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: Methods for combinatorially processing semiconductor substrates are provided. The methods may involve receiving a substrate into a combinatorial processing chamber and sealing a plurality of flow cells against a surface of the substrate. The plurality of flow cells is enclosed within the combinatorial processing chamber to define an enclosed external environment for the plurality of flow cells. A pressure differential is created between a reaction area of the plurality of flow cells of the combinatorial processing chamber and the external environment, wherein each flow cells of the plurality of flow cells defines a site isolating region of the substrate. The regions the substrate are then combinatorially processed.

Abstract: A capacitance type gyro sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode integrally including a first base portion and first comb tooth portions and a second electrode integrally including a second base portion and second comb tooth portions, formed by processing the surface portion of the semiconductor substrate. The first electrode has first drive portions that extend from opposed portions opposed to the respective second comb tooth portions on the first base portion toward the respective second comb tooth portions. The second electrode has second drive portions formed on the tip end portions of the respective second comb tooth portions opposed to the respective first drive portions. The first drive portions and the second drive portions engage with each other at an interval like comb teeth.

Abstract: A pattern formation method, mask pattern formation method and a method for manufacturing semiconductor devices are provided in this disclosure, which are directed to the field of semiconductor processes. The pattern formation method comprises: providing a substrate; forming a polymer thin film containing a block copolymer on the substrate; forming a first pattern through imprinting the polymer thin film with a stamp; forming domains composed of different copolymer components through directed self assembly of the copolymer in the first pattern; selectively removing the domains composed of copolymer components to form a second pattern. In the embodiments of the present invention, finer pitch patterns can be obtained through combining the imprinting and DSA process without exposure, which as compared to the prior art methods has the advantage of simplicity. Furthermore, stamps used in imprinting may have relative larger pitches, facilitating and simplifying the manufacture and alignment of the stamps.

Abstract: A system to form a wet soluble lithography layer on a semiconductor substrate includes providing the substrate, depositing a first layer comprising a first material on the substrate, and depositing a second layer comprising a second material on the substrate. In an embodiment, the first material comprises a different composition than the second material and one of the first layer and the second layer includes silicon.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern according to an embodiment, includes forming above a first film film patterns of a second film; forming film patterns of the first film by etching the first film using the film patterns of the second film as a mask; converting the film patterns of the second film into film patterns whose width are narrower than the film patterns of the first film by performing a slimming process; forming film patterns of a third film on both sidewalls of the film patterns of the first film and the film patterns of the second film after the slimming process; and etching the first film using the film patterns of the third film as a mask after the film patterns of the second film being removed.

Abstract: A process is provided for etching a silicon-containing substrate to form nanowire arrays. In this process, one deposits nanoparticles and a metal film onto the substrate in such a way that the metal is present and touches silicon where etching is desired and is blocked from touching silicon or not present elsewhere. One submerges the metallized substrate into an etchant aqueous solution comprising HF and an oxidizing agent. In this way arrays of nanowires with controlled diameter and length are produced.

Abstract: Nonvolatile memory has a modified channel region interface, such as a raised source and drain or a recessed channel region.

Abstract: In a MEMS device having a substrate 1, a sealing membrane 7, and a movable portion 3 of beam and an electrode 5 which have a region wherein they overlap with a gap in perpendicular to a substrate 1 surface, a first cavity 9 is on the side of the movable portion 3 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, and a second cavity is the other cavity, and an inner surface a of a side wall A in contact with the electrode 5, of the first cavity 9, is positioned more inside than an inner surface b of a side wall B in contact with the electrode 5, of the second cavity 10, in the direction parallel to the substrate surface, such that the movable portion 3 does not collide with the electrode 5 when mechanical stress is applied from outside to the sealing membrane 7.

Abstract: A method and a system are described herein for applying etchant to edges of a plurality of wafers. The system includes a sump configured for holding etchant, a roller having an outer surface in fluid communication with the sump and configured to have etchant thereon, a wafer cassette configured to retain wafers positioned therein so that edges of the wafers are in contact with the roller. The cassette permits axial rotation of the wafers about an axis. A method of applying etchant to the edge of the wafer includes placing the wafer edge in contact with the roller and rotating the roller about a longitudinal axis of the roller. At least a portion of the roller contact an etchant contained in a sump during rotation so that etchant is applied to the wafer edge.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a method. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a front side and a backside, wherein the front side of the semiconductor substrate includes a plurality of backside illuminated imaging sensors; bonding a carrier substrate to the semiconductor substrate from the front side; thinning the semiconductor substrate from the backside; performing an ion implantation to the semiconductor substrate from the backside; performing a laser annealing process to the semiconductor substrate from the backside; and thereafter, performing a polishing process to the semiconductor substrate from the backside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of solar cells comprising a selective emitter using an improved etching-paste composition which has significantly improved selectivity for silicon layers.

