Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN101496174A/en
Timestamp: 2019-11-14 15:35:59
Document Index: 549174031

Matched Legal Cases: ['application No. 10', 'application No. 11', 'Application No. 2003', 'Application No. 10', 'application No. 10', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 11']

CN101496174A - Conductive hard mask to protect patterned features during trench etch - Google Patents
CN101496174A
CN101496174A CNA2007800251756A CN200780025175A CN101496174A CN 101496174 A CN101496174 A CN 101496174A CN A2007800251756 A CNA2007800251756 A CN A2007800251756A CN 200780025175 A CN200780025175 A CN 200780025175A CN 101496174 A CN101496174 A CN 101496174A
CNA2007800251756A
乌沙·拉古拉姆
史蒂文·J·雷迪根
迈克尔·W·科内维基
2006-05-31 Priority to US11/444,936 priority Critical
2006-05-31 Priority to US11/444,936 priority patent/US7575984B2/en
2007-05-22 Application filed by 桑迪士克3D公司 filed Critical 桑迪士克3D公司
2009-07-29 Publication of CN101496174A publication Critical patent/CN101496174A/en
在沟槽蚀刻期间保护图案化特征的导电硬掩模 Protection patterned features during the trench etch conductive hardmask
本发明涉及一种沟槽蚀刻期间保护下伏的主动特征的方法。 The present invention relates to methods of active protection of the underlying features during a trench-etching. 背景技术 Background technique
通过在装置上形成导体可提供到那些装置的电连接。 By forming a conductor on the device may provide electrical connection to those devices. 导体可由相减或相加（镶嵌(Damascene))方法形成。 By addition or subtraction conductor (mosaic (the Damascene)) method. 在任一状况下，执行将终止于待接触的装置上或附近的蚀刻。 In either situation, the execution will terminate in the vicinity of the device to be contacted or etching.
在任何蚀刻期间，必须注意要使蚀刻在所要点处停止。 During any etching, care must be taken to make the etch stop at a desired point. 视装置而定，过蚀刻可接受或不可接受。 Depending on the device, over-etching acceptable or unacceptable.
在镶嵌沟槽蚀刻期间过蚀刻对装置有害的装置中，-一种防止此损害的方法是有利的。 Etching harmful means, during a damascene trench etched - A method of preventing the damage is advantageous. 发明内容 SUMMARY
本发明由所附的权利要求书界定，且不应将所述部分中的任何内容视为对那些权利要求的限制。 The present invention is defined by the appended claims to define, and should not be any portion of the content as a limitation on those claims. 大体来说，本发明针对一种在沟槽蚀刻期间保护下伏的特征的方法，且针对使用此方法形成的结构。 In general, the present invention is directed to a method of protecting the underlying features during etching of the trench, and for using the structure formed by this method.
本发明的第一方面提供一种用于形成半导体装置的方法，所述方法包含：沉积半导体材料层；在所述半导体材料上沉积第一导电层或层叠：在单个光刻步骤中将所述第一导电层或层叠及半导体材料图案化并蚀刻为第一柱；在所述第一柱上沉积电介质层；及在电介质层中蚀刻沟槽，其中第一导电层或层叠的一部分暴露于所述沟槽中，其中所述半导体材料未暴露于沟槽中，其中所述柱不包括电阻率切换二元金属氧化物或氮化物。 The first aspect of the present invention to provide a method for forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising: depositing a layer of semiconductor material; a first conductive layer is deposited or laminated on said semiconductor material: in a single lithographic step a first conductive layer and the semiconductor material or a laminated patterned and etched into a first column; the column first depositing a dielectric layer; and etching a trench in the dielectric layer, wherein a portion of the first conductive layer or laminated to the exposed said trench, wherein said semiconductor material is not exposed to the trench, wherein the column does not include a resistivity switching binary metal oxide or nitride.
本发明的优选实施例提供一种用于形成单块三维存储器阵列的方法，所述方法包含： a)通过包含如下步骤的方法在衬底上形成第一存储器层级：i)形成在第一方向上延伸的大体上平行的多个第一导体；ii)在第一导体上形成第一柱，每一第一柱包含在垂直定向的二极管上的第一导电层或层叠，第一柱形成于单个光刻步骤中；iii)在第一柱上沉积第一电介质层；iv)在所述第一电介质层中蚀刻大体上平行的多个第一沟槽，所述第一沟槽在第二方向上延伸，其中，在蚀刻步骤之后，沟槽中的最低点在第一导电层或层叠的最低点之上，其中第一导电层或层叠不包含电阻率切换金属氧化物或氮化物：及b) 在第一存储器层级上单块地形成第二存储器层级。 Preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention provides a method for forming a monolithic three dimensional memory array, the method comprising: a) a first memory level formed by a method comprising the steps on a substrate: i) forming a first side a plurality of substantially parallel first conductors extending upwardly; ii) forming a first column or a first conductive layer laminated on each of the first column comprises a vertically oriented diode on a first conductor, formed on a first column single photolithography step; iii) depositing a first column in a first dielectric layer; IV) a first plurality of trenches in the first dielectric layer is etched in substantially parallel, said first groove in a second extends in a direction in which, after the etching step, the lowest point of the trench above the lowest point of the first conductive layer or the laminate, wherein the first conductive layer does not comprise laminated or resistivity switching metal oxide or nitride: and b) a first memory level formed in a second memory level monolithically.
本发明的另一方面提供一种在衬底上形成的第一存储器层级，所述第一存储器层级包含：在第一方向上延伸的大体上平行、大体上共面的多个底部导体；在不同于所述第n一方向的第二方向上延伸的大体上平行、大体上共面的多个顶部导体，所述顶部导体在所述底部导体之上；及多个第一柱，每一第一柱垂直地安置于底部导体中的一者与顶部导体中的一者之间，每一第一柱包含垂直定向的二极管及导电层或层叠，所述导电层或层叠在垂直定向的二极管之上，其中每一第一柱中的导电层或层叠与顶部导体中的一者接触，且其中所述导电层或层叠包含金属或金属合金层。 Another aspect the present invention provides a method of forming a first memory level on a substrate, the first memory level comprising: a generally extending in a first direction parallel to a plurality of substantially coplanar bottom conductors; in extending substantially different from said second direction parallel to the n-th one direction, a plurality of substantially coplanar top conductors, the top conductor above the bottom conductor; and a plurality of first columns, each the first pillar is vertically disposed between bottom conductor of one conductor and one of the top, each column comprises a first diode and a vertically oriented conductive layer or laminate, the conductive layer or laminated vertically oriented diode above, wherein each column of the first conductive layer or a laminated conductor in contact with the top one, and wherein the conductive layer or a laminate comprising a metal or metal alloy layer.
另一优选实施例提供一种单块三维存储器阵列，其包含：a)在衬底上的第--存储器层级，所述第一存储器层级包含：在第一方向上延伸的大体上平行、大体上共面的多个底部导体；在不同于所述第一方向的第二方向上延伸的大体上平行、大体上共面的多个顶部导体，所述顶部导体在所述底部导体之上；及多个第一柱，每一第一柱垂直地安置于底部导体中的一者与顶部导体中的一者之间，每一第一柱包含垂直定向的二极管及导电层或层叠，所述导电层或层叠在垂直定向的二极管之上，其屮每-一第'柱中的导电层或层叠与顶部导体中的一者接触，且其中所述导电层或层叠包含金属或金属合金层；及b)在第一存储器层级上单块地形成的第二存储器层级。 Another preferred embodiment provides a monolithic three dimensional memory array, comprising: a) a substrate on a first - a memory hierarchy the first memory level comprising: a first substantially extending in a direction parallel to, a generally a plurality of coplanar bottom conductors; extending generally in a second direction different from the first direction parallel to a plurality of substantially coplanar top conductors, the top conductor above the bottom conductor; and a plurality of the first column, the first column of each vertically disposed between one of the bottom conductors and one of the top conductors, each first column comprises a vertically oriented diode and the conductive layer or laminate, said or a conductive layer laminated on the vertically oriented diodes, each of which Che - a second 'column in the conductive layer or a laminated conductor in contact with the top one, and wherein the conductive layer or a laminated layer comprising a metal or metal alloy; and b) a second memory level in the first memory level monolithically formed.
本文中描述的本发明的方面及实施例中的每一者可单独使用或相互组合使用。 Aspects of the invention described herein, and each of the embodiments may be used alone or in combination with one another.
现将参看附图来描述优选方面及实施例。 It will now be described, with reference to preferred aspects and embodiments thereof. 附图说明 BRIEF DESCRIPTION
图1为未根据本发明的方法形成的现有技术的非易失性存储器单元的透视图。 1 is a perspective view of the prior art are not formed according to the method of the present invention is a nonvolatile memory cell. 图2为图1的存储器单元的第一存储器层级的一部分的透视图。 FIG 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the first memory level of the memory cell of FIG. 图3a到图3d为说明通过相减方法形成导电轨的横截面图。 FIGS. 3a to 3d is formed by the subtraction method described cross-sectional view of the conductor rail. 图4a到图4d为说明通过镶嵌方法形成导电轨的横截面图。 Figures 4a to 4d are formed by the damascene method is an explanatory cross sectional view of conductive tracks.
