Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic device

Abstract

The present invention achieves improvement in the transfer speed (drive speed of a pixel) for transferring, to a charge storage region, signal charges photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion unit. This solid-state imaging device comprises: a semiconductor layer that has a first surface and a second surface positioned on mutually opposite sides and that has an active region demarked on the first surface side by a separation region; a charge storage region provided in the active region; a photoelectric conversion unit provided in the semiconductor layer apart from the charge storage region in the depth direction; and a transfer transistor that has a gate electrode provided in the separation region and that transfers, to the charge storage region, signal charges having been photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit. The separation region has a separation insulating film provided on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer. The gate electrode has a first portion adjacent to the active region with the gate insulating film therebetween, and a second portion adjacent to the separation insulating film.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology (technology related to the present disclosure) relates to a solid-state imaging device and an electronic device, and in particular to a solid-state imaging device having a transfer transistor, a manufacturing method thereof, and a technology that is effective when applied to electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A solid-state imaging device has a transfer transistor for each pixel that transfers signal charges photoelectrically converted in a photoelectric conversion unit to a charge accumulation region. Patent Document 1 discloses a vertically structured transfer transistor in which a portion (body) of a gate electrode is embedded in a trench in a substrate via a gate insulating film. Patent Document 2 also discloses an imaging device in which a trench for shallow trench isolation (STI) is formed in the substrate, and a voltage is applied to a buried polysilicon electrode embedded in this trench via an insulating film, thereby strengthening the pinning of the STI sidewall during accumulation, and applying a voltage to a pixel region P-well and the buried polysilicon electrode during transfer, thereby improving the transfer of signal charges. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-148116 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-120804 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional vertical-structure transfer transistor, a portion of the gate electrode (buried portion) is buried in the semiconductor layer via a gate insulating film. This means that the periphery of the buried portion of the gate electrode, i.e., all four sidewalls, are adjacent to (face) the semiconductor layer via the gate insulating film. This results in a capacitance component (parasitic capacitance) between the buried portion of the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer on all four sidewalls. If this capacitance component is large, the capacitance of the transfer line connected to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor increases, which dulls the drive pulse applied to the gate electrode of the transfer transistor. This reduces the transfer speed (pixel drive speed) at which signal charges photoelectrically converted in the photoelectric conversion unit are transferred to the charge accumulation region. Because a reduction in transfer speed affects the processing performance of solid-state imaging devices, there is room for improvement.

[0005] The purpose of this technology is to improve the transfer speed (pixel drive speed) at which signal charges photoelectrically converted in the photoelectric conversion section are transferred to the charge accumulation region. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A solid-state imaging device according to one aspect of the present technology includes a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to each other and having an active region on the first surface side partitioned by an isolation region, a charge accumulation region provided in the active region, a photoelectric conversion unit provided in the semiconductor layer spaced apart from the charge accumulation region in a depth direction from the charge accumulation region, and a transfer transistor having a gate electrode provided in the isolation region and transferring signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit to the charge accumulation region. The isolation region has an isolation insulating film provided in a groove on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer, and the gate electrode has a first portion adjacent to the active region via a gate insulating film and a second portion adjacent to the isolation insulating film.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device according to another aspect of the present technology includes forming an isolation trench on a first surface side of a semiconductor layer to partition an active region, forming an isolation insulating film in the isolation trench, etching the isolation insulating film in a depth direction of the isolation trench to form a gate trench in the isolation insulating film surrounded by the semiconductor layer and the isolation insulating film, forming a gate insulating film on the semiconductor layer in the gate trench, and forming a gate electrode in the gate trench via the gate insulating film.

[0008] An electronic device according to another aspect of the present technology includes the above-described solid-state imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a planar layout diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3] 1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 4] 1 is a planar layout diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a pixel of a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-sectional structure taken along the A4-A4 cutting line in FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-sectional structure taken along the B4-B4 cutting line in FIG. 4. [Figure 6A] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views illustrating steps in a method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 6B] 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a process subsequent to FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a process subsequent to FIG. 6B. [Figure 6D] 6D is a cross-sectional view showing a process subsequent to FIG. 6C. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a process subsequent to FIG. 6D. [Figure 6F] 6E and 6F are cross-sectional views showing the process steps subsequent to FIG. 6E. [Figure 6G] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view showing a process subsequent to FIG. 6F. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-sectional structure taken along the A7-A7 cutting line in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a solid-state imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 10B] 10B is a plan view schematically showing a cross-sectional structure taken along the A10-A10 cutting line in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a solid-state imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 11B] 11B is a plan view schematically showing a cross-sectional structure taken along the A11-A11 cutting line in FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present technology, parts having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0011] Furthermore, the drawings are schematic and may differ from the actual product. The following embodiments exemplify devices and methods for embodying the technical ideas of the present technology, and do not limit the configuration to those described below. In other words, the technical ideas of the present technology can be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0012] In the following embodiments, among the three directions that are orthogonal to each other in space, a first direction and a second direction that are orthogonal to each other in the same plane are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, respectively, and a third direction that is orthogonal to each of the first direction and the second direction is defined as the Z direction. In the following embodiments, the thickness direction of a semiconductor layer 20, which will be described later, will be described as the Z direction.

[0013] [First embodiment] In this first embodiment, an example in which the present technology is applied to a solid-state imaging device that is a back-illuminated CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor will be described.

[0014] <Overall configuration of solid-state imaging device> First, the overall configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1A will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, a solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present technology is mainly configured with a semiconductor chip 2 having a rectangular two-dimensional planar shape when viewed in a plan view. That is, the solid-state imaging device 1A is mounted on the semiconductor chip 2. As shown in Fig. 12, this solid-state imaging device 1A (101) takes in image light (incident light 106) from an object via an optical lens 102, converts the amount of incident light 106 formed on an imaging surface into an electrical signal on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and outputs the electrical signal.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a semiconductor chip 2 on which a solid-state imaging device 1A is mounted includes, in a two-dimensional plane including an X direction and a Y direction that are orthogonal to each other, a square-shaped pixel region 2A provided in the center, and a peripheral region 2B provided outside the pixel region 2A so as to surround the pixel region 2A.

[0016] The pixel region 2A is a light receiving surface that receives light collected by, for example, an optical lens (optical system) 102 shown in Fig. 12. In the pixel region 2A, a plurality of pixels 3 are arranged in a matrix on a two-dimensional plane including the X direction and the Y direction. In other words, the pixels 3 are repeatedly arranged in each of the X direction and the Y direction that are orthogonal to each other on the two-dimensional plane.

