Patent Document

PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/603,001, filed on Oct. 21, 2009, which claims the benefit of the filing date of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/207,713 filed on Feb. 13, 2009 pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), and which also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §365(a) to PCT/JP2008/069321 filed on Oct. 24, 2008. The entire contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/603,001, Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/207,713 and PCT/jp2008/069321 are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a solid-state image pickup element, a solid-state image pickup device and a production method therefor, and more particularly to a CCD solid-state image pickup element, a CCD solid-state image pickup device and a production method therefor 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    In a conventional solid-state image pickup device (solid-state image sensor) for use in a video camera and others, a plurality of photodetection elements are arranged in a matrix array, and a vertical charge-coupled device (VCCD) is provided between adjacent columns of the photodetection elements to read signal charges generated in an associated one of the adjacent columns of photodetection elements. 
         [0006]    A structure of the conventional solid-state image pickup device will be described below (see, for example, the following Patent Document 1).  FIG. 1  is a sectional view showing a unit pixel of the conventional solid-state image pickup device. A photodiode (PD) in each unit pixel is comprised of an n-type photoelectric conversion region  13  formed in a p-type well region  12  formed in an upper region of an n-type semiconductor substrate  11 , to serve as a charge storage layer, and a p+-type region  14  formed on the n-type photoelectric conversion region  13 . 
         [0007]    An n-type CCD channel region  16  is also formed in the p-type well region  12  in the form of an n-type impurity-doped region. A portion of the p-type well region  12  between the n-type CCD channel region  16  and the photodiode from which signal charges are read out to the n-type CCD channel region  16  is formed as a p-type impurity-doped region to provide a read channel. Thus, signal charges generated in the photodiode are temporarily stored in the n-type photoelectric conversion region  13 , and then read out to the n-type CCD channel region  16  via the read channel. 
         [0008]    Further, a p+-type element isolation region  15  is provided between the n-type CCD channel region  16  and another adjacent photodiode. Based on the p+-type element isolation region  15 , the n-type CCD channel region  16  is electrically isolated from the adjacent photodiode, and the n-type CCD channel region  16  are isolated from another adjacent n-type CCD channel region. 
         [0009]    A transfer electrode  18  is formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate through a Si oxide film  17  to extend in a horizontal direction and pass through between the photodiode and the adjacent photodiode. Thus, in the solid-state image pickup device, when a read signal is applied to a selected one of the transfer electrodes  18 , the read channel located just below the selected transfer electrode  18  is effected to allow signal charges generated in the photodiode associated with the read channel to be read out to the corresponding n-type CCD channel region  16  therethrough. 
         [0010]    A metal shield film  20  is formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate having the transfer electrodes  18 . The metal shielding film  20  has a plurality of metal-shield-film openings  24  each provided as a light transmission portion on a photodiode-by-photodiode basis to transmit therethrough light to be received by the p+-type region  14  serving as a light-receiving section. 
         [0011]    [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-101056A 
         [0012]    As above, in the conventional solid-state image pickup element, the photodiode (PD), the read channel, the n-type CCD channel region and the p+-type element isolation region are formed in one plane, and thereby there is a limit to an increase in ratio of a surface area of a light-receiving section (photodiode) to the overall surface area of one pixel. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state image pickup element capable of reducing an area of a read channel to increase a ratio of a surface area of a light-receiving section (photodiode) to the overall surface area of one pixel. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In order to achieve the above object, according to a first object of the present invention, there is provided a solid-state image pickup element which comprises: a second-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; a first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer formed on the second-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; a hole portion formed in the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer to define a hole therein; a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region formed in a bottom wall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region formed in a part of a sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, and connected to the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region; a second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region formed in a portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer located beneath the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region and in a part of a lower region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, and adapted to undergo a change in charge amount upon receiving light; a transfer electrode formed on the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer through a gate dielectric film; a second-conductive type CCD channel region formed in a top surface of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; and a read channel formed in a region of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer sandwiched between the second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region and the second-conductive type CCD channel region. 
         [0014]    According a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solid-state image pickup device which comprises a plurality of the above solid-state image pickup elements, wherein the solid-state image pickup elements are arranged in a matrix array. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the solid-state image pickup device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of the second-conductive type CCD channel regions made up of a plurality of second-conductive type impurity regions each extending in a column direction at least in a region between adjacent ones of a plurality of columns of the hole portions formed in the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; and a plurality of the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation regions each arranged to prevent contact between adjacent ones of the second-conductive type CCD channel regions. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the above solid-state image pickup device includes a plurality of the transfer electrodes each formed to extend in a row direction in a region between adjacent ones of a plurality of rows of the hole portions formed in the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, and arranged along and in spaced-apart relation to the associated second-conductive type CCD channel region by a given distance to transfer therethrough signal charges generated in the associated solid-state image pickup element. 