图5a到图5c为说明包括通过未使用本发明的方法的镶嵌方法形成的顶部导体的结 5a to 5c for explaining junction comprises top conductor formed by a damascene method is not a method of the present invention
构的形成阶段的横截面图。 Cross-sectional view of the configuration of a stage of formation.
图6a到图6c为说明根据本发明的实施例形成的结构的形成阶段的横截面图。 FIGS. 6a through 6c is a cross-sectional view of a stage of formation of the structure formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
图7a到图7d为说明根据本发明的优选实施例形成的单块三维存储器阵列的第一存 Figure 7a to Figure 7d is a drawing illustrating a first preferred embodiment of the present invention deposit a monolithic three dimensional memory array formed according to
储器层级的形成阶段的横截面图。 Cross-sectional view of the reservoir formation stage hierarchy.
赫尔纳（Herner)等人的美国专利第6,952,030号，"高密度三维存储器单元(High-Density Three-Dimensional Memory Cell)"(下文中的专利'030且其以引用方式并入本文中）揭示了--种非易失性存储器单元，其包括在顶部导体与底部导体之间插入的垂直定向的结型二极管(junction diode)及电介质破裂反熔丝（dielectric rupture antifuse)。 U.S. Patent No. 6,952,030 Heer Na (Herner) et al., "High-density three-dimensional memory cells (High-Density Three-Dimensional Memory Cell)" (hereinafter Patent '030, and which is incorporated herein by reference) disclosed - the kind of non-volatile memory cells, comprising between top conductor and the bottom conductor inserted vertically oriented junction diode (junction diode) and a dielectric rupture antifuse (dielectric rupture antifuse). 参看图l，垂直定向的结型二极管302包含：第一导电类型的重掺杂半导体层112;层114， Referring to FIG. L, vertically oriented junction diode 302 comprises: a first conductive type doped semiconductor layer 112; layer 114,
6其为未经掺杂的半导体材料或轻掺杂的半导体材料；及第二导电类型的重掺杂半导体层116。 6 which is undoped semiconductor material or lightly doped semiconductor material; doped semiconductor layer 116 and the weight of the second conductivity type. 二极管302的半导体材料通常为硅、锗或硅及/或锗的合金。 The semiconductor material of the diode 302 is typically silicon, germanium or silicon and / or germanium alloy. 二极管302及电介质破裂反熔丝118串联布置于底部导体200与顶部导体400之间，所述导体可由例如钩的金属形成。 Diodes 302 and 118 of the dielectric rupture antifuse are arranged in series between the bottom conductor 400 and a top conductor 200, the conductor may be formed, for example, a metal hook. 未展示各种额外的粘着层及阻挡层。 Various additional adhesive layer and the barrier layer not shown.
在本文中，术语结型二极管用于指具有非欧姆导电特性的半导体装置，其具有两个端电极，且一电极由p型半导材料制成，而另一电极由n型半导材料制成。 As used herein, the term junction diode is used to refer to a semiconductor device having a non-ohmic conductive properties, having two terminal electrodes, and the electrode is made of a p-type semiconductor material, and the other electrode is an n-type semiconductor material to make. 实例包括具有相互接触的p型半导体材料及n型半导体材料的pn 二极管及np 二极管（例如，齐纳(Zener) 二极管），及pin 二极管，其中本征（未掺杂）半导体材料插入在p型半导体材料与n型半导体材料之间。 Examples include contact with each other and the p-type semiconductor material and the pn diode np diode n-type semiconductor material (e.g., a Zener (of Zener) diode), and a pin diode, in which an intrinsic (undoped) semiconductor material is interposed in the p-type between the semiconductor material and the n-type semiconductor material.
在图1的存储器单元的初始状态中，当在顶部导体400与底部导体200之间施加读取电压时，非常小的电流流过二极管302。 In the initial state of the memory cell of FIG. 1, when a read voltage is applied between top conductor 200 and bottom conductor 400, a very small current flows through the diode 302. 反熔丝118阻碍电流流动，且在大多数实施例中，二极管302的多晶半导体材料形成为相对较高的电阻率状态，如在赫尔纳（Heraer) 等人在2004年9月29日申请的美国专利申请案第10/955，549号，"具有高阻抗及低阻抗状态的无电介质反熔丝的非易失性存储器单元Nonvolatile Memory Cell Without a Dielectric Antifuse Having High- and Low-Impedance States"(且其在下文中称为申请案'549)，及赫尔纳等人的2005年6月8日申请的美国专利申请案第11/148，530号，"通过增加多晶半导体材料中的阶而操作的非易失性存储器单元（Nonvolatile Memory Cell Operating by Increasing Order in Polycrystalline Semiconductor Material)"(且其在下文中称为申请案'530)中所描述，所述两个申请案以引用的方式并入本文中，所述多晶硅半导体材料还倾向于阻碍电流流动。 Antifuse 118 impede the flow of current, and, in most embodiments, the polycrystalline semiconductor material of diode 302 is formed to a relatively high resistivity state, as Heer Na (Heraer) et al. September 29, 2004 application of U.S. Patent application No. 10 / 955,549, "no dielectric having a high impedance state and a low impedance antifuse nonvolatile memory cell nonvolatile memory cell without a dielectric antifuse having High- and low-impedance States "(referred to hereinafter and which application '549) U.S. Patent application No. 11 / 148,530, and Heer Na et al., 2005, filed June 8," by increasing the polycrystalline semiconductor material the nonvolatile memory cell in order to operate (nonvolatile memory cell operating by Increasing order in Polycrystalline Semiconductor Material) "(hereinafter referred to and which application '530) as described in the application by reference to two incorporated herein, the polycrystalline semiconductor material also tends to impede current flow. 在顶部导体400与底部导体200之间施加的编程电压导致反熔丝材料的电介质击穿，从而永久性地形成穿过反熔丝118的导电路径。 In the programming voltage is applied between top conductor 200 and bottom conductor 400 leading to dielectric breakdown of the antifuse material, permanently forming a conductive path through the antifuse 118. 还可改变二极管302的半导体材料，将其改变为较低的电阻率状态。 The semiconductor material can also be varied diode 302 will change to a lower resistivity state. 在编程之后，在施加读取电压时，易于检测的电流在顶部导体400与底部导体200之间流动。 After programming, during a read voltage is applied, the detected current flows easily between top conductor 400 and bottom conductor 200. 以此方式，可区分编程单元与未编程单元。 In this manner, the programming unit can be distinguished unprogrammed cell.
图2展示如图1的单元的存储器单元的第一存储器层级的一部分。 Figure 2 shows a portion of a first memory level of the memory cell unit shown in FIG. 1. 可形成两个、三个、四个或更多的这些存储器层级且将一级叠于另一级顶上，以形成优选地在半导体衬底（例如，多晶硅晶片）上形成的单块三维存储器阵列，且如专利'030及申请案'549及申请案'530中所描述。 May be formed in two, three, four or more of these memory hierarchy and the one stage stacked on top of another to form a monolithic three dimensional memory is preferably a semiconductor substrate (e.g., a polycrystalline silicon wafer) is formed on the array and Patent '030 application and the' 549 application and '530 are described.
通常通过相减方法或镶嵌方法形成半导体装置中的特征。 A semiconductor device is generally formed by a subtraction method or a damascene method. 在相减方法中，图案化材料且将其蚀刻为所要形状，接着用电介质填充蚀刻的特征之间的间隙。 In the subtraction process, and the patterned material which is etched into a desired shape, then filled with a dielectric gap between the etched features. 在镶嵌方法中， In the damascene process,
通过在电介质中形成空隙，接着以导电或半导体材料填充那些空隙来形成特征。 By forming voids in the dielectric, followed by a conductive or semiconductor material to fill those voids formed features.
7举例来说，为以相减方式形成金属轨状导体（如图3a中所示），沉积金属层22,且将光致抗蚀剂24旋涂到其上。 7 for example, is formed in subtraction metal conductor tracks (as shown in FIG. 3A), the metal layer 22 is deposited, and the photoresist 24 spin-coated thereon. 如图3b中所示，接着以光刻方式将光致抗蚀剂24图案化为所要形式。 As shown in FIG. 3b, followed by photolithographically patterning the photo-resist 24 into a desired form. 如图3c中所示，蚀刻步骤移除未受光致抗蚀剂保护之处的金属。 Shown in Figure 3c, the etching step removes metal unprotected at the photo-resist protection. 如图3d 中所示，在蚀刻之后，剥离光致抗蚀剂，从而留下金属轨，且可由电介质26来填充轨之间的间隙。 As shown in FIG. 3d, after etching, stripping the photoresist, leaving the metal rails, and the gap between the rail 26 to be filled with a dielectric. 若需要，可通过化学机械平坦化CMP)来移除过量的电介质，以在平坦化表面处暴露轨。 If desired, by chemical mechanical planarization CMP) to remove excess dielectric to planarize the exposed surface of the rail.
