Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a process for the fabrication of a semiconductor device. In some embodiments the semiconductor device comprises a patterned surface. The pattern can be formed from a self-assembled monolayer. The disclosed process provides self-assembled monolayers which can be deposited quickly, thereby increasing production throughput and decreasing cost, as well as providing a pattern having substantially uniform shape.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method produces a random half pitched interconnect layout. A first normal-pitch mask and a second normal-pitch mask are created from a metallization layout having random metal shapes. The lines and spaces of the first mask are printed at normal pitch and then the lines are shrunk to half pitch on mask material. First spacers are used to generate a half pitch dimension along the outside of the lines of the first mask. The mask material outside of the first spacer pattern is partially removed. The spacers are removed and the process is repeated with the second mask. The mask material remains at the locations of first set of spacers and/or the second set of spacers to create a half pitch interconnect mask with constant spaces.

Abstract: The inventive concept provides methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices having a fine pattern. In some embodiments, the methods comprise forming an etch-target film on a substrate, forming a first mask pattern on the etch-target film, forming a second mask pattern by performing an ion implantation process in the first mask pattern, and etching the etch-target film using the second mask pattern.

Abstract: A method for defining a template for directed self-assembly (DSA) materials includes patterning a resist on a stack including an ARC and a mask formed over a hydrophilic layer. A pattern is formed by etching the ARC and the mask to form template lines which are trimmed to less than a minimum feature size (L). Hydrophobic spacers are formed on the template lines and include a fractional width of L. A neutral brush layer is grafted to the hydrophilic layer. A DSA material is deposited between the spacers and annealed to form material domains in a form of alternating lines of a first and a second material wherein the first material in contact with the spacers includes a width less than a width of the lines. A metal is added to the domains forming an etch resistant second material. The first material and the spacers are removed to form a DSA template pattern.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a plurality of features of a semiconductor device includes providing a dielectric layer over a silicon layer, and etching the dielectric layer and the silicon layer to form a plurality of first apertures in the dielectric layer and the silicon layer, wherein adjacent apertures of the plurality of first apertures are set apart by a first pitch. The method further includes etching a plurality of second apertures in the dielectric layer, each aperture of the plurality of second apertures having a greater width than and centered about a respective aperture of the plurality of first apertures, implanting a plurality of dopants into the silicon layer aligned through the plurality of second apertures in the dielectric layer, wherein doped portions of the silicon layer are set apart by a second pitch less than the first pitch, and removing undoped portions of the silicon layer.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, methods and apparatus are provided for a semiconductor device having thin anti-reflective layer(s) operable to absorb radiation that may otherwise reflect off surfaces disposed inwardly from the anti-reflective layer(s). In a method embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a support structure outwardly from a substrate. The support structure has a first thickness and a first outer sidewall surface that is not parallel with the substrate. The first outer sidewall surface has a first minimum refractive index. The method further includes forming an anti-reflective layer outwardly from the first outer sidewall surface. The anti-reflective layer has: a second outer sidewall surface that is not parallel with the substrate, a second refractive index that is greater than the first minimum refractive index, and a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed, including for increasing the density of isolated features in an integrated circuit. Also disclosed are associated structures. In some embodiments, contacts are formed on pitch with other structures, such as conductive interconnects that may be formed by pitch multiplication. To form the contacts, in some embodiments, a pattern corresponding to some of the contacts is formed in a selectively definable material such as photoresist. Features in the selectively definable material are trimmed, and spacer material is blanket deposited over the features and the deposited material is then etched to leave spacers on sides of the features. The selectively definable material is removed, leaving a mask defined by the spacer material. The pattern defined by the spacer material may be transferred to a substrate, to form on pitch contacts. In some embodiments, the on pitch contacts may be used to electrically contact conductive interconnects in the substrate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for forming an interconnection pattern includes forming an insulating pattern, forming a self-assembled film, and forming a conductive layer. The insulating pattern has a side surface on a major surface of a matrix. The self-assembled film has an affinity with a material of the insulating pattern on the side surface of the insulating pattern. The forming the conductive layer includes depositing a conductive material on a side surface of the self-assembled film.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first pattern and a plurality of second patterns arranged at equal intervals. When the distance of the space between the first pattern and the second pattern closet to the first pattern is larger than a first distance, a plurality of dummy patterns are arranged in the space with shapes and intervals similar to those of the second patterns. When the distance of the space is equal to or less than the first distance and larger than a second distance, the dummy pattern is spaced from the second pattern closest to the first pattern, and extends toward the first pattern to be brought into contact with the first pattern. When the distance of the space is equal to or less than the second distance, the dummy pattern is spaced from the second pattern closest to the first pattern, and is connected to the first pattern.

