polishing) to define a flush surface across the tops of the gate materials  54  and  34 .  
         [0066]    The first dielectric material  52  and the second dielectric material  32  respectively represent the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  shown in FIG. 2. The gate materials  54  and  34  correspond, respectively, to the gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  shown in FIG. 2. Although not shown, the defining material  50  is subsequently removed and the substrate  31  processed to define the source and drain regions as is conventional.  
         [0067]    Using differential oxidation, FIGS.  5 ( 1 )- 5 ( 5 ) illustrate another technique for forming a non-uniform gate dielectric in accordance with the present invention. A sacrificial material  36  is initially formed on a substrate  31  followed by photo resist layers  38   a  and  38   b  as represented in FIG. 5( 1 ). The photo resist layers  38   a  and  38   b  are patterned and etched using patterning techniques to form voids  40  and  42  corresponding to the length of the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2 .  
         [0068]    Next, as shown in FIG. 5( 2 ) the sacrificial material  36  in the region of the void  40  is removed using conventional techniques. Nitride ion implantation is then performed so as to implant nitride ions  56  at the surface of the substrate  31  where the gate dielectric segment GD 1  is to be formed. Alternatively, other species such as C, Ge, etc. may be used in addition to Nitride as part of the ion implantation step.  
         [0069]    As represented in FIG. 5( 3 ), the photo resist layer  38   b  and the sacrificial material  36  are then etched away within the void  42  to expose the substrate  31  in preparation for forming the gate dielectric segment GD 2 . In FIG. 5( 4 ), the photo-resist layers are removed and differential oxidation is performed such that oxide gate dielectrics  58  and  60  are formed. The gate dielectrics  58  and  60  consequently will have different thicknesses and/or dielectric constants due to the nitride ion implant. As in the other examples described herein, by controlling the relative thicknesses and/or dielectric constants of the gate materials the desired FET structure may be obtained.  
         [0070]    Next, a gate material  62  is formed on top of the gate dielectrics  58  and  60  so as to fill the voids  40  and  42  flush with the surface of the sacrificial material  36  as shown in FIG. 5( 5 ). Accordingly, in this particular example the same gate material  62  is used to form both gate material segments GM 1  and GM 2  corresponding to FIG. 2. The non-uniform gate dielectrics  58  and  60  correspond to the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  as will be appreciated.  
         [0071]    Although not shown, the remaining sacrificial material  36  is then removed and the substrate  31  processed to form source and drain regions using conventional processes to complete the FET.  
         [0072]    FIGS.  6 ( 1 )- 6 ( 4 ) illustrate a technique for forming the FET structure using angle ion implantation. Referring initially to FIG. 6( 1 ), a sacrificial material  36  and photo resist layer  66  are formed initially on the substrate  31 . As represented in FIG. 6( 2 ), the photo resist layer  66  is then patterned to define the gate area for the FET. In addition, the sacrificial material  36  is etched to expose the substrate  31  by creating voids  40  and  42  corresponding to the length of the gate dielectric segments GD 1  and GD 2  as in the previous examples. Thereafter, the substrate is subjected to angle nitride ion implantation as also represented in FIG. 6( 2 ).  
         [0073]    The nitride ions are directed towards the substrate  31  at a predetermined angle θ. The precise angle θ is selected based on the known depth of the voids  40 ,  42  such that nitride ions are incident on the surface of the substrate  31  only at the base of the void  40 . Nitride ions are prevented from striking the surface of the substrate  31  at the base of the void  42  by the edge  68  of the photo resist layer  66 . The nitride ions are implanted in the substrate at the base of the void  40  as represented by  56 . Again, other species such as C, Ge, etc. can also be used for forming the differential oxides in addition to Nitride.  
         [0074]    Next, differential oxidation is performed as represented in FIG. 6( 3 ). The differential oxidation is performed in the same manner discussed above in relation to FIG. 5( 4 ) so as to form non-uniform gate dielectrics  58  and  60 . A gate material  62  is then added to complete the relevant structure similar to that described above in relation to FIG. 5( 5 ).  
         [0075]    FIGS.  7 ( 1 )- 7 ( 3 ) represent a technique for forming the FET structure using a conventional LDD process. As represented in FIG. 7( 1 ), a first dielectric material  58  (e.g., oxide) and first gate material  62  are formed on the substrate  31 . The respective layers are then patterned and etched to define a conventional gate structure represented by the first dielectric material  58  interposed between the first gate material  62  and the substrate  31 . Continuing to refer to FIG. 7( 1 ), a second dielectric material  60  (e.g., oxide) having a thickness and/or dielectric constant different from the first dielectric material  58  is formed on top of the first gate material  62  and substrate  31 .  
         [0076]    Unlike a conventional LDD process where simply an oxide layer is formed, a second gate material  70  is then formed on top of the second dielectric material  60 . The second gate material  70  may be the same or different from the first gate material  62  as desired. Next, the conventional LDD process is continued whereby the second gate material  70  and dielectric material  60  are etched to form sidewall spacers made up of the second gate material  70  and the dielectric material  60  as represented by the structure shown in FIG. 7( 1 ). Whereas a finished transistor illustrated in  7 ( 1 ) is covered by this invention, further modification may be made.  
         [0077]    Referring to FIG. 7( 2 ), a photo resist is then formed and patterned to form a mask  74  which covers the gate material  62  and one of the sidewall spacers formed by the second gate material  70  and the dielectric material  60  as shown. The exposed opposite sidewall spacer including the other portion of the second gate material  70  and dielectric material  60  are then removed via etching as shown in FIG. 7( 2 ). Thereafter, the remaining photo resist mask  74  is removed resulting in the structure shown in FIG. 7( 3 ), resulting in an asymmetric transistor structure.  
         [0078]    As will be appreciated, the dielectric materials  58  and  60  correspond to the gate dielectrics GD 1  and GD 2  of the structure shown in FIG. 2. The gate materials  62  and  70  correspond to the gate materials GM 1  and GM 2  represented in FIG. 2. Subsequent processing includes forming the source, drain and LDD sidewall spacers (if desired) to result in the completed FET structure.  
         [0079]    It will therefore be understood that an FET in accordance with the present invention is typified by a structure in which the gate dielectric thickness and/or dielectric constant varies along the length of the channel. This results in a variation in the vertical electric field which has been found to suppress short-channel effects. The gate dielectric may have multiple thickness and/or dielectric constant changes along the channel to optimize the device performance, manufacturability, etc. Various exemplary structures are described together with a variety of exemplary manufacturing techniques. Such examples are not intended to be limiting in scope, as it will be understood that there are countless other structures and methods for making such structures. Rather, such examples are provided to illustrate the utility of the present invention in combination with the simplicity of its manufacture.  
         [0080]    Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the following claims.