         [0017]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solid-state image pickup device which comprises a plurality of element line groups each consisting of a first solid-state image pickup element line and a second solid-state image pickup element line, wherein the first solid-state image pickup element line consists of a plurality of the above solid-state image pickup elements which are arranged in a first direction at intervals of a first distance, and the second solid-state image pickup element line consists of a plurality of the above solid-state image pickup elements which are arranged in the first direction at intervals of the first distance and in displaced relation to the first solid-state image pickup element line in the first direction by a given distance, and wherein the first and second solid-state image pickup element lines in each of the element line groups are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at intervals of a second distance, and the element line groups are arranged in the second direction at interval of the second distance and in displaced relation to each other in the first direction. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the solid-state image pickup device according to the third aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of the second-conductive type CCD channel regions made up of a plurality of second-conductive type impurity regions each extending in a column direction at least in a region between adjacent ones of a plurality of columns of the hole portions formed in the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, while passing through the respective hole portions in the adjacent columns; and a plurality of the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation regions arranged to prevent contact between adjacent ones of the second-conductive type CCD channel regions. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the above solid-state image pickup device includes a plurality of the transfer electrodes each formed to extend in a row direction in a region between adjacent ones of a plurality of rows of the hole portions formed in the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, while passing through the respective hole portions in the adjacent rows, wherein the transfer electrodes are arranged in spaced-apart relation to each other by a given distance to allow signal charges generated in each of the solid-state image pickup elements, to be transferred along an associated one of the second-conductive type CCD channel regions. 
         [0020]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a solid-state image pickup element, comprising the steps of: forming a hole portion defining a hole therein, in a first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer formed on a second-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region in a bottom wall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region in a part of a sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; forming a second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region adapted to undergo a change in charge amount upon receiving light, in a portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer located beneath the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region and in a part of a lower region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; forming a transfer electrode on the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer through a gate dielectric film; forming a second-conductive type CCD channel region in an top surface of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; and forming a read channel in a region of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer sandwiched between the second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region and the second-conductive type CCD channel region. 
         [0021]    Preferably, in the method of the present invention, the step of forming a hole portion includes forming a mask on the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer formed on the second-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, and etching the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer to form the hole portion therein. 
         [0022]    Preferably, in the above method, the step of forming a second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region includes the sub-steps of: forming a masking material on the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; and forming the second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region by an ion-implantation process. 
         [0023]    Preferably, in the above method, the step of forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region is performed after the sub-step of forming the second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region by an ion-implantation process. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the above method further comprises the step of, after the sub-step of forming the second-conductive type photoelectric conversion region by an ion-implantation process, removing a part of the masking material formed on the sidewall of the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer, wherein each of the step of forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region and the step of forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region is performed by an ion-implantation process after the step of removing a part of the masking material. 
         [0025]    Preferably, in the method of the present invention, the step of forming a second-conductive type CCD channel region includes the sub-steps of: forming a masking material on the hole portion of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; and forming the second-conductive type CCD channel region by an ion-implantation process. 
         [0026]    Preferably, in the above method, the step of forming a first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region includes the sub-steps of: forming a masking material in such a manner as to allow the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region to be formed in connected relation to the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region (first-conductive type high-concentration impurity region) by an ion-implantation process; and forming the first-conductive type high-concentration impurity-doped element isolation region by the ion-implantation process. 
         [0027]    Preferably, in the method of the present invention, the step of forming a transfer electrode including the sub-steps of: forming the gate dielectric film on a surface of the first-conductive type planar semiconductor layer; depositing a gate electrode material on the gate dielectric film; flattening the gate electrode material; and etching the flattened gate electrode material to form the transfer electrode. 
