Abstract: The embodiments of diffusion barrier layer described above provide mechanisms for forming a copper diffusion barrier layer to prevent device degradation for hybrid bonding of wafers. The diffusion barrier layer(s) encircles the copper-containing conductive pads used for hybrid bonding. The diffusion barrier layer can be on one of the two bonding wafers or on both bonding wafers.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming electrically conductive lines. Photoresist features are formed over a substrate, with at least one of the photoresist features having a narrowed region. The photoresist features are trimmed, which punches through the narrowed region to form a gap. Spacers are formed along sidewalls of the photoresist features. Two of the spacers merge within the gap. The photoresist features are removed to leave a pattern comprising the spacers. The pattern is extended into the substrate to form a plurality of recesses within the substrate. Electrically conductive material is formed within the recesses to create the electrically conductive lines. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a plurality of lines over a semiconductor substrate. Two of the lines are adjacent to one another and are substantially parallel to one another except in a region wherein said two of the lines merge into one another.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized in that by laser beam being slantly incident to the convex lens, an aberration such as astigmatism or the like is occurred, and the shape of the laser beam is made linear on the irradiation surface or in its neighborhood. Since the present invention has a very simple configuration, the optical adjustment is easier, and the device becomes compact in size. Furthermore, since the beam is slantly incident with respect to the irradiated body, the return beam can be prevented.

Abstract: Packaging devices, methods of manufacture thereof, and packaging methods for semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging device includes a substrate including an integrated circuit die mounting region. An underfill material flow prevention feature is disposed around the integrated circuit die mounting region.

Abstract: A semiconductor die, which includes a substrate, a group of primary conduction sub-layers, and a group of separation sub-layers, is disclosed. The group of primary conduction sub-layers is over the substrate. Each adjacent pair of the group of primary conduction sub-layers is separated by at least one of the group of separation sub-layers. As a result, the group of separation sub-layers mitigates grain growth in the group of primary conduction sub-layers.

Abstract: An n-channel MISFETQn is formed in an nMIS first formation region of a semiconductor substrate and a p-channel MISFETQp is formed in an adjacent pMIS second formation region of the semiconductor substrate. A silicon nitride film having a tensile stress is formed to cover the n-channel MISFETQn and the p-channel MISFETQp. In one embodiment, the silicon nitride film in the nMIS formation region and the pMIS formation region is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Thereafter, a mask layer is formed to cover the silicon nitride film in the nMIS formation region and to expose the silicon nitride film in the pMIS formation region. The silicon nitride film in the pMIS formation region is then subjected to plasma processing, which relieves the tensile stress of the silicon nitride film in the pMIS formation region.

Abstract: An improved method of creating thermoelectric materials which have high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric material is made by depositing a porous film onto a substrate, introducing a dopant into the porous film and annealing the porous film to activate the dopant. In other embodiments, additional amounts of dopant may be introduced via subsequent ion implantations of dopant into the deposited porous film.

Abstract: Metal contact formation for molecular device junctions by surface-diffusion-mediated deposition (SDMD) is described. In an example, a method of fabricating a molecular device junction by surface-diffusion-mediated deposition (SDMD) includes forming a molecular layer above a first region of a substrate. A region of metal atoms is formed above a second region of the substrate proximate to, but separate from, the first region of the substrate. A metal contact is then formed by migrating metal atoms from the region of metal atoms onto the molecular layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a transistor having a stacked structure in a peripheral circuit region to increase net die and forming a metal silicide layer over a source/drain region of a transistor formed over an upper layer to reduce a contact resistance. The semiconductor device may include: a second active region including a silicon layer connected to a first active region of a semiconductor substrate; a gate formed over the second active region; a spacer formed on sidewalls of the gate; a source/drain region form at both sides of the spacer; and a metal silicide layer formed over the gate and the source/drain region.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a contact formation technique that incorporates a preventative etch step to reduce interlayer dielectric material flaking (e.g., borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) flaking) and, thereby to reduce surface defects. Specifically, contact openings, which extend through a dielectric layer to semiconductor devices in and/or on a center portion of a substrate, can be filled with a conductor layer deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of the conductor layer can be performed to complete the contact structures. However, before the CMP process is performed (e.g., either before the contact openings are ever formed or before the contact openings are filled), a preventative etch process can be performed to remove any dielectric material from above the edge portion of the substrate. Removing the dielectric material from above the edge portion of the substrate prior to CMP reduces the occurrence of surface defects caused by dielectric material flaking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid multilayer capacitive micro inclinometer, comprising at least two pairs of differential electrodes, each pair positioned in a same plane; at least one common electrode with a portion positioned in the plane of each pair of differential electrodes. The differential electrodes and the common electrode are provided in a sealed chamber, in which an immersing liquid is filled. The shape of the differential electrodes forms a sector of a circular plane. The inclinometer may further integrate a reading circuit. The present invention also discloses preparation method for the invented inclinometer.