[0017] 1, a plurality of bonding pads 14 are arranged in the peripheral region 2B. Each of the plurality of bonding pads 14 is arranged, for example, along each of the four sides in a two-dimensional plane of the semiconductor chip 2. Each of the plurality of bonding pads 14 is an input / output terminal used when electrically connecting the semiconductor chip 2 to an external device.

[0018] <Logic circuit> 2, the semiconductor chip 2 includes a logic circuit 13 including a vertical drive circuit 4, a column signal processing circuit 5, a horizontal drive circuit 6, an output circuit 7, and a control circuit 8. The logic circuit 13 is configured of a CMOS (Complenentary MOS) circuit having, as field effect transistors, for example, n-channel conductivity type MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) and p-channel conductivity type MOSFETs.

[0019] The vertical drive circuit 4 is configured with, for example, a shift register. The vertical drive circuit 4 sequentially selects desired pixel drive lines 10, supplies pulses to the selected pixel drive lines 10 for driving the pixels 3, and drives each pixel 3 row by row. That is, the vertical drive circuit 4 sequentially selects and scans each pixel 3 in the pixel region 2A row by row in the vertical direction, and supplies pixel signals from the pixels 3 based on signal charges generated by the photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel 3 in accordance with the amount of light received to the column signal processing circuit 5 via vertical signal lines 11.

[0020] The column signal processing circuits 5 are arranged, for example, for each column of pixels 3, and perform signal processing such as noise removal for each pixel column on signals output from one row of pixels 3. For example, the column signal processing circuits 5 perform signal processing such as CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) and AD (Analog-Digital) conversion to remove fixed pattern noise specific to each pixel.

[0021] The horizontal drive circuit 6 is configured with, for example, a shift register. The horizontal drive circuit 6 sequentially outputs horizontal scanning pulses to the column signal processing circuits 5, thereby selecting each of the column signal processing circuits 5 in turn and causing each column signal processing circuit 5 to output a pixel signal that has undergone signal processing to a horizontal signal line 12.

[0022] The output circuit 7 performs signal processing on the pixel signals sequentially supplied from each of the column signal processing circuits 5 through the horizontal signal line 12, and outputs the processed signals. Examples of signal processing that can be used include buffering, black level adjustment, column variation correction, and various types of digital signal processing.

[0023] Based on the vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, and master clock signal, the control circuit 8 generates clock signals and control signals that serve as references for the operations of the vertical drive circuit 4, column signal processing circuit 5, horizontal drive circuit 6, etc. Then, the control circuit 8 outputs the generated clock signals and control signals to the vertical drive circuit 4, column signal processing circuit 5, horizontal drive circuit 6, etc.

[0024] <Pixels> 3, each of the plurality of pixels 3 includes a photoelectric conversion element PD, a charge accumulation region (floating diffusion) FD that accumulates (holds) signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion element PD, and a transfer transistor TR that transfers the signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion element PD to the charge accumulation region FD. Each of the plurality of pixels 3 also includes a readout circuit 15 electrically connected to the charge accumulation region FD.

[0025] The photoelectric conversion element PD generates a signal charge according to the amount of light received. The cathode side of the photoelectric conversion element PD is electrically connected to the source region of the transfer transistor TR, and the anode side is electrically connected to a reference potential line (e.g., ground). For example, a photodiode is used as the photoelectric conversion element PD.

[0026] The drain region of the transfer transistor TR is electrically connected to the charge storage region FD. The gate electrode of the transfer transistor TR is electrically connected to a transfer transistor drive line among the pixel drive lines 10 (see FIG. 2). The charge storage region FD temporarily accumulates and holds the signal charge transferred from the photoelectric conversion element PD via the transfer transistor TR.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the readout circuit 15 reads out the signal charge accumulated in the charge accumulation region FD and outputs a pixel signal based on the signal charge. The readout circuit 15 includes, but is not limited to, pixel transistors, such as an amplification transistor AMP, a selection transistor SEL, and a reset transistor RST. These transistors (AMP, SEL, RST) are configured as MOSFETs having, for example, a gate insulating film made of a silicon oxide film (SiO2 film), a gate electrode, and a pair of main electrode regions that function as a source region and a drain region. These transistors may also be MISFETs (Metal Insulator Semiconductor FETs) whose gate insulating film is made of a silicon nitride film (Si3N4 film) or a stacked film of a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxide film, etc.

[0028] The amplifier transistor AMP has a source region electrically connected to the drain region of the select transistor SEL, a drain region electrically connected to the power supply line Vdd and the drain region of the reset transistor RST, and a gate electrode electrically connected to the charge storage region FD and the source region of the reset transistor RST.

[0029] The selection transistor SEL has a source region electrically connected to the vertical signal line 11 (VSL), a drain electrically connected to the source region of the amplification transistor AMP, and a gate electrode electrically connected to a selection transistor drive line among the pixel drive lines 10 (see FIG. 2).

[0030] The reset transistor RST has a source region electrically connected to the charge storage region FD and the gate electrode of the amplifier transistor AMP, and a drain region electrically connected to the power supply line Vdd and the drain region of the amplifier transistor AMP. The gate electrode of the reset transistor RST is electrically connected to a reset transistor drive line among the pixel drive lines 10 (see FIG. 2).

[0031] When the transfer transistor TR is turned on, it transfers the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion element PD to the charge accumulation region FD. When the reset transistor RST is turned on, it resets the potential (signal charge) of the charge accumulation region FD to the potential of the power supply line Vdd. The selection transistor SEL controls the output timing of the pixel signal from the readout circuit 15.

[0032] The amplification transistor AMP generates a pixel signal having a voltage corresponding to the level of the signal charge stored in the charge storage region FD. The amplification transistor AMP constitutes a source follower amplifier and outputs a pixel signal having a voltage corresponding to the level of the signal charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element PD. When the selection transistor SEL is turned on, the amplification transistor AMP amplifies the potential of the charge storage region FD and outputs a voltage corresponding to the potential to the column signal processing circuit 5 via the vertical signal line 11 (VSL).