Abstract: A process of forming an electronic device, by forming the source and drain contacts using photolithography, incorporating a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) over the electrical contacts to form an increased work function of the source and drain electrodes and further forming more favorable charge injection properties or within the channel region to improve film morphology and therefore improve charge transport. The SAM material is added to the photoresist stripper during a step of the photolithography process of forming electrical contacts.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a line-type active region and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes an active region configured in a successive line type, at least one active gate having a first width and crossing the active region, and an isolation gate having a second width different from the first width and being formed between the active gates. The isolation gate's width and the active gate's width are different from each other to guarantee a large storage node contact region, resulting in increased device operation characteristics (write characteristics).

Abstract: The present invention relates to lithographic apparatuses and processes, and more particularly to multiple patterning lithography for printing target patterns beyond the limits of resolution of the lithographic apparatus. Self-aligned assist pattern (SAP) is derived from original design layout in an automated manner using geometric Boolean operations based on some predefined design rules, and are included in the mask layout for efficient self-alignment of various sub-layouts of the target pattern during a multiple patterning lithography process. SAP can be of any shape and size, and can have continuous features (e.g., a ring), or discontinuous (e.g., bars not connected to each other) features. An end-to-end multiple patterning lithography using spacer and SAP may use positive tone lithography, and/or negative tone lithography for line and/or space printing.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming memory. A series of photoresist features may be formed over a gate stack, and a placeholder may be formed at an end of said series. The placeholder may be spaced from the end of said series by a gap. A layer may be formed over and between the photoresist features, over the placeholder, and within said gap. The layer may be anisotropically etched into a plurality of first vertical structures along edges of the photoresist features, and into a second vertical structure along an edge of the placeholder. A mask may be formed over the second vertical structure. Subsequently, the first vertical structures may be used to pattern string gates while the mask is used to pattern a select gate. Some embodiments include methods of forming conductive runners, and some embodiments may include semiconductor constructions.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a first and a second region, forming an etch target layer over the substrate, forming a hard mask layer over the etch target layer to have different thicknesses over the first and the second regions, forming a hard mask pattern by etching the hard mask layer, and etching the etch target layer using the hard mask pattern as an etch mask to form a target pattern having different densities over the first and the second regions.