         [0028]    In the conventional CCD solid-state image pickup element, the photodiode (PD), the read channel, the n-type CCD channel region and the p+-type element isolation region are formed in one plane, and thereby there is a limit to an increase in ratio of a surface area of a light-receiving section (photodiode) to the overall surface area of one pixel, as mentioned above. In the present invention, a read channel can be arranged in a non-horizontal direction to provide a solid-state image pickup element capable of drastically reducing an occupancy area of the read channel to increase a ratio of a surface area of a light-receiving section (photodiode) to the overall surface area of one pixel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view showing a unit pixel of a conventional solid-state image pickup element. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a CCD solid-state image pickup element according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a bird&#39;s-eye view of the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along the line X 1 -X′ 1  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along the line Y 1 -Y′ 1  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 6(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of one example of a production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 6(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 7(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 8(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 9(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 9(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 10(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 10(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 10(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 11(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 11(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 11(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0046]      FIG. 12(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 12(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 12(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 13(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 13(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 13(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 14(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 14(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 14(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 15(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 15(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 15(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 16(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 16(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 16(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0056]      FIG. 17(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0057]      FIG. 17(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 17(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0058]      FIG. 18(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0059]      FIG. 18(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 18(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0060]      FIG. 19(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0061]      FIG. 19(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 19(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0062]      FIG. 20(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0063]      FIG. 20(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 20(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0064]      FIG. 21(   a ) is a sectional view (X 1 -X′ 1  section) showing a step of the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0065]      FIG. 21(   b ) is a sectional view (Y 1 -Y′ 1  section) showing the step in  FIG. 21(   a ), in the example of the production process for the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the embodiment. 
           [0066]      FIG. 22  is a fragmentary top plan view of a solid-state image pickup device comprising a plurality of CCD solid-state image pickup elements arranged in a honeycomb array, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0067]      FIG. 23  is a fragmentary bird&#39;s-eye view of the solid-state image pickup device according to the embodiment. 
           [0068]      FIG. 24  is a sectional view taken along the line X 2 -X′ 2  in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view taken along the line Y 2 -Y′ 2  in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 26  is a fragmentary top plan view of a solid-state image pickup device comprising a plurality of CCD solid-state image pickup elements arranged in a matrix array, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0071]      FIG. 27  is a fragmentary bird&#39;s-eye view of the solid-state image pickup device according to the embodiment. 
           [0072]      FIG. 28  is a sectional view taken along the line X 3 -X′ 3  in  FIG. 26 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 29  is a sectional view taken along the line Y 3 -Y′ 3  in  FIG. 26 . 
       
    
    
       [0074]    With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will now be specifically described based on an embodiment thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
       [0075]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are, respectively, a top plan view and a bird&#39;s-eye view showing a solid-state image pickup device comprising a plurality of CCD solid-state image pickup elements according to a first embodiment of the present invention which are arranged in an one-row x two column array.  FIGS. 4 and 5  are a sectional view taken along the line X 1 -X 1 ′ in  FIG. 2  and a sectional view taken along the line Y 1 -Y 1 ′ in  FIG. 2 , respectively. 
         [0076]    In the solid-state image pickup device, a p-type well region  114  is formed in an upper region of an n-type substrate  115 , and a silicon hole portion  203  is formed in the p-type well region  114  to define a hole therein. A p+-type region  104  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  203 , and a p+-type element isolation region  101  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  203  in connected relation to the p+-type region  104 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  110  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  114  located beneath the p+-type region  104  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  203 , and two transfer electrodes  106 ,  107  are formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  203  through a gate dielectric film  117 . An n-type CCD channel region  103  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  114  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  203 , and a read channel  112  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  114  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  110  and the n-type CCD channel region  103 . 
         [0077]    Further, a silicon hole portion  204  is formed in the p-type well region  114  to define a hole therein. A p+-type region  105  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  204 , and a p+-type element isolation region  102  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  204  in connected relation to the p+-type region  105 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  111  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  114  located beneath the p+-type region  105  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  204 , and the transfer electrodes  106 ,  107  are also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  204  through the gate dielectric film  117 . An n-type CCD channel region  109  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  114  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  204 , and a read channel  113  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  114  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  111  and the n-type CCD channel region  109 . 
         [0078]    The p+-type element isolation region  101  is formed between the n-type CCD channel regions  108 ,  103  to prevent contact therebetween. The p+-type element isolation region  102  is also formed between the n-type CCD channel regions  103 ,  108  to prevent contact therebetween. 
         [0079]    A metal shield film  116  is formed above the transfer electrodes  106 ,  107  and on the sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  203 ,  204 , through a dielectric film  119 . 
         [0080]    In the above solid-state image pickup device, when a read signal is applied to the transfer electrode  106  (or  107 ), signal charges stored in the n-type photoelectric conversion region  110  (or  111 ) serving as a charge storage layer are read out to the n-type CCD channel region  103  (or  108 ) via the read channel  112  (or  113 ). The readout signal charges are transferred in a vertical (Y 1 -Y 1 ′) direction through the transfer electrode  106  (or  107 ). 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0081]      FIGS. 26 and 27  are, respectively, a fragmentary top plan view and a fragmentary bird&#39;s-eye view showing a solid-state image pickup device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of CCD solid-state image pickup elements each having fundamentally the same structure as that of the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the first embodiment are arranged in a matrix array.  FIGS. 28 and 29  are a sectional view taken along the line X 3 -X 3 ′ in  FIG. 26  and a sectional view taken along the line Y 3 -Y 3 ′ in  FIG. 26 , respectively. The solid-state image pickup device according to the second embodiment generally has a symmetrical arrangement. Thus, the following description will be made primarily about only an area illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . 