Abstract: There is provided a resist underlayer film having heat resistance that is used for a lithography process in the production of semiconductor devices, and a high refractive index film having transparency that is used for an electronic device. A polymer comprising a unit structure of Formula (1): wherein each of R1, R2, R3, and R5 may be a hydrogen atom, R4 may be phenyl group or naphthyl group. A resist underlayer film forming composition comprising the polymer, and a resist underlayer film formed from the composition. A high refractive index film forming composition comprising the polymer, and a high refractive index film formed from the composition.

Abstract: A method disclosed herein includes providing a semiconductor structure comprising a transistor, the transistor comprising a gate electrode and a silicon nitride sidewall spacer formed at the gate electrode. A wet etch process is performed. The wet etch process removes at least a portion of the silicon nitride sidewall spacer. The wet etch process comprises applying an etchant comprising at least one of hydrofluoric acid and phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A method for patterning an epitaxial substrate with nano-patterns, includes: forming a plurality of zinc oxide nano-particles on an epitaxial substrate; dry-etching the epitaxial substrate exposed from the zinc oxide nano-particles to form nano-patterns corresponding to the zinc oxide nano-particles; and removing the zinc oxide nano-particles on the epitaxial substrate. A method for forming a light-emitting diode having a patterned epitaxial substrate with the nano-patterns is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a silicon layer according to inventive concept comprises: preparing an SOI substrate; applying an etchant or vapor of the etchant to the SOI substrate; and irradiating a light to the SOI substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a resist underlayer film having heat resistance that is used for a lithography process in the production of semiconductor devices, and a high refractive index film having transparency that is used for an electronic device. A polymer comprising a unit structure of Formula (1): wherein each of R1, R2, R3, and R5 may be a hydrogen atom, R4 may be phenyl group or naphthyl group. A resist underlayer film forming composition comprising the polymer, and a resist underlayer film formed from the composition. A high refractive index film forming composition comprising the polymer, and a high refractive index film formed from the composition.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of forming interconnect structures, and the structures formed by such methods. In one embodiment, a method can include: providing a precursor interconnect structure having: a photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) layer; a controlled collapse chip connection (C4) bump overlying the PSPI layer; and a solder overlying the C4 bump and contacting a side of the C4 bump. The method can further include recessing a portion of the PSPI layer adjacent to the C4 bump to form a PSPI pedestal under the C4 bump. The method can additionally include forming an underfill abutting the PSPI pedestal and the C4 bump, wherein the underfill and the solder form an interface separated from the PSPI pedestal.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a process of providing a semiconductor wafer having a wiring layer having conductive patterns and a plurality of insulation films containing a first insulation film surrounding side surfaces of the conductive patterns are provided. After the process of providing the semiconductor wafer, a process of removing some regions of the plurality of insulation films to form openings is provided. Herein, the first insulation film is disposed to a position closer to the circumference of the semiconductor wafer than a position closest to the outermost circumference of the wafer among the arrangement positions of the conductive patterns.

Abstract: An etchant is supplied to a workpiece. Furthermore, the workpiece is irradiated with spatially modulated light to adjust a temperature profile of said workpiece while etchant is supplied.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a clean surface of germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layers for subsequent deposition are provided. An overlayer of Ge, doped Ge, another GeSn or SiGeSn layer, a doped GeSn or SiGeSn layer, an insulator, or a metal can be deposited on a prepared GeSn or SiGeSn layer by positioning a substrate with an exposed germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layer in a processing chamber, heating the processing chamber and flowing a halide gas into the processing chamber to etch the surface of the substrate using either thermal or plasma assisted etching followed by depositing an overlayer on the substantially oxide free and contaminant free surface. Methods can also include the placement and etching of a sacrificial layer, a thermal clean using rapid thermal annealing, or a process in a plasma of nitrogen trifluoride and ammonia gas.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a patterned polyimide film, wherein the method comprises steps as follows: Firstly, a polyimide film is provided on a substrate. A wet planarization process is then performed to remove a portion of the polyimide film. Subsequently the planarized polyimide film is patterned.

