Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure includes at least two electrode layers, and the electrode layers are parallel to each other and arranged in different layers. Adjacent electrode layers overlap with each other and have an overlapping area, a dielectric layer is arranged between the adjacent electrode layers, and an air gap is arranged in the dielectric layer located in the overlapping area.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a conductive via and a first insulation layer. The conductive via is through the substrate. The first insulation layer is between the substrate and the conductive via. A first surface of the first insulation layer facing the substrate and a second surface of the first insulation layer facing the conductive via are extended along different directions.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a semiconductor device disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A dielectric structure is arranged over the semiconductor substrate. First and second metal vias are disposed in the dielectric structure and spaced laterally apart from one another. First and second metal lines are disposed in the dielectric structure and have nearest neighboring sidewalls that are spaced laterally apart from one another by a portion of the dielectric structure. The first and second metal lines contact upper portions of the first and second metal vias, respectively. First and second air gaps are disposed in the portion of the dielectric structure. The first and second air gaps are proximate to nearest neighboring sidewalls of the first and second metal lines, respectively.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a first gate electrode disposed on the substrate and located in a first region of the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device also includes a first sidewall structure covering the first gate electrode. The semiconductor device further includes a protective layer disposed between the first gate electrode and the first sidewall structure. In addition, the semiconductor device includes a second gate electrode disposed on the substrate and located in a second region of the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device also includes a second sidewall structure covering a lateral surface of the second gate electrode.

Abstract: A structure includes a first conductive feature, a first etch stop layer over the first conductive feature, a dielectric layer over the first etch stop layer, and a second conductive feature in the dielectric layer and the first etch stop layer. The second conductive feature is over and contacting the first conductive feature. An air spacer encircles the second conductive feature, and sidewalls of the second conductive feature are exposed to the air spacer. A protection ring further encircles the second conductive feature, and the protection ring fully separates the second conductive feature from the air spacer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first metal layer, a dielectric layer, and a second metal layer. The substrate includes a dense region and an isolation region. The first metal layer is disposed over the substrate and includes a first metal pattern and a second metal pattern. The first metal pattern is located in the dense region. There is at least one slot in the first metal pattern. The second metal pattern is located in the isolation region. The dielectric layer is disposed on the first metal layer. The second metal layer is disposed on the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present application discloses provides a method for fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a sacrificial structure above the substrate, forming a supporting liner covering the sacrificial structure, forming an energy-removable layer covering the supporting liner, performing a planarization process until a top surface of the sacrificial structure is exposed, performing an etch process to remove the sacrificial structure and concurrently form a first opening in the energy-removable layer, forming covering liners on sidewalls of the first opening and on a top surface of the energy-removable layer, forming a first conductive feature in the first opening, and applying an energy source to turn the energy-removable layer into a porous insulating layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first interlayer insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a first trench formed inside the first interlayer insulating layer, a contact plug disposed inside the first trench, a first wiring pattern disposed on the contact plug, a second wiring pattern which is disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer and spaced apart from the first wiring pattern in a horizontal direction, a second interlayer insulating layer which is disposed on the first interlayer insulating layer and surrounds each of side walls of the first wiring pattern and each of side walls of the second wiring pattern, and a first air gap formed on the contact plug inside the first trench.