[0033] During operation of the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment, signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion element PD of the pixel 3 are accumulated in the charge accumulation region FD via the transfer transistor TR of the pixel 3. The signal charges accumulated in the charge accumulation region FD are then read out by the readout circuit 15 and applied to the gate electrode of the amplification transistor AMP of the readout circuit 15. A horizontal line selection control signal is applied to the gate electrode of the selection transistor SEL of the readout circuit 15 from the vertical shift register. By setting the selection control signal to a high (H) level, the selection transistor SEL becomes conductive, and a current corresponding to the potential of the charge accumulation region FD, amplified by the amplification transistor AMP, flows through the vertical signal line 11. Furthermore, by setting a reset control signal applied to the gate electrode of the reset transistor RST of the readout circuit 15 to a high (H) level, the reset transistor RST becomes conductive, resetting the signal charges accumulated in the charge accumulation region FD.

[0034] <<Specific Configuration of Solid-State Imaging Device>> Next, a specific configuration of the solid-state imaging device 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B. 4, 5A, and 5B, for ease of viewing, the drawings are upside down relative to Fig. 1. Also, in Fig. 5A and 5B, layers above wiring 43, which will be described later, are not shown.

[0035] <Semiconductor chip> 5A and 5B, the semiconductor chip 2 includes a semiconductor layer 20 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 located opposite to each other, and a multilayer wiring layer including an interlayer insulating film 41 and a wiring layer 43 provided on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20. The semiconductor chip 2 also includes, on the second surface S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20, a planarization film 51, a light-shielding film 52, a color filter 53, and a microlens (on-chip lens) 54 provided in this order from the second surface S2 side.

[0036] The semiconductor layer 20 is made of, for example, a p-type single crystal silicon substrate. A p-type semiconductor region 23 is provided in the semiconductor layer 20. The p-type semiconductor region 23 is a well region extending from the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20 to the second surface S2 side.

[0037] The planarization film 51 is provided on the second surface S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20 so as to cover the second surface S2 of the semiconductor layer 20, and planarizes the second surface S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20. The light-shielding film 52 has a grid-like planar pattern in plan view so as to separate adjacent pixels 3.

[0038] A color filter 53 and a microlens 54 are provided for each pixel 3. The color filter 53 separates the color of the incident light that is incident from the light incident surface side of the semiconductor chip 2. The microlens 54 collects the irradiated light and allows the collected light to be efficiently incident on the pixel 3.

[0039] Here, the first surface S1 of the semiconductor layer 20 is sometimes called an element formation surface or a main surface, and the second surface S2 is sometimes called a light incident surface or a back surface. In the solid-state imaging device 1A of the first embodiment, light incident from the second surface (light incident surface, back surface) S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20 is photoelectrically converted by a photoelectric conversion section 25 (photoelectric conversion element PD) provided in the semiconductor layer 20.

[0040] (Photoelectric conversion section) 5A, the semiconductor layer 20 has a photoelectric conversion section 25 for each pixel 3. The photoelectric conversion section 25 is provided at a distance in the depth direction (Z direction) from a charge accumulation region FD provided in a surface layer portion on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20. The photoelectric conversion section 25 has the above-mentioned photoelectric conversion element PD configured therein. The photoelectric conversion element PD includes a p-type semiconductor region (well region) 23 and an n-type semiconductor region 24 buried inside the p-type semiconductor region 23.

[0041] The n-type semiconductor region 24 is provided for each pixel 3. Although not shown in detail, the n-type semiconductor region 24 has a rectangular planar shape so as to overlap with active regions 22A and 22B and an isolation region 21, which will be described later, within one pixel 3 in plan view.

[0042] (active area) 4, 5A, and 5B, the semiconductor layer 20 has island-shaped active regions (element formation regions) 22A and 22B on the first surface S1 side, which are partitioned by an isolation region 21. These active regions 22A and 22B are provided for each pixel 3. Although FIG. 4 illustrates three pixels 3 repeatedly arranged in the Y direction, the number of pixels 3 is not limited to this.

[0043] 4, the active regions 22A and 22B extend in the X direction and are arranged side by side in the Y direction via an isolation region 21. Each of the active regions 22A and 22B has, for example, a rectangular (strip) shape in plan view.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the isolation region 21 includes an isolation trench 26 provided on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20 and an isolation insulating film 27 provided in the isolation trench 26. That is, each of the active regions 22A and 22B of the semiconductor layer 20 is partitioned into an island shape by the isolation trench 26 and the isolation insulating film 27. The isolation region 21 may have, but is not limited to, an STI (Shallow Trench Isolation) structure in which the isolation trench 26 is formed in the surface layer portion on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20 and the isolation insulating film 27 is selectively embedded in the isolation trench 26. The isolation insulating film 27 is composed of a deposited film made of a silicon oxide film deposited by, for example, a CVD method. Here, the thermal oxide film has a denser film quality than the deposited film.

[0045] <Pixel transistor> 4, a transfer transistor TR and a reset transistor RST are configured in the active region 22A, and an amplifier transistor AMP and a select transistor SEL are configured in the active region 22B.

[0046] (reset transistor) 5A, the reset transistor RST is configured in a surface layer portion of the active region 22A. The reset transistor RST includes a gate insulating film 29b provided on the first face S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20, a gate electrode 32 provided on the first face S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20 via the gate insulating film 29b, and a channel formation region provided in the semiconductor layer 20 (specifically, the p-type semiconductor region 23) immediately below the gate electrode 32. The reset transistor RST also has a pair of main electrode regions 35a and 35b that are provided in the p-type semiconductor region 23 of the semiconductor layer 20 and spaced apart from each other in the channel length direction with the channel formation region immediately below the gate electrode 32 sandwiched therebetween, and function as a source region and a drain region.

[0047] The gate insulating film 29b is composed of, for example, a thermal oxide film formed by thermally oxidizing the semiconductor layer 20. This thermal oxide film is composed of, for example, a silicon oxide film. The gate electrode 32 is composed of, for example, a polycrystalline silicon film (doped polysilicon film) doped with impurities that reduce resistance. The pair of main electrode regions 35a and 35b is composed of, for example, a pair of n-type semiconductor regions formed in self-alignment with the gate electrode 32. That is, the reset transistor RST is composed of an n-channel conductivity type MOSFET. One main electrode region 35a of the pair of main electrode regions 35a and 35b functions as the charge storage region FD described above.

[0048] (transfer transistor) As shown in FIG. 5A, the transfer transistor TR is formed in a surface layer portion of the active region 22A. The transfer transistor TR includes a gate electrode 31 provided in the isolation region 21, a gate insulating film 29a interposed between the gate electrode 31 and the semiconductor layer 20, and a p-type semiconductor region 23 functioning as a channel formation region in which a channel is formed. The transfer transistor TR also includes a pair of main electrode regions functioning as a source region and a drain region. Of the pair of main electrode regions, one main electrode region is formed by an n-type semiconductor region 24 (photoelectric conversion unit 25), and the other main electrode region is formed by a main electrode region 35a (charge storage region FD) of the reset transistor RST. That is, the transfer transistor TR and the reset transistor RST share the main electrode region 35a (charge storage region FD) functioning as the drain region of the transfer transistor TR and the main electrode region 35a (charge storage region FD) functioning as the source region of the reset transistor RST.

