Thin film based semiconductor devices and methods of forming a thin film based semiconductor device

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a semiconductor device may include a thin film arranged within a first inter-level dielectric layer, a masking region, and a contact plug. The masking region may be arranged over the thin film, within the first inter-level dielectric layer. The masking region may be structured to have a higher etch rate than the first inter-level dielectric layer. The contact plug may extend along a vertical axis, from a second inter-level dielectric layer to the thin film. A bottom portion of the contact plug may be surrounded by the masking region. The bottom portion of the contact plug may include a lateral member that extends along a horizontal plane at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis. The lateral member may be in contact with the thin film.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.