Abstract: Integrated circuit (IC) interconnect lines having line breaks and line bridges within one interconnect level that are based on a single lithographic mask pattern. Multi-patterning may be employed to define a grating structure of a desired pitch in a first mask layer. Breaks and bridges between the grating structures may be derived from a second mask layer through a process-based selective occlusion of openings defined in the second mask layer that are below a threshold minimum lateral width. Portions of the grating structure underlying openings defined in the second mask layer that exceed the threshold minimum lateral width are removed. Trenches in an underlayer may then be etched based on a union of the remainder of the grating structure and the occluded openings in the second mask layer. The trenches may then be backfilled to form the interconnect lines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an RF switch device and, more particularly, an RF switch device having an air gap over a gate electrode and a metal interconnect at a position higher than the air gap and that at least partially overlap the air gap in the vertical direction, thereby preventing exposure of an upper portion of the air gap in subsequent processing.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an SRAM device, an insulating layer is formed over a substrate. First dummy patterns are formed over the insulating layer. Sidewall spacer layers, as second dummy patterns, are formed on sidewalls of the first dummy patterns. The first dummy patterns are removed, thereby leaving the second dummy patterns over the insulating layer. After removing the first dummy patterns, the second dummy patterns are divided. A mask layer is formed over the insulating layer and between the divided second dummy patterns. After forming the mask layer, the divided second dummy patterns are removed, thereby forming a hard mask layer having openings that correspond to the patterned second dummy patterns. The insulating layer is formed by using the hard mask layer as an etching mask, thereby forming via openings in the insulating layer. A conductive material is filled in the via openings, thereby forming contact bars.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in some embodiments, relates to an integrated chip. The integrated chip includes a bond pad disposed over a substrate and a passivation structure disposed over the substrate and the bond pad. The passivation structure has one or more sidewalls directly over the bond pad. A protective layer is disposed directly between the passivation structure and the bond pad. The passivation structure extends from directly over the protective layer to laterally past a sidewall of the protective layer that faces a central region of the bond pad.

Abstract: Partial barrier-free vias and methods for forming such are disclosed herein. An exemplary interconnect structure of a multilayer interconnect feature includes a dielectric layer. A cobalt-comprising interconnect feature and a partial barrier-free via are disposed in the dielectric layer. The partial barrier-free via includes a first via plug portion disposed on and physically contacting the cobalt-comprising interconnect feature and the dielectric layer, a second via plug portion disposed over the first via plug portion, and a via barrier layer disposed between the second via plug portion and the first via plug portion. The via barrier layer is further disposed between the second via plug portion and the dielectric layer. The cobalt-comprising interconnect feature can be a device-level contact or a conductive line of the multilayer interconnect feature. The first via plug portion and the second via plug portion can include tungsten, cobalt, and/or ruthenium.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices and methods of forming the same are provided. A method according to the present disclosure includes providing a workpiece including a first metal feature in a dielectric layer and a capping layer over the first metal feature, selectively depositing a blocking layer over the capping layer, depositing an etch stop layer (ESL) over the workpiece, removing the blocking layer, and depositing a second metal feature over the workpiece such that the first metal feature is electrically coupled to the second metal feature. The blocking layer prevents the ESL from being deposited over the capping layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with a capacitor landing pad includes a substrate. A capacitor contact plug is disposed on the substrate. A capacitor landing pad contacts and electrically connects the capacitor contact plug. A bit line is disposed on the substrate. A dielectric layer surrounds the capacitor landing pad. The dielectric layer includes a bottom surface lower than a top surface of the bit line.

Abstract: A die includes: a semiconductor substrate; an interconnect structure disposed on the semiconductor substrate and including: inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers; metal features embedded in the IMD layers; and a guard ring structure including concentric first and second guard rings that extend through at least a subset of the IMD layers; and a through silicon via (TSV) structure extending through the semiconductor substrate and the subset of IMD layers to electrically contact one of the metal features. The first guard ring surrounds the TSV structure; and the second guard ring surrounds the first guard ring and is configured to reduce a parasitic capacitance between the guard ring structure and the TSV structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a connection pad in a substrate, the connection pad having an exposed surface made of a metallic material that diffuses less readily into a dielectric layer than does a metal of a wiring layer connected thereto.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) structure includes a substrate, a transistor, an interconnect structure, a plurality of metal lines, an oxide liner, a passivation layer, and a nitride layer. The transistor is on the substrate. The interconnect structure is over the transistor. The metal lines is on the interconnect structure. The oxide liner is over the plurality of metal lines. The passivation layer is over the oxide liner and is more porous than the passivation layer. The nitride layer is over the passivation layer.