Abstract: A method of etching a semiconductor substrate, having the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate having a first layer containing Ti and a second layer containing at least one of Cu, SiO, SiN, SiOC and SiON; providing an etching liquid containing, in an aqueous medium, a basic compound composed of an organic amine compound and an oxidizing agent, the etching liquid having a pH from 7 to 14; and applying the etching liquid to the semiconductor substrate to selectively etch the first layer of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming an isolated contact having a contact protrusion; forming a die paddle, adjacent to the isolated contact, having a die paddle contour; depositing a contact pad on the contact protrusion; coupling an integrated circuit die to the contact protrusion; molding an encapsulation on the integrated circuit die; and depositing an organic filler on and between the isolated contact and the die paddle, the contact protrusion extended past the organic filler.

Abstract: Provided are methods for processing semiconductor substrates. The methods involve etching silicon nitride structures using phosphoric acid solutions maintained at low temperatures, such as between about 110° C. and 130° C. These temperatures provide adequate etching rates and do not damage surrounding metal silicide and silicon oxide structures. The etching rates of silicon nitride may be 10 Angstroms per minute and greater. Lower temperatures also allow decreasing concentrations of phosphoric acid in the etching solutions, which in some embodiments may be less than 90 weight percent. As a result, more selective etching of the silicon nitride structures may be achieved. This selectivity may be as high as hundred times relative to the silicide and silicon oxide structures. The surface conductivity of the silicide structures may remain substantially unchanged by this etching process.

Abstract: A method for protecting an exposed low-k surface is described. The method includes providing a substrate having a low-k insulation layer formed thereon and one or more mask layers overlying the low-k insulation layer with a pattern formed therein. Additionally, the method includes transferring the pattern in the one or more mask layers to the low-k insulation layer using one or more etching processes to form a trench and/or via structure in the low-k insulation layer. The method further includes forming an insulation protection layer on exposed surfaces of the trench and/or via structure during and/or following the one or more etching processes by exposing the substrate to a film forming compound containing C, H, and N. Thereafter, the method includes removing at least a portion of the one or more mask layers using a mask removal process.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing method that can generate a hole with different diameters, comprising: providing first material and second material different from the first material; and utilizing a etching process to etch the first material and the second material to form a hole through the first material and the second material; wherein the etching process has different etching rates for the first material and the second material such that the hole have different diameters. A semiconductor structure corresponding to the above-mentioned method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing a wafer having microelectromechanical system structures at the first main surface includes applying a masking material at the second main surface and structuring the masking material to obtain a plurality of masked areas and a plurality of unmasked areas at the second main surface. The method further includes anisotropically etching the wafer from the second main surface at the unmasked areas to form a plurality of recesses. The masking material is then removed at least at some of the masked areas to obtain previously masked areas. The method further includes anisotropically etching the wafer from the second main surface at the unmasked areas and the previously masked areas to increase a depth of the recesses and reduce a thickness of the wafer at the previously masked areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a wafer-shaped article, comprises a spin chuck for holding a wafer-shaped article in a predetermined orientation, a liquid dispenser for dispensing a treatment liquid onto a downwardly facing surface of a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the spin chuck, and a gas dispenser for dispensing a gas within a gap defined between the downwardly-facing surface of the wafer-shaped article and an upper surface of the spin chuck.

Abstract: A method for forming identical isotropic etch patterns in an etch system is disclosed. The method comprises providing a wafer paddle, a wafer, a plurality of identical etch systems, utilizing identical etch recipes within each of the plurality of etch systems, providing a fixed temperature stability time FTST for each system so that the heat transfer from the paddle to the wafer is constant, wherein the FTST is the same on each of the plurality of etch systems; and utilizing the plurality of identical etch systems to produce identical etches on each of the wafers based upon the FTST, wherein a five-second preheat step in the etch process is not utilized.

