Separating Insulating Layer Is Laminate Or Composite Of Plural Insulating Materials Patents (Class 438/624)
  • Patent number: 8981466
    Abstract: Multilayer dielectric structures are provided having silicon nitride (SiN) and silicon oxynitride (SiNO) films for use as capping layers, liners, spacer barrier layers, and etch stop layers, and other components of semiconductor nano-devices. For example, a semiconductor structure includes a multilayer dielectric structure having multiple layers of dielectric material including one or more SiN layers and one or more SiNO layers. The layers of dielectric material in the multilayer dielectric structure have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 nanometers to about 3 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Grill, Seth L. Knupp, Son V. Nguyen, Vamsi K. Paruchuri, Deepika Priyadarshini, Hosadurga K. Shobha
  • Patent number: 8984466
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has first wiring layers and a plurality of dummy wiring layers that are provided on the same level as the first wiring layers. The semiconductor device defines a row direction, and first virtual linear lines extending in a direction traversing the row direction. The row direction and the first virtual linear lines define an angle of 2-40 degrees, and the dummy wiring layers are disposed in a manner to be located on the first virtual linear lines. The semiconductor device also defines a column direction perpendicular to the row direction, and second virtual linear lines extending in a direction traversing the column direction. The column direction and the second virtual linear lines define an angle of 2-40 degrees, and the dummy wiring layers are disposed in a manner to be located on the second virtual linear lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Mori, Kei Kawahara, Yoshikazu Kasuya
  • Patent number: 8980715
    Abstract: Multilayer dielectric structures are provided having silicon nitride (SiN) and silicon oxynitride (SiNO) films for use as capping layers, liners, spacer barrier layers, and etch stop layers, and other components of semiconductor nano-devices. For example, a semiconductor structure includes a multilayer dielectric structure having multiple layers of dielectric material including one or more SiN layers and one or more SiNO layers. The layers of dielectric material in the multilayer dielectric structure have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 nanometers to about 3 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Grill, Seth L. Knupp, Son V. Nguyen, Vamsi K. Paruchuri, Deepika Priyadarshini, Hosadurga K