Abstract: Structures for a liner replacement in an interconnect structure and methods for forming a liner replacement in an interconnect structure. A metallization level is formed that includes a conductive feature. A dielectric layer is formed on the metallization level. The dielectric layer includes an opening that extends vertically through the dielectric layer to the conductive feature. An adhesion layer is formed on area of the conductive feature exposed at a base of the opening. The adhesion layer has a thickness equal to a monolayer or a fraction of a monolayer. Another layer (e.g., barrier layer) of a different composition (e.g., TiN) may be deposited on the adhesion layer before the opening is filled with metal deposited by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention provide a method of forming semiconductor devices. The method includes creating an opening in a semiconductor structure; depositing a first layer of metal inside the opening with the first layer of metal partially filling up the opening; modifying a top surface of the first layer of metal in an etching process; passivating the modified top surface of the first layer of metal to form a passivation layer; and depositing a second layer of metal directly on top of the passivation layer.

Abstract: A writing pen which comprises a vacuum controlled reservoir for containing a supply of ink having a lower viscosity than conventional ball pen ink, a writing tip which may be any one of a number of interchangeable types and a finned collector including a weir and feed which are arranged to induce capillary flow of the ink from the reservoir to the tip for writing purposes.