Abstract: Non-volatile resistive-switching memories formed using anodization are described. A method for forming a resistive-switching memory element using anodization includes forming a metal containing layer, anodizing the metal containing layer at least partially to form a resistive switching metal oxide, and forming a first electrode over the resistive switching metal oxide. In some examples, an unanodized portion of the metal containing layer may be a second electrode of the memory element.

Abstract: A method for the separation of multiple dies during semiconductor fabrication is described. On an upper surface of a semiconductor wafer containing multiple dies, metal layers are deposited everywhere except where a block of stop electroplating material exists. The stop electroplating material is obliterated, and a barrier layer is formed above the entire remaining structure. A sacrificial metal element is added above the barrier layer, and then the substrate is removed. After the semiconductor material between the individual dies is eradicated, any desired bonding pads and patterned circuitry are added to the semiconductor surface opposite the sacrificial metal element, a passivation layer is added to this surface, and then the sacrificial metal element is removed. Tape is added to the now exposed barrier layer, the passivation layer is removed, the resulting structure is flipped over, and the tape is expanded to separate the individual dies.

Abstract: An electrolytic plating method and composition for electrolytically plating Cu onto a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate having submicron-sized interconnect features. The composition comprises a source of Cu ions and a suppressor compound comprising polyether groups. The method involves superfilling by rapid bottom-up deposition at a superfill speed by which Cu deposition in a vertical direction from the bottoms of the features to the top openings of the features is substantially greater than Cu deposition on the side walls.

Abstract: A method forms a micropad to an external contact of a first semiconductor device. A stud of copper is formed over the external contact. The stud extends above a surface of the first semiconductor device. The stud of copper is immersed in a solution of tin. The tin replaces at least 95 percent of the copper of the stud and preferably more than 99 percent. The result is a tin micropad that has less than 5 percent copper by weight. Since the micropad is substantially pure tin, intermetallic bonds will not form during the time while the micropads of the first semiconductor device are not bonded. Smaller micropad dimensions result since intermetallic bonds do not form. When the first semiconductor device is bonded to an overlying second semiconductor device, the bond dimensions do not significantly increase the height of stacked chips.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a low cost solar cell using a novel electroplating apparatus and method to form a metal contact structure having metal lines formed using an electrochemical plating process. The apparatus and methods described herein remove the need to perform the often costly processing steps of performing a mask preparation and formation steps, such as screen printing, lithographic steps and inkjet printing steps, to form a contact structure. The resistance of interconnects formed in a solar cell device greatly affects the efficiency of the solar cell. It is thus desirable to form a solar cell device that has a low resistance connection that is reliable and cost effective. Therefore, one or more embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted to form a low cost and reliable interconnecting layer using an electrochemical plating process containing a common metal, such as copper.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a through electrode. While using at least a first conductive film for a gate electrode as a mask, an inner trench and a peripheral trench is formed. The Inner trench is provided for an inner through electrode having a columnar semiconductor. The peripheral trench is provided for a peripheral through electrode around an annular semiconductor surrounding the inner trench. The inner trench and the peripheral trench are filled with a through electrode insulation film and a through electrode conductive film, respectively, to form an inner through electrode and a peripheral through electrode.

Abstract: A method of plating a plurality of semiconductor devices includes: applying an electrical power source to an anode terminal and a cathode terminal; placing the plurality of semiconductor devices on a non-conductive platform in a plating solution; moving conductive parts across surfaces of the semiconductor devices to be plated, wherein the conductive parts electrically connect the surfaces of the semiconductor devices to the cathode; and wherein plating particles connected to the anode terminal move to and plate the surfaces of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Metal seed layers are deposited on a semiconductor substrate having recessed features by a method that involves at least three operations. In this method, a first layer of metal is deposited onto the substrate to cover at least the bottom portions of the recessed features. The first layer of metal is subsequently redistributed to improve sidewall coverage of the recessed features. Next, a second layer of metal is deposited on at least the field region of the substrate and on the bottom portions of the recessed features. The method can be implemented using a PVD apparatus that allows deposition and resputtering operations. This sequence of operations can afford seed layers with improved step coverage. It also leads to decreased formation of voids in interconnects, and to improved resistance characteristics of formed IC devices.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a three-dimensional flash memory cell and method of forming the same that may be improve the uniformity of flash memory cell by removing a width difference of a polysilicon pattern when forming a floating gate of flash memory device, to thereby improve the reliability of semiconductor device. The process may be simplified due to the self-alignment in the step of forming the polysilicon pattern, which may improve the yield.

