Abstract: An approach to creating a semiconductor structure for a dielectric layer over a void area includes determining a location of a void area of the topographical semiconductor feature. A second dielectric layer is deposited on a first dielectric layer and a top surface of a topographical semiconductor feature. The second dielectric layer is patterned to one or more portions, wherein at least one portion of the patterned second dielectric layer is over the location of the void area of the topographical semiconductor feature. A first metal layer is deposited over the second dielectric layer, at least one portion of the first dielectric layer, and a portion of the top surface of the topographical semiconductor feature. A chemical mechanical polish of the first metal layer is performed, wherein the chemical mechanical polish reaches the top surface of at least one of the one or more portions of the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with low resistance conduction paths and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one low resistance conduction path on a wafer, and forming an electroplated seed layer in direct contact with the low resistance conduction path.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming a thin film resistor and terminal bond pad simultaneously. A method includes simultaneously forming a terminal bond pad on a terminal wire and a thin film resistor on two other wires.

Abstract: Structures and methods of making a dielectric region in a bulk silicon (Si) substrate of a mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) provide a high-Q passive resonator. Deep trenches within the bulk Si substrate in <100> directions are expanded by wet etching to form contiguous cavities, which are filled by Si oxide to form a dielectric region. The dielectric region enhances the quality (Q) of an overlying passive resonator, formed in metallization layers of the mixed-signal IC.

Abstract: Methods for planarizing layers of a material, such as a dielectric, and interconnect structures formed by the planarization methods. The method includes depositing a first dielectric layer on a top surface of multiple conductive features and on a top surface of a substrate between the conductive features. A portion of the first dielectric layer is selectively removed from the top surface of at least one of the conductive features without removing a portion the first dielectric layer that is between the conductive features. A second dielectric layer is formed on the top surface of the at least one of the conductive features and on a top surface of the first dielectric layer, and a top surface of the second dielectric layer is planarized. A layer operating as an etch stop is located between the top surface of at least one of the conductive features and the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Approaches for fabricating copper wires in integrated circuits are provided. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes forming a wire opening in a mask. The method also includes electroplating a conductive material in the wire opening. The method additionally includes forming a cap layer on the conductive material. The method further includes removing the mask. The method still further includes forming spacers on sides of the conductive material. The method additionally includes forming a dielectric film on surfaces of the cap layer and the sidewall spacers.

Abstract: An approach to creating a semiconductor structure for a dielectric layer over a void area includes determining a location of a void area of the topographical semiconductor feature. A second dielectric layer is deposited on a first dielectric layer and a top surface of a topographical semiconductor feature. The second dielectric layer is patterned to one or more portions, wherein at least one portion of the patterned second dielectric layer is over the location of the void area of the topographical semiconductor feature. A first metal layer is deposited over the second dielectric layer, at least one portion of the first dielectric layer, and a portion of the top surface of the topographical semiconductor feature. A chemical mechanical polish of the first metal layer is performed, wherein the chemical mechanical polish reaches the top surface of at least one of the one or more portions of the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Approaches for fabricating copper wires in integrated circuits are provided. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes forming a wire opening in a mask. The method also includes electroplating a conductive material in the wire opening. The method additionally includes forming a cap layer on the conductive material. The method further includes removing the mask. The method still further includes forming spacers on sides of the conductive material. The method additionally includes forming a dielectric film on surfaces of the cap layer and the sidewall spacers.

Abstract: Wire-bonded semiconductor structures using organic insulating material and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a metal wiring layer in an organic insulator layer. The method further includes forming a protective layer over the organic insulator layer. The method further includes forming a via in the organic insulator layer over the metal wiring layer. The method further includes depositing a metal layer in the via and on the protective layer. The method further includes patterning the metal layer with an etch chemistry that is damaging to the organic insulator layer.

Abstract: A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor using barrier layer metallurgy and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a bottom plate of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and a bonding pad using a single masking process. The method further includes forming a MIM dielectric on the bottom plate. The method further includes forming a top plate of the MIM capacitor on the MIM dielectric. The method further includes forming a solder connection on the bonding pad.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with low resistance conduction paths and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one low resistance conduction path on a wafer, and forming an electroplated seed layer in direct contact with the low resistance conduction path.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with low resistance conduction paths and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one low resistance conduction path on a wafer, and forming an electroplated seed layer in direct contact with the low resistance conduction path.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with low resistance conduction paths and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one low resistance conduction path on a wafer, and forming an electroplated seed layer in direct contact with the low resistance conduction path.

Abstract: Structures and methods of making a dielectric region in a bulk silicon (Si) substrate of a mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) provide a high-Q passive resonator. Deep trenches within the bulk Si substrate in <100> directions are expanded by wet etching to form contiguous cavities, which are filled by Si oxide to form a dielectric region. The dielectric region enhances the quality (Q) of an overlying passive resonator, formed in metallization layers of the mixed-signal IC.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with low resistance conduction paths and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one low resistance conduction path on a wafer, and forming an electroplated seed layer in direct contact with the low resistance conduction path.

Abstract: Approaches for fabricating copper wires in integrated circuits are provided. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes forming a wire opening in a mask. The method also includes electroplating a conductive material in the wire opening. The method additionally includes forming a cap layer on the conductive material. The method further includes removing the mask. The method still further includes forming spacers on sides of the conductive material. The method additionally includes forming a dielectric film on surfaces of the cap layer and the sidewall spacers.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures with an optical waveguide having a first segment at a first level and a second segment extending between the first level and a higher second level and further extending along the second level. Specifically, the waveguide comprises a first segment between first and second dielectric layers. The second dielectric layer has a trench, which extends through to the first dielectric layer and which has one side positioned laterally adjacent to an end of the first segment. The waveguide also comprises a second segment extending from the bottom of the trench on the side adjacent to the first segment up to and along the top surface of the second dielectric layer on the opposite side of the trench. A third dielectric layer covers the second segment in the trench and on the top surface of the second dielectric layer. Also disclosed are methods of forming such optoelectronic structures.

Abstract: A through silicon via (TSV), method and 3D integrated circuit are disclosed. The TSV extends through a substrate to a back side of the substrate and includes a body including a first metal for coupling to an interconnect on a front side of the substrate. A dielectric collar insulates the body from the substrate. The TSV also includes an end cap coupled to the body on the back side of the substrate, the end cap including a second metal that is different than the first metal. The end cap acts as a grinding stop indicator during back side grinding for 3D integration processing, preventing damage to the dielectric collar and first metal (e.g., copper) contamination of the substrate.

Abstract: Structures and methods of making a dielectric region in a bulk silicon (Si) substrate of a mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) provide a high-Q passive resonator. Deep trenches within the bulk Si substrate in <100> directions are expanded by wet etching to form contiguous cavities, which are filled by Si oxide to form a dielectric region. The dielectric region enhances the quality (Q) of an overlying passive resonator, formed in metallization layers of the mixed-signal IC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor chip having a dual damascene insulated wire and insulated through-substrate via (TSV) structure and methods of forming the chip. The methods incorporate a dual damascene technique wherein a trench and via opening are formed in dielectric layers above a substrate such that the trench is above a first via and the via opening is positioned adjacent to the first via and extends vertically from the trench and into the substrate. Dielectric spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the trench and via opening. A metal layer is deposited to form an insulated wire in the trench and an insulated TSV in the via opening. Thus, the insulated wire electrically connects the insulated TSV to the first via and, thereby to an on-chip device or lower metal level wire below. Subsequently, the substrate is thinned to expose the insulated TSV at the bottom surface of the substrate.