[0049] The gate insulating film 29a is formed, for example, in the same process as the gate insulating film 29b, and like the gate insulating film 29b, is made of a thermal oxide film formed by thermally oxidizing the semiconductor layer 20. The gate electrode 31 is formed, for example, in the same process as the gate electrode 32, and like the gate electrode 32, is made of a doped polysilicon film. That is, like the reset transistor RST, the transfer transistor TR is made of an n-channel conductivity type MOSFET.

[0050] 4, 5A, and 5B, the gate electrode 31 has a head 31a provided on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20, and a body (buried portion) 31b that is narrower than the head 31a and protrudes from the head 31a into the isolation insulating film 27. That is, the gate electrode 31 has a T-shape. The transfer transistor TR has a vertical structure.

[0051] The head 31a has a rectangular shape in plan view (see FIG. 4), and is provided across the isolation region 21 and active region 22A of the semiconductor layer 20. A gate insulating film 29a is interposed between the protruding portion of the head 31a and the active region 22A (see FIG. 5A).

[0052] Body 31b is provided inside gate trench 28 provided in isolation insulating film 27, and has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction) of semiconductor layer 20 (see FIG. 4). Body 31b has a first portion 31b1 adjacent to (facing) semiconductor layer 20 in active region 22A via gate insulating film 29a, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to (facing) isolation insulating film 27. Body 31b in the first embodiment has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction) of semiconductor layer 20, so one of the four side walls around body 31b is first portion 31b1, and the remaining three side walls are second portions 31b2. 5A, the first sidewall of the body 31b, which is one of a first sidewall and a second sidewall located opposite each other in the Y direction, becomes a first portion 31b1 adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 of the active region 22A with the gate insulating film 29a interposed therebetween, and the second sidewall opposite the first sidewall becomes a second portion 31b2 adjacent to the isolation insulating film 27. As shown in FIG. 5B, the third sidewall and a fourth sidewall of the body 31b located opposite each other in the X direction each become a second portion 31b2 adjacent to the isolation insulating film 27. In other words, of the four sidewalls of the body 31b, each of the sidewalls in three directions, except for the sidewall in one direction adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 with the gate insulating film 29a interposed therebetween, is surrounded by an isolation insulating film 27 that is thicker in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the semiconductor layer 20 than the film thickness of the gate insulating film 29a.

[0053] In this way, the body 31b of the gate electrode 31 has a first portion 31b1 adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 of the active region 22A via the gate insulating film 29a, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to the isolation insulating film 27. Therefore, compared to the conventional case in which the periphery of the body 31b of the gate electrode 31, i.e., all of the side walls in four directions, are adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 via the gate insulating film 29a, the capacitance component (parasitic capacitance) added to the gate electrode 31 can be reduced.

[0054] 4 and 5A, the body 31b of the gate electrode 31 is provided outside one end side in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the active region 22A. The first portion 31b1 and the second portion 31b2 of the gate electrode 31 are provided outside one end side in the longitudinal direction of the active region in a plan view.

[0055] 5A, the gate insulating film 29a is provided from the active region 22A to the sidewalls and bottom wall of the gate trench 28. The gate insulating film 29a is interposed between the semiconductor layer 20 in the active region 22A and the head 31a of the gate electrode 31, and is also interposed between the semiconductor layer 20 in the gate trench 28 and the sidewalls and bottom wall of the body 31b of the gate electrode 31. The gate length of the body 31b of the gate electrode 31 is determined by the depth of the gate trench 28 in the Z direction. Therefore, in a vertically structured transfer transistor TR, as the variation in the depth direction of the gate trench 28 increases, the variation in the transfer characteristics also increases.

[0056] (amplification transistor and selection transistor) 4, the amplifier transistor AMP and the select transistor SEL are connected in series in the surface layer of the active region 22B. The amplifier transistor AMP and the select transistor SEL are configured as n-channel conductivity type MOSFETs, just like the reset transistor RST, and are basically configured in the same way as the reset transistor RST. Therefore, a description of the specific configuration of the amplifier transistor AMP and the select transistor SEL will be omitted.

[0057] 4 illustrates a gate electrode 33 of the amplifier transistor AMP and a gate electrode 34 of the select transistor SEL. The amplifier transistor AMP and the select transistor SEL share a main electrode region that functions as the source region of the amplifier transistor AMP and a main electrode region that functions as the drain region of the select transistor SEL.

[0058] (Multilayer wiring layer) 5A and 5B, the gate electrodes 31 and 32 of the transfer transistor TR and the reset transistor RST are covered with an interlayer insulating film 41 provided on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20. In addition, although not shown in detail, the gate electrodes 33 and 34 of the amplifier transistor AMP and the select transistor SEL are also covered with the interlayer insulating film 41. 5A and 5B, the wiring layer 43 on the interlayer insulating film 41 is provided with wires 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d, as well as wires 43e, 43f, and 43g shown in Fig. 4. These wires 43a to 43g are covered with an interlayer insulating film (not shown) provided on the interlayer insulating film 41.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, the wiring 43a is electrically connected to the gate electrode 31 of the transfer transistor TR via a contact electrode 42a embedded in the interlayer insulating film 41.

[0060] 4, the wiring 43b extends across the active regions 22A and 22B in a plan view. 4 and 5A, the wiring 43b is electrically connected to the main electrode regions 35a (charge storage regions FD) of the reset transistor RST and the transfer transistor TR via contact electrodes 42b embedded in the interlayer insulating film 41. 4 and 5A, the wiring 43c is electrically connected to the gate electrode 32 of the reset transistor RST via a contact electrode 42c embedded in the interlayer insulating film 41. The wiring 43d is electrically connected to the main electrode region 35b of the reset transistor via a contact electrode 42d embedded in the interlayer insulating film 41.