Abstract: A metal is deposited onto a surface electrochemically using a deposition solution including a metal salt. In making a composite nanostructure, the solution further includes an enhancer that promotes electrochemical deposition of the metal on the nanostructure. In a method of forming catalyzing nanoparticles, the metal preferentially deposits on a selected location of a surface that is exposed through a mask layer instead of on unexposed surfaces. A composite nanostructure apparatus includes an array of nanowires and the metal deposited on at least some nanowire surfaces. Some of the nanowires are heterogeneous, branched and include different adjacent axial segments with controlled axial lengths. In some deposition solutions, the enhancer one or both of controls oxide formation on the surface and causes metal nanocrystal formation. The deposition solution further includes a solvent that carries the metal salt and the enhancer.

Abstract: Technologies related to forming metal lines of a semiconductor device are disclosed. A method of forming metal lines of a semiconductor device may include forming at least one interlayer insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming via holes and trenches in the at least one interlayer insulating layer, forming an anti-diffusion film on the via holes and the trenches, depositing a seed Cu layer on the anti-diffusion film, after the seed Cu layer is deposited, depositing rhodium (Rh), and forming Cu line on the deposited Rh. The Rh improves an adhesive force between Cu layers and prevents oxide materials or a corrosion phenomenon from occurring on the seed Cu layer. Accordingly, occurrence of delamination in subsequent processes (for example, annealing and CMP) can be prevented or reduced.

Abstract: An improved semiconductor device interconnect structure comprising a dielectric layer recessed with respect to the conductive interconnect features. This structure and method reduces embedded metallic residues from CMP scratches and metal cap applications and provides improved mechanical integrity at the capping layer/liner/dielectric interface.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for forming vertical conductive structures by electroplating. Specifically, a template structure is first formed, which includes a substrate, a discrete metal contact pad located on the substrate surface, an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer over both the discrete metal contact pad and the substrate, and a metal via structure extending through the ILD layer onto the discrete metal contact pad. Next, a vertical via is formed in the template structure, which extends through the ILD layer onto the discrete metal contact pad. A vertical conductive structure is then formed in the vertical via by electroplating, which is conducted by applying an electroplating current to the discrete metal contact pad through the metal via structure. Preferably, the template structure comprises multiple discrete metal contact pads, multiple metal via structures, and multiple vertical vias for formation of multiple vertical conductive structures.

Abstract: A semiconductor package and a method for manufacturing the same capable of supplying power easily without an increase in the number of pads for power supply. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a plurality of pads including pads for power supply disposed in a center portion and an internal wiring disposed to be exposed to outside; an insulating film formed on the semiconductor to expose the pads for power supply and the internal wirings; and re-distribution lines formed on the insulating film to connect between the exposed portions of the pads for power supply and the internal wiring.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer having multi-layer metallization structures that are fabricated to include embedded interconnection structures which serve as low-resistance electroplating current paths to conduct bulk electroplating current fed to portions of a metallic seed layer at peripheral surface regions of the wafer to portions of the metallic seed layer at inner/central surface regions of the semiconductor wafer to achieve uniformity in metal plating in chip regions across the wafer.

Abstract: A method forms a micropad to an external contact of a first semiconductor device. A stud of copper is formed over the external contact. The stud extends above a surface of the first semiconductor device. The stud of copper is immersed in a solution of tin. The tin replaces at least 95 percent of the copper of the stud and preferably more than 99 percent. The result is a tin micropad that has less than 5 percent copper by weight. Since the micropad is substantially pure tin, intermetallic bonds will not form during the time while the micropads of the first semiconductor device are not bonded. Smaller micropad dimensions result since intermetallic bonds do not form. When the first semiconductor device is bonded to an overlying second semiconductor device, the bond dimensions do not significantly increase the height of stacked chips.