Abstract: A substrate processing method includes providing a substrate containing a first film, a second film, and a third film, forming a first blocking layer on the first film, forming a second blocking layer on the second film, where the second blocking layer is different from the first blocking layer, and selectively forming a material film on the third film by vapor deposition. In one example, the first film, second film, and the third film are selected from the group consisting of a metal film, a metal-containing liner, and a dielectric film.

Abstract: Provided are a memory cell and a method of forming the same. The memory cell includes a first dielectric pattern, a second dielectric pattern, a first bottom electrode, a first storage pattern, and a first top electrode. The first bottom electrode is disposed between the first dielectric pattern and the second dielectric pattern, and the first bottom electrode interfaces a first sidewall of the first dielectric pattern and a sidewall of the second dielectric pattern. The first storage pattern is disposed on the first dielectric pattern, the second dielectric pattern and the first bottom electrode, wherein the first storage pattern is electrically connected to the first bottom electrode. The first storage pattern is between the first bottom electrode and the first top electrode. A semiconductor die including a memory array is also provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a metal film and a complex capping layer covering a top surface of the metal film. The metal film includes a first metal, and penetrates at least a portion of an insulating film formed over a substrate. The complex capping layer includes a conductive alloy capping layer covering the top surface of the metal film, and an insulating capping layer covering a top surface of the conductive alloy capping layer and a top surface of the insulating film. The conductive alloy capping layer includes a semiconductor element and a second metal different from the first metal. The insulating capping layer includes a third metal.

Abstract: Moisture-driven degradation of a crack stop in a semiconductor die is mitigated by forming a groove in an upper surface of the die between an edge of the die and the crack stop; entirely filling the groove with a moisture barrier material; preventing moisture penetration of the semiconductor die by presence of the moisture barrier material; and dissipating mechanical stress in the moisture barrier material without presenting a stress riser in the bulk portion of the die. The moisture barrier material is at least one of moisture-absorbing, moisture adsorbing, and hydrophobic.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, a stacked body, a plurality of first members, and at least one first insulating member. The stacked body is provided on the substrate and includes a plurality of electrode layers. The electrode layers are stacked apart from each other in a first direction and extend in a second direction parallel to an upper surface of the substrate. The first members are provided in the stacked body and extend in the first direction and the second direction. The first insulating member is provided in the stacked body and extends in the first direction and a third direction so that the electrode layers are divided into a plurality of regions in the second direction, the third direction intersecting with the second direction and being parallel to the upper surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device and related methods, wherein the device includes a substrate, a nanochannel formed in the substrate, a first electrode positioned on a first side of the nanochannel, and a second electrode. The second electrode is positioned on a second side of the nanochannel opposite the first electrode and is spaced apart from the first electrode to form an electrode gap that is exposed in the nanochannel. At least a portion of first electrode is movable relative to the second electrode to decrease a size of the electrode gap.

Abstract: An electronic device, e.g. integrated circuit, has top and bottom metal plates located over a substrate, the bottom plate located between the top plate and the substrate. A high-stress silicon dioxide layer is located between the bottom plate and the substrate. At least one low-stress silicon dioxide layer is located between the top plate and the bottom plate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including an integrated module formed of a first semiconductor die coupled to a second semiconductor die. Each of the first and second semiconductor dies includes a number of bond pads, which are bonded to each other to form the integrated module. Each bond pad may be divided into a number of discrete pad legs. While the overall footprint of each bond pad on the first and second semiconductor dies may be the same, the bond pads on one of the dies may have a larger number of pad legs.