         [0082]    As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  501  and a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  502  are arranged on a semiconductor substrate in a vertical (Y 3 -Y 3 ′) direction (column direction) at given intervals (vertical pixel pitches VP) to form a first solid-state image pickup element column. Further, a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  503  and a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  504  are arranged on the semiconductor substrate in the vertical direction at the same intervals (same vertical pixel pitches VP) as those in the first solid-state image pickup element column, in adjacent relation to and at the same vertical (column-wise) positions as corresponding ones of the solid-state image pickup elements in the first solid-state image pickup element column, to form a second solid-state image pickup element column. The first solid-state image pickup element column and the second solid-state image pickup element column are arranged in spaced-apart relation to each other in a row direction by the same distance (horizontal pixel pitch HP) as the vertical pixel pitch VP. In this manner, the solid-state image pickup elements having the p+-type regions  501 ,  502 ,  503 ,  504  are arranged in a so-called matrix array. 
         [0083]    An n-type CCD channel region  508  is provided between corresponding ones of two silicon hole portions  530 ,  532  in the first solid-state image pickup element column and two silicon hole portions  531 ,  533  in the second solid-state image pickup element column arranged adjacent to the first solid-state image pickup element column, to read signal charges generated in a photodiode having the p+-type region  501  and a photodiode having the p+-type region  502 , and transfer the readout signal charges in the vertical direction. In the same manner, two n-type CCD channel regions  507 ,  509  are provided to transfer signal charges generated in other photodiodes in the vertical direction. 
         [0084]    Each of the n-type CCD channel regions is formed to extend between the silicon hole portions arranged in a matrix array, in the vertical direction. Two p+-type element isolation regions  505 ,  506  are provided to isolate adjacent ones of the n-type CCD channel regions from each other without contact therebetween. 
         [0085]    The p+-type element isolation region  505  is also formed in a part of sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  530 ,  532  in connected relation to the p+-type regions  501 ,  502  to apply a voltage to the p+-type regions  501 ,  502 . 
         [0086]    The p+-type element isolation region  506  is also formed in a part of sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  531 ,  533  in connected relation to the p+-type regions  503 ,  504  to apply a voltage to the p+-type regions  503 ,  504 . 
         [0087]    In the second embodiment, each of the p+-type element isolation regions  505 ,  506  is provided along an axis of an associated one of the first and second solid-state image pickup element columns and a part of outer peripheries of associated ones of the silicon hole portions. Alternatively, as long as each of the p+-type element isolation regions is provided to prevent contact between adjacent ones of the n-type CCD channel regions, and formed as a part of the sidewalls of associated ones of the silicon hole portions in connected relation to associated ones of the p+-type regions, it may be arranged at any suitable position other than that in  FIG. 25 , such as a position displaced from that in  FIG. 25  in an X 3  direction. 
         [0088]    Three transfer electrodes  512 ,  513 ,  514  are provided between each of the silicon hole portions  530 ,  531  in a first solid-state image pickup element row where the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  501  and the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  503  are arranged in a horizontal (X 2 -X 2 ′) direction (row direction), and a corresponding one of the silicon hole portions  532 ,  533  in a second solid-state image pickup element row where the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  502  and the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  504  are arranged in the horizontal direction, to transfer signal charges read out from associated ones of the photodiodes to the n-type CCD channel regions  507 ,  508 ,  509 , in the vertical direction. 
         [0089]    Further, four transfer electrodes  510 ,  511 ,  515 ,  516  are provided to transfer signal charges read out from other photodiodes to the n-type CCD channel regions  507 ,  508 ,  509 , in the vertical direction. When a read signal is selectively applied, for example, to the transfer electrode  514 , signal charges stored in the photodiodes having the p+-type regions  502 ,  504  are read out to the n-type CCD channel regions  508 ,  509  via respective associated read channels. Each of the transfer electrodes is formed to extend in the horizontal direction and between the silicon hole portions arranged in the matrix array. 
         [0090]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  501 , a p-type well region  525  is formed in an upper region of an n-type substrate  526 , and the silicon hole portion  530  is formed in the p-type well region  525  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  501  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  530 , and the p+-type element isolation region  505  is formed in a part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  530  in connected relation to the p+-type region  501 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  517  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  523  located beneath the p+-type region  501  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  530 , and the transfer electrodes  511 ,  512  are formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  530  through a gate dielectric film  527 . The n-type CCD channel region  508  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  525  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  530 , and the read channel  521  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  525  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  517  and the n-type CCD channel region  508 . 
