Abstract: A method for forming a TSV layout reduces recessing in a silicon nitride layer caused by forming the TSV through a silicon nitride layer having an intrinsic tensile stress or neutral stress. In one embodiment, the method includes compensating for the tensile stressed silicon nitride layer by either moving the TSV location to an area of intrinsic tensile stress, or by substituting a compressively stressed silicon nitride layer in the area of the TSV. The compressively stressed silicon nitride layer experiences less recessing during a TSV etch process than a silicon nitride layer under tensile stress. The smaller recesses are more readily filled when a dielectric liner is applied to the sidewalls of the TSV, reducing the possibility of voids being formed. Also, the smaller recesses require smaller exclusion zones, resulting in less surface area of an integrated circuit being used for the TSVs, as well as greater reliability and improved yields.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods for etching a substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a substrate temperature target profile that corresponds to a uniform deposition rate of etch by-products on a substrate, preferentially regulating a temperature of a first portion of a substrate support relative to a second portion of the substrate support to obtain the substrate temperature target profile on the substrate, and etching the substrate on the preferentially regulated substrate support. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate in a processing chamber having a selectable distribution of species within the processing chamber and a substrate support with lateral temperature control, wherein a temperature profile induced by the substrate support and a selection of species distribution comprise a control parameter set, etching a first layer of material and etching a second layer of material respectively using different control parameter sets.

Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device is provided, comprising (a) providing a semiconductor structure comprising a first gate electrode (210); (b) forming a first set of organic spacers (213) adjacent to said first electrode; (c) depositing a first photo mask (215) over the structure; and (d) simultaneously removing the first set of organic spacers and the first photo mask.

Abstract: A method for forming a TSV layout reduces recessing in a silicon nitride layer caused by forming the TSV through a silicon nitride layer having an intrinsic tensile stress or neutral stress. In one embodiment, the method includes compensating for the tensile stressed silicon nitride layer by either moving the TSV location to an area of intrinsic tensile stress, or by substituting a compressively stressed silicon nitride layer in the area of the TSV. The compressively stressed silicon nitride layer experiences less recessing during a TSV etch process than a silicon nitride layer under tensile stress. The smaller recesses are more readily filled when a dielectric liner is applied to the sidewalls of the TSV, reducing the possibility of voids being formed. Also, the smaller recesses require smaller exclusion zones, resulting in less surface area of an integrated circuit being used for the TSVs, as well as greater reliability and improved yields.

Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device is provided, comprising (a) providing a semiconductor structure comprising a first gate electrode (210); (b) forming a first set of organic spacers (213) adjacent to said first electrode; (c) depositing a first photo mask (215) over the structure; and (d) simultaneously removing the first set of organic spacers and the first photo mask.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method comprises exposing a substrate 30 to an energized process gas to remove residue 60 and resist material 50 from the substrate 30. In one version, the process gas comprises cleaning gas, such as an oxygen-containing gas, and an additive gas, such as NH3. In one version, the process gas is introduced to remove residue 60 and resist material 50 from the substrate and to remove residue from surfaces in the process chamber 75.