Abstract: Techniques regarding microfluidic chips with one or more vias filled with sacrificial plugs and/or manufacturing methods thereof are provided herein. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise an apparatus, which can comprise a silicon device layer of a microfluidic chip comprising a plurality of vias extending through the silicon device layer. The plurality of vias comprise greater than or equal to about 100 vias per square centimeter of a surface of the silicon device layer and less than or equal to about 100,000 vias per square centimeter of the surface of the silicon device layer. Additionally, the apparatus can comprise a plurality of sacrificial plugs positioned in the plurality of vias.

Abstract: A microelectronic device includes a first conductive structure, a barrier structure, a conductive liner structure, and a second conductive structure. The first conductive structure is within a first filled opening in a first dielectric structure. The barrier structure is within the first filled opening in the first dielectric structure and vertically overlies the first conductive structure. The conductive liner structure is on the barrier structure and is within a second filled opening in a second dielectric structure vertically overlying the first dielectric structure. The second conductive structure vertically overlies and is horizontally surrounded by the conductive liner structure within the second filled opening in the second dielectric structure. Memory devices, electronic systems, and methods of forming microelectronic devices are also described.

Abstract: A plasma processing method of etching an organic film through a mask having an opening is provided. The mask is formed on the organic film, and is made of a silicon-containing film. The method includes rectifying a shape of the mask. The rectifying of the shape of the mask includes refining a side wall of the opening of the mask, and etching an upper surface of the mask.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic display device comprising microcells filled with an electrophoretic fluid and a dielectric layer, which comprises a first type of magnetic filler material, a second type of nonmagnetic filler material, and a polymeric material. The first and second types of filler material physically interact with each other and they are fixed and aligned in the dielectric adhesive layer in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer exhibits anisotropic conductivity having higher conductivity in the z direction compared to the other two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A process flow is utilized for patterning of dual damascene structures in BEOL process steps. Conductor vias are inversely patterned in the form of pillars that are formed before the final dielectric stack is deposited. The final dielectric stack may include a low-k dielectric and the conductor may be ruthenium. The vias may be formed by forming conductor pillars in patterned voids of a sacrificial layer. After the pillars are formed, certain areas between the pillars can then be backfilled with a dielectric, such as for example, a low-k dielectric material. The trench conductor of the dual damascene structure may then be formed. The sacrificial dielectric may then be removed and an additional layer of low-k dielectric material can then be deposited or coated on the structure to provide the final structure having the dual damascene vias and trenches filled with the conductor surrounded by low-k material.