         [0091]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  502 , the silicon hole portion  532  is formed in the p-type well region  525  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  502  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  532 , and the p+-type element isolation region  505  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  532  in connected relation to the p+-type region  502 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  518  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  525  located beneath the p+-type region  502  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  532 , and the transfer electrodes  514 ,  515  are also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  532  through the gate dielectric film  527 . The n-type CCD channel region  508  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  525  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  532 , and the read channel  522  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  525  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  518  and the n-type CCD channel region  508 . 
         [0092]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  503 , the silicon hole portion  531  is formed in the p-type well region  525  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  503  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  531 , and the p+-type element isolation region  506  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  531  in connected relation to the p+-type region  503 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  519  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  525  located beneath the p+-type region  503  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  531 , and the transfer electrodes  511 ,  512  are also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  531  through the gate dielectric film  527 . The n-type CCD channel region  509  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  525  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  531 , and the read channel  523  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  525  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  519  and the n-type CCD channel region  509 . 
         [0093]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  504 , the silicon hole portion  533  is formed in the p-type well region  525  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  504  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  533 , and the p+-type element isolation region  506  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  533  in connected relation to the p+-type region  504 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  520  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  525  located beneath the p+-type region  504  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  533 , and the transfer electrodes  514 ,  515  are also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  533  through the gate dielectric film  527 . The n-type CCD channel region  509  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  525  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  533 , and the read channel  524  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  525  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  520  and the n-type CCD channel region  509 . 
         [0094]    A metal shield film  529  is formed above the transfer electrodes  510 ,  511 ,  512 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515 ,  516  and on the sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  501 ,  502 ,  503 ,  504  through a dielectric film  528 . 
         [0095]    As above, each of the transfer electrode  510 ,  511 ,  512 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515 ,  516  is formed to extend in the row direction in a region between the silicon hole portions in adjacent ones of the solid-state image pickup element rows, while passing through the respective silicon hole portions in the adjacent solid-state image pickup element rows, wherein the transfer electrode are arranged in spaced-apart relation to each other by a given distance. Each of the transfer electrodes  511 ,  512 ,  514 ,  515  located adjacent to associated ones of the silicon hole portions is formed on the sidewall of the associated silicon wall through the gate dielectric film. In cooperation with the n-type CCD channel regions, the transfer electrode  510 ,  511 ,  512 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515 ,  516  make up a vertical charge transfer device (VCCD) for transferring signal charges generated in the photodiodes in the vertical direction. The VCCD is configured as a three-phase driven type (φ1 to φ3) in which three transfer electrodes are provided in each of the photodiodes, and adapted to be driven in respective different phases so as to transfer signal charges generated in the photodiode, in the vertical direction. Although the VCCD in the second embodiment is a three-phase driven type, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the VCCD may be configured to be driven in any other suitable number of phases. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0096]    In the second embodiment, a solid-state image pickup device comprising a plurality of CCD image pickup elements arranged in a matrix array has been shown and described. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 ,  24  and  25 , the solid-state image pickup elements may be arranged in a honeycomb array. In this connection, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a solid-state image pickup device will be described in which a plurality of CCD image pickup elements each having fundamentally the same structure as that of the CCD solid-state image pickup element according to the first embodiment are arranged in a honeycomb array.  FIGS. 22 and 23  are, respectively, a fragmentary top plan view and a fragmentary bird&#39;s-eye view showing a solid-state image pickup device comprising a plurality of CCD image pickup elements arranged in a honeycomb array.  FIGS. 24 and 25  are a sectional view taken along the line X 2 -X 2 ′ in  FIG. 22  and a sectional view taken along the line Y 2 -Y 2 ′ in  FIG. 22 , respectively. The solid-state image pickup device according to the third embodiment generally has a symmetrical arrangement. Thus, the following description will be made primarily about only an area illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
         [0097]    As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  301  and a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  302  are arranged on a semiconductor substrate in a vertical (Y 2 -Y 2 ′) direction (column direction) at given intervals (vertical pixel pitches VP) to form a first solid-state image pickup element column 
         [0098]    Further, a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  303  and a solid-state image pickup element having  304  are arranged on the semiconductor substrate in the vertical direction at the same intervals (same vertical pixel pitches VP) as those in the first solid-state image pickup element column, in spaced-apart relation to the first solid-state image pickup element column in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (i.e., horizontal direction) by ½ of a horizontal pixel pitch HP equal to the vertical pixel pitch and in displaced relation to the first solid-state image pickup element column in the vertical direction by ½ of the vertical pixel pitch, to form a second solid-state image pickup element column. 
