A new structure is disclosed for semiconductor devices in which contact regions
are self-aligned to conductive lines. Openings to a gate oxide layer, in partially
fabricated devices on a silicon substrate, have insulating sidewalls. First polysilicon
lines disposed against the insulating sidewalls extend from below the top of the
openings to the gate oxide layer. Oxide layers are grown over the top and exposed
sides of the first polysilicon lines serving to insulate the first polysilicon
lines. Polysilicon contact regions are disposed directly over and connect to silicon
substrate regions through openings in the gate oxide layer and fill the available
volume of the openings. Second polysilicon lines connect to the contact regions
and are disposed over the oxide layers grown on the first polysilicon lines.