Abstract: An approach for patterning and etching without a mask is provided in a manufacturing a thin-film transistor, a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, an ohmic contact layer and source metal layer of a substrate. A first photoresist pattern including a first photo pattern and a second photo pattern is formed using a digital exposure device by generating a plurality of spot beams, the first photo pattern is formed to a first region of the base substrate and has a first thickness, and the second photo pattern is formed to a second region adjacent to the first region, and has a second thickness and a width in a range of about 50% to about 60% of a diameter of the spot beam. The source metal layer is patterned to form a source electrode and a drain electrode, and the source electrode and the drain electrode are spaced apart from each other in the first region of an active pattern.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated device is disclosed. In an embodiment, a hard mask layer with a limited thickness is formed over a gate electrode layer. A treatment is provided to the hard mask layer to make the hard mask layer more resistant to a wet etch solution. Then, a patterning is provided on the treated hard mask layer and the gate electrode to from a gate structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of patterning features in a structure, such as a layer of material used in forming integrated circuit devices or in a semiconducting substrate, using a multiple sidewall image transfer technique. In one example, the method includes forming a first mandrel above a structure, forming a plurality of first spacers adjacent the first mandrel, forming a plurality of second mandrels adjacent one of the first spacers, and forming a plurality of second spacers adjacent one of the second mandrels. The method also includes performing at least one etching process to selectively remove the first mandrel and the second mandrels relative to the first spacers and the second spacers and thereby define an etch mask comprised of the first spacers and the second spacer and performing at least one etching process through the etch mask on the structure to define a plurality of features in the structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of depositing a dielectric layer over a semiconductor device, forming a plurality of trimmed hardmask structures at predetermined locations over the dielectric layer, embedding the plurality of trimmed hardmask structures in a surrounding hardmask layer, removing the plurality of trimmed hardmask structures to create a plurality of openings through the surrounding hardmask layer, and etching the dielectric layer through the plurality of openings to form a plurality of etch features therein.

Abstract: Methods of forming carbon nanotubes include forming a catalytic metal layer on a sidewall of an electrically conductive region, such as a metal or metal nitride pattern. A plurality of carbon nanotubes are grown from the catalytic metal layer. These carbon nanotubes can be grown from a sidewall of the catalytic metal layer. The plurality of carbon nanotubes are then exposed to an organic solvent. This step of exposing the carbon nanotubes to the organic solvent may be preceded by a step of applying centrifugal forces to the plurality of carbon nanotubes. Alternatively, the exposing step may include applying a centrifugal force to the plurality of carbon nanotubes while simultaneously exposing the plurality of carbon nanotubes to an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device which includes pixel electrodes and common electrodes which are alternatively arranged in each pixel defined on a substrate, including the steps of: forming a conductive film on the substrate; forming a mask layer, of which etching selection ratio is different from the conductive layer, on the conductive layer; forming a photo-resist pattern of a fixed pattern on the mask layer; forming a mask pattern, which has an undercut shape to the photo-resist pattern, by etching the mask layer by use of the photo-resist pattern as an etching mask; removing the photo-resist pattern; and etching the conductive film by use of the mask pattern as an etching mask, to provide at least any one of the common electrode and the pixel electrode.

Abstract: A single crystal silicon etching method includes providing a single crystal silicon substrate having at least one trench therein. The substrate is exposed to a buffered fluoride etch solution which undercuts the silicon to provide lateral shelves when patterned in the <100> direction. The resulting structure includes an undercut feature when patterned in the <100> direction.

Abstract: Methods of semiconductor device fabrication are disclosed. An exemplary method includes processes of depositing a first pattern on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the first pattern defines wide and narrow spaces; depositing spacer material over the first pattern on the substrate; etching the spacer material such that the spacer material is removed from horizontal surfaces of the substrate and the first pattern but remains adjacent to vertical surfaces of a wide space defined by the first pattern and remains within narrow a space defined by the first pattern; and removing the first pattern from the substrate. In one embodiment, the first pattern can comprise sacrificial material, which can include, for example, polysilicon material. The deposition can comprise physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, atomic layer deposition or other deposition techniques.

Abstract: A method of forming a concave-convex pattern according to an embodiment includes: forming a guide pattern on a base material, the guide pattern having a convex portion; forming a formative layer on the guide pattern, the formative layer including a stacked structure formed by stacking a first layer and a second layer, the first layer including at least one element selected from a first metal element and a metalloid element, the second layer including a second metal element different from the first metal element; selectively leaving the formative layer only at side faces of the convex portions by performing etching on the formative layer; removing the guide pattern; and forming the concave-convex pattern in the base material by performing etching on the base material, with the remaining formative layer being used as a mask.