[0061] Although not shown in detail, the wiring 43e shown in FIG. 4 is electrically connected to the main electrode region that functions as the drain region of the amplification transistor AMP via a contact electrode embedded in the interlayer insulating film 41. The wiring 43f shown in FIG. 4 is electrically connected to the gate electrode 34 of the select transistor SEL via a contact electrode buried in the interlayer insulating film 41, although this is not shown in detail. Although not shown in detail, the wiring 43g shown in Fig. 4 is electrically connected to the main electrode region that functions as the source region of the select transistor SEL via a contact electrode embedded in the interlayer insulating film 41. The wiring 43g is electrically connected to the vertical signal line 11 (VSL) shown in Fig. 3. Each of the wiring 43d and the wiring 43e is electrically connected to the power supply line Vdd shown in Fig. 3.

[0062] In the solid-state imaging device 1A having the above configuration, incident light is irradiated from the microlens 54 side of the semiconductor chip 2, the irradiated incident light is sequentially transmitted through the microlens 54 and the color filter 53, and the transmitted light is photoelectrically converted in the photoelectric conversion unit 25 (photoelectric conversion element PD), thereby generating signal charges. The generated signal charges are then output as pixel signals by the vertical signal lines 11 formed in the multilayer wiring layer 40 via the transfer transistors TR and readout circuits 15 provided on the first surface S1 side of the active regions 22A and 22B of the semiconductor layer 20.

[0063] <Method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device> Next, a method for manufacturing the solid-state imaging device 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6G. In this first embodiment, the manufacturing process of the photoelectric conversion unit 25, the transfer transistor TR, and the reset transistor RST included in the manufacturing process of the solid-state imaging device 1A will be mainly described.

[0064] First, as shown in FIG. 6A, a photoelectric conversion section 25 is formed in a semiconductor layer 20 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 located opposite to each other. The photoelectric conversion section 25 is formed by forming a p-type semiconductor region (well region) 23 on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20, extending from the first surface S1 side in the depth direction (Z direction), and then selectively forming an n-type semiconductor region 24 inside the p-type semiconductor region 23. The photoelectric conversion section 25 is formed at a distance from the first surface S1 of the semiconductor layer 20 in the depth direction (Z direction). Then, the photoelectric conversion section 25 is formed for each pixel 3.

[0065] Next, as shown in FIG. 6B , an active region 22A partitioned by an isolation region 21 is formed on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20. Also, although not shown, an active region 22B partitioned by the isolation region 21 is formed. The active regions 22A and 22B are partitioned by forming the isolation region 21 using, for example, a well-known STI technique. Specifically, an isolation trench 26 is formed on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20. Then, an isolation insulating film 27 made of, for example, a silicon oxide film is deposited by CVD on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20 so as to fill the isolation trench 26. Then, the isolation insulating film 27 on the first surface S1 of the semiconductor layer 20 is polished and removed by CMP so that the isolation insulating film 27 selectively remains in the isolation trench 26, thereby forming the isolation region 21. This forms the active regions 22A and 22B partitioned by the isolation region 21. The active regions 22A and 22B are formed for each pixel 3. The active regions 22A and 22B are formed so as to overlap the photoelectric conversion section 25 within one pixel 3 in plan view.

[0066] Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, a gate trench 28 surrounded by the semiconductor layer 20 of the active region 22A and the isolation insulating film 27 is formed in the isolation region 21 on one end side of the active region 22A in the longitudinal direction. The gate trench 28 is formed by selectively etching the isolation insulating film 27 in the depth direction (Z direction) of the isolation region 21. Dry etching or wet etching can be used for etching the isolation insulating film 27. The isolation insulating film 27 is etched under conditions that ensure an etching selectivity with respect to the semiconductor layer 20. That is, the etching is performed under conditions that result in a faster etching rate for the isolation insulating film 27 than for the semiconductor layer 20. In this process, the isolation insulating film 27 is etched under conditions in which the etching rate of the isolation insulating film 27 is faster than that of the semiconductor layer 20 to form the gate trench 28, so that the semiconductor layer 20 located directly below the isolation region 21 serves as an etching stopper, and variations in the depth direction (Z direction) of the gate trench 28 can be suppressed compared to when a gate trench is formed in the active region of the semiconductor layer as in the conventional method.

[0067] Next, as shown in FIG. 6D , a gate insulating film 29 made of a thermal oxide film is formed on the surface (first surface S1) of the semiconductor layer 20 in the active region 22A and on the surface of the semiconductor layer 20 in the gate trench 28. The gate insulating film 29 is formed by performing a thermal oxidation process to oxidize the surface of the semiconductor layer 20 in the active region 22A and the surface of the semiconductor layer 20 in the gate trench 28. The gate insulating film 29 is made of, for example, a silicon oxide film. The gate insulating film 29 is formed from the active region 22A to the sidewalls and bottom wall of the gate trench 28. The gate insulating film 29 is used as a gate insulating film 29a of the transfer transistor TR and a gate insulating film 29b of the reset transistor RST in the active region 22A. In this step, three of the four side walls in the gate trench 28 are made of the isolation insulating film 27, and the remaining one side wall and the bottom wall are made of the gate insulating film 29. In this step, although not shown, a gate insulating film 29 made of a thermal oxide film is also formed on the surface (first surface S2) of the semiconductor layer 20 in the active region 22B.

[0068] 6E, for example, a polycrystalline silicon film 30 is formed as a gate material by a CVD method on the entire surface on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20, including inside the gate trench 28. Impurities that reduce the resistance value are introduced into this polycrystalline silicon film 30 during or after its deposition.

[0069] Next, the polycrystalline silicon film 30 and the gate insulating film 29 are patterned into a predetermined shape to form a gate electrode 31 in the isolation region 21 and a gate electrode 32 in the active region 22A, as shown in Fig. 6F. The gate electrode 32 is formed in the active region 22A on the first face S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20 via the gate insulating film 29b. The gate electrode 31 has a head 31a provided on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20, and a body (buried portion) 31b that protrudes from the head 31a into the gate trench 28 of the isolation insulating film 27 and is embedded therein, and that is narrower than the head 31a. The head 31a has a rectangular shape in plan view (see FIG. 4), and is formed across the isolation region 21 and the active region 22 of the semiconductor layer 20. A gate insulating film 29a is interposed between the protruding portion of the head 31a and the active region 22. The body 31b is formed so that its cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the semiconductor layer 20 is rectangular. The body 31b has a first portion 31b1 adjacent to (facing) the semiconductor layer 20 in the active region 22A with the gate insulating film 29a interposed therebetween, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to (facing) the isolation insulating film 27. Since the body 31b in the first embodiment has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the semiconductor layer 20, one of the four sidewalls around the body 31b becomes the first portion 31b1 adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 in the active region 22A with the gate insulating film 29a interposed therebetween, and the remaining three sidewalls become the second portion 31b2 adjacent to the isolation insulating film 27.