Abstract: A circuit substrate includes a dielectric layer and a plurality of conductive structures. The dielectric layer has a plurality of conductive openings, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Each of the conductive openings connects the first surface and the second surface. The conductive openings are respectively filled with the conductive structures. Each of the conductive structures is integrally formed and includes a pad part, a connection part, and a protruding part. Each of the connection parts is connected to the corresponding pad part and the corresponding protruding part. Each of the protruding parts has a curved surface that protrudes from the second surface. A process for fabricating the circuit substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor body and a chip metallization applied on the semiconductor body. The chip metallization has an underside facing away from the semiconductor body. The chip further includes a layer stack applied to the underside of the chip metallization and having a number N1?1 or N1?2 of first partial layers and a number N2?2 of second partial layers. The first partial layers and the second partial layers are arranged alternately and successively such that at least one of the second partial layers is arranged between the first partial layers of each first pair of the first partial layers and such that at least one of the first partial layers is arranged between the second partial layers of each second pair of the second partial layers.

Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having memory cells located in different device levels of a device, at least a portion of a transistor located in a substrate of the device, and a data line coupled to the transistor and the memory cells. The data line can be located between the transistor and the memory cells. Other embodiments including additional apparatus and methods are described.

Abstract: A metal seed composition useful in seeding a metal diffusion barrier or conductive metal layer on a semiconductor or dielectric substrate, the composition comprising: a nanoscopic metal component that includes a metal useful as a metal diffusion barrier or conductive metal; an adhesive component for attaching said nanoscopic metal component on said semiconductor or dielectric substrate; and a linker component that links said nanoscopic metal component with said adhesive component. Semiconductor and dielectric substrates coated with the seed compositions, as well as methods for depositing the seed compositions, are also described.

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: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having a substrate, a memory cell string including a body, a select gate located in a level of the apparatus and along a portion of the body, and control gates located in other levels of the apparatus and along other respective portions of the body. At least one of such apparatuses includes a conductive connection coupling the select gate or one of the control gates to a component (e.g., transistor) in the substrate. The connection can include a portion going through a portion of at least one of the control gates.

Abstract: A method for processing a wafer with a wafer bevel that surrounds a central region is provided. The wafer is placed in a bevel plasma processing chamber. A protective layer is deposited on the wafer bevel without depositing the protective layer over the central region. The wafer is removed from the bevel plasma processing chamber. The wafer is further processed.

Abstract: A method of producing a microelectronic device with transistors wherein a strain layer is formed on a series of transistors and the strain exerted on at least one given transistor of said series is released by removing a sacrificial layer situated between said given transistor and said strain layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. A first contact layer of the semiconductor device is fabricated. An electrical connection is formed between a carbon nanotube and the first contact layer by electrically coupling of the carbon nanotube and a second contact layer. The first contact layer and second contact layer may be electrically coupled.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a manufacturing method and an operating method of the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a main body structure, a first dielectric layer, a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a second dielectric layer, and a conductive structure. The main body structure is formed on the substrate, and the first dielectric layer is formed on the substrate and surrounding two sidewalls and a top portion of the main body structure. The first conductive strip and the second conductive strip are formed on two sidewalls of the first dielectric layer, respectively. The second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer, the first conductive strip, and the second conductive strip. The conductive structure is formed on the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: An semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a metal layer arranged above the semiconductor substrate; a first passivation film that contacts at least a portion of one side surface of the metal layer; and a second passivation film that is arranged extending from the first passivation film to the metal layer, and contacts an upper surface of the first passivation film, and contacts at least a portion of an upper surface of the metal layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an active region having a side contact region in a sidewall thereof, wherein the side contact has a bulb shape, an ohmic contact region formed over a surface of the side contact region, and a bitline connected to the active region through the ohmic contact.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first interconnection and a second interconnection above a semiconductor substrate, forming a first sidewall insulating film on a side wall of the first interconnection, and a second sidewall insulating film on a side wall of the second interconnection, forming a conductive film above the semiconductor substrate with the first interconnection, the first sidewall insulating film, the second interconnection and the second sidewall insulating film formed on, and selectively removing the conductive film above the first interconnection and the second interconnection to form in a region between the first interconnection and the second interconnection a third interconnection formed of the conductive film and spaced from the first interconnection and the second interconnection by the first sidewall insulating film and the second sidewall insulating film.

