Patent ID: 6864142

Claim:
A method for altering the semiconductor characteristics of a semiconductor element formed on a substrate, the method comprising: directing an energy beam at the semiconductor element, wherein the energy beam is substantially absorbed by a first portion of the semiconductor element; thinning the substrate under the semiconductor element; and the step of directing an energy beam at the semiconductor element including directing the energy beam at the first portion of the semiconductor element through the substrate, wherein the energy beam is substantially transmitted through the substrate; wherein the semiconductor element comprises: a source region; a drain region; a channel region between the source region and the drain region; a gate oxide formed over the channel region; and a gate formed over the gate oxide, wherein the first portion of the semiconductor element comprises the gate and wherein the energy beam is substantially transmitted through the channel region; and wherein the energy beam causes the source region and the drain region to merge so as to form an always-on current path in the semiconductor element.