Abstract: Treating a low-k dielectric layer (104) using a highly oxidizing wet solution (e.g., H2O2) to improve patterning. Resist poisoning occurs due to an interaction between low-k films (104), such as OSG, and DUV resist (130,132). The wet treatment is performed to either pre-treat a low-k dielectric (104) before forming the pattern (130,132) or during a rework of the pattern (130,132) to reduce resist poisoning.

Abstract: A carbon hardmask (122) for etching hard-to-etch materials (110/112/114) such as Pt, Ir, Ru, IrO2, RuO2, BST, PZT, SBT, FeNi, and FeNiCo and other used in DRAMs, FeRAMs, and magnetic storage devices. Chemically assisted physical sputter etching using argon and limited or no oxygen may be used to etch the hard-to-etch materials (110/112/114) with high selectivity to the carbon hardmask (122).

Abstract: An embodiment of the instant invention is a method of forming a conductive contact to a top electrode (308 and 310 of FIG. 4d) of a ferroelectric capacitor comprised of a bottom electrode (304 of FIG. 4d) situated under the top electrode and a ferroelectric material (306 of FIG. 4d) situated between the top electrode and the bottom electrode, the method comprising the steps of: forming a layer (408 or 312 of FIG. 4) over the top electrode; forming an opening (414 of FIG. 4d) in the layer to expose a portion of the top electrode by etching the opening into the layer using a hydrogen-free etchant; and depositing conductive material (432 of FIG. 4d) in the opening to form an electrical connection with the top electrode.

Abstract: A via etch to contact a capacitor with ferroelectric between electrodes together with dielectric on an insulating diffusion barrier includes two-step etch with F-based dielectric etch and Cl- and F-based barrier etch.

Abstract: An embodiment of the instant invention is a ferroelectric capacitor formed over a semiconductor substrate, the ferroelectric capacitor comprising: a bottom electrode formed over the semiconductor substrate, the bottom electrode comprised of a bottom electrode material (304 of FIG. 4a); a top electrode formed over the bottom electrode and comprised of a first electrode material (306 and 308 of FIG. 4a); a ferroelectric material (306 of FIG. 4a) situated between the top electrode and the bottom electrode; and a hardmask formed on the top electrode and comprising a bottom hardmask layer (402 of FIG. 4a) and a top hardmask layer (408 of FIG.

Abstract: A via etch to contact a capacitor with ferroelectric between electrodes together with dielectric on an insulating diffusion barrier includes two-step etch with F-based dielectric etch and Cl- and F-based barrier etch.

Abstract: A method to reduce the effective recess in conductive plugs 220 by performing an oxide etch or oxide CMP, selective to the conductive material in question. This method can be used for any conductive plug 220 (e.g. aluminum, tungsten, copper, titanium nitride, etc.). In addition, this method is also applicable in contact, via, and trench (damascene) applications. Furthermore, this process can advantageously be used in logic, SRAM, and DRAM applications.

Abstract: A method for etching a platinum surface 200. The method includes the step of forming a hardmask 202 including titanium, aluminum, and nitrogen on the platinum surface. The hardmask covers portions of the platinum surface. The method further includes removing platinum from uncovered portions of the surface with a plasma including a nitrogen-bearing species. The etch chemistry may also comprise an oxygen-bearing species.

Abstract: A method for etching a feature in a platinum layer 834 overlying a second material 818 without substantially etching the second material. The method includes the the steps of: forming an adhesion-promoting layer 824 between the platinum layer and the second material; forming a hardmask layer 829 over the platinum layer; patterning and etching the hardmask layer in accordance with desired dimensions of the feature; and etching portions of the platinum layer not covered by the hardmask layer 832, the etching stopping on the adhesion-promoting layer. In further embodiments the adhesion-promoting and hardmask layers are Ti--Al--N including at least 1% of aluminum.

Abstract: A high-selectivity via etching process. The process includes the steps of: forming an etchstop layer 840 of a material selected from the group consisting of Ti--Al, Ti--Al--N, Ta--Al, Al--N, Ti--Al/Ti--N, Ti--Al--N/Ti--N, Ta--Al/Ti--N, and Ti--Al/Ti--Al--N; forming a dielectric layer over the etchstop layer; and etching the dielectric layer with a fluorine-bearing etchant.

Abstract: An ultimate low k (k=1) gap structure for high speed logic devices in which the sidewalls fully or partially cover the gaps between the interconnects by dry etching the already formed aluminum interconnects after the photoresist has been stripped. This method is particularly useful for the subsequent deposition of silicon dioxide and for forming air gaps.