相反地，参看图4a，使用镶嵌方法形成金属轨状导体，将光致抗蚀剂24旋涂到沉积氧化物层32上。 Conversely, referring to Figure 4a, using the damascene method of forming a metal rail-shaped conductor, 24 the photoresist is spin-coated onto oxide layer 32 is deposited. 如图4b中所示，如图所示将光致抗蚀剂24图案化，于是蚀刻形成氧化物层32中的沟槽34。 As shown in FIG. 4b, as shown in the photoresist 24 is patterned, then etched in the oxide layer 32 a trench 34. 在图4c中，在移除光致抗蚀剂之后，沉积金属22以填充沟槽，且通过（例如）CMP移除所述过填充物，从而形成轨，如图4d中所示。 In 4c, the after removing the photoresist, the metal is deposited to fill the trench 22, and by (e.g.) the CMP removal of the over-filling, thereby forming rail, as shown in FIG 4d.
参看图l，在专利1030的实施例中，由相减方法形成底部导体200及顶部导体400。 Referring to FIG. L, 1030 Patent embodiments, the bottom conductors 200 and top conductor 400 is formed by the subtraction method. 出于待解释的原因，在一些实施例中，替代地可能需要使用镶嵌方法来形成所述导体。 For reasons to be explained, in some embodiments, it may require the use of alternative damascene method for forming the conductor.
然而，形成连接到垂直定向的二极管302的顶部导体400具有挑战性。 However, a connection to the vertically oriented top conductor 400 of the diode 302 is challenging. 图5a展示二极管302且在其之间的电介质108暴露于平坦化表面处。 Figure 5a shows a diode 302 and a dielectric 108 between them is exposed to the planarized surface. 顶部重掺杂区116非常薄。 Top heavily doped region 116 is very thin. 如图4b中，沉积电介质层208，接着蚀刻沟槽210。 In FIG. 4b, depositing a dielectric layer 208, a trench 210 is then etched. 在理想状况下，如图5b中所示，沟槽蚀刻精确地停止于每一二极管302的顶部而无未对准。 Under ideal conditions, as shown in FIG. 5b, the trench etch stop precisely at the top of each diode 302 without misalignment.
然而，实际上几乎将总是存在一些未对准，其将导致过蚀刻。 However, in practice almost always some misalignment, which will lead to over-etching. 参看图5c，具有未对准的蚀刻将暴露二极管302的侧面。 Referring to Figure 5c, having a misaligned etching the exposed side of the diode 302. 此时，优选通过二极管302的硅的热氧化以形成二氧化硅层来在每一二极管上形成反熔丝层118。 In this case, preferably by thermal oxidation of silicon diode 302 to form a silicon dioxide layer antifuse layer 118 is formed on each diode. 重掺杂区116非常薄，且当反熔丝118 在单元的编程期间破裂时，待形成于经蚀刻沟槽210中的导体可能会与本征区114电接触。 The heavily doped region 116 is very thin, and when the rupture antifuse 118 cells during programming, may be formed in electrical contact with the intrinsic region 210 in trench 114 etched conductors. 所述接触对于装置来说是致命的。 The means for contacting is fatal.
本发明的方法防止图5c中所描绘且将描述的致命过蚀刻，提供改进的二极管均一性、 互连性及层与层的对准的其它优势。 The method of the present invention prevents depicted in FIG. 5c and the lethal over-etching described, other advantages are aligned to provide improved uniformity of diodes, and the interconnectivity of the layers.
如在专利'030及申请案'549及1530中所描述，在优选实施例中，通过沉积重掺杂n 型硅层112 (现场掺杂），继而沉积一厚度114的本征硅来形成二极管302。 As described in Patent '030 application and' 549 and 1530 is described, in a preferred embodiment, by depositing a heavily doped n-type silicon layer 112 (dopant site), followed by deposition of intrinsic silicon having a thickness of 114 to form a diode 302. 硅区112及114沉积为非晶形，且稍后结晶以形成多晶硅。 112 and 114 deposited silicon region amorphous, and later crystallized to form polysilicon. 接着，将硅图案化且将其蚀刻为柱（在蚀刻期间可能己使用（例如）二氧化硅的电介质硬掩模，且随后将其移除），且（例如）由高密度等离子体（HDP)氧化物来填充柱之间的间隙。 Next, silicon is patterned and etched into a column which (probably already during the etching using (e.g.) a silicon dioxide dielectric hard mask, and subsequently removed), and (e.g.) a high density plasma (HDP ) oxide to fill the gap between columns. 平坦化步骤（例如，通过CMP) 移除氧化物的过填充物以在平坦化表面处暴露二极管302的顶部。 Planarization step (e.g. by CMP) to remove the oxide over the filler to planarize the exposed surface of the top diode 302. 所述CMP步骤不可避免地也移除少许厚度的硅。 The CMP step also inevitably remove a small thickness of silicon. 在CMP步骤之后，通过p型掺杂剂（例如，硼或BF2)的离子植入来形成顶部重掺杂区116，以形成浅结。 After the CMP step, to form a top heavily doped region 116, to form a shallow junction by a p-type dopant (e.g., boron or BF2) ion implantation. （为简单起见，己描述由硅形成的在底部具有n区且在顶部具有p区的pin二极管的形成。在替代实施例中，可颠倒二极管的极性，或半导体可为锗，硅锗合金或一些其它材料。）在专利'030及申请案'549及'530的优选实施例中，接着以相减方式形成顶部导体。 In the n region having a bottom and having a pin diode is formed on top of the p region of the embodiment, the polarity of the diode may be reversed in an alternative embodiment, may be a semiconductor or germanium, silicon-germanium alloy (for simplicity, been described formed of silicon or some other material.) in Patent '030 application and' 549 and '530 in the preferred embodiment, followed by subtraction is formed top conductor.
参看图6a，在本发明的一实施例中，通常在氮化钛阻挡层110上沉积重掺杂的n型硅区112及本征硅区114。 Referring to Figure 6a, in one embodiment of the present invention, generally the deposition of heavily doped n-type silicon region 112 and an intrinsic silicon region 114 on the titanium nitride barrier layer 110. 重掺杂的p型硅区116通过离子植入来沉积及掺杂或在沉积期间现场惨杂。 A heavily doped p-type silicon region 116 is deposited and doped during deposition or by ion implantation heteroaryl tragic scene. 例如通过下伏硅的热氧化以形成二氧化硅来形成电介质破裂反熔丝118。 For example, by thermal oxidation of the underlying silicon to form silicon dioxide to form the dielectric rupture antifuse 118. 在反熔丝118上形成导电层叠：所述导电层叠可包括（例如）氮化钛粘着层40及钨层42。 Forming a conductive anti-fuse 118 is laminated on: the conductive laminate may include (e.g.) a titanium nitride adhesion layer 40 and tungsten layer 42. 阻挡层110、硅区112、 114及116、反熔丝层118、氮化钛层40及钨层42在图6a中所说明的阶段均未图案化。 Barrier layer 110, silicon regions 112, 114 and 116, antifuse layer 118, titanium nitride layer 40 and tungsten layer 42 illustrated in FIG. 6a stage were not patterned. 为简单起见，未展示所说明结构之下的底部导体200。 For simplicity, not shown in the bottom conductor structure 200 described below.
参看图6b，接着将钨层42及氮化钛层40图案化且将其蚀刻为柱。 Referring to Figure 6b, then the tungsten layer 42 and titanium nitride layer 40 is patterned and etched to the column. 蚀刻继续，蚀刻反熔丝层118、硅区116、 114及112及阻挡层110，从而形成柱300。 Etching continues, is etched antifuse layer 118, silicon regions 116, 114, and 112 and barrier layer 110, thereby forming 300 columns. 钨层42及氮化钛层40在硅蚀刻期间充当硬掩模。 Tungsten layer 42 and titanium nitride layer 40 acts as a hard mask during the silicon etch. 硬掩模为用于将下伏层的蚀刻图案化的经蚀刻层；如果己消耗所有光致抗蚀剂，则硬掩模可替代其而提供图案。 The hard mask for etching the underlying layers etched patterned layer; hexyl consumed if all the optical photoresist, the hard mask may be substituted for the pattern provided. 在单个光刻步骤中形成柱。 Column is formed in a single photolithographic step. 电介质填充物108填充柱300之间的间隙，且通过平坦化（例如，通过CMP)来移除过填充物。 The dielectric filler 108 is filled between the interstitial space 300, and by a planarization (e.g., by CMP) to remove the excessive filler.
