Abstract: A method for forming a scribe line on a semiconductor wafer including the steps of: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate; and (b) sequentially providing a plurality of layers over the semiconductor substrate of alternating conductive and insulating types, where each of the layers is provided with an elongated opening is formed relative to a desired scribe line position, and where the openings of at least some of the plurality of layers are wider than openings of preceding layers such that at least one sidewall of a completed scribe line has a pronounced slope extending outwardly from its base. The structure of the present invention is, therefore, a scribe line having sloped sidewalls that greatly reduces scribe line contamination problems and enhances planarization during subsequent spin-on-material processes. The scribe lines can either be elongated openings in the layers, or an elongated mesa formed in the layers.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having a semiconductor substrate and an anti-fuse structure formed on the semiconductor substrate. The anti-fuse structure includes a metal-one layer and an anti-fuse layer disposed above the metal-one layer. The anti-fuse layer has a first resistance value when the anti-fuse structure is unprogrammed and a second resistance value lower than the first resistance value when the anti-fuse structure is programmed. There is further provided an etch stop layer disposed above the anti-fuse layer, and an inter-metal oxide layer disposed above the etch stop layer with the inter-metal oxide layer has a via formed therein. Additionally, there is further provided a metal-two layer disposed above the inter-metal oxide layer. In this structure, a portion of the metal-two layer is in electrical contact with the anti-fuse layer through the via in the inter-metal oxide layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a scribe line on a semiconductor wafer including the steps of: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate; and (b) sequentially providing a plurality of layers over the semiconductor substrate of alternating conductive and insulating types, where each of the layers is provided with an elongated opening is formed relative to a desired scribe line position, and where the openings of at least some of the plurality of layers are wider than openings of preceding layers such that at least one sidewall of a completed scribe line has a pronounced slope extending outwardly from its base. The structure of the present invention is, therefore, a scribe line having sloped sidewalls that greatly reduces scribe line contamination problems and enhances planarization during subsequent spin-on-material processes. The scribe lines can either be elongated openings in the layers, or an elongated mesa formed in the layers.

Abstract: A system for evacuating a reactor chamber includes a main evacuation line connected at one end thereof to the reactor chamber and at another end thereof to a means for creating a partial vacuum. A valve in the main evacuation line divides the line into a chamber side and a vacuum side. A second line is connected at one end to the vacuum side of the main evacuation line and at another end to a fluid supply source. As the valve in the main evacuation line is opened, fluid is supplied through the second line to the main evacuation line to prevent rapid, turbulence-inducing pressure drops in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: An improved method for forming vias in an anti-fuse semiconductor device through an oxide layer to an underlying metallic layer. A wet etch is performed on the oxide layer at selected regions where vias are to be formed. The wet etch is controlled such that a first recessed area is formed in the oxide layer at the selected regions. The first recessed area formed by the wet etch extends only partially through the oxide layer towards the underlying metallic layer. Additionally, the first recessed area is formed having a smoothly shaped contour. Next, a dry etch is performed on the oxide layer at the selected regions where the vias are to be formed. The dry etch is performed within the first recessed area. The second recessed area has a smaller cross sectional area than the first recessed area such that the second recessed area is peripherally bordered by the first recessed area.

Abstract: A method for removing excess spacer material in the link vias and open areas of an anti-fuse structure without thinning the anti-fuse layer in the vias by overetching. In an anti-fuse structure, a spacer layer is deposited on an anti-fuse layer where vias in the structure cause a thinner layer of spacer material to be deposited in the vias. A first etch of the spacer layer is accomplished to provide protective spacers in the vias. The etch completely removes the thinner section of the spacer material between the spacers in the vias without overetch, while some spacer material portions remain on the other, open areas of the anti-fuse structure. Designated fuse vias are masked and a second etch of the leftover spacer material is accomplished. This method removes excess spacer material from link vias and other areas around the fuse vias and prevents the anti-fuse layer in the fuse vias from thinning from overetching procedures.