Abstract: An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including an electrode having low contact resistivity to a nitride semiconductor is provided. The manufacturing method includes a carbon containing layer forming step of forming a carbon containing layer containing carbon on a nitride semiconductor layer, and a titanium containing layer forming step of forming a titanium containing layer containing titanium on the carbon containing layer. A complete solid solution Ti (C, N) layer of TiN and TiC is formed between the titanium containing layer and the nitride semiconductor layer. As a result, the titanium containing layer comes to be in ohmic contact with the nitride semiconductor layer throughout the border therebetween.

Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate. The method includes forming a portion of an interconnect structure over the substrate. The portion of the interconnect structure has an opening. The method includes obtaining a boron-containing gas that is free of a boron-10 isotope. The method includes filling the opening with a conductive material to form a contact. The filling of the opening is carried out using the boron-containing gas. Also provided is a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate. The semiconductor device includes an interconnect structure formed over the substrate. The semiconductor device includes a conductive contact formed in the interconnect structure. The conductive contact has a material composition that includes Tungsten and Boron, wherein the Boron is a 11B-enriched Boron.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for forming metal films on semiconductor substrates are disclosed. One of the disclosed methods comprises: heating the semiconductor substrate to obtain a heated semiconductor substrate; exposing the heated semiconductor substrate to a composition containing at least one metal precursor comprising at least one ligand, an excess amount of neutral labile ligands, a supercritical solvent, and optionally at least one source of B, C, N, Si, P, and mixtures thereof; exposing the composition to a reducing agent and/or thermal energy at or near the heated semiconductor substrate; disassociating the at least one ligand from the metal precursor; and forming the metal film while minimizing formation of metal oxides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of forming an electrical device. The method may begin with forming a gate structure on a substrate, in which a spacer is present in direct contact with a sidewall of the gate structure. A source region and a drain region is formed in the substrate. A metal semiconductor alloy is formed on the gate structure, an outer sidewall of the spacer and one of the source region and the drain region. An interlevel dielectric layer is formed over the metal semiconductor alloy. A via is formed through the interlevel dielectric stopping on the metal semiconductor alloy. An interconnect is formed to the metal semiconductor alloy in the via. The present disclosure also includes the structure produced by the method described above.

Abstract: An ohmic electrode for SiC semiconductor that contains Si and Ni or an ohmic electrode for SiC semiconductor that further contains Au or Pt in addition to Si and Ni is provided. In addition, a method of manufacturing the ohmic electrode for SiC semiconductor, a semiconductor device including the ohmic electrode for SiC semiconductor, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device are provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a substrate and passivation layers. The passivation layers include a bottom dielectric layer formed over the substrate for passivation, a doped dielectric layer formed over the bottom dielectric layer for passivation, and a top dielectric layer formed over the doped dielectric layer for passivation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the following steps. A semiconductor substrate is prepared which has a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to each other. The semiconductor substrate is fixed on an adhesive tape at the first main surface. The semiconductor substrate fixed on the adhesive tape is placed in an accommodating chamber. While maintaining a temperature of the adhesive tape at 100° C. or more, a gas is exhausted from the accommodating chamber. After the step of exhausting the gas from the accommodating chamber, a temperature of the semiconductor substrate is reduced. After the step of reducing the temperature of the semiconductor substrate, an electrode is formed on a second main surface of the semiconductor substrate. In this way, there can be provided a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device so as to achieve reduced contact resistance between a semiconductor substrate and an electrode.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions in which a semiconductor material sidewall is along an opening, a protective organic material is over at least one semiconductor material surface, and the semiconductor material sidewall and protective organic material are both exposed to an etch utilizing at least one fluorine-containing composition. The etch is selective for the semiconductor material relative to the organic material, and reduces sharpness of at least one projection along the semiconductor material sidewall. In some embodiments, the opening is a through wafer opening, and subsequent processing forms one or more materials within such through wafer opening to form a through wafer interconnect. In some embodiments, the opening extends to a sensor array, and the protective organic material is comprised by a microlens system over the sensor array. Subsequent processing may form a macrolens structure across the opening.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit providing an enlarged contact process window while reducing device size is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate including a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having one or more gate structures including a dummy gate layer; removing the dummy gate layer from at least one of the one or more gate structures in the first and second regions to form one or more trenches in the first and second regions; filling the one or more trenches in the first and second regions with a conductive layer; selectively etching back the conductive layer of the one or more gate structures in the second region of the substrate; forming a protective layer over the etched back conductive layer of the one or more gate structures in the second region; and forming one or more contact openings in the first and second regions.