         [0099]    Further, a solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type region  305  and a solid-state image pickup element having  306  are arranged on the semiconductor substrate in the vertical direction at the same intervals (same vertical pixel pitches VP) as those in the first solid-state image pickup element column, in spaced-apart relation to the second solid-state image pickup element column in the horizontal direction by ½ of a horizontal pixel pitch HP equal to the vertical pixel pitch and in displaced relation to the second solid-state image pickup element column in the vertical direction by ½ of the vertical pixel pitch, to form a third solid-state image pickup element column. 
         [0100]    In this manner, the solid-state image pickup elements having the p+-type regions  301 ,  302 ,  303 ,  304 ,  305 ,  306  are arranged in a honeycomb array. 
         [0101]    An n-type CCD channel region  331  is provided between corresponding ones of two silicon hole portions  339 ,  331  in the first solid-state image pickup element column and two silicon hole portions  334 ,  333  in the second solid-state image pickup element column arranged adjacent to the first solid-state image pickup element column, to read signal charges generated in a photodiode having the p+-type region  301  and a photodiode having the p+-type region  302 , and transfer the readout signal charges in the vertical direction. 
         [0102]    In the same manner, an n-type CCD channel region  312  is provided between corresponding ones of two silicon hole portions  334 ,  333  in the second solid-state image pickup element column and two silicon hole portions  305 ,  306  in the third solid-state image pickup element column to read signal charges generated in a photodiodes having the p+-type region  303  and a photodiodes having the p+-type region  304 , and transfer the readout signal charges in the vertical direction. 
         [0103]    Further, an n-type CCD channel region  313  is provided to read signal charges generated in a photodiode having the p+-type region  305  and a photodiode having the p+-type region  306 , and transfer the readout signal charges in the vertical direction. 
         [0104]    An n-type CCD channel region  310  is provided to read signal charges generated in other photodiodes and transfer the readout signal charges in the vertical direction. 
         [0105]    Each of the n-type CCD channel regions is formed to extend between the silicon hole portions arranged in a honeycomb array, in the vertical direction in a meandering pattern. Further, three p+-type element isolation regions  307 ,  308 ,  309  are provided to isolate adjacent ones of the n-type CCD channel regions from each other without contact therebetween. 
         [0106]    The p+-type element isolation region  307  is also formed in a part of sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  339 ,  331  in connected relation to the p+-type regions  301 ,  302  to apply a voltage to the p+-type regions  301 ,  302 . 
         [0107]    The p+-type element isolation region  308  is also formed in a part of sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  334 ,  333  in connected relation to the p+-type regions  303 ,  304  to apply a voltage to the p+-type regions  303 ,  304 . 
         [0108]    The p+-type element isolation region  309  is also formed in a part of sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  343 ,  332  in connected relation to the p+-type regions  305 ,  306  to apply a voltage to the p+-type regions  305 ,  305 . 
         [0109]    In the third embodiment, each of the p+-type element isolation regions  307 ,  308 ,  309  is provided along an axis of an associated one of the first to third solid-state image pickup element columns and a part of outer peripheries of associated ones of the silicon hole portions. Alternatively, as long as each of the p+-type element isolation regions is provided to prevent contact between adjacent ones of the n-type CCD channel regions, and formed as a part of the sidewalls of associated ones of the silicon hole portions in connected relation to associated ones of the p+-type regions, it may be arranged at any suitable position other than that in  FIG. 21 , such as a position displaced from that in  FIG. 21  in an X 2  direction. 
         [0110]    Two transfer electrodes  314 ,  315  are provided between each of the silicon hole portions  339 ,  343  in a first solid-state image pickup element row where the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  301  and the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  303  are arranged in a horizontal (X 2 -X 2 ′) direction (row direction), and the silicon hole portion  334  in a second solid-state image pickup element row where the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  303  and other solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type regions (not shown) are arranged in the horizontal direction. 
         [0111]    Further, two transfer electrodes  316 ,  317  are provided between the silicon hole portion  334  in the second solid-state image pickup element row, and each of the silicon hole portions  331 ,  332  in a third solid-state image pickup element row where the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  302  and the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  306  are arranged in the horizontal direction, and two transfer electrodes  318 ,  319  are provided between each of the silicon hole portions  331 ,  332  in the third solid-state image pickup element row, and the silicon hole portion  333  in a fourth solid-state image pickup element row where the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  304  and other solid-state image pickup element having a p+-type regions (not shown) are arranged in the horizontal direction. Each of the transfer electrodes is formed to extend in the horizontal direction and between the silicon hole portions arranged in the honeycomb array, in a meandering pattern. 
