Abstract: In a pattern forming method, a stacked structure, including a bottom layer, a middle layer and a first mask layer, is formed. The middle layer includes a first cap layer, an intermediate layer and a second cap layer. The first mask layer is patterned by using a first resist pattern as an etching mask. The second cap layer is patterned by using the patterned first mask layer as an etching mask. A second mask layer is formed over the patterned second cap layer, and is patterned by using a second resist pattern as an etching mask. The second cap layer is patterned by using the patterned second mask layer as an etching mask. The intermediate layer and the first cap layer are patterned by using the patterned second cap layer as an etching mask. The bottom layer is patterned by using the patterned first cap layer as an etching mask.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip formed by a self-aligned litho-etch process. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a first plurality of shapes of an integrated chip layer arranged along a first direction at a first pitch. The first plurality of shapes include a first two shapes separated by a first end-to-end space along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A second plurality of shapes of the integrated chip layer are arranged along the first direction at a second pitch. The second plurality of shapes include a second two shapes separated by a second end-to-end space along the second direction. A ratio of the first end-to-end space to the second end-to-end space is approximately equal to 2.5:1.

Abstract: In a pattern forming method, a stacked structure, including a bottom layer, a middle layer and a first mask layer, is formed. The middle layer includes a first cap layer, an intermediate layer and a second cap layer. The first mask layer is patterned by using a first resist pattern as an etching mask. The second cap layer is patterned by using the patterned first mask layer as an etching mask. A second mask layer is formed over the patterned second cap layer, and is patterned by using a second resist pattern as an etching mask. The second cap layer is patterned by using the patterned second mask layer as an etching mask. The intermediate layer and the first cap layer are patterned by using the patterned second cap layer as an etching mask. The bottom layer is patterned by using the patterned first cap layer as an etching mask.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed. A dielectric layer is formed over an underlying layer. A first mask layer and a second mask layer are formed on the dielectric layer such that the first mask layer is interposed between the second mask layer and the dielectric layer. An opening is formed in the first mask layer, the second mask layer and the dielectric layer. Subsequently, the second mask layer is removed. The opening is extended and corners of the first mask layer are rounded. A conductive feature is formed in the extended opening.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a low-k (LK) dielectric layer over a substrate; a first conductive feature in the LK dielectric layer, wherein the first conductive feature has a first sidewall, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a first bottom surface contacting the LK dielectric layer; a first dielectric feature along an upper portion of the first sidewall, wherein a length of the first dielectric feature is at least 10 percent less than a length of the first sidewall; and a second dielectric feature along an upper portion of the second sidewall. The interconnect structure may also include a second conductive feature adjacent to the first conductive feature in the LK dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnect structure is provided. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the first dielectric layer. The method also includes applying a gas to the first dielectric layer adjacent to the opening, where after applying the gas to the first dielectric layer adjacent to the opening, a bottom surface of the opening has been planarized. The method also includes etching the first dielectric layer through the opening to expose a first contact underlying the first dielectric layer, and forming a conductive line in the opening.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnect structure is provided. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the first dielectric layer. The method also includes applying a gas to the first dielectric layer adjacent to the opening, where after applying the gas to the first dielectric layer adjacent to the opening, a bottom surface of the opening has been planarized. The method also includes etching the first dielectric layer through the opening to expose a first contact underlying the first dielectric layer, and forming a conductive line in the opening.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a low-k (LK) dielectric layer over a substrate; a first conductive feature in the LK dielectric layer, wherein the first conductive feature has a first sidewall, a second sidewall facing the first sidewall, and a first bottom surface contacting the LK dielectric layer; a first dielectric feature along an upper portion of the first sidewall, wherein a length of the first dielectric feature is at least 10 percent less than a length of the first sidewall; and a second dielectric feature along an upper portion of the second sidewall. The interconnect structure may also include a second conductive feature adjacent to the first conductive feature in the LK dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of performing a semiconductor fabrication process. The method may be performed by forming a spacer material having vertically extending segments along sidewalls of a masking layer and a horizontally extending segment connecting the vertically extending segments. A cut material is formed over a part of the horizontally extending segment, and the horizontally extending segment of the spacer material not covered by the cut material is removed. A layer under the masking layer is patterned according to the masking layer and the spacer material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip formed by a self-aligned litho-etch process. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a first plurality of shapes of an integrated chip layer arranged along a first direction at a first pitch. The first plurality of shapes include a first two shapes separated by a first end-to-end space along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A second plurality of shapes of the integrated chip layer are arranged along the first direction at a second pitch. The second plurality of shapes include a second two shapes separated by a second end-to-end space along the second direction. A ratio of the first end-to-end space to the second end-to-end space is approximately equal to 2.5:1.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of performing a semiconductor fabrication process. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a spacer material within openings in a first masking layer overlying a second masking layer, and forming a reverse material over a part of the spacer material. A first plurality of openings are formed within the spacer material. The first plurality of openings are separated by the reverse material. A second plurality of openings are formed within the first masking layer. The second plurality of openings are separated by the spacer material. The second masking layer is patterned according to the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method for forming via holes is provided. The method includes providing a substrate with an etch stop layer and a dielectric layer sequentially formed thereon. The method also includes etching the dielectric layer to form a first via hole of a first size and a second via hole of a second size within the dielectric layer by a plasma generated from an etch gas, until both the first via hole and the second via hole are reaching the etch stop layer. The etch gas includes CH2F2 and an auxiliary gas of N2 or O2.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing a self-aligned litho-etch (SALE) process. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a first cut layer over a hard mask having a first layer and an underlying second layer. A first plurality of openings are formed within the first layer and expose the second layer at a first plurality of positions. Two or more of the first plurality of openings are separated by the first cut layer. A spacer material is selectively formed onto sidewalls of the first plurality of openings within the first layer. A second plurality of openings are then formed within the first layer. The second plurality of openings are separated by a second cut layer including the spacer material and expose the second layer at a second plurality of positions. The second layer is etched according to the first layer and the spacer material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device that includes, a substrate; a first conductive line located over the substrate and extending along a first axis, the first conductive line having a first length and a first width, the first length being measured along the first axis; a second conductive line located over the first conductive line and extending along a second axis different from the first axis, the second conductive line having a second length and a second width, the second length being measured along the second axis; and a via coupling the first and second conductive lines, the via having an upper surface that contacts the second conductive line and a lower surface that contacts the first conductive line. The via has an approximately straight edge at the upper surface, the straight edge extending along the second axis and being substantially aligned with the second conductive line.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing a self-aligned litho-etch (SALE) process. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a first cut layer over a hard mask having a first layer and an underlying second layer. A first plurality of openings are formed within the first layer and expose the second layer at a first plurality of positions. Two or more of the first plurality of openings are separated by the first cut layer. A spacer material is selectively formed onto sidewalls of the first plurality of openings within the first layer. A second plurality of openings are then formed within the first layer. The second plurality of openings are separated by a second cut layer including the spacer material and expose the second layer at a second plurality of positions. The second layer is etched according to the first layer and the spacer material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of performing a semiconductor fabrication process. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a spacer material within openings in a first masking layer overlying a second masking layer, and forming a reverse material over a part of the spacer material. A first plurality of openings are formed within the spacer material. The first plurality of openings are separated by the reverse material. A second plurality of openings are formed within the first masking layer. The second plurality of openings are separated by the spacer material. The second masking layer is patterned according to the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing a self-aligned litho-etch (SALE) process. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a first cut layer over a substrate having a multi-layer hard mask with a first layer and an underlying second layer. A first plurality of openings, cut according to the first cut layer, are formed to expose the second layer at a first plurality of positions corresponding to a first plurality of shapes of a SALE design layer. A spacer material is deposited onto sidewalls of the multi-layer hard mask to form a second cut layer. A second plurality of openings, cut according to the second cut layer, are formed to expose the second layer at a second plurality of positions corresponding to a second plurality of shapes of the SALE design layer. The second layer is etched according to the first and second plurality of openings.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of forming the same are provided. An embodiment comprises a target layer and masking layers over the target layer. First openings are formed in the uppermost layer of the masking layers. Spacers are formed along sidewalls of the first openings, remaining first openings having a first pattern. Second openings are formed in the uppermost layer of the masking layers, the second openings having a second pattern. The first pattern and the second pattern are partially transferred to the target layer.

Abstract: A method includes exposing and developing a negative photo resist, and performing a treatment on the negative photo resist using an electron beam. After the treatment, a layer underlying the photo resist is etched using the negative photo resist as an etching mask.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of performing a self-aligned litho-etch (SALE) process. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a spacer material over a substrate having a multi-layer hard mask with a first layer and an underlying second layer to provide a first cut layer, and forming a reverse material over the spacer material to form a second cut layer. A second plurality of openings, cut according to the second cut layer, are formed to expose the second layer at a positions corresponding to a second plurality of shapes of a SALE design layer. A first plurality of openings, cut according to the first cut layer, are formed to expose the second layer at a positions corresponding to a first plurality of shapes of the SALE design layer. The second layer is etched according to the first and second plurality of openings.