接着，沉积电介质材料208，且在电介质材料208中蚀刻沟槽310。 Next, depositing a dielectric material 208, and dielectric material 208 in the trenches 310 are etched. 使用镶嵌构造在沟槽310中形成导体。 Forming a conductor in the trench 310 using mosaic structure. 如图所示，可能会发生一些未对准及沟槽310的过蚀刻。 As shown, some of the misalignment and etching trenches through 310 may occur. 图6c展示在沟槽310已填充有氮化钛层44及钨层46，且执行CMP以完成顶部导体400之后的结构。 Figure 6c shows the trench 310 has been filled with a titanium nitride layer 44 and tungsten layer 46, and CMP is performed to complete the structure after the top conductor 400. 如将在图6c中所见，沟槽过蚀刻导致导体400与钨层42或氮化钛层40的侧面接触，但不与区116、 114或下面的二极管的任何部分接触。 As will be seen in Figure 6c, the trench conductor 400 resulting in over-etching of the tungsten layer 42 into contact with the side surface or titanium nitride layer 40, but not 116, and 114 or any part of the contact region of the diode below. 钨层42及氮化钛层40的厚度提供一余量，沟槽蚀刻可停止于所述余量'l'而对装置性能无不利影响。 Thickness of the tungsten layer 42 and titanium nitride layer 40 provides a margin, the trench etch may stop on the margin 'l' without adversely affecting the performance of the device. 导电层42及40 可暴露于沟槽310中，但下面的半导体层112、 114及116并不暴露。 40 and conductive layer 42 can be exposed to the trenches 310, but the underlying semiconductor layer 112, 114 and 116 is not exposed.
在本发明中，接着使用导电硬掩模来蚀刻下伏特征，且接着在被执行以形成将提供到下伏特征的电连接的随后镶嵌蚀刻期间，将其用于保护那些特征。 In the present invention, the conductive hard mask is then used to etch the underlying characteristics, and then being performed to form the insert during the subsequent etching of the underlying features to provide an electrical connection, which is used to protect those features. 通常将电介质材料(如二氧化硅或氮化硅）用作硬掩模。 Typically the dielectric material (such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride) is used as a hard mask. 因为本发明的硬掩模为导电材料，所以无需移除且可保留于完成的装置中。 Since the hard mask of the present invention, a conductive material, there is no need to remove and may remain in the completed device.
在上述实施例中，本发明的方法带来额外优势。 In the above embodiment, the method of the present invention brings additional advantage. 如所描述，本发明的垂直定向的二极管为pin二极管。 As described, a vertically oriented diode of the present invention is a pin diode. （如果p区在n区之上或之下，则将结型二极管视为垂直定向的。） 在存储器阵列中，需要最小化存储器单元之间的变化。 (If the p region above the n region or below, will be regarded as the junction diode is vertically oriented.) In a memory array, the need to minimize the variation between memory cells. 所述存储器中的二极管的正向电流及反向漏电流很大程度上取决于本征区114的厚度。 Forward current of the diode in the memory and reverse leakage current depends largely on the thickness of the intrinsic region 114.
在图5a到图5c描述的制造方法中，在二极管中存在若干可变性来源。 5a to 5c in several sources of variability in the manufacturing method described, the presence in the diode. 硅沉积的速率在晶片上变化，从而导致整个硅厚度的变化。 Silicon deposition rate on the wafer changes resulting in a change of the thickness of the entire silicon. 二极管之间的HDP氧化物填充物的沉积在晶片上及在晶片之间也是不均匀的，因此执行CMP步骤以在如图5中所示的平坦平面处暴露二极管的顶部。 HDP oxide fill is deposited between the diodes on the wafer between the wafer and is not uniform, and therefore a CMP step in a flat plane as shown in FIG. 5 is an exposed top diode. 所述非均匀性的来源中的每一者影响本征区的最终厚度。 Each of the sources of non-uniformity in the thickness of the final effect of the intrinsic region. 然而， 在本发明中，仅在已建立二极管区的厚度之后才执行蚀刻及HDP填充，且不对硅执行CMP步骤。 However, in the present invention, etching is performed only after filling and thickness HDP diode region has been established, a CMP step and no silicon. 在最终存储器阵列中，本征区的变化大大减少，此是由于在沉积期间变化的唯一来源为硅厚度的不--致。 In the final memory array, changes the intrinsic region is greatly reduced, because this is the only source of variation during the deposition is not a silicon thickness - induced. 此外，HDP填充工艺中的固有溅射可在特征顶部上导致角切剪。 Further, HDP sputter fill process may result in the intrinsic angular Shear on top features. 当使用导电硬掩模时，硬掩模吸收所述切剪而非二极管。 When using a conductive hard mask, the hard mask Shear not absorb diode.
在较小间距的情况下，必须减小如图2中所示的存储器阵列的存储器阵列中的导体宽度。 In the case of smaller pitch, it must be reduced as shown in the conductor width of the memory array of the memory array shown in FIG. 2 in. 为提供足够的导电率，因此导体必须变得较高。 To provide sufficient conductivity, the conductor must therefore becomes higher. 可能难以蚀刻非常厚的层，此是由于在蚀刻完成之前，界定特征的光致抗蚀剂可能已完全消耗。 May be very difficult to etch the thick layer, this is due before the completion of the etching, to define the characteristics of the photoresist may become totally consumed. 也难以将具有非常高的纵横比的间隙填充得无空隙。 It is difficult to have a very high aspect ratio gap fill without voids obtained. 镶嵌构造避免了所述两个劣势，且因此成为以较小间距的导体的颇具吸引力的选择。 Mosaic structure avoids the disadvantages of the two, and thus become attractive to smaller pitch conductor selection. 此外，归因于光刻术的本性，通常蚀刻特征的尺寸易于收缩， 从而使其窄于其突出的掩模尺寸。 Further, due to the nature of photolithography, etching characteristic size generally tends to shrink, so that it protrudes narrower than the mask size. 因此以相减方式形成的导体易于变得更小。 Thus conductors formed easily subtraction becomes smaller. 然而，当由镶嵌方法形成时，被蚀刻且因此在图案化及蚀刻期间易于收缩的是电介质填充物，而非导体。 However, when forming a damascene method, an etching process and thus tends to shrink during the patterning and etching of a dielectric filler, rather than a conductor. 于是，镶嵌导体将稍微宽于给定掩模尺寸，且因此导电率稍高。 Thus, the mosaic will be slightly wider than the conductors of a given size of the mask, and thus higher electrical conductivity.
多级存储器阵列需要许多掩模步骤。 Multi-level memory arrays requires many masking steps. 每-"层必须与前一层对准。通过定位形成于先前层中的对准标记来实现光掩模的对准。为以相减方式将钨导体图案化并蚀刻，例如， 必须将光掩模对准到不透明的钨所覆盖的对准标记。为以镶嵌方法形成钨导体，必须将光掩模对准到通常为透明的氧化物所覆盖的对准标记。 Each - "layer must be aligned with the former one is positioned by the alignment mark previously formed on the layer to achieve alignment of the photomask is subtractively manner tungsten conductor is patterned and etched, for example, must be light. an opaque mask alignment to alignment marks tungsten covered. to form tungsten damascene conductors methods must be aligned to the photomask alignment marks typically covered by a transparent oxide.
将提供单块三维存储器阵列的第一存储器层级的制造的详细实例。 Detailed examples will provide a monolithic three dimensional memory array for producing a first memory level. 为完整起见，将描述许多材料、条件及步骤。 For completeness, many materials, conditions, and steps will be described. 然而，应了解当结果属于本发明的范围内时，可修改、增加或省略所述细节中的许多细节。 However, it should be understood that when the result belongs within the scope of the present invention, modifications, additions or omitting details in many details.
可证明可用于形成待在下文中描述的存储器的许多细节将可见于专利'030、申请案'549及'530中，及赫尔纳等人在2005年5月9日申请的美国专利申请案第11/125,606号， "在低温下制造的包含半导体二极管的高密度非易失性存储器阵列（High-Density Nonvolatile Memory Array Fabricated at Low Temperature Comprising Semiconductor Diodes)"及在赫尔纳等人在2005年5月9日申请的美国专利申请案第11/125,939号，"包含二极管和电阻率切换材料的可重写存储器单元（Rewriteable Memory Cell Comprising a Diode and a Resistance-Switching Material)"中，所述两个专利以引用的方式并入本文中。 Many details may prove useful in forming a memory described hereinafter will stay visible in U.S. Patent Application No. Patent '030 application' 549 and '530, and Heer Na et al. 2005, filed on May 9 / 11 No. 125,606, "manufactured at a low temperature high density non-volatile memory array comprising a semiconductor diode (high-density nonvolatile memory array fabricated at low Temperature comprising semiconductor diodes)" and in Heer Na et al., 2005 U.S. Patent application filed may 9, No. 11 / 125,939, "comprising a diode and a resistivity-switching material may be a rewritable memory unit (rewriteable memory cell comprising a diode and a resistance-switching material)", the two patent is incorporated by reference herein. 为避免使本发明变得模糊，并不将包括所述专利及所述申请案的所有细节，但应了解并不希望排除其教示。 To avoid obscuring the present invention obscure, not including the patents and all details of the application, it should be understood that it is not intended to exclude the teachings. 实例 Examples
参看图7a，存储器的形成以衬底100开始。 Referring to Figure 7a, formation of the memory begins with a substrate 100. 所述衬底100可为此项技术中已知的任何半导电衬底，例如，单晶硅、IV-IV化合物（如硅锗或硅锗碳）、III-V化合物、II-VII 化合物、所述衬底上的外延层，或任何其它半导电材料。 The substrate 100 can be any semiconducting substrate known in the art, e.g., monocrystalline silicon, IV-IV compounds (such as silicon germanium or silicon-germanium-carbon), III-V compounds, II-VII compounds, the epitaxial layer on the substrate, or any other semiconducting material. 所述衬底可包括制造于其中的集成电路。 The substrate may include integrated circuits fabricated therein.