[0070] In this process, the variation in the depth direction of the body portion 31b of the gate electrode 31 depends on the variation in the depth direction of the gate trench 28. That is, if the dimension of the gate trench 28 in the depth direction varies, the dimension of the body portion 31b in the depth direction also varies. However, as described above, the variation in the depth direction of the gate trench 28 is suppressed because the semiconductor layer 20 located directly below the isolation region 21 serves as an etching stopper when the isolation insulating film 27 is etched to form the gate trench 28. Therefore, the variation in the depth direction of the body portion 31b of the gate electrode 31 is suppressed depending on the suppression of the variation in the depth direction of the gate trench 28. In this process, although not shown, a gate electrode 33 (see FIG. 4) of the amplification transistor AMP and a gate electrode 34 (see FIG. 4) of the selection transistor SEL are formed on the first surface S1 side of the active region 22B via a gate insulating film.

[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 6G, a pair of main electrode regions 35a and 35b made of n-type semiconductor regions are formed in the surface layer portion of the active region 22A on the first surface S1 side. The pair of main electrode regions 35a and 35b are formed by introducing, for example, arsenic ions (As ) as an impurity that gives the active region 22A n-type conductivity, using the gate electrodes 31 and 32 and the isolation insulating film 27 of the isolation region 21 as an impurity introduction mask. + ) and phosphorus ions (P + ) and then performing a heat treatment to activate the implanted impurities. The main electrode region 35a is formed in self-alignment with the gate electrodes 31 and 32. The main electrode region 35b is formed in self-alignment with the gate electrode 32.

[0072] This process forms a reset transistor RST in the active region 22A. The reset transistor RST includes a p-type semiconductor region 23 that functions as a channel formation region, a gate insulating film 29b, a gate electrode 32, and a pair of main electrode regions 35a and 35b that function as a source region and a drain region. A transfer transistor TR is also formed. The transfer transistor TR includes the p-type semiconductor region 23 that functions as a channel formation region, the gate insulating film 29a, the gate electrode 31, an n-type semiconductor region 24 that functions as a source region and a drain region, and the main electrode region 35a. The main electrode region 35a shares the source region of the reset transistor RST and the drain region of the transfer transistor TR. The main electrode region 35a also functions as a charge storage region FD.

[0073] In this step, although not shown, a pair of main electrode regions made of n-type semiconductor regions are also formed in a surface layer portion on the first surface S1 side of the active region 22B. Then, the amplification transistor AMP and the selection transistor SEL are formed in the active region 22B.

[0074] Thereafter, a multilayer wiring layer including an interlayer insulating film 41 and a wiring layer 43 is formed on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer, and then the second surface S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20 is ground or polished by, for example, a CMP method to reduce the thickness of the semiconductor layer, and then a planarizing film 51, a light-shielding film 52, a color filter 53, and a microlens 54 are sequentially formed on the second surface S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20. This nearly completes the solid-state imaging device 1A shown in FIG.

[0075] <<Major Effects of the First Embodiment>> Next, the main effects of the first embodiment will be described. The solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment includes a transfer transistor TR having a gate electrode 31 disposed in an isolation region 21. The gate electrode 31 has a body portion 31b embedded in an isolation insulating film 27 of the isolation region 21. The body portion 31b has a first portion 31b1 adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 of the active region 22A via the gate insulating film 29a, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to the isolation insulating film 27. This configuration reduces the capacitance component (parasitic capacitance) added to the gate electrode 31 compared to a conventional case in which the periphery of the body portion 31b of the gate electrode 31, i.e., all four sidewalls of the body portion 31b, are adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 via the gate insulating film 29a. Furthermore, since the capacitance of the transfer line connected to the gate electrode 31 of the transfer transistor TR is reduced, the dullness of the driving pulse applied to the gate electrode 31 of the transfer transistor TR can be improved. Therefore, the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment can improve the transfer speed (pixel driving speed) at which signal charges photoelectrically converted in the photoelectric conversion section are transferred to the charge accumulation region.

[0076] In the manufacturing method of the solid-state imaging device 1A according to this first embodiment, when the isolation insulating film 27 is etched to form the gate trench 28, the semiconductor layer 20 located directly below the isolation region 21 functions as an etching stopper, so that variations in the depth direction (Z direction) of the gate trench 28 can be suppressed compared to when the gate trench is formed in the active region of the semiconductor layer as in the conventional method.

[0077] Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress variations in the depth direction (Z direction) of the gate trench 28, it is possible to suppress variations in the depth direction of the body 31b of the gate electrode 31, i.e., variations in the gate length (channel length) in the body 31b of the gate electrode 31, depending on the suppression of variations in the depth direction of the gate trench 28. Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress variations in the transfer characteristics of the transfer transistor TR.

[0078] Here, as pixel size decreases, it is desirable to also reduce the size of the body 31b of the gate electrode 31 of the transfer transistor TR. However, because the photoelectric conversion unit 25 is disposed at a depth distance from the charge storage region FD, the body 31b of the gate electrode 31 needs to have a certain depth in the depth direction, and this increases the aspect ratio of the gate trench 28 into which the body 31b is embedded. For example, if the depth of the body is approximately 400 nm to 1000 nm and the opening of the gate trench is approximately 200 nm, the aspect ratio will be approximately 2 to 5.

[0079] In contrast, the isolation trench 26 of the isolation region 21 is rarely laid out as an isolated pattern like the gate trench 28, and is often formed with a relatively low aspect ratio, so that the opening variation can be reduced compared to the isolated pattern of the gate trench 28.

[0080] Furthermore, the isolation insulating film 27 in the isolation region 21 is etched to form the gate trench 28, and the gate material is buried in this gate trench 28 to form the body 31b of the gate electrode 31, so the semiconductor layer 20 can be used as an etching stopper. The depth of the body 31b is also less affected by variations in the opening of the gate trench 28 and can be controlled by the depth of the isolation trench 26 in the isolation region 21, so variations in the depth of the body can be reduced compared to an isolated pattern. Since the transfer characteristics are particularly significantly affected by the depth of the body, reducing variations in the processing of the body 31b can improve the pixel characteristics (amount of saturation charge). The transistors such as the transfer transistor TR, the reset transistor RST, the amplification transistor AMP, and the select transistor SEL may have an LDD (Lightly Doped Drain) structure. A transistor with an LDD structure includes a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, a pair of extension regions formed in self-alignment with the gate electrode, sidewall spacers formed on the side walls of the gate electrode, and a pair of contact regions formed in self-alignment with the sidewall spacers and having a higher impurity concentration than the extension regions.