         [0112]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  301 , a p-type well region  320  is formed in an upper region of an n-type substrate  321 , and the silicon hole portion  339  is formed in the p-type well region  320  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  301  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  339 , and the p+-type element isolation region  307  is formed in a part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  339  in connected relation to the p+-type region  301 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  322  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  320  located beneath the p+-type region  301  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  339 , and the transfer electrode  314  is formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  339  through a gate dielectric film  328 . The n-type CCD channel region  311  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  320  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  339 , and the read channel  304  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  320  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  322  and the n-type CCD channel region  311 . 
         [0113]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  302 , the silicon hole portion  331  is formed in the p-type well region  320  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  302  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  331 , and the p+-type element isolation region  307  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  331  in connected relation to the p+-type region  302 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  323  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  320  located beneath the p+-type region  302  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  331 , and the transfer electrodes  317 ,  318  are also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  331  through the gate dielectric film  328 . The n-type CCD channel region  311  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  320  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  331 , and the read channel  335  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  320  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  323  and the n-type CCD channel region  311 . 
         [0114]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  303 , the silicon hole portion  334  is formed in the p-type well region  320  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  303  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  334 , and the p+-type element isolation region  308  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  334  in connected relation to the p+-type region  303 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  324  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  320  located beneath the p+-type region  303  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  334 , and the transfer electrodes  315 ,  316  are also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  334  through the gate dielectric film  328 . The n-type CCD channel region  312  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  320  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  334 , and the read channel  338  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  320  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  324  and the n-type CCD channel region  312 . 
         [0115]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  304 , the silicon hole portion  333  is formed in the p-type well region  320  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  304  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  333 , and the p+-type element isolation region  308  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  333  in connected relation to the p+-type region  304 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  325  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  320  located beneath the p+-type region  304  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  333 , and the transfer electrode  319  is also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  333  through the gate dielectric film  328 . The n-type CCD channel region  312  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  320  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  333 , and the read channel  337  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  320  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  325  and the n-type CCD channel region  312 . 
         [0116]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  305 , the silicon hole portion  343  is formed in the p-type well region  320  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  305  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  343 , and the p+-type element isolation region  309  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  343  in connected relation to the p+-type region  305 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  326  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  320  located beneath the p+-type region  305  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  343 , and the transfer electrode  314  is also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  343  through the gate dielectric film  328 . The n-type CCD channel region  313  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  320  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  343 , and the read channel  341  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  320  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  326  and the n-type CCD channel region  313 . 
         [0117]    In the solid-state image pickup element having the p+-type region  306 , the silicon hole portion  332  is formed in the p-type well region  320  to define a hole therein. The p+-type region  306  is formed in a bottom wall of the silicon hole portion  332 , and the p+-type element isolation region  309  is formed in a part of a sidewall of the silicon hole portion  332  in connected relation to the p+-type region  306 . An n-type photoelectric conversion region  327  is formed in a portion of the p-type well region  320  located beneath the p+-type region  306  and in a part of a lower portion of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  332 , and the transfer electrodes  317 ,  318  are also formed on the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  332  through the gate dielectric film  328 . The n-type CCD channel region  313  is formed in a top surface of the p-type well region  320  and in a part of an upper region of the remaining part of the sidewall of the silicon hole portion  332 , and the read channel  336  is formed in a region of the p-type well region  320  sandwiched between the n-type photoelectric conversion region  327  and the n-type CCD channel region  313 . 
         [0118]    A metal shield film  330  is formed above the transfer electrodes  314 ,  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319  and on the sidewalls of the silicon hole portions  339 ,  331 ,  334 ,  333 ,  332  through a dielectric film  329 . 
         [0119]    As above, each of the transfer electrode  314 ,  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319  is formed to extend in the row direction in a region between the silicon hole portions in adjacent ones of the solid-state image pickup element rows, while passing through the respective silicon hole portions in the adjacent solid-state image pickup element rows. Each of the transfer electrodes  314 ,  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319  is formed on the sidewall of the associated silicon wall through the gate dielectric film, and the transfer electrodes  314 ,  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319  are arranged in spaced apart relation to each other by a given distance. In cooperation with the n-type CCD channel regions, the transfer electrode  314 ,  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  318 ,  319  make up a vertical charge transfer device (VCCD) for transferring signal charges generated in the photodiodes in the vertical direction. The VCCD is configured as a four-phase driven type (φ1 to φ4) in which four transfer electrodes are provided in each of the photodiodes, and adapted to be driven in respective different phases so as to transfer signal charges generated in the photodiode, in the vertical direction. Although the VCCD in the third embodiment is a four-phase driven type, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the VCCD may be configured to be driven in any other suitable number of phases. 