绝缘层102形成于衬底100上。 Insulating layer 102 is formed on the substrate 100. 绝缘层102可为氧化硅、氮化硅、高电介质膜、Si-C-0-H 膜或任何其它合适的绝缘材料。 Insulating layer 102 may be silicon oxide, silicon nitride, high-dielectric film, Si-C-0-H film, or any other suitable insulating material.
第一导体200形成于衬底及绝缘体上。 The first conductor 200 is formed on the substrate and insulator. 第一导体200优选由镶嵌方法形成，但可替代地以相减方式形成。 The first conductor 200 is preferably formed by a damascene method, but may alternatively be formed in a subtraction mode.
为形成镶嵌导体，沉积厚度优选在约1500埃到约3000埃之间（例如，约2000埃） 的电介质材料208。 To form the insert conductors preferably deposited at a thickness of about 1500 angstroms to about 3000 angstroms (e.g., about 2000 Angstroms) of dielectric material 208. 电介质材料208优选为均匀的电介质，例如，TEOS。 The dielectric material 208 is preferably a homogeneous dielectric, for example, TEOS.
在电介质208中蚀刻大体上平行的沟槽。 Electrically parallel trenches etched in substantially medium 208. 在一实施例中，所述沟槽为约2000埃深。 In one embodiment, the trench depth is about 2000 angstroms. 所述蚀刻可为定时蚀刻，或如果需要可在先前沉积的蚀刻停止层（未图示）上停止。 The etch may be a timed etch, or if desired may be stopped at the previously deposited etch stop layer (not shown).
导体的间距及特征尺寸可如所需。 Feature size and spacing of the conductors may be as desired. 在待形成的存储器阵列中，本发明的方法的优势对于较小间距（例如，小于约200 nm，例如，在约160 nm与约90 nm之间）变得更有用。 In the memory array to be formed, the advantages of the method of the present invention for a smaller spacing (e.g., less than about 200 nm, e.g., between about 160 nm and about 90 nm) more useful. 沟槽208的宽度可小于约100nm,例如，宽度在约80 nm与约45 nm之间。 Width of the trench 208 may be less than about 100 nm or, for example, a width of between about 80 nm and about 45 nm.
任何适当的导电材料均可用于形成导体200，例如，金属、金属合金、导电金属硅化物、重掺杂硅等。 Any suitable electrically conductive material can be used in forming the conductor 200, e.g., a metal, a metal alloy, a conductive metal silicide, heavily doped silicon. 在一优选实施例中，沉积（例如）氮化钛的粘着层104。 In a preferred embodiment, the deposition (e.g.) adhesive layer 104 of titanium nitride. 层104的厚度可在约50埃与约400埃之间，厚度优选为约100埃。 The thickness of layer 104 may be between about 50 angstroms and about 400 angstroms, preferably a thickness of about 100 angstroms. 沉积导电材料106 (优选为钨或鸨合金）以填充在电介质208中蚀刻的沟槽。 Depositing a conductive material 106 (preferably tungsten or an alloy Bustard) to fill in the trenches etched in the dielectric 208. 如果使用除钨之外的某一材料，则可能不需要粘着层104。 If a material other than tungsten, the adhesive layer 104 may not be required.
最后，移除过量的钩及氮化钛，从而形成由电介质材料208分隔的导体轨200，且留下大体上平坦的表面109。 Finally, the hook and remove the excess titanium nitride, thereby forming a dielectric material 208 separating the conductor tracks 200, and leaving a substantially planar surface 109. 所得结构在图7a中展示。 The resulting structure is shown in Figure 7a. 可通过此项技术中已知的任何工艺（例如CMP或回蚀）来执行电介质过填充物的移除以形成平坦表面109。 May be performed by any process known in the art (e.g., etch back or CMP) to remove dielectric over the filler to form a planar surface 109. 在所述CMP 步骤期间，将移除电介质208的某一厚度；因此，导体轨200的最终高度可稍小于电介质层208的初始厚度及沟槽的原始深度；例如，导体轨200的高度可为约1700埃。 During the CMP step, to remove a certain thickness of the dielectric 208; therefore, the final height of the conductor tracks 200 may be slightly smaller than the original thickness and depth of the initial trench dielectric layer 208; for example, the height of the conductor tracks 200 may be about 1700 angstroms.
其次，参看图7b，在完成的导体轨200上形成垂直柱。 Next, referring to Figure 7b, the vertical column is formed on the finished conductor tracks 200. 图7b沿图7a的线AA'相对于图7a旋转90度；在图7a中，导体200延伸出页，而在图7b中，其从左向右延伸跨越页。 7a along line 7b of FIG AA 'with respect to FIG 7a rotated 90 degrees; in FIG. 7a, the conductor 200 extends out of the page, whereas in Figure 7b, which extends across the page from left to right. （为节省空间，在图7b中省略了衬底100;将假设其存在。）如果将钨用于导电层106，则优选在下部导体轨200与待沉积的半导体材料之间使用阻挡层110。 (To save space, are omitted in Figure 7b the substrate 100; its presence will be assumed.) If the tungsten conductive layer 106 is used, it is preferable to use a barrier layer 110 between the lower conductor tracks 200 of the semiconductor material to be deposited. 阻挡层110 为任何常规导电阻挡材料，例如，氮化钛。 Barrier layer 110 is any conventional conductive barrier material, e.g., titanium nitride. 其厚度可为（例如）约50埃到约200埃，优 Its thickness may be (e.g.) from about 50 angstroms to about 200 angstroms, preferably
11选为约100埃。 11 preferably from about 100 angstroms.
接着，沉积将被图案化成柱的半导体材料。 Next, it will be deposited into a pattern of columns of semiconductor material. 所述半导体材料可为硅、锗、硅及/或锗的合金或其它合适的半导体材料。 The semiconductor material can be silicon, germanium, silicon and / or germanium alloy or other suitable semiconductor material. 通常在工业中使用硅，因此，为简单起见，所述描述将涉及如硅的半导体材料，但应了解可替代地使用其它材料。 Silicon is generally used in the industry, therefore, for simplicity, the description will relate to a semiconductor material such as silicon, but it should be understood that other materials may alternatively be used.
在优选实施例中，半导体柱包含结型二极管，所述结型二极管包含第一导电类型的底部重掺杂区，及第二导电类型的顶部重掺杂区。 In preferred embodiments, the semiconductor pillar comprises a junction diode, the junction diode comprising a bottom heavily doped first conductivity type region, a second conductivity type and a top heavily doped region. 在顶部区与底部区之间的中间区为本征区，或第一或第二导电类型的轻掺杂区。 An intermediate region between the top and bottom regions of the intrinsic region, or a first or second conductivity type lightly doped region. 中间区可有意地为轻掺杂区或其可为本征区。 As the intermediate region can intentionally be lightly doped region or intrinsic region. 本征区决不会是完美电中性的，且总是具有导致其表现为轻度n掺杂或p掺杂的缺陷或污染物。 The intrinsic region will never be perfectly electrically neutral, and always having a mild lead which exhibits p-doped or n-doped defects or contaminants.
在一优选实施例中，通过常规方法（例如，通过化学气相沉积（CVD))形成重掺杂硅区112。 In a preferred embodiment, by a conventional method (e.g., by chemical vapor deposition (the CVD)) 112 heavily doped silicon region. 重掺杂区112优选现场掺杂。 Preferably heavily doped region 112 is doped in situ. 在所述实例中，重掺杂区112将为n型，而待形成的顶部重掺杂区将为p型；很明显，可颠倒所述二极管的极性。 In the example, the heavily doped region 112 will be n-type and a top heavily doped region to be formed will be p-type; Obviously, the polarity of the diode may be reversed. 重掺杂n型区112的厚度优选在约100埃到约1000埃之间，厚度优选为约200埃。 Thickness of the n-type heavily doped region 112 is preferably between about 100 angstroms to about 1000 angstroms, preferably a thickness of about 200 angstroms.
接着，沉积一定厚度的本征区114。 Next, an intrinsic region 114 is deposited a certain thickness. 所述厚度优选在约800埃与约2800埃之间，最佳为约2000埃。 The thickness is preferably between about 800 angstroms and about 2800 angstroms, most preferably about 2000 Angstroms. 如果需要，可轻掺杂所述区。 If desired, the lightly doped region. 最后，形成顶部重掺杂区116。 Finally, top heavily doped region 116 is formed. 以p型掺杂剂（例如，硼或BF2)植入所述区。 A p-type dopant (e.g., boron or BF2) implanted in the region. 在一替代实施例中，重掺杂区116为现场掺杂区。 In an alternative embodiment, heavily doped region 116 is doped field regions. 此时，完成硅二极管堆叠U2、 114及116的厚度。 This completes the stack thickness silicon diode U2, 114 and 116. 通常，区112、 114及116将沉积为非晶形，且通过退火或随后的热处理来使其结晶。 Typically, regions 112, 114 and 116 will be deposited amorphous, and allowed to crystallize by annealing or subsequent heat treatment. 在完成的存储器中，二极管将优选为多晶硅。 In the finished memory, it will preferably be a polysilicon diode.
