Abstract: The present invention provides a method of strengthening a structure, to heal the imperfection of the structure, to reinforce the structure, and thus strengthening the dielectric without compromising the desirable low dielectric constant of the structure. The inventive method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor structure having at least one interconnect structure; dicing the interconnect structure; applying at least one infiltrant into the interconnect structure; and infiltrating the infiltrant to infiltrate into the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A low k dielectric stack having an effective dielectric constant k, of about 3.0 or less, in which the mechanical properties of the stack are improved by introducing at least one nanolayer into the dielectric stack. The improvement in mechanical properties is achieved without significantly increasing the dielectric constant of the films within the stack and without the need of subjecting the inventive dielectric stack to any post treatment steps. Specifically, the present invention provides a low k dielectric stack that comprises at least one low k dielectric material and at least one nanolayer present within the at least one low k dielectric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a robust crack-absorbing integrated circuit chip comprising a crack trapping structure containing two metal plates and a via-bar structure sandwiched between said plates.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of repairing wire bond damage on semiconductor chips such as high speed semiconductor microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other high speed integrated circuit devices, particularly devices using low-K dielectric materials. The method involves surface modification using reactive liquids. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises applying a silicon-containing liquid reagent precursor such as TEOS to the surface of the chip and allowing the liquid reagent to react with moisture to form a solid dielectric plug or film (50) to produce a barrier against moisture ingress, thereby enhancing the temperature/humidity/bias (THB) performance of such semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a robust crack-absorbing integrated circuit chip comprising a crack trapping structure containing two metal plates and a via-bar structure sandwiched between said plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of strengthening a structure, to heal the imperfection of the structure, to reinforce the structure, and thus strengthening the dielectric without compromising the desirable low dielectric constant of the structure. The inventive method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor structure having at least one interconnect structure; dicing the interconnect structure; applying at least one infiltrant into the interconnect structure; and infiltrating the infiltrant to infiltrate into the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A low k dielectric stack having an effective dielectric constant k, of about 3.0 or less, in which the mechanical properties of the stack are improved by introducing at least one nanolayer into the dielectric stack. The improvement in mechanical properties is achieved without significantly increasing the dielectric constant of the films within the stack and without the need of subjecting the inventive dielectric stack to any post treatment steps. Specifically, the present invention provides a low k dielectric stack that comprises at least one low k dielectric material and at least one nanolayer present within the at least one low k dielectric material.

Abstract: An edge seal around the periphery of an integrated circuit device which environmentally protects the copper circuitry from cracks that may form in the low-k interlevel dielectric during dicing. The edge seal essentially constitutes a dielectric wall between the copper circuitry and the low-k interlevel dielectric near the periphery of the integrated circuit device. The dielectric wall is of a different material than the low-k interlevel dielectric.

Abstract: A method and system for dicing a semiconductor wafer providing a structure with greatly reduced backside chipping and cracking, as well as increased die strength. Semiconductor chip structures obtained from wafers diced according to this invention are also encompassed.

Abstract: An edge seal around the periphery of an integrated circuit device which environmentally protects the copper circuitry from cracks that may form in the low-k interlevel dielectric during dicing. The edge seal essentially constitutes a dielectric wall between the copper circuitry and the low-k interlevel dielectric near the periphery of the integrated circuit device. The dielectric wall is of a different material than the low-k interlevel dielectric.

Abstract: An edge seal around the periphery of an integrated circuit device which environmentally protects the copper circuitry from cracks that may form in the low-k interlevel dielectric during dicing. The edge seal essentially constitutes a dielectric wall between the copper circuitry and the low-k interlevel dielectric near the periphery of the integrated circuit device. The dielectric wall is of a different material than the low-k interlevel dielectric.

Abstract: A method and system for dicing a semiconductor wafer providing a structure with greatly reduced backside chipping and cracking, as well as increased die strength. Semiconductor chip structures obtained from wafers diced according to this invention are also encompassed.

Abstract: An edge seal around the periphery of an integrated circuit device which environmentally protects the copper circuitry from cracks that may form in the low-k interlevel dielectric during dicing. The edge seal essentially constitutes a dielectric wall between the copper circuitry and the low-k interlevel dielectric near the periphery of the integrated circuit device. The dielectric wall is of a different material than the low-k interlevel dielectric.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with greatly reduced backside chipping and cracking, as well as increased die strength, accommodation of compact assembly with a carrier such as another semiconductor chip, and resistance to package damage is provided by dicing chips from a wafer in a manner that chamfers edges of the chips. Similar advantages are obtained in multi-chip structure.

Abstract: A method and system for dicing a semiconductor wafer providing a structure with greatly reduced backside chipping and cracking, as well as increased die strength. Semiconductor chip structures obtained from wafers diced according to this invention are also encompassed.

Abstract: A method and system for dicing a semiconductor wafer providing a structure with greatly reduced backside chipping and cracking, as well as increased die strength. Semiconductor chip structures obtained from wafers diced according to this invention are also encompassed.

Abstract: A method for sorting integrated circuit chips. At least one physical defect is detected in the semiconductor chips. The semiconductor chips are sorted based upon the physical defect.