Self-aligned trench filling is used to isolate devices in high-density
integrated circuits. A deep, narrow trench isolation region is formed in
a substrate between devices. The trench region includes two trench
portions. A first trench portion, located above a second trench portion,
is filled with a deposited dielectric. The second trench portion is
filled with a grown dielectric. Filling the lower trench portion by
growing a dielectric material provides for an even distribution of
dielectric material within the lower portion. Filling the upper trench
portion by depositing a dielectric material provides for an even
distribution of material in the upper portion while also protecting
against encroachment of the dielectric into device channel regions, for
example. Devices can be fabricated by etching the substrate to form the
trench region after or as part of etching one or more layers formed above
the substrate for the device. This can ensure alignment of the gate and
channel regions of a device between trench isolation regions.