Abstract: A slit forming process with respect to a coated film, includes: forming a step pattern having an end part on a substrate; coating a liquid material for forming a coated film on the substrate in the manner of covering at least the end part of the step pattern; and forming the coated film by drying the coated liquid material, together with forming a slit at a position corresponding to the end part of the step pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes the steps of forming an interlayer insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, selectively patterning the interlayer insulating layer to form a contact hole, depositing a first metal on an inner surface of the contact hole, submerging the semiconductor substrate on which the first metal is deposited into an electrochemical plating (ECP) solution bath in which a second metal is dissolved, dissolving the first metal in the ECP solution bath, plating the first and second metals dissolved in the ECP solution bath at the same time to gap-fill an alloy of the first and second metals in the contact hole, and removing the alloy using the interlayer insulating layer as an end point in a CMP process to form an alloy interconnection.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wiring substrate by an electroless plating method that precipitates metal without using a plating resist is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a catalyst layer having a predetermined pattern on a substrate; (b) dipping the substrate in an electroless plating solution to thereby precipitate metal on the catalyst layer to provide a first metal layer; (c) washing a top surface of the substrate with water; and (d) dipping the substrate in an electroless plating solution to thereby precipitate metal on the first metal layer to provide a second metal layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor package substrate and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. An insulating layer has a plurality of blind vias to expose inner traces underneath the insulating layer. A conductive film is formed on the insulating layer and over the bind vias. A first resist is formed on the conductive film, having openings to expose parts of the conductive film. A patterned trace layer including a plurality of contact pads is formed in the openings and the blind vias to form conductive vias, with at least one contact pad electrically connected to one conductive via. A second resist is formed on the patterned trace layer without covering the contact pads. A metal barrier layer is formed on the contact pads. Finally, the first and second resists and parts of the conductive film covered the first resist are removed.

Abstract: A selective electroless plating operation provides for the selective deposition of a metal film only on exposed silicon surfaces of a semiconductor substrate and not on other surfaces such as dielectric surfaces. The plating solution includes metal ions and advantageously also includes dopant impurity ions. The pure metal or metal alloy film formed on the exposed silicon surfaces is then heat treated to form a metal silicide on the exposed silicon surfaces and to drive the dopant impurities to the interface formed between the exposed silicon surfaces and the metal silicide film.

Abstract: Described is a method for forming a stackable interconnect. The interconnect is formed by depositing a first contact on a substrate; depositing a seed layer (SL) on the substrate; depositing a metal mask layer (MML) on the SL; depositing a bottom anti-reflection coating (BARC) on the MML; forming a photoresist layer (PR) on the BARC; removing a portion of the PR; etching the BARC and the MML to expose the SL; plating the exposed SL to form a first plated plug; removing the layers to expose the SL; removing an unplated portion of the SL; depositing an inter layer dielectric (ILD) on the interconnect; etching back the ILD to expose the first plated plug; and depositing a second contact on the first plated plug. Using the procedures described above, a second plated plug is then formed on the first plated plug to form the stackable plugged via interconnect.

Abstract: A method is provided for depositing a conductive material in a sub-micron recessed feature formed on a substrate. The method begins by depositing a barrier layer over a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate while under a vacuum of the type found in a vacuum chamber. A catalytic layer is deposited over the barrier layer without breaking the vacuum. A conductive material layer is deposited over the catalytic layer by electroless deposition.

Abstract: A method of plating a plurality of semiconductor devices includes: applying an electrical power source to an anode terminal and a cathode terminal; placing the plurality of semiconductor devices on a non-conductive platform in a plating solution; moving conductive parts across surfaces of the semiconductor devices to be plated, wherein the conductive parts electrically connect the surfaces of the semiconductor devices to the cathode; and wherein plating particles connected to the anode terminal move to and plate the surfaces of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method of fabricating and separating semiconductor structures comprises the steps of: (a) partially forming a semiconductor structure attached to a support structure, the partially formed semiconductor structure comprising a plurality of partially formed devices, where the partially formed devices are attached to one another by at least one connective layer; (b) forming a partial mask layer over at least a part of the partially formed devices; (c) etching the connective layer to separate the devices; and (d) removing the partial mask layer. Advantages of the invention include higher yield than conventional techniques. In addition, less expensive equipment can be used to separate the devices. The result is a greater production of devices per unit of time and per dollar.

