Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide nanopore devices, such as nanopore sensors and/or other nanofluidic devices. In one or more embodiments, a nanopore device contains a substrate, an optional lower protective oxide layer disposed on the substrate, a membrane disposed on the lower protective oxide layer, and an optional upper protective oxide layer disposed on the membrane. The membrane has a pore and contains silicon nitride. The silicon nitride has a nitrogen to silicon ratio of about 0.98 to about 1.02 and the membrane has an intrinsic stress value of about ?1,000 MPa to about 1,000 MPa. The nanopore device also contains a channel extending through at least the substrate, the lower protective oxide layer, the membrane, the upper protective oxide layer, and the upper protective silicon nitride layer.

Abstract: Exemplary semiconductor processing methods include forming a via in a semiconductor structure. The via may be defined in part by a bottom surface and a sidewall surface formed in the semiconductor structure around the via. The methods may also include depositing a tantalum nitride (TaN) layer on the bottom surface of the via. In embodiments, the TaN layer may be deposited at a temperature less than or about 200° C. The methods may still further include depositing a titanium nitride (TiN) layer on the TaN layer. In embodiments, the TiN layer may be deposited at a temperature greater than or about 300° C. The methods may additionally include depositing a fill-metal on the TiN layer in the via. In embodiments, the metal may be deposited at a temperature greater than or about 300° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of forming solid state dual pore sensors which may be used for biopolymer sequencing and dual pore sensors formed therefrom. In one embodiment, a method of forming a dual pore sensor includes providing a pattern in a surface of a substrate. Generally, the pattern features two fluid reservoirs separated by a divider wall. The method further includes depositing a layer of sacrificial material into the two fluid reservoirs, depositing a membrane layer, patterning two nanopores through the membrane layer, removing the sacrificial material from the two fluid reservoirs, and patterning one or more fluid ports and a common chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of forming solid state dual pore sensors which may be used for biopolymer sequencing and dual pore sensors formed therefrom. In one embodiment, a dual pore sensor features a substrate having a patterned surface comprising two recessed regions spaced apart by a divider wall and a membrane layer disposed on the patterned surface. The membrane layer, the divider wall, and one or more surfaces of each of the two recessed regions collectively define a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir. A first nanopore is disposed through a portion of the membrane layer disposed over the first fluid reservoir and a second nanopore is disposed through a portion of the membrane layer disposed over the second fluid reservoir. Herein, opposing surfaces of the divider wall are sloped to each form an angle of less than 90° with a respective reservoir facing surface of the membrane layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide nanopore devices, such as nanopore sensors and/or other nanofluidic devices. In one or more embodiments, a nanopore device contains a substrate, an optional lower protective oxide layer disposed on the substrate, a membrane disposed on the lower protective oxide layer, and an optional upper protective oxide layer disposed on the membrane. The membrane has a pore and contains silicon nitride. The silicon nitride has a nitrogen to silicon ratio of about 0.98 to about 1.02 and the membrane has an intrinsic stress value of about ?1,000 MPa to about 1,000 MPa. The nanopore device also contains a channel extending through at least the substrate, the lower protective oxide layer, the membrane, the upper protective oxide layer, and the upper protective silicon nitride layer.

Abstract: Three reference resistors of the same resistance and a test structure are connected in a circuit having a Wheatstone Bride design. The circuit is electrically coupled between an input and ground. A voltage applied at the input resulting in an electrical characteristic difference between two midpoints of the circuit indicates the need for corrective action with respect to a design of the test structure for either OPC or etch bias.

Abstract: Three reference resistors of the same resistance and a test structure are connected in a circuit having a Wheatstone Bride design. The circuit is electrically coupled between an input and ground. A voltage applied at the input resulting in an electrical characteristic difference between two midpoints of the circuit indicates the need for corrective action with respect to a design of the test structure for either OPC or etch bias.

Abstract: At least one method, apparatus, and system for determining a distance between layers of a semiconductor device and, if desired, modifying a semiconductor device manufacturing process in view of the determined distance. The system comprises and the methods make use of a test circuit comprising a resistor, at least one of an inductor and a capacitor, a first terminal and a second terminal each configured to electrically connect to a first layer circuit and a second layer circuit of a semiconductor device.