Abstract: Integrated circuit comprising an interconnection system comprising at least one multilevel layer comprising first parallel electrically conductive lines, the multilevel layer comprising at least three levels forming a centerline level, an upper extension line level, and a lower extension line level the levels providing multilevel routing tracks in which the lines extend.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are integrated circuit (IC) components with dummy structures, as well as related methods and devices. For example, in some embodiments, an IC component may include a dummy structure in a metallization stack. The dummy structure may include a dummy material having a higher Young's modulus than an interlayer dielectric of the metallization stack.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes forming a fuse structure and forming a first cathode connector and a second cathode connector over the fuse structure. The fuse structure includes an anode, a cathode, and a fuse link extending between and connecting the anode and the cathode. The fuse link has a width defined between a first edge and a second edge, which extend a length of the fuse link. The cathode includes a central region defined by a first longitudinal axis and a second longitudinal axis extending respectively from the first edge and the second edge. The first cathode connector and the second cathode connector are equidistant respectively to the fuse link, the first cathode connector does not intersect the first longitudinal axis, and the second cathode connector does not intersect the second longitudinal axis, such that the central region is free of the first cathode connector and the second cathode connector.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an integrated circuit including one or more memory cells arranged over a semiconductor substrate between an upper metal interconnect layer and a lower metal interconnect layer. A memory cell includes a bottom electrode disposed over the lower metal interconnect layer, a data storage or dielectric layer disposed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode disposed over the data storage or dielectric layer. An upper surface of the top electrode is in direct contact with the upper metal interconnect layer without a via or contact coupling the upper surface of the top electrode to the upper metal interconnect layer. Sidewall spacers are arranged along sidewalls of the top electrode, and have bottom surfaces that rest on an upper surface of the data storage or dielectric layer.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure relates to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a first electrically conductive structure, a thin film crystal layer located on the first electrically conductive structure, and a second electrically conductive structure including metal e.g. copper. The second electrically conductive structure is located on the thin film crystal layer. The first electrically conductive structure is electrically connected to the second electrically conductive structure through the thin film crystal layer. The thin film crystal layer may be provided as a copper diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of magnetoresistive memory element having a dielectric thermal buffer layer between a thin top electrode of the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and a bit line, and a bit-line VIA electrically connecting the top electrode and the bit line having a vertical distance away from the location of the MTJ stack. In a laser thermal annealing, a short wavelength of a laser has a shallow thermal penetration depth and a high thermal resistance from the bit line to the MTJ stack only causes a temperature rise of the MTJ stack being much smaller than that of the bit line. As the temperature of the MTJ element during the laser thermal annealing of bit line copper layer is controlled under 300-degree C., possible damages on MTJ and magnetic property can be avoided.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a flexible substrate and a semiconductor device. The flexible substrate includes a device bonding region and a device top metallization structure including a plurality of device signal lines and a plurality of device power lines extended beyond the device bonding region. The semiconductor device is disposed on the device bonding region and includes an interconnecting metallization structure and a passivation layer covering the interconnecting metallization structure and revealing a plurality of interconnect contacts of the interconnecting metallization structure, wherein the plurality of interconnect contacts electrically connected to one another through the device top metallization structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a lower wiring, an upper wiring on the lower wiring, and a via between the lower wiring and the upper wiring. The lower wiring has a first end surface and a second end surface opposing each other, the upper wiring has a third end surface and a fourth end surface opposing each other, and the via has a first side adjacent to the second end surface of the lower wiring and a second side adjacent to the third end surface of the upper wiring. A distance between a lower end of the first side of the via and an upper end of the second end surface of the lower wiring is less than ? of a width of a top surface of the via, and a distance between an upper end of the second side of the via and an upper end of the third end surface of the upper wiring is less than ? of the width of the top surface of the via.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming an encapsulation bilayer over a chalcogenide material on a semiconductor substrate are provided. Methods involve forming a bilayer including a barrier layer directly on chalcogenide material deposited using pulsed plasma plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PP-PECVD) and an encapsulation layer over the barrier layer deposited using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). In various embodiments, the barrier layer is formed using a halogen-free silicon precursor and the encapsulation layer deposited by PEALD is formed using a halogen-containing silicon precursor and a hydrogen-free nitrogen-containing reactant.

Abstract: Integrated circuits include back end of line metallization levels. An upper metallization level is on a lower metallization level and includes at least one top via-line interconnect structure in an interlayer dielectric. The lower metallization level includes at least one top via-line interconnect structure in an interlayer dielectric, wherein the top via is raised relative to the interlayer dielectric in the lower metallization level. The line in the upper metallization level contacts a top surface and sidewall portions of the top via raised above the interlevel dielectric. Also described are methods for fabricating the same.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a capacitor having an MIM structure includes forming a dielectric by laminating a plurality of times on an upper surface of a lower electrode, and forming an upper electrode on an upper surface of the dielectric. The forming of the dielectric includes forming a first dielectric layer on the upper surface of the lower electrode, cleaning an upper surface of the first dielectric layer by at least one of jet cleaning and dual fluid cleaning, and forming a second dielectric layer on the cleaned upper surface of the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a contact structure connected to an active region. A first insulating layer is disposed on a barrier dielectric layer and has a first hole connected to the contact structure. A second insulating layer is disposed on the first insulating layer and has a trench connected to the first hole. The second insulating layer has an extended portion along a side wall of the first hole. A width of the first hole less the space occupied by the extended portion is defined as a second hole. A wiring structure including a conductive material is connected to the contact structure. A conductive barrier is disposed between the conductive material and the first and second insulating layers. An etch stop layer is disposed between the first and second insulating layers and between the extended portion of the second insulating layer and a side wall of the first hole.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink that can be used f producing a print having no streaks even in a case where the distance between the surface of a recording medium such as a cardboard and an ink jet head is long. The present invention relates to an ink for use in an ink jet recording method in which the distance from a surface (x) having an ink discharge port of an ink jet head to a position (y) where a line perpendicular to the surface (x) intersects with a recording medium is 2 mm or more, the ink having a viscosity in the range of 2 mPa·s or more and less than 9 mPa·s and a surface tension in the range of 20 mN/m to 40 mN/m.