         [0120]    Although not illustrated, as with conventional CCD image sensors, a color filter, a microlens and others are formed on the metal shield film  330  through a protective film and a flattened film. 
         [0121]    With reference to  FIGS. 6(   a ) to  21 ( b ), one example of a process of producing the solid-state image pickup element (the solid-state image pickup device) according to the above embodiments will be described below. 
         [0122]    In  FIGS. 6(   a ) to  21 ( b ), each figure suffixed by (a) and each figure suffixed by (b) corresponds to a cross-section taken along the line X 1 -X 1 ′ in  FIG. 2  and a cross-section taken along the line Y 1 -Y 1 ′ in  FIG. 2 , respectively. 
         [0123]    A p-type well region  114  is formed in an upper region of an n-type silicon substrate  115 , and an oxide film  201  is formed on the p-type well region  114  ( FIGS. 6(   a ) and  6 ( b )). 
         [0124]    The oxide film is etched to form an oxide-film mask  202  ( FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b )). 
         [0125]    The p-type well region  114  is etched to form a silicon hole portion ( 203 ,  204 ) ( FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b )). 
         [0126]    The resulting product is subjected to an oxidation treatment to form an oxide film ( 205 ,  206 ) thereon in order to prevent the occurrence of ion channeling during an ion-implantation process. Then, polysilicon is deposited thereon, and etched to form a sidewall-shaped polysilicon film ( 207 ,  208 ) as a mask for use in the ion-implantation process ( FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b )). 
         [0127]    Phosphorus (P) or arsenic (As) is implanted, and the resulting product is subjected to annealing to form an n-type photoelectric conversion region ( 110 ,  111 ) ( FIGS. 10(   a ) and  10 ( b )). 
         [0128]    A resist ( 209 ,  210 ) is formed, and then a portion of the polysilicon film corresponding to a p+-type element isolation region to be formed in a sidewall of the silicon hole portion is etched ( FIGS. 11(   a ) and  11 ( b )). 
         [0129]    The resist is removed, and then boron is implanted to form a p+-type region ( 104 ,  105 ) ( FIGS. 12(   a ) and  12 ( b )). 
         [0130]    The remaining polysilicon film and the oxide film are removed ( FIGS. 13(   a ) and  13 ( b )). 
         [0131]    An oxide film is deposited, and, after being flattened, etched to form a mask for use in an ion-plantation process ( FIGS. 14(   a ) and  14 ( b )). 
         [0132]    An oxide film  213  is deposited to prevent the occurrence of ion channeling during the ion-implantation process ( FIGS. 15(   a ) and  15 ( b )). 
         [0133]    Phosphorus (P) or arsenic (As) is implanted to form an n-type CCD channel region ( 103 ,  108 ,  109 ) ( FIGS. 16(   a ) and  16 ( b )). 
         [0134]    A resist ( 214 ,  215 ,  216 ) is formed, and then boron is implanted to form a p+-type element isolation region ( 101 ,  102 ) ( FIGS. 17(   a ) and  17 ( b )). 
         [0135]    The resist and the oxide film are removed ( FIGS. 18(   a ) and  18 ( b )). 
         [0136]    A gate dielectric film  117  is formed, and then polysilicon is deposited and flattened ( FIGS. 19(   a ) and  19 ( b )). 
         [0137]    The polysilicon is etched to form a transfer electrode ( 106 ,  107 ) ( FIGS. 20(   a ) and  20 ( b )). 
         [0138]    A dielectric film  119  and a metal shield film  116  are deposited, and then the metal shield film  116  is etched ( FIGS. 21(   a ) and  21 ( b )). 
         [0139]    In the above example, the transfer electrode may be made of an electrode material commonly used in semiconductor processes or solid-state devices. For example, the electrode material includes low-resistance polysilicon, tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten silicide (WSi), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), titanium silicide (TiSi), tantalum silicide (TaSi) and copper silicide (CuSi). The transfer electrode may be formed in a multilayer structure using such a material without interposing a dielectric film therebetween. 
         [0140]    For example, the metal shield film may be formed as a metal film made of one selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy layer made of a combination of two or more thereof, or a multilayer metal film formed of a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of one or more types of the metal films and one or more types of the alloy layers. 
         [0141]    Although the present invention has been described in term of specific exemplary embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in appended claims.

Technology Category: h