Abstract: A method for etching a metal gate stack is provided. The method includes forming a gate stack on a substrate, where the gate stack includes a metal gate. A wet etch process is performed on the gate stack. The wet etch process includes submersing the substrate with the gate stack in an aqueous solution composed of a wet etchant and an oxidizer, removing the substrate from the solution and rinsing the solution from the etched gate stack.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a clean surface of germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layers for subsequent deposition are provided. An overlayer of Ge, doped Ge, another GeSn or SiGeSn layer, a doped GeSn or SiGeSn layer, an insulator, or a metal can be deposited on a prepared GeSn or SiGeSn layer by positioning a substrate with an exposed germanium tin or silicon germanium tin layer in a processing chamber, heating the processing chamber and flowing a halide gas into the processing chamber to etch the surface of the substrate using either thermal or plasma assisted etching followed by depositing an overlayer on the substantially oxide free and contaminant free surface. Methods can also include the placement and etching of a sacrificial layer, a thermal clean using rapid thermal annealing, or a process in a plasma of nitrogen trifluoride and ammonia gas.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a three-dimensional semiconductor device includes forming a stacked structure, and the stacked structure includes a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a fourth layer sequentially stacked on a substrate. The method also includes forming a sacrificial spacer on a sidewall of the stacked structure such that the sacrificial spacer exposes a sidewall of the third layer, and recessing the exposed sidewall of the third layer thereby forming a recess region between the second and fourth layers.

Abstract: A method for designing, fabricating, and predicting a desired structure in and/or on a host material through defining etch masks and etching the host material is provided. The desired structure can be micro- or nanoscale structures, such as suspended nanowires and corresponding supporting pillars, and can be defined one layer at a time. Arbitrary desired structures can also be defined and obtained through etching. Further, given the desired structure, a starting structure can be predicted where etching of the starting structure yields the desired structure.

Abstract: A micromechanical systems (MEMs) pressure sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a deep well located within a first surface and a cavity located within a second, opposing surface. The semiconductor substrate has a first doping type. The deep well has a second doping type, with a gradient doping profile, thereby forming a PN junction within the substrate. The cavity forms a diaphragm, which is a substrate section that is thinner than the surrounding substrate sections, that comprises the deep well. One or more pizeoresistor elements are located within the deep well. The piezoresistors are sensitive to deformations, such as bending, in the diaphragm caused by changes in the pressure of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an etching solution composition which enables to etch a metal film in a controllable manner, form a desired definite tapered shape, and obtain a smooth surface without causing etching solution exudation trace. Said problems have been solved by the present invention, which is an etching solution composition for etching metal films containing one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfate or perfluoroalkenyl phenyl ether sulfonic acid and the salts thereof.

Abstract: A method to determine minimum etch mask dosage or thickness as a function of etch depth or maximum etch depth as a function of etch mask implantation dosage or thickness, for fabricating structures in or on a substrate through etch masking via addition or removal of a masking material and subsequent etching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a liquid etchant onto a wafer dispenses the liquid etchant onto a wafer using a scanning dispensing nozzle while controlling the dispensing temperature of the etchant in real time as a function of the radial position of the dispensing nozzle over the wafer. The dispensing temperature of the etchant is controlled to enhance the effectiveness of the etchant and thus compensate for the lower etching rate zones in the wafer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an opening pattern is formed in the core film above a processing target, and a mask film is conformably formed above the processing target. Next, etch-back of the mask film is performed so that the mask film remains on a side surface of the core film. After that, line-and-space shaped core patterns, made of the core film, is formed in an area other than an area forming the opening pattern. Next, sidewall patterns are formed around the core patterns, and the core patterns are removed. Next, the processing target is patterned by using the mask film and the sidewall patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articles comprises a process unit comprising a chuck for holding a wafer-shaped article in a predetermined orientation, and a liquid recovery system that receives used process liquid recovered from the process unit. The liquid recovery system supplies process liquid to a dispenser in the process unit. A supply of fresh process liquid supplies fresh process liquid to the liquid recovery system and also supplies fresh process liquid to a dispenser in the process unit while bypassing the liquid recovery system.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: (a) fixing a front surface of a wafer (semiconductor wafer) having the front surface, a plurality of chip regions formed on the front surface, a dicing region formed between the chip regions, and a rear surface opposite to the front surface to the supporting member; (b) in a state of having the wafer fixed to the supporting member, grinding the rear surface of the wafer to expose the rear surface; (c) in a state of having the wafer fixed to the supporting member, dividing the wafer into the chip regions; (d) etching side surfaces of the chip regions to remove crushed layers formed in the step (c) on the side surfaces and obtain a plurality of semiconductor chips. After the steps (e) and (d), the plurality of divided chip regions are peeled off from the supporting member to obtain a plurality of semiconductor chips.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, first, second, third and fourth fin-type stacked layer structures, each having memory strings stacked in a first direction perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and each extending to a second direction parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first part connected to first ends in the second direction of the first and second fin-type stacked layer structures each other, a second part connected to first ends in the second direction of the third and fourth fin-type stacked layer structures each other, a third part connected to second ends in the second direction of the first and third fin-type stacked layer structures each other, and a fourth part connected to second ends in the second direction of the second and fourth fin-type stacked layer structures each other.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a wafer holder including a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are formed of the same continuous material. The first portion includes a first upper surface and a first lower surface, and the second portion including a second upper surface and a second lower surface. The apparatus further includes an interface between the first and second portions. The interface provides for a transition such that the first upper surface of the first portion tends toward the second upper surface of the second portion. The apparatus further includes a tapered region formed in the first portion. The tapered region starts at a radial distance from a center line of the wafer holder and terminates at the interface. The tapered region has an initial thickness that gradually decreases to a final thickness.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including providing a gate structure on a channel portion of a semiconductor substrate, wherein the gate structure includes at least one gate dielectric on the channel portion of the semiconductor substrate and at least one gate conductor on the at least one gate dielectric. An edge portion of the at least one gate dielectric is removed on each side of the gate structure, wherein the removing of the edge portion of the gate dielectric provides an exposed base edge of the at least one gate conductor and an exposed channel surface of the semiconductor substrate underlying the gate structure. The sidewall of the gate structure is oxidized, which also oxidizes at least one of the exposed base edge of the at least one gate conductor and the exposed channel surface of the semiconductor substrate that is underlying the gate structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a component having at least one diaphragm formed in the upper surface of the component, which diaphragm spans a cavity, and having at least one access opening to the cavity from the back side of the component, at least one first diaphragm layer and the cavity being produced in a monolithic semiconductor substrate from the upper surface of the component, and the access opening being produced in a temporally limited etching step from the back side of the substrate. The access opening is placed in a region in which the substrate material comes up to the first diaphragm layer.