Abstract: A method for the separation of multiple dies during semiconductor fabrication is described. On an upper surface of a semiconductor wafer containing multiple dies, metal layers are deposited everywhere except where a block of stop electroplating material exists. The stop electroplating material is obliterated, and a barrier layer is formed above the entire remaining structure. A sacrificial metal element is added above the barrier layer, and then the substrate is removed. After the semiconductor material between the individual dies is eradicated, any desired bonding pads and patterned circuitry are added to the semiconductor surface opposite the sacrificial metal element, a passivation layer is added to this surface, and then the sacrificial metal element is removed. Tape is added to the now exposed barrier layer, the passivation layer is removed, the resulting structure is flipped over, and the tape is expanded to separate the individual dies.

Abstract: Via structure and process flow for interconnection in a semiconductor product. A bottom metal layer is provided to represent a connection layer in the semiconductor product. An isolation layer on the bottom metal layer comprises a via hole exposing a portion of the bottom metal layer. The via hole comprises a sidewall and a bottom. A first barrier metal layer is disposed on the sidewall of the via hole, but not on the bottom of the via hole. A metal under-layer is formed on the bottom of the via hole and on the first barrier metal layer. A second barrier metal layer is formed on the metal under-layer. A metal fill layer fills the via hole. A lattice mismatch between the metal under-layer and the second barrier metal layer is less than about 5%.

Abstract: A copper interconnection structure which is electroplated onto a silicon layer or semiconductor substrate. The structure includes an ultra-thin copper seed alloy incorporating selectively minor amounts of a dopant material to facilitate a continuous deposition thereof onto the silicon layer or semiconductor substrate. The copper seed alloy may contain dopant material selected from the group of materials consisting of Ru, Ir, Pt, Pd and alloys thereof. Furthermore, there is provided a method for producing the structure.

Abstract: Structures for signal distribution are produced by applying a metallic seed layer over a semiconductor body. An insulating layer is applied over the metallic seed layer and openings in the insulating layer are produced by photolithographic patterning of the insulating layer. Each opening in the insulating layer is trapezoidal in cross section such that an upper portion of the insulating layer is wider than a lower portion of the insulating layer. A conductor is selectively formed over exposed portions of the metallic seed layer. After selectively forming the conductor, the insulating layer is anisotropically etched such that portions of the insulating layer abutting sidewalls of the conductor remain. Alternatively, a second insulating layer can be formed and anisotropically etched.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming conductive interconnect layers useful in articles such as semiconductor chips, memory devices, semiconductor dies, circuit modules, and electronic systems. An electrochemical cell may be used in the reduction of oxides on a dual-purpose layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, at least one layer of functional devices formed on the substrate, a first dielectric layer formed over the functional device layer and a first trench/via located in the first dielectric layer. A copper conductor fills the first trench/via. An electromigration inhibiting barrier layer is selectively located over a surface of the copper conductor and not any other remaining exposed surface. An insulating cap layer overlies the barrier layer and the remaining exposed surface. A second dielectric layer overlies the insulating cap layer. A second trench/via is located in the second dielectric layer and extends through the insulating cap layer and the barrier layer. A micro-trench is located within the first dielectric layer and is associated with the formation of the second trench/via. The micro-trench exposes a portion of the copper conductor. A filler fills the micro-trench.