接着，形成电介质破裂反熔丝层118。 Next, a dielectric rupture antifuse layer 118. 反熔丝118优选为通过在快速热退火（例如， 在约600度）中氧化下伏硅来形成的二氧化硅层。 Silica antifuse layer 118 is preferably by a rapid thermal anneal (e.g., at about 600 degrees) in the underlying silicon oxide is formed. 反熔丝118的厚度可为约20埃。 The thickness of the anti-fuse 118 may be about 20 angstroms. 或者， 可沉积反熔丝118。 Alternatively, antifuse 118 can be deposited.
接着，沉积将被图案化以形成硬掩模的导电层或层叠。 Next, deposition is patterned to form a conductive layer or a laminated hard mask. 所述层叠的厚度应足以使随后的镶嵌蚀刻可在超过所述厚度之前可靠地停止。 The laminate should have a thickness sufficient to insert a subsequent etch can be reliably stopped before more than said thickness. 在一实例中，沉积厚度约200埃的氮化钛层40，及厚度约400埃的钨层42。 In one example, the deposition thickness of about 200 angstroms of titanium nitride layer 40, and a thickness of about 400 angstrom tungsten layer 42. 通过溅射来形成钨层42可能是优选的，此是由于溅射的钨更光滑且更易于图案化，从而在蚀刻之后产生更均匀的图案化特征。 Tungsten layer 42 formed by sputtering may be preferred, since this is sputtered tungsten smoother and more easily patterned, resulting in a more uniform pattern of features after etching. 在替代实施例中，可替代地使用CVD钨，且可使CVD钨经历CMP步骤以降低表面粗糙度。 In an alternative embodiment, it may alternatively be used CVD tungsten and tungsten CVD can undergo a CMP step to reduce the surface roughness. 其它材料可用于导电层或层叠。 Other materials may be used for the conductive layer or laminate. 所述导电层或层叠的厚度可按需要进行调整，此取决于待在随后步骤中执行的镶嵌蚀刻的深度、待蚀刻的材料、所述蚀刻的可控性等。 The thickness of the conductive layer may be laminated or need to be adjusted, depending on the depth of the damascene etching step is then performed to stay, a material to be etched, the controllability of the etching, and the like. 图7b展示此时的结构。 Figure 7b shows the structure at this time.
参看图7c，将对钨层42、氮化钛层40、反熔丝118、硅区116、 114及112和阻挡层110进行图案化并蚀刻以形成柱300。 Referring to Figure 7C, will tungsten layer 42, titanium nitride layer 40, the anti-fuse 118, silicon regions 116, 114, and 112 and barrier layer 110 is patterned and etched to form pillars 300. 导电层42及40构成硬掩模44。 42 and 40 the conductive layer 44 constituting the hard mask. 所述蚀刻可在单个蚀刻腔室中进行，从而按需要修改蚀刻化学物质；或者，可在金属蚀刻器中蚀刻导电层42及40，接着将晶片转移到蚀刻硅层的多晶硅蚀刻器。 The etching may be performed in a single etch chamber, such as necessary to modify the etch chemistry; Alternatively, etching the conductive layer 42 and 40, then transferred to the polysilicon etch wafer is etched in the silicon layer is a metal etcher. 在任一状况下，可认为层42及40在蚀刻下伏层期间充当硬掩模。 In either situation, it may be considered to act as a hard layer 42 and the mask 40 in the underlying layer during etching.
柱300应具有与下方的导体200大约相同的间距及大约相同的宽度，使得每一柱300 形成于导体200的顶部上。 Column conductors 200 and 300 should have approximately the same distance below and about the same width, such that each pillar 300 is formed on the top conductor 200. 可容许某一未对准。 A permissible misalignment. 可使用任何合适的遮掩及蚀刻工艺来形成柱300。 Column 300 may be formed using any suitable masking and etching process. 举例来说，可使用标准光刻技术来沉积、图案化光致抗蚀剂，且对其进行蚀刻，接着移除光致抗蚀剂。 By way of example, may be deposited using standard photolithographic techniques, a patterned photoresist, and subjected to etching, the photoresist is then removed. 优选地，在蚀刻之前，在钨层42上沉积一层（例如）约320 埃的电介质防反射涂层（DARC)。 Preferably, prior to etching, tungsten layer 42 is deposited on one layer (e.g.) about 320 Angstroms dielectric antireflective coating (DARC). 在一些实施例中，在所述光刻术及蚀刻步骤期间可优选在钨层42之上包括额外层。 In some embodiments, during said lithography and etching steps may preferably comprise additional layers over the tungsten layer 42. 举例来说，可直接在钩层42上沉积1500埃的二氧化硅（未图示），接着在所述氧化物层上沉积DARC。 For example, 1500 Angstroms of silicon dioxide may be deposited (not shown) directly on the hook layer 42, DARC is then deposited on the oxide layer. 此将防止或使钨厚度在随后蚀刻期间的损失最小化。 This will prevent or minimize the thickness of the tungsten lost during subsequent etching. 氧化物层将被移除且其在完成的装置中不存在。 The oxide layer is removed and which is not present in the completed device.
陈（Chen)在2003年12月5日申请的美国申请案第10/728436号，"具有使用交替相移的内部非打印窗口的光掩模特征（Photomask Features with Interior Nonprinting Window Using Alternating Phase Shifting)"或陈（Chen)在2004年4月1日申请的美国申请案第10/815312号，"具有无铬非打印相移窗口的光掩模特征（Photomask Features with Chromeless Nonprinting Phase Shifting Window)"(所述两者均为本发明的受让人所拥 Chen (Chen) in US Application No. 2003, December 5 Application No. 10/728436, "with the use of alternating phase-shift photomask internal non-printing feature of the window (Photomask Features with Interior Nonprinting Window Using Alternating Phase Shifting) "or Chen (Chen) US application No. 10/815312 in 2004, filed April 1," with a light mask features chrome-free non-printing phase shift window (photomask features with Chromeless nonprinting phase shifting window) "( the both owned by the assignee of the present invention,
有，且以引用方式并入本文中）中描述的光刻技术可有利地用于执行在形成根据本发明的存储器阵列中使用的任何光刻步骤。 There, and incorporated herein by reference) described photolithographic technique can be advantageously used in a memory array of any photolithography step used in the present invention is formed according to the execution.
在柱300上及柱300之间沉积电介质材料108，从而填充柱之间的间隙。 On the column 300 and depositing a dielectric material 108 between the columns 300, so that the gap between the packed column. 电介质材料108优选为高密度等离子体氧化物，尽管可替代地使用其它合适的电介质材料。 108 is preferably dielectric material is a high density plasma oxide, may alternatively be used although other suitable dielectric material.
接着，移除柱300的顶部上的电介质材料，从而暴露电介质材料108所分隔的柱300 的顶部，且留下大体上平坦的表面。 Subsequently, removing the dielectric material on top of the column 300, thereby exposing the top dielectric material 108 separated by the column 300, and leaving a substantially planar surface. 可通过此项技术中已知的任何工艺（例如，CMP或回蚀）来执行电介质过填充物的所述移除及平坦化。 May be performed through the removal of the dielectric filler and planarized by any process known in the art (e.g., CMP or etchback). 举例来说，可有利地使用拉古拉迈(Raghuram)等人在2004年6月30日申请的美国申请案第10/883417号，"用以暴露内埋图案化特征的非选择性非图案化回蚀（Nonselective U叩atterned Etchback to Expose Buried Patterned Features)"中描述的回蚀技术，其全文以引用的方式并入本文中。 By way of example, may be advantageously used Lagulamai (Raghuram,) et al., In U.S. Application No. 10/883417, 2004 filed June 30, "to expose buried patterned features nonselective pattern etch-back (Nonselective U rapping atterned etchback to Expose Buried Patterned Features) "etch-back technique described, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 所得结构在图7c中展示。 The resulting structure is shown in Figure 7c.
注意，每一柱300包含垂直定向的二极管、电介质破裂反熔丝，及导电层叠。 Note that, each diode comprising a vertically oriented post 300, a dielectric rupture antifuse, and a conductive laminate. 所述柱不包含电阻率切换元件，例如，二元金属氧化物或氮化物，如在赫尔纳等人在2006年3月31日申请的美国专利申请案第11/395,995号，"包含二极管及电阻率切换材料的非易失性存储器单元（Nonvolatile Memory Cell Comprising a Diode and a Resistance-Switching Material)"的实施例中，且其以引用的方式并入本文中。 The post does not comprise the resistivity switching element, e.g., binary metal oxide or nitride, as described in U.S. Patent Application Heer Na et al. On March 31, 2006 Application No. 11 / 395,995 in the "diode comprising and nonvolatile memory cell resistivity switching material (nonvolatile memory cell Comprising a Diode and a resistance-switching material) "embodiments, and which is incorporated by reference herein.