Abstract: Composite films comprising two-dimensional hole arrays, and related methods of preparing hole arrays.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a microelectronic element having an air gap in a dielectric layer thereof. A dielectric cap layer can be formed which has a first portion overlying surfaces of metal lines, the first portion extending a first height above a height of a surface of the dielectric layer, and a second portion overlying the dielectric layer surface and extending a second height above the height of the surface of the dielectric layer, the second height being greater than the first height. After forming the cap layer, a mask can be formed over the cap layer. The mask exposes a surface of only the second portion of the cap layer which has the greater height. Subsequently, an etchant can be directed towards the first and second portions of the cap layer. Material can be removed from the dielectric layer where exposed to the etchant.

Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to methods of making semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to methods for making semiconductor pillar structures and increasing array feature pattern density using selective or directional gap fill. The technique has application to a variety of materials and can be applied to making monolithic two or three-dimensional memory arrays.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises patterning a layer of photoresist material to form a plurality of mandrels. The method further comprises depositing an oxide material over the plurality of mandrels by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The method further comprises anisotropically etching the oxide material from exposed horizontal surfaces. The method further comprises selectively etching photoresist material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first interconnection layers which are provided in an insulating layer and formed in a pattern having a width and space smaller than a resolution limit of an exposure technique, and a second interconnection layer which is provided between the first interconnection layers in the insulating layer and has a width larger than that of a first interconnection layer. A space between the second interconnection layer and each of first interconnection layers adjacent to both sides of the second interconnection layer equals the space between the first interconnection layers.

Abstract: A method for etching features in an etch layer. A conditioning for a patterned pseudo-hardmask of amorphous carbon or polysilicon disposed over the etch layer is provided, where the conditioning comprises providing a fluorine free deposition gas comprising a hydrocarbon gas, forming a plasma from the fluorine free deposition gas, providing a bias less than 500 volts, and forming a deposition on top of the patterned pseudo-hardmask. The etch layer is etched through the patterned pseudo-hardmask.

Abstract: A method of patterning a plurality of polysilicon structures includes forming a polysilicon layer over a semiconductor body, and patterning the polysilicon layer to form a first polysilicon structure using a first patterning process that reduces line-edge roughness (LER). The method further includes patterning the polysilicon layer to form a second polysilicon structure using a second patterning process that is different from the first patterning process after performing the first patterning process.

Abstract: A single crystal silicon etching method includes providing a single crystal silicon substrate having at least one trench therein. The substrate is exposed to a buffered fluoride etch solution which undercuts the silicon to provide lateral shelves when patterned in the <100> direction. The resulting structure includes an undercut feature when patterned in the <100> direction.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first interconnection layers which are provided in an insulating layer and formed in a pattern having a width and space smaller than a resolution limit of an exposure technique, and a second interconnection layer which is provided between the first interconnection layers in the insulating layer and has a width larger than that of a first interconnection layer. A space between the second interconnection layer and each of first interconnection layers adjacent to both sides of the second interconnection layer equals the space between the first interconnection layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate (1), comprising active components on the surface of said substrate, depositing a top layer (2) of dielectric material on the surface of said substrate or on other dielectric layers present on said surface, etching at least one first opening (7) at least through said top layer, filling said opening(s) at least with a first conductive material (8), and performing a first CMP step, to form said first conductive structures (3,26), etching at least one second opening (13) at least through said top layer, filling said opening(s) at least with a second conductive material (10), and performing a second CMP step, to form said second conductive structures (4,24), wherein the method comprises the step of depositing a common CMP stopping layer (5,25) on said dielectric top layer, before the steps of etching and filling said first opening(s), so that said same CMP stopping layer is

Abstract: Provided is a photolithography apparatus including a photomask. The photomask includes a pattern having a plurality of features, in an example, dummy line features. The pattern includes a first region being in the form of a localized on-grid array and a second region where at least one of the features has an increased width. The apparatus may include a second photomask which may define an active region. The feature with an increased width may be adjacent, and outside, the defined active region.