Abstract: A metal element formation method includes a seed layer formation step for forming a seed layer on a treatment surface of a substrate, and a plating formation step for forming a plating layer on the seed layer, wherein in the seed layer formation step, a liquid repellent section is formed on the treatment surface, and a liquid phase method is used to form the seed layer in a region outside the liquid repellent section.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is to be provided, which improves filling performance of a conductive layer to be formed by an electrolytic plating process in an interconnect trench or a via hole, and achieves a higher in-plane uniformity in bottom-up performance. An electrolytic plating process to fill with a conductive layer at least one of an interconnect trench and a via hole formed in a dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate includes a first step of executing a plating operation under a predetermined integrated current density, which is a product of a current density representing a current value supplied per unit area of a plating solution containing a material which constitutes the conductive layer and a plating time, and a second step of executing a plating operation under a lower current density than that of the first step.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a metal base that includes a metal plate and a metal layer, providing a routing line that contacts the metal layer and an etch mask that contacts the metal plate, providing a semiconductor chip that includes a conductive pad, mechanically attaching the chip to the routing line, electrically connecting the routing line to the pad, and etching the metal base using a first wet chemical that is selective of the metal plate and then a second wet chemical etch that is selective of the metal layer and the etch mask to form a pillar from an unetched portion of the metal base that contacts the routing line.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically filling features on a wafer surface to form a substantially planar copper layer is provided. The features to be filled includes a first feature that is an unfilled feature with the smallest width and a second feature having the next larger width after the smallest feature. The first and the second features are less than 10 micrometers in width. The method comprises applying a first cathodic current to form a first copper layer on the wafer surface. The first copper layer has a planar portion over a first feature and a non-planar portion over a second feature. After a surface of the first copper layer is treated by applying a first pulsed current, a second cathodic current is applied to form a second copper layer on the first copper layer. The second copper layer has a planar portion over both the first and second features.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor wafer on which a thin, smooth, uniform and good adhesive electroless plating layer that can be suitable for a seed layer is formed, and to provide an electroless plating method which is suitable for use in the manufacture of such a semiconductor wafer. A semiconductor wafer is coated with a silane coupling agent which has a functional group that is able to capture a metal, and is further coated with an organic-solvent solution of a palladium compound such as palladium chloride or the like. Afterward, the wafer is electroless plated. As a result of such an electroless plating method, a semiconductor wafer having a thickness of 70 to 5000 angstroms and a mean surface roughness Ra of 10 to 100 angstroms can be obtained.

Abstract: A plating method is capable of depositing a plated film having excellent in-plane uniformity with respect to a thin seed layer and excellent embeddability with respect to fine damascene structures. The plating method includes: positioning an electric resistor between a conductive layer formed on at least a portion of a surface of a substrate and an anode; introducing respectively a plating solution into a space between the conductive layer and the anode on a conductive layer side, and an anode solution into a space between the conductive layer and the anode on an anode side, thereby filling the space with a plating bath composed of the plating solution and the anode solution, with the plating solution containing 25 to 75 g/L of copper ions and at least 0.4 mole/L of an organic acid or an inorganic acid, and the anode solution being of the same composition as the plating solution, or containing 0 to 75 g/L of copper ions and at most 0.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a metal base that includes a metal plate and a metal layer, providing a routing line that contacts the metal layer and an etch mask that contacts the metal plate, providing a semiconductor chip that includes a conductive pad, mechanically attaching the chip to the routing line, electrically connecting the routing line to the pad, and etching the metal base using a first wet chemical that is selective of the metal plate and then a second wet chemical etch that is selective of the metal layer and the etch mask to form a pillar from an unetched portion of the metal base that contacts the routing line.

Abstract: In a fabrication method of a microstructure array, such as a mold for forming a microlens array, a first insulating mask layer is formed on a conductive portion of s substrate, an array of openings for the microstructure array and at least an opening for an alignment marker are formed in the first insulating mask layer during a common process to expose the conductive portion of the substrate at the openings, and first plated or electrodeposited layers are grown in the openings and on the first insulating mask layer using the conductive portion of the substrate as a cathode. The opening for the alignment marker is surrounded by the array of openings for the microstructure array, and a pattern of the opening for the alignment marker is determined such that a current density distribution at the time of electroplating or electrodeposition can be oppressed.

Abstract: A method for making an integrated circuit device includes forming at least one interconnect structure adjacent a substrate by forming at least one barrier layer, forming a doped copper seed layer on the at least one barrier layer, and forming a copper layer on the doped copper seed layer. The method may further include annealing the integrated circuit device after forming the copper layer to diffuse the dopant from the doped copper seed layer into grain boundaries of the copper layer. The doped copper seed layer may include at least one of calcium, cadmium, zinc, neodymium, tellurium, and ytterbium as a dopant to provide the enhanced electromigration resistance. Forming the copper layer may comprise plating the copper layer. In addition, forming the copper layer may comprise forming the copper layer to include at least one of calcium, cadmium, zinc, neodymium, tellurium, and ytterbium as a dopant.