可以与下伏导体相同的方式形成上覆导体。 They may be formed overlying and underlying conductor same manner as the conductor. 参看图7d，沉积厚度优选在约1500埃与约2000埃之间（例如，约1700埃）的电介质材料208。 Referring to Figure 7D, the thickness of the deposited dielectric material is preferably between about 1500 Angstroms and about 2000 Angstroms (e.g., about 1700 Angstroms) 208. 电介质材料208优选为均匀的电介质，例如，TEOS。 The dielectric material 208 is preferably a homogeneous dielectric, for example, TEOS.
在电介质208中蚀刻大体上平行的沟槽。 Electrically parallel trenches etched in substantially medium 208. 在一实施例中，这些沟槽深度为约1700埃。 In one embodiment, the groove depth is about 1700 angstroms. 所述蚀刻可为定时蚀刻，或所述蚀刻可在检测到柱300的顶部处的钨时停止。 The etch stop may be a timed etch, or etching tungsten may be detected at the top of column 300. 如果需要， 为使钨的外观更易于被检测，可在形成导电硬掩模的同一蚀刻步骤期间，在阵列区域的外部形成较大的钨结构（未图示）。 During the same etching step, if needed, to make the appearance of tungsten more easily detected, may be formed of conductive hard mask, to form a larger structure of tungsten (not shown) outside the array region. 当检测到所述较大钨区域时，可假设已在阵列区域内部蚀刻与外部相同厚度的填充物208，及因此柱300的顶部必须被暴露，且可停.ll:蚀刻。 When detecting the tungsten larger area, it can be assumed to have the same thickness within the region of the filling etched outer array 208, and hence the top of the column 300 must be exposed, and may stop .ll: etching.
在下伏二极管的任何部分被暴露之前，可立即停止沟槽蚀刻。 Before any part of the next volt diode is exposed, trench etch can be stopped immediately. 沟槽中的最低点在导电层叠（包括钨层42与氮化钛层40)的最低点之上。 The lowest point of the trench in the conductive laminate (including the tungsten layer 42 and titanium nitride layer 40) above the lowest point.
其中将形成顶部导体400的电介质208中的沟槽应在不同于底部导体200的方向的第二方向上延伸，优选大体上垂直于底部导体。 Extending in a second direction in which the trench is formed in the top conductor 400, the dielectric 208 should be in the direction of the bottom conductor 200 is different from, preferably substantially perpendicular to the bottom conductor. 所述沟槽（及顶部导体400)应具有与下伏柱300相同的间距，使得每一柱垂直地安置于底部导体200中的一者与顶部导体400 中的一者之间。 The groove (and the top conductor 400) should have the same pitch with the underlying column 300, such that each pillar is vertically disposed between one of the top conductor 400 and one of the bottom conductors 200. 所述间距优选在约90 nm与约200 nm之间，例如，约160 nm。 The pitch is preferably between about 90 nm and about 200 nm, e.g., about 160 nm. 可容许一些未对准。 Some misalignment can be tolerated.
可使用任何适当的导电材料以形成导体400。 Any suitable conductive material to form a conductor 400. 在一优选实施例中，沉积（例如）氮化钛的粘着层402。 In a preferred embodiment, the deposition (e.g.) adhesive layer 402 of titanium nitride. 层402的厚度可在约100埃与约400埃之间'厚度优选为约100埃。 The thickness of layer 402 may be between about 100 angstroms and about 400 angstroms' preferably a thickness of about 100 angstroms. 沉积导电材料404 (优选为钨）以填充沟槽208。 Depositing a conductive material 404 (preferably tungsten) to fill the trench 208. 如果使用除钨之外的一些材料'则可能不需要粘着层402。 If using some material other than tungsten 'adhesive layer 402 may not be required. 在使用己知方法的替代实施例中，导电材料404可为'些其它导电材料，例如，铝或铜或其合金。 In an alternative embodiment of the method using known embodiment, the conductive material 404 may be 'some other electrically conductive material, e.g., aluminum or copper or alloys thereof.
最后，移除过量的钨及氮化钛，从而形成通过电介质材料208分隔的导体轨400， 且留下大体上平坦的表面。 Finally, remove the excess tungsten and titanium nitride, so as to form 208 separated by dielectric material 400 conductor tracks, and leaving a substantially planar surface. 可通过此项技术中已知的任何工艺（例如，化学机械平坦化(CMP)或回蚀）来执行电介质过填充物的所述移除以形成平坦平面。 By any process known in the art (e.g., chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) or etchback) is performed through said dielectric filler is removed to form a flat plane. 所得结构（如图7d中所示）为存储器单元的底部或第一层。 The resulting structure (as shown in Figure 7d) of the bottom or first layer of memory cells. 注意，导体400中的每一者与下伏柱300的导电层叠电接触；例如氮化钛层402接触钨层42。 Note that, each of the conductor 400 is electrically in contact with the underlying conductive laminate column 300; and 402, for example, a tungsten layer 42 contacting titanium nitride layer. 此导体与导体的接触甚至在相当大的未对准的状况下提供可靠的互连性。 This conductor is in contact with the conductor to provide reliable connectivity even under considerable misalignment conditions.
在所述第一存储器层级上可形成额外的存储器层级。 A first memory level in the memory hierarchy may be additionally formed. 在一些实施例中，存储器层级之间可共享导体，即，顶部导体400将充当下一存储器层级的底部导体。 In some embodiments, conductors can be shared between memory levels, i.e. top conductor 400 would serve as the bottom conductor of the next memory level. 在其它实施例中，级间电介质形成于图7d的第一存储器层级之上，其表面经平坦化，且在所述平坦化 In other embodiments, the interlevel dielectric is formed above the first memory level of Fig. 7d, its surface planarized, and the planarizing
14级间电介质上开始第二存储器层级的构造，且不共享导体。 A second memory configured to start the inter-level dielectric 14 is powered on, is not shared conductors. 最终，存储器可为若干层高。 Finally, the memory may be several floors.
每一存储器层级包含存储器单元，每一单元包含底部导体的一部分、所述柱中的一者及顶部导体的一部分。 Each memory level comprising memory cells, each cell comprising a conductor portion of the bottom portion of the column and one of the top conductor.
在所述描述的全篇中，将一个层描述为在另一层"之上"或"之下"。 In the description of the whole article, a layer is described as being "above" or "below." 应了解，所述术语描述了层及元件相对于在其上形成所述层及元件的衬底（在大多数实施例中为单晶硅晶片衬底）的位置；当一个特征远离晶片衬底时，其在另-•特征之上，且当其接近衬底时，其在另一特征之下。 It should be appreciated, the terms layers and elements described with respect to forming the layer and the substrate on which the element position (for example, a single crystal silicon wafer as a substrate in most embodiments); wherein when a wafer remote from the substrate when, on the other thereof - wherein • above, and when it is close to the substrate, which is further characterized below. 尽管很明显，可在任何方向上旋转晶片或电路小片，但特征在晶片或电路小片上的相对定向将不会改变。 While it is apparent, the rotatable die or wafer in any direction, but the relative orientation of features on the wafer or die will not change.
单块三维存储器阵列为在单个衬底（例如，晶片）上形成多个存储器层级且无插入的衬底的存储器阵列。 Monolithic three dimensional memory array is a single substrate (e.g., wafer) and a plurality of memory levels are formed on the substrate with no intervening memory array. 形成一存储器层级的层直接在现有级的层上沉积或生长。 Forming a layer of memory level are deposited or grown directly over the existing floor level. 相反地， 已通过在单独衬底上形成存储器层级且将存储器层级依次相互粘着到其它存储器层级的顶上来构造堆叠存储器，如在利狄（Leedy)的美国专利第5,915,167号"三维结构存储器（Three dimensional structure memory)"中所揭示。 In contrast, stacked memories have been constructed by forming memory levels on separate substrates and the memory level sequentially adhered to each other on top of the memory hierarchy, such as the Li Di (Leedy,) U.S. Patent No. 5,915,167 "Three-dimensional structure of the memory (Three dimensional structure memory) "disclosed. 所述衬底在接合之前可变薄或从存储器层级移除，但由于所述存储器层级初始形成于单独衬底的上，因此所述存储器不是真正的单块三维存储器阵列。 The substrate may be thinned before bonding or removed from the memory levels, but since the memory hierarchy initially formed on a separate substrate, and therefore the memories are not true monolithic three dimensional memory array.
在衬底上形成的单块三维存储器阵列包含至少在高于所述衬底的第一高度处形成的第一存储器层级及在与所述第一高度不同的第二高度处形成的第二存储器层级。 Monolithic three dimensional memory array formed on a substrate comprising at least a first memory level formed at a first height above the substrate and formed at a second height different from the first height to a second memory level. 在此多级阵列中，在所述衬底上可形成三个、四个、八个或（实际上）任意数目的存储器层级。 In this multi-stage array, formed on the substrate may be three, four, or eight (in fact) any number of memory levels.
本文中已描述详细的制造方法，但在结果属于本发明的范围内时，可使用形成相同结构的任何其它方法。 Have been described in detail herein manufacturing method, but result belongs within the scope of the present invention, any other method may be formed using the same configuration.