Abstract: The various aspects comprise methods and devices for processing a wafer. An aspect of this disclosure includes a wafer. The wafer comprises a plurality of die regions; a plurality of kerf regions between the plurality of die regions; and a metallization area on the plurality of die regions.

Abstract: A method for preventing formation of metal silicide material on a wafer bevel is provided, where the wafer bevel surrounds a central region of the wafer. The wafer is placed in bevel plasma processing chamber. A protective layer is deposited on the wafer bevel. The wafer is removed from the bevel plasma processing chamber. A metal layer is deposited over at least part of the central region of the wafer, wherein part of the metal layer is deposited over the protective layer. Semiconductor devices are formed while preventing metal silicide formation on the wafer bevel.

Abstract: An ESD-robust I/O driver circuit is disclosed. Embodiments include providing a first NMOS transistor having a first source, a first drain, and a first gate; coupling the first source is coupled to a ground rail, and the first drain to an I/O pad; providing a gate driver control circuit including a second NMOS transistor having a second source, a second drain, and a second gate; and coupling the second drain to the first gate, the second source to the ground rail, wherein the gate driver control circuit provides a ground potential to the first gate during an ESD event occurring from the I/O pad to the ground rail.

Abstract: Methods of forming a variable-resistance memory device include patterning an interlayer dielectric layer to define an opening therein that exposes a bottom electrode of a variable-resistance memory cell, on a memory cell region of a substrate (e.g., semiconductor substrate). These methods further include depositing a layer of variable-resistance material (e.g., phase-changeable material) onto the exposed bottom electrode in the opening and onto a first portion of the interlayer dielectric layer extending opposite a peripheral circuit region of the substrate. The layer of variable-resistance material and the first portion of the interlayer dielectric layer are then selectively etched in sequence to define a recess in the interlayer dielectric layer. The layer of variable-resistance material and the interlayer dielectric layer are then planarized to define a variable-resistance pattern within the opening.

Abstract: Aspects and examples include electrical components and methods of forming electrical components. In one example, a method includes selecting a substrate, forming a pattern of a first conductive material on a top surface of the substrate, forming a pattern of a second conductive material on a bottom surface of the substrate, dicing the substrate into one or more die having a first diced surface and a second diced surface, securing the first diced surface of each of the one or more die to a retaining material, encapsulating the one or more die in an encapsulent to form a reconstituted wafer, and forming a pattern of a third conductive material on the second diced surface by metalizing a surface of the reconstituted wafer.

Abstract: A semiconductor element includes a semiconductor layer, an electrode, an adhesion layer, and an insulating layer. The electrode is disposed over the semiconductor layer and has a first upper surface and a second upper surface disposed further away from the semiconductor layer than the first upper surface. The adhesion layer is disposed on the first upper surface of the electrode so that the second upper surface of the electrode is disposed further away from the semiconductor layer than an upper surface of the adhesion layer. The insulating layer covers from the upper surface of the adhesion layer to the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: There are provided with a wiring structure and a method for manufacturing the same wherein in a wiring structure of multi-layered wiring in which a metal wiring is formed on a substrate forming a semiconductor element thereby obtaining connection of the element, no damage to insulation property between the abutting wirings by occurrence of leakage current and no deterioration of insulation resistance property between the abutting wirings are achieved in case that fine metal wiring is formed in a porous insulation film. The insulation barrier layer 413 is formed between an interlayer insulation film and the metal wiring, in the metal wiring structure on the substrate forming the semiconductor element. The insulation barrier layer enables to reduce leakage current between the abutting wirings and to elevate the insulation credibility.