[0081] <<Variations>> In the above-described first embodiment, the first portion 31b1 of the gate electrode 31 is provided on one end side of the active region 22A in the longitudinal direction. However, the present technology is not limited to the configuration of the above-described first embodiment.

[0082] 7A and 7B, two body portions 31b may be provided in the width direction (X direction) of the active region 22 so as to sandwich the active region 22 in a planar view, and each of the two body portions 31b may have a first portion 31b1 adjacent to the semiconductor layer 20 of the active region 22 via the gate insulating film 29a, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to the isolation insulating film 27 of the isolation region 21. In this case, the first portion 31b1 and the second portion 31b2 of the gate electrode 31 are provided in regions located on opposite sides of the active region 22 in a planar view. In this first modified example as well, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to improve the transfer speed (pixel driving speed) at which the signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 25 are transferred to the charge accumulation region FD.

[0083] 8, as a second modified example, body 31b may be configured in an L-shape so as to surround one corner at one end of active region 22A in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) in plan view, and body 31b may have a first portion 31b1 adjacent to semiconductor layer 20 of active region 22 via gate insulating film 29a, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to isolation insulating film 27 of isolation region 21. In this case, first portion 31b1 and second portion 31b2 of gate electrode 31 are provided so as to surround one corner at one end side of active region 22 in the longitudinal direction in plan view. In the second modified example, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the transfer speed (pixel driving speed) at which the signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 25 are transferred to the charge accumulation region FD.

[0084] 9, as a third modified example, body 31b may be configured in a U-shape so as to surround two corners on one end side of active region 22 in the longitudinal direction in a plan view, and body 31b may have a first portion 31b1 adjacent to semiconductor layer 20 of active region 22 via gate insulating film 29a, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to isolation insulating film 27 of isolation region 21. In this case, first portion 31b1 and second portion 31b2 of gate electrode 31 are provided so as to surround two corners on one end side of active region 22 in the longitudinal direction in a plan view. In the third modified example, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the transfer speed (pixel driving speed) at which the signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 25 are transferred to the charge accumulation region FD.

[0085] Second Embodiment As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the solid-state imaging device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present technology is basically configured similarly to the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment described above, with the following differences in configuration. 10A and 10B, a solid-state imaging device 1B according to the second embodiment includes an isolation region 21B instead of the isolation region 21 shown in Fig. 5A of the first embodiment. The other configurations are generally similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the isolation region 21B includes an isolation trench 26 provided on the first surface S1 side of the semiconductor layer 20 and an isolation insulating film 27 provided within the isolation trench 26. The isolation region 21B also includes an isolation trench 61 that penetrates from the upper surface of the isolation insulating film 27 to the second surface S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20, an isolation insulating film 62 embedded within the isolation trench 61, and a p-type semiconductor region 63 that is provided along the isolation insulating film 62 on both sides of the isolation insulating film 62 in a planar view. That is, the isolation region 21B penetrates from the first surface S1 side to the second surface S2 side of the semiconductor layer 20. In one pixel 3, the isolation insulating film 62 and the p-type semiconductor region 63 form a rectangular annular planar pattern that surrounds the periphery of the photoelectric conversion unit 25 in a planar view. The p-type semiconductor region 63 has a higher impurity concentration than the p-type semiconductor region 23 and pins the sidewall of the isolation trench 61. In the second embodiment, since the body portion 31b of the gate electrode 31 is separated from the p-type semiconductor region 63 with a high impurity concentration, the position of the body portion 31b of the gate electrode 31 can be controlled by the isolation region 21B. The solid-state imaging device 1B according to the second embodiment also provides the same effects as the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment described above.

[0087] Third Embodiment As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the solid-state imaging device 1C according to the third embodiment of the present technology is basically configured similarly to the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment described above, with the following differences in configuration. 11A and 11B, the solid-state imaging device 1C according to the third embodiment includes a gate electrode 64 instead of the gate electrode 31 shown in Fig. 5A of the first embodiment. The other configurations are generally similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0088] 11A and 11B, the gate electrode 64 is provided on one end side of the active region 22A in the longitudinal direction in a plan view. The gate electrode 64 is entirely embedded inside the isolation insulating film. Similar to the body portion 31b in the first embodiment described above, the gate electrode 64 has a first portion 31b1 adjacent to (facing) the semiconductor layer 20 of the active region 22A via the gate insulating film 29a, and a second portion 31b2 adjacent to (facing) the isolation insulating film 27. The gate electrode 64 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. In this way, by burying the entire gate electrode 64 inside the isolation insulating film, the charge storage region FD can be provided above and along the gate electrode 64, thereby eliminating the protruding portion of the electrode, improving the freedom of layout and enabling miniaturization. The solid-state imaging device 1C according to the third embodiment also provides the same effects as the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0089] [Fourth embodiment: electronic device] Next, an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. 12, the electronic device 100 according to the fourth embodiment includes a solid-state imaging device 101, an optical lens 102, a shutter device 103, a drive circuit 104, and a signal processing circuit 105. The electronic device 100 according to the fourth embodiment illustrates an embodiment in which the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment of the present technology is used as the solid-state imaging device 101 in an electronic device (for example, a camera).

[0090] The optical lens 102 focuses image light (incident light 106) from the subject on the imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device 101. This causes signal charges to accumulate in the solid-state imaging device 101 for a certain period of time. The shutter device 103 controls the light irradiation period and light blocking period for the solid-state imaging device 101. The drive circuit 104 supplies drive signals that control the transfer operation of the solid-state imaging device 101 and the shutter operation of the shutter device 103. The drive signals (timing signals) supplied from the drive circuit 104 cause signal transfer in the solid-state imaging device 101. The signal processing circuit 105 performs various signal processing on signals (pixel signals) output from the solid-state imaging device 101. The processed video signals are stored in a storage medium such as a memory or output to a monitor.

[0091] The electronic device 100 to which the solid-state imaging device 1A can be applied is not limited to a camera, but may also be applied to other electronic devices. For example, the solid-state imaging device 1A may be applied to an imaging device such as a camera module for a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a tablet terminal.

[0092] In the fourth embodiment, the solid-state imaging device 101 is configured to use the solid-state imaging device 1A according to the first embodiment in the electronic device, but other configurations may be used. For example, the solid-state imaging device 1B according to the second embodiment, the solid-state imaging device 1C according to the third embodiment, or a solid-state imaging device according to a modification may be used in the electronic device.