Abstract: The present application discloses a semiconductor device with a self-aligned landing pad and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer disposed over the substrate, a plug disposed in the dielectric layer, and a self-aligned landing pad disposed over the dielectric layer. The method includes: providing a substrate; forming a dielectric layer with a plug over the substrate; performing an etching process to remove a portion of the dielectric layer to expose a protruding portion of the plug; forming a liner layer covering the dielectric layer and the protruding portion; and performing a thermal process to form a landing pad over the dielectric layer in a self-aligned manner. The self-aligned landing pad comprises a protruding portion of the plug, a first silicide layer disposed over the protruding portion, and a second silicide layer disposed on a sidewall of the protruding portion.

Abstract: Provided is an integrated circuit structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The integrated circuit structure comprises a substrate; a plurality of interconnecting structures on the substrate, each of the interconnecting structures comprises side surfaces and a top surface, the side surfaces directly define air gaps therebetween isolating the interconnecting structures from each other; and a planar protective layer on top of the plurality of interconnecting structures covering all of the air gaps. The protective layer comprises a sheltering film and a supporting film.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a pixel electrode that is light-transmissive, a substrate that is light-transmissive and that is provided with a recessed portion open to the pixel electrode side, a light-shielding body disposed in the recessed portion, and a switching element overlapping, in a plan view from a thickness direction of the substrate, the light-shielding body, the switching element being electrically coupled to the pixel electrode, wherein the light-shielding body includes a metal film containing tungsten, and a metal nitride film that is disposed between the metal film and the substrate and that contains tungsten nitride.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming an interconnect structure, including: depositing a plurality of spacers atop a low-k dielectric layer including a plurality of recessed vias, wherein one or more of the plurality of spacers is deposited atop the top surface of the low-k dielectric layer and within one or more of the plurality of recessed vias to form a one or more partially filled recessed vias; depositing a conformal metal layer atop the low-k dielectric layer, plurality of spacers, and within the one or more partially filled recessed vias to form a plurality of filled vias; etching the conformal metal layer to remove portions thereof to form a second plurality of partially filled recessed vias; and filling between the plurality spacers and within the second plurality of partially filled recessed vias with a dielectric material to form a second plurality of filled vias.

Abstract: In one implementation, a processing system includes a first transfer chamber coupling to at least one epitaxy process chamber, a second transfer chamber, a transition station disposed between the first transfer chamber and the second transfer chamber, a first plasma chamber coupled to the second transfer chamber for removing oxides from a surface of a substrate, and a load lock chamber coupled to the second transfer chamber. The transition station connects to the first transfer chamber and the second transfer chamber, and the transition station includes a second plasma chamber for removing contaminants from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes techniques of protecting a metal interconnect structure from being damaged by subsequent chemical mechanical polishing processes used for forming other metal structures over the metal interconnect structure. The metal interconnect structure is receded to form a recess between the metal interconnect structure and the surrounding dielectric layer. A metal cap structure is formed within the recess. An upper portion of the dielectric layer is strained to include a tensile stress which expands the dielectric layer against the metal cap structure to reduce or eliminate a gap in the interface between the metal cap structure and the dielectric layer.