上文中的详细描述仅描述了本发明可采取的许多形式中的一些形式。 Detailed description above describes only some forms of the present invention can take many forms in. 出于此原因， 所述详细描述希望进行说明而并非限制。 For this reason, the detailed description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. 本发明的范围希望仅通过所附权利要求书（包括所有均等物）来界定。 Scope of the claims of the present invention is desired (including all equivalents) be defined only by the appended claims.
1.一种用于形成半导体装置的方法，所述方法包含： 沉积半导体材料层； 在所述半导体材料上沉积第一导电层或层叠； 在单个光刻步骤中将所述第一导电层或层叠及所述半导体材料图案化并蚀刻为第一柱； 在所述第一柱上沉积电介质层；及在所述电介质层中蚀刻沟槽，其中所述第一导电层或层叠的一部分暴露于所述沟槽中， 其中所述半导体材料未暴露于所述沟槽中， 其中所述柱不包括电阻率切换二元金属氧化物或氮化物。 1. A method for forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising: depositing a layer of semiconductor material; a first conductive layer is deposited or laminated on said semiconductor material; the first conductive layer in a single photolithography step or and the semiconductor material laminated patterned and etched into a first column; the column first depositing a dielectric layer; and etching a trench in said dielectric layer, wherein the first conductive layer to expose a portion of the stacked or said trench, wherein said semiconductor material is not exposed to the trench, wherein the column does not include a resistivity switching binary metal oxide or nitride.
2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其进一步包含通过以第二导电材料来填充所述沟槽及进行平坦化以移除所述第二导电材料的过填充物来形成顶部导体。 The method according to claim 1, further comprising planarizing to remove by the second conductive material over the top of the filler to form a second conductor electrically conductive material and for filling the trenches.
3. 根据权利要求2所述的方法，其中所述顶部导体包含钨、铜或铝。 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the top conductor comprises tungsten, aluminum or copper.
4. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中所述沉积半导体材料层的步骤包含：沉积第一导电类型的底部重掺杂区；在所述底部重掺杂区之上且与所述底部重掺杂区接触地沉积未掺杂或轻掺杂的中间区。 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of depositing a layer of semiconductor material comprises: depositing a bottom of the first conductivity type heavily doped region; and a weight on the bottom of the bottom heavily doped region depositing a doped region in contact with an undoped or lightly doped intermediate region.
5. 根据权利要求4所述的方法，其中所述沉积半导体材料层的步骤进一步包含在所述未掺杂或轻掺杂的中间区之上且与所述未掺杂或轻掺杂的中间区接触地沉积第二导电类型的顶部重掺杂区，所述第二导电类型与所述第一导电类型相反，所述顶部重掺杂区通过现场掺杂来掺杂。 The method according to claim 4, wherein said step of depositing further comprises a layer of semiconductor material over the undoped or lightly doped region and said intermediate undoped or lightly doped intermediate depositing a top contact region of the second conductivity type heavily doped region of said second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, said top heavily doped region is doped in situ doped.
6. 根据权利要求4所述的方法，其中所述沉积半导体材料层的步骤进一步包含通过以离子植入掺杂所述中间未掺杂或轻掺杂区的顶部部分来形成第二导电类型的顶部重掺杂区，所述第二导电类型与所述第一导电类型相反。 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said step of depositing further comprises a layer of semiconductor material by ion implantation or doping the undoped intermediate lightly doped region to form the top portion of the second conductivity type top heavily doped region of said second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type.
7. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中所述半导体材料为硅、锗或硅和/或锗的合金。 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor material is silicon, germanium or silicon and / or germanium alloys.
8. 根据权利要求7所述的方法，其中所述半导体材料为硅。 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the semiconductor material is silicon.
9. 根据权利要求7所述的方法，其中在所完成的装置中，所述半导体材料为多晶材料。 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein in the finished device, the semiconductor material is a polycrystalline material.
10. 根据权利要求l所述的方法，其中每一所述第一柱包含垂直定向的二极管。 10. The method according to claim l, wherein each of said first column comprises a vertically oriented diode.
11. 根据权利要求IO所述的方法，其中每一二极管为半导体结型二极管。 IO 11. The method of claim, wherein each diode is a semiconductor junction diode.
12. 根据权利要求ll所述的方法，其中每一半导体结型二极管为pin二极管。 12. A method as claimed in claim ll, wherein each of the semiconductor junction diode is a pin diode.
13. 根据权利要求l所述的方法，其进一步包含在所述在所述半导体材料上沉积所述第一导电层或层叠的步骤之前，在所述半导体材料层之上且与所述半导体材料层接触地形成电介质破裂反熔丝层。 13. The method of claim l, further comprising prior to the step of depositing the first conductive layer or laminated on the semiconductor material and the semiconductor material over said layer of semiconductor material forming a dielectric layer in contact rupture antifuse layer.
14. 根据权利要求13所述的方法，其中所述电介质破裂反熔丝包含二氧化硅。 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said dielectric rupture antifuse comprises silica.
15. 根据权利要求l所述的方法，其中所述第一导电层或层叠包含金属或金属合金。 15. The method of claim l, wherein said first conductive layer or the laminate comprising a metal or metal alloy.
16. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其中所述金属或金属合金为钨或钨合金。 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said metal or metal alloy of tungsten or a tungsten alloy.
17. 根据权利要求16所述的方法，其中所述钨或钨合金为经溅射的钨。 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the tungsten or a tungsten alloy is sputtered tungsten.
18. —种形成于衬底上的第一存储器层级，所述第一存储器层级包含：在第一方向上延伸的大体上平行、大体上共面的多个底部导体；在不同于所述第一方向的第二方向上延伸的大体上平行、大体上共面的多个顶部导体，所述顶部导体在所述底部导体之上；及多个第一柱，每一第一柱垂直地安置于所述底部导体中的一者与所述顶部导体中的一者之间，每一第一柱包含垂直定向的二极管及导电层或层叠，所述导电层或层叠在所述垂直定向的二极管之上，其中每一第一柱的所述导电层或层叠与所述顶部导体中的一者接触，及其中所述导电层或层叠包含金属或金属合金层。 18. - species in the first memory level formed on the substrate, the first memory level comprising: a generally extending in a first direction parallel to a plurality of substantially coplanar bottom conductors; different from the first a second direction extending generally parallel to one direction, a plurality of substantially coplanar top conductors, the top conductor above the bottom conductor; and a plurality of first columns, the first column of each vertically disposed in between the bottom conductor of one of the top conductor of one, each of the first column comprises a vertically oriented diode and the conductive layer or multilayer, or laminated on the conductive layer of the vertically oriented diodes above, wherein each of the first column of the conductive layer or a laminated conductor in contact with the top one, and wherein the conductive layer or a laminate comprising a metal or metal alloy layer.
19. 根据权利要求18所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述金属或金属合金为钨或钨合金。 19. The first memory level according to claim 18, wherein said metal or metal alloy of tungsten or a tungsten alloy.
20. 根据权利要求18所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述第一柱中的每一者的所述垂直定向的二极管为半导体结型二极管。 20. The first memory level according to claim 18, the wherein each of the first column in the vertically oriented semiconductor junction diode is a diode.
21. 根据权利要求20所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述第一柱中的每一者的所述垂直定向的二极管为pin二极管。 21. The first memory level of the claim 20, wherein each of said first column of said vertically oriented diodes pin diode.
22. 根据权利要求20所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述垂直定向的二极管包含多晶半导体材料。 22. The claim 20 of the first memory level, wherein said vertically oriented diode comprising polycrystalline semiconductor material.
23. 根据权利要求22所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述多晶半导体材料包含硅、锗或硅和/或锗的合金。 23. The first memory level according to claim 22, wherein the polycrystalline semiconductor material comprises silicon, germanium or silicon and / or germanium alloys.
24. 根据权利要求18所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述顶部半导体通过镶嵌方法形成。 24. The first memory level according to claim 18, wherein the top semiconductor is formed by the damascene method.
25. 根据权利要求18所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述衬底为单晶硅。 25. The first memory level according to claim 18, wherein said substrate is monocrystalline silicon.
26. 根据权利要求18所述的第一存储器层级，其中所述底部导体包含钨或钨合金。 26. The first memory level according to claim 18, wherein the bottom conductor comprises tungsten or a tungsten alloy.
27. 根据权利要求18所述的第一存储器层级，其中至少第二存储器层级单块地形成于所述第一存储器层级上，所述第一及第二存储器层级两者均在单块三维存储器阵列中。 27. The first memory level according to claim 18, wherein the at least a second memory level monolithically formed on the first memory level, the first and second memory level in a monolithic three dimensional memory both array.
28.根据权利要求18所述的第一存储器层级，其进一步包含非易失性存储器单元，其中每一存储器单元包含所述第一柱中的一者、所述顶部导体中的一者的一部分及所述底部导体中的一者的一部分。 28. The first memory level according to claim 18, further comprising a non-volatile memory cells, wherein each memory cell of said first column comprising one, part of the top of one of the conductors and said bottom portion of one of the conductors.
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