Abstract: Methods for producing self-aligned, self-assembled sub-ground-rule features without the need to use additional lithographic patterning. Specifically, the present disclosure allows for the creation of assist features that are localized and self-aligned to a given structure. These assist features can either have the same tone or different tone to the given feature.

Abstract: A method lor integrated circuit fabrication is disclosed. A spacer pattern is provided including a plurality ot spacers in an array region of a partially-fabricated integrated circuit. Each spacer is at least partly defined by opposing open volumes extending along lengths of the spacers. A pattern is subsequently defined in a periphery region of the partially-fabricated integrated circuit. A consolidated pattern is formed by concurrently transferring the spacer pattern and the pattern in the periphery region into an underlying masking layer. The consolidated pattern is transferred to an underlying substrate.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an opening is formed through a first material, and sidewall topography of the opening is utilized to form a pair of separate anistropically etched spacers. The spacers are utilized to pattern lines in material underlying the spacers. Some embodiments include constructions having one or more openings which contain steep sidewalls joining to one another at shallow sidewall regions. The constructions may also contain lines along and directly against the steep sidewalls, and spaced from one another by gaps along the shallow sidewall regions.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed, such as those involving increasing the density of isolated features in an integrated circuit. Also disclosed are structures associated with the methods. In one or more embodiments, contacts are formed on pitch with other structures, such as conductive interconnects. The interconnects may be formed by pitch multiplication. To form the contacts, in some embodiments, a pattern corresponding to some of the contacts is formed in a selectively definable material such as photoresist. The features in the selectively definable material are trimmed to desired dimensions. Spacer material is blanket deposited over the features in the selectively definable material and the deposited material is then etched to leave spacers on sides of the features. The selectively definable material is removed to leave a mask defined by the spacer material. The pattern defined by the spacer material may be transferred to a substrate, to form on pitch contacts.

Abstract: To make it possible to significantly suppress the leakage current in a semiconductor device having a capacitor structure using a dielectric film. There is provided a composite oxide dielectric which is mainly composed of Zr, Al and O, and which has a composition ratio of Zr and Al in a range of (1?x):x where 0.01?x?0.15, and has a crystal structure. When the dielectric is set to have the Al composition in the above described range and is crystallized, the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric can be significantly increased. When the dielectric is used as a dielectric film of a capacitor of a semiconductor device, the leakage current of the capacitor can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method of patterning a substrate that includes locating a single mask film over the substrate and forming first opening portions in first locations in the mask film. First electrical materials are deposited over the substrate and mask film to form patterned areas in the first locations. Second opening portions are formed in second locations different from the first locations in the mask film. Subsequently, second electrical materials are deposited over the substrate and mask film to form patterned areas in the first and second locations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging method for patterning component shapes (e.g., fins, gate electrodes, etc.) into a substrate. By conducting a trim step prior to performing either an additive or subtractive sidewall image transfer process, the method avoids the formation of a loop pattern in a hard mask and, thus, avoids a post-SIT process trim step requiring alignment of a trim mask to sub-lithographic features to form a hard mask pattern with the discrete segments. In one embodiment a hard mask is trimmed prior to conducting an additive SIT process so that a loop pattern is not formed. In another embodiment an oxide layer and memory layer that are used to form a mandrel are trimmed prior to the conducting a subtractive SIT process. A mask is then used to protect portions of the mandrel during etch back of the oxide layer so that a loop pattern is not formed.

Abstract: In a method for fabricating a fine pattern, a target layer to be patterned is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A sacrificial pattern is formed on the target layer. The sacrificial pattern includes first sacrificial patterns arranged at a first spacing, and second and third sacrificial patterns arranged in pairs at a second spacing less than the first spacing. A spacer having a first portion and a second portion is formed. The first portion is attached to sidewalls of the first sacrificial patterns, and the second portion is attached on both facing sides of the second and third sacrificial patterns to fill a gap defined by the second spacing. The second portion has a critical dimension greater than the first portion. The sacrificial pattern is selectively removed.