Abstract: A wafer including a substrate, a dielectric layer over the substrate, and a conductive layer over the dielectric layer is disclosed. The substrate has a main portion. A periphery of the dielectric layer and the periphery of the main portion of the substrate are separated by a first distance. A periphery of the conductive layer and the periphery of the main portion of the substrate are separated by a second distance. The second distance ranges from about a value that is 0.5% of a diameter of the substrate less than the first distance to about a value that is 0.5% of the diameter greater than the first distance.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device that has a buffer layer with which a dislocation density is decreased. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a buffer region formed over the substrate, an active layer formed on the buffer region, and at least two electrodes formed on the active layer. The buffer region includes at least one composite layer in which a first semiconductor layer having a first lattice constant, a second semiconductor layer having a second lattice constant that is different from the first lattice constant and formed in contact with the first semiconductor layer, and a third semiconductor layer having a third lattice constant that is between the first lattice constant and the second lattice constant are sequentially laminated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ohmic contact layer and a method of manufacturing a top emission type nitride-based light emitting device having the ohmic contact layer are provided. The method of manufacturing an ohmic contact layer includes: forming a first conductive material layer on a semiconductor layer; forming a mask layer having a plurality of nano-sized islands on the first conductive material layer; forming a second conductive material layer on the first conductive material layer and the mask layer; and removing the portion of the second conductive material on the islands and the islands through a lift-off process using a solvent. The method ensures the maintenance of good electrical characteristics and an increase of the light extraction efficiency.

Abstract: An approach for providing cross-coupling-based designs using diffusion contact structures is disclosed. Embodiments include providing first and second gate structures over a substrate; providing a gate cut region across the first gate structure, the second gate structure, or a combination thereof; providing a first gate contact over the first gate structure; providing a second gate contact over the second gate structure; and providing a diffusion contact structure coupling the first gate contact to the second gate contact, the diffusion contact structure having vertices within the gate cut region.

Abstract: One method disclosed herein includes forming a plurality of source/drain contacts that are conductively coupled to a source/drain region of a plurality of transistor devices, wherein at least one of the source/drain contacts is a local interconnect structure that spans the isolation region and is conductively coupled to a first source/drain region in a first active region and to a second source/drain region in a second active region, and forming a patterned mask layer that covers the first and second active regions and exposes at least a portion of the local interconnect structure positioned above an isolation region that separates the first and second active regions. The method further includes performing an etching process through the patterned mask layer to remove a portion of the local interconnect structure, thereby defining a recess positioned above a remaining portion of the local interconnect structure, and forming an insulating material in the recess.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes forming conductive or semiconductive features above a first dielectric material, depositing a second dielectric material above the conductive or semiconductive features, etching a void in the second dielectric material, wherein the etch stops on the first dielectric material, and exposing a portion of the conductive or semiconductive features.

Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting element of the present invention includes a support substrate, a semiconductor film including a light emitting layer, a surface electrode provided on the surface on a light-extraction-surface side of the semiconductor film, and a light reflecting layer. The surface electrode includes first electrode pieces that form ohmic contact with the semiconductor film and a second electrode piece electrically connected to the first electrode pieces. The light reflecting layer includes a reflecting electrode, and the reflecting electrode includes third electrode pieces that form ohmic contact with the semiconductor film and a fourth electrode piece electrically connected to the third electrode pieces and placed opposite to the second electrode piece. Both the second electrode piece and the fourth electrode piece form Schottky contact with the semiconductor film so as to form barriers to prevent forward current in the semiconductor film.

Abstract: A step of forming wiring using first solution ejection means for ejecting a conductive material, a step of forming a resist mask on the wiring using second solution ejection means, and a step of etching the wiring using an atmospheric-pressure plasma device having linear plasma generation means or an atmospheric-pressure plasma device having a plurality of linearly-arranged plasma-generation-means using the resist mask as a mask are included.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with reduced defect density is fabricated by forming localized metal silicides instead of full area silicidation. Embodiments include forming a transistor having a gate electrode and source/drain regions on a substrate, forming a masking layer with openings exposing portions of both the gate electrode and source/drain regions over the substrate, depositing metal in the openings on the exposed portions, forming silicides in the openings, and removing unreacted metal and the masking layer.