Abstract: Semiconductor devices and manufacturing methods thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a workpiece with a first region having a plurality of first features and a second region having a plurality of second features proximate the first region. The first region and the second region share a patterning overlap region disposed between the first region and the second region. The patterning overlap region includes a residue feature with an aspect ratio of about 4 or less.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having two different topography areas adjacent to each other. A step-forming material (SFM) is deposited over the substrate. A patterned SFM is formed in the low topography area of the two areas. The formation of the patterned SFM provides a fairly planar surface across over the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a photoresist layer on a semiconductor device is disclosed. An exemplary includes providing a wafer. The method further includes spinning the wafer during a first cycle at a first speed, while a pre-wet material is dispensed over the wafer and spinning the wafer during the first cycle at a second speed, while the pre-wet material continues to be dispensed over the wafer. The method further includes spinning the wafer during a second cycle at the first speed, while the pre-wet material continues to be dispensed over the wafer and spinning the wafer during the second cycle at the second speed, while the pre-wet material continues to be dispensed over the wafer. The method further includes spinning the wafer at a third speed, while a photoresist material is dispensed over the wafer including the pre-wet material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and composition to limit crystalline defects introduced in a semiconductor device during ion implantation. A high-temperature low dosage implant is performed utilizing a tri-layer photoresist which maintains the crystalline structure of the semiconductor device while limiting defect formation within the semiconductor device. The tri-layer photoresist comprises a layer of spin-on carbon deposited onto a substrate, a layer of silicon containing hard-mask formed above the layer of spin-on carbon, and a layer of photoresist formed above the layer of silicon containing hard-mask. A pattern formed in the layer of photoresist is sequentially transferred to the silicon containing hard-mask, then to the spin-on carbon, and defines an area of the substrate to be selectively implanted with ions.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method for processing a workpiece. In the method, a first photoresist layer is provided over the workpiece, wherein the first photoresist layer has a first photoresist tone. The first photoresist layer is patterned to provide a first opening exposing a first portion of the workpiece. A second photoresist layer is then provided over the patterned first photoresist layer, wherein the second photoresist layer has a second photoresist tone opposite the first photoresist tone. The second photoresist layer is then patterned to provide a second opening that at least partially overlaps the first opening to define a coincidentally exposed workpiece region. A treatment is then performed on the coincidentally exposed workpiece region. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described including forming a first photoresist feature and a second photoresist feature on a semiconductor substrate. A chemical material coating is formed on the semiconductor substrate. The chemical material coating interposes the first and second photoresist features. The semiconductor substrate is then rinsed; the rinsing removes the chemical material coating from the semiconductor substrate. The chemical material may mix with a residue disposed on the substrate between the first and second photoresist features. Removing the chemical material coating from the substrate may also remove the residue.

Abstract: A method includes forming a plurality of image sensors on a front side of a semiconductor substrate, and forming a dielectric layer on a backside of the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer is over the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer is patterned into a plurality of grid-filling regions, wherein each of the plurality of grid-filling regions overlaps one of the plurality of image sensors. A metal layer is formed on top surfaces and sidewalls of the plurality of grid-filling regions. The metal layer is etched to remove horizontal portions of the metal layer, wherein vertical portions of the metal layer remain after the step of etching to form a metal grid. A transparent material is filled into grid openings of the metal grid.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and manufacturing methods thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a workpiece with a first region having a plurality of first features and a second region having a plurality of second features proximate the first region. The first region and the second region share a patterning overlap region disposed between the first region and the second region. The patterning overlap region includes a residue feature with an aspect ratio of about 4 or less.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method for processing a workpiece. In the method, an anti-reflective coating layer is provided over the workpiece. A first patterned photoresist layer, which has a first photoresist tone, is provided over the anti-reflective coating layer. A second patterned photoresist layer, which has a second photoresist tone opposite the first photoresist tone, is provided over the first patterned photoresist layer. An opening extends through the first and second patterned photoresist layers to allow a treatment to be applied to the workpiece through the opening. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method for processing a workpiece. In the method, a first photoresist layer is provided over the workpiece, wherein the first photoresist layer has a first photoresist tone. The first photoresist layer is patterned to provide a first opening exposing a first portion of the workpiece. A second photoresist layer is then provided over the patterned first photoresist layer, wherein the second photoresist layer has a second photoresist tone opposite the first photoresist tone. The second photoresist layer is then patterned to provide a second opening that at least partially overlaps the first opening to define a coincidentally exposed workpiece region. A treatment is then performed on the coincidentally exposed workpiece region. Other embodiments are also disclosed.