Abstract: A method of forming a patterned layer, including the steps of: (i) depositing via a liquid medium a first material onto a substrate to form a first body on said substrate; (ii) depositing via a liquid medium a second material onto said substrate to form a second body, wherein said first body is used to control said deposition of said second material so as to form a patterned structure including said first and second bodies; and (iii) using said patterned structure to control the removal of selected portions of a layer of material in a dry etching process or in a wet etching process using a bath of etchant.

Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to methods of making semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to methods for making semiconductor pillar structures and increasing array feature pattern density using selective or directional gap fill. The technique has application to a variety of materials and can be applied to making monolithic two or three-dimensional memory arrays.

Abstract: Methods involving the self-assembly of block copolymers are described herein, in which by beginning with openings (in one or more substrates) that have a targeted CD (critical dimension), holes are formed, in either regular arrays or arbitrary arrangements. Significantly, the percentage variation in the average diameter of the formed holes is less than the percentage variation of the average diameter of the initial openings. The formed holes (or vias) can be transferred into the underlying substrate(s), and these holes may then be backfilled with material, such as a metallic conductor. Preferred aspects of the invention enable the creation of vias with tighter pitch and better CD uniformity, even at sub-22 nm technology nodes.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming at least one layer over a substrate, forming at least two spaced apart features of imagable material over the at least one layer, forming sidewall spacers on the at least two features and filling a space between a first sidewall spacer on a first feature and a second sidewall spacer on a second feature with a filler feature. The method also includes selectively removing the sidewall spacers to leave the first feature, the filler feature and the second feature spaced apart from each other, and etching the at least one layer using the first feature, the filler feature and the second feature as a mask.

Abstract: A method of making a device includes forming a first hard mask layer over an underlying layer, forming first features over the first hard mask layer, forming a first spacer layer over the first features, etching the first spacer layer to form a first spacer pattern and to expose top of the first features, removing the first features, patterning the first hard mask using the first spacer pattern as a mask to form first hard mask features, removing the first spacer pattern. The method also includes forming second features over the first hard mask features, forming a second spacer layer over the second features, etching the second spacer layer to form a second spacer pattern and to expose top of the second features, removing the second features, etching the first hard mask features using the second spacer pattern as a mask to form second hard mask features, and etching at least part of the underlying layer using the second hard mask features as a mask.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for increasing alignment margins when contacting pitch multiplied interconnect lines with other conductive features in memory devices. The portions of the lines at the periphery of the memory device are formed at an angle and are widened relative to the portions of the lines in the array region of the memory device. The widened lines allow for an increased margin of error when overlaying other features, such as landing pads, on the lines. The possibility of contacting and causing electrical shorts with adjacent lines is thus minimized. In addition, forming the portions of the lines in the periphery at an angle relative to the portions of the lines in the array regions allows the peripheral portions to be widened while also allowing multiple landing pads to be densely packed at the periphery.

Abstract: Semiconductor device with a first structure comprising a plurality of at least in part parallel linear structures, a second structure comprising a plurality of pad structures, forming at least in part one of the group of linear structure, curved structure, piecewise linear structure and piecewise curved structure which is positioned at an angle to the first structure, and the plurality of pad structures are intersecting at least one of the linear structures in the first structure. An electronic device with at least one semiconductor device, methods for manufacturing a semiconductor device and a mask system are also covered.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming a mask layer over a substrate, forming a dummy layer having a first dummy feature and a second dummy feature over the mask layer, forming first and second spacer roofs to cover a top portion of the first and second dummy features, respectively, and forming first and second spacer sleeves to encircle side portions of the first and second dummy features, respectively, removing the first spacer roof and the first dummy feature while protecting the second dummy feature, removing a first end portion and a second end portion of the first spacer sleeve to form spacer fins, and patterning the mask layer using the spacer fins as a first mask element and the second dummy feature as a second mask element.