Abstract: First and second sacrificial materials are deposited on a substrate. The first and second patterns are respectively formed in the first and second sacrificial materials. The first pattern made from the first sacrificial material is arranged on the second pattern made from a second sacrificial material. The first pattern leaves an area of predefined width free on the periphery of a top surface of the second pattern. The active layer covers at least the whole of the side walls of the first and second patterns and said predefined area of the second pattern. The active area is patterned so as to allow access to the first sacrificial material. The first and second sacrificial materials are selectively removed forming a mobile structure comprising a free area secured to the substrate by a securing area.

Abstract: Processes for enhancing solubility and the reaction rates in supercritical fluids are provided. In preferred embodiments, such processes provide for the uniform and precise deposition of metal-containing films on semiconductor substrates as well as the uniform and precise removal of materials from such substrates. In one embodiment, the process includes, providing a supercritical fluid containing at least one reactant, the supercritical fluid being maintained at above its critical point, exposing at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate to the supercritical fluid, applying acoustic energy, and reacting the at least one reactant to cause a change in at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A capacitance type gyro sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode integrally including a first base portion and first comb tooth portions and a second electrode integrally including a second base portion and second comb tooth portions, formed by processing the surface portion of the semiconductor substrate. The first electrode has first drive portions that extend from opposed portions opposed to the respective second comb tooth portions on the first base portion toward the respective second comb tooth portions. The second electrode has second drive portions formed on the tip end portions of the respective second comb tooth portions opposed to the respective first drive portions. The first drive portions and the second drive portions engage with each other at an interval like comb teeth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a component comprising a first substrate bonded to a second substrate. A method for forming the component includes removing a first portion of tin (Sn) from gold tin (AuSn) through a halogen plasma. A first portion of gold (Au) is exposed in response to removing the first portion of the Sn. The first portion of the Au through a wet etch. A second portion of the Sn is exposed in response to removing the first portion of Au.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device includes a step of forming a masking layer and an intermediate layer on a first organic compound layer such that the masking layer and the intermediate layer have a predetermined pattern, a step of patterning the first organic compound layer using the masking layer and the intermediate layer, a step of forming a second organic compound layer, and a step of removing the intermediate layer and the second organic compound layer formed thereon in such a manner that the intermediate layer is contacted with a dissolving liquid for dissolving the intermediate layer. In the method, the first and second organic compound layers are protected by covering the first and second organic compound layers with a sacrificial layer until the patterning of the first and second organic compound layers is completed.