[0093] The present technology may be configured as follows. (1) a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to each other, and having an active region defined by an isolation region on the first surface side; a charge storage region provided in the active region; a photoelectric conversion section provided in the semiconductor layer and spaced apart from the charge accumulation region in a depth direction; a transfer transistor having a gate electrode provided in the isolation region and transferring signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit to the charge accumulation region; Equipped with the isolation region has an isolation insulating film provided on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer, the gate electrode has a first portion adjacent to the active region via a gate insulating film, and a second portion adjacent to the isolation insulating film. (2) The solid-state imaging device according to (1), wherein the first portion of the gate electrode is provided on one end side of the active region in a plan view. (3) The solid-state imaging device according to (1), wherein the first portions of the gate electrodes are provided on the sides of regions positioned opposite to each other across the active region in a plan view. (4) The solid-state imaging device according to (1) above, wherein the first portion of the gate electrode is provided so as to surround a corner portion on one end side of the active region in a plan view. (5) The solid-state imaging device according to (1) above, wherein the first portion of the gate electrode is provided so as to surround two corners on one end side of the active region in a plan view. (6) The solid-state imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the separation region extends across the first surface and the second surface of the semiconductor layer. (7) The solid-state imaging device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the gate electrode is buried in the isolation insulating film. (8) A solid-state imaging device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the gate electrode has a head provided on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer and a body protruding from the head into the isolation insulating film with a width narrower than that of the head. (9) the gate insulating film is a thermal oxide film, the isolation insulating film is a deposited film; The solid-state imaging device according to any one of (1) to (8) above. (10) forming an isolation trench portion that partitions an active region on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer; forming an isolation insulating film in the isolation trench; the isolation insulating film is etched in a depth direction of the isolation trench to form a gate trench surrounded by the semiconductor layer and the isolation insulating film in the isolation insulating film; forming a gate insulating film on the semiconductor layer in the gate trench; forming a gate electrode in the front gate trench with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween; A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device, comprising: (11) a solid-state imaging device; an optical lens that focuses image light from a subject on an imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device; and a signal processing circuit that processes a signal output from the solid-state imaging device; the solid-state imaging device, a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to each other, and having an active region defined by an isolation region on the first surface side; a charge storage region disposed in the active region of the semiconductor layer; a photoelectric conversion section provided in the semiconductor layer and spaced apart from the charge accumulation region in a depth direction; a transfer transistor having a gate electrode provided in the isolation region and transferring signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit to the charge accumulation region; Equipped with the isolation region has an isolation insulating film provided in a trench on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer, the gate electrode has a first portion adjacent to the active region via a gate insulating film, and a second portion adjacent to the isolation insulating film.

[0094] The scope of the present technology is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve equivalent effects to those intended by the present technology. Furthermore, the scope of the present technology is not limited to the combination of the features of the invention defined by the claims, but may be defined by any desired combination of specific features among all the respective disclosed features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...Solid-state imaging device 2...semiconductor chip, 2A...pixel region, 2B...peripheral region, 3...pixel 4...vertical drive circuit, 5...column signal processing circuit, 6...horizontal drive circuit, 7...output circuit, 8...control circuit, 10...pixel drive line, 12...horizontal signal line, 13...logic circuit, 14...bonding pad, 15...readout circuit 20...semiconductor layer, 21...isolation region, 22A, 22B...active region, 23...p-type semiconductor region, 24...n-type semiconductor region, 25...photoelectric conversion section, 26...isolation trench portion, 27...isolation insulating film, 28...gate trench portion, 29...gate insulating film 30...gate material, 31...gate electrode, 31a...head, 31b...body, 31b1...first portion, 31b2...second portion, 32, 33, 34...gate electrodes, 35a, 35b...main electrode regions 41...interlayer insulating film; 42a, 42b, 42c...contact electrodes; 43...wiring layer; 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f...wirings 51...flattening film, 52...light-shielding film, 53...color filter, 54...microlens 61... isolation trench portion, 62... isolation insulating film, 63... p-type semiconductor region, 64... gate electrode AMP...amplification transistor, FD...charge storage region, RST...reset transistor, SEL...selection transistor, TR...transfer transistor

Claims

1. a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to each other, and having an active region on the first surface side partitioned by an isolation region; a charge storage region provided in the active region; a photoelectric conversion section provided in the semiconductor layer and spaced apart from the charge accumulation region in a depth direction; a transfer transistor having a gate electrode provided in the isolation region and transferring signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit to the charge accumulation region; Equipped with the isolation region has an isolation insulating film provided on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer, the gate electrode has a first portion adjacent to the active region via a gate insulating film, and a second portion adjacent to the isolation insulating film.

2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the gate electrode is provided on one end side of the active region in a plan view.

3. 2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the gate electrode is provided on each of regions located on opposite sides of the active region in a plan view.

4. 2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the gate electrode is provided so as to surround a corner portion on one end side of the active region in a plan view.

5. 2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the gate electrode is provided so as to surround two corners on one end side of the active region in a plan view.

6. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the isolation region extends across the first surface and the second surface of the semiconductor layer.

7. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the gate electrode is buried in the isolation insulating film.

8. 2. The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the gate electrode has a head provided on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer, and a body protruding from the head into the isolation insulating film with a width narrower than that of the head.

9. the gate insulating film is a thermal oxide film, the isolation insulating film is a deposited film; The solid-state imaging device according to claim 1 .

10. forming an isolation trench portion that partitions an active region on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer; forming an isolation insulating film in the isolation trench; the isolation insulating film is etched in a depth direction of the isolation trench to form a gate trench surrounded by the semiconductor layer and the isolation insulating film in the isolation insulating film; forming a gate insulating film on the semiconductor layer in the gate trench; forming a gate electrode in the front gate trench with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween; A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device, comprising:

11. a solid-state imaging device; an optical lens that focuses image light from a subject on an imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device; and a signal processing circuit that processes a signal output from the solid-state imaging device; the solid-state imaging device, a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to each other, and having an active region on the first surface side partitioned by an isolation region; a charge storage region disposed in the active region of the semiconductor layer; a photoelectric conversion section provided in the semiconductor layer and spaced apart from the charge accumulation region in a depth direction; a transfer transistor having a gate electrode provided in the isolation region and transferring signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit to the charge accumulation region; Equipped with the isolation region has an isolation insulating film provided in a trench on the first surface side of the semiconductor layer, the gate electrode has a first portion adjacent to the active region via a gate insulating film, and a second portion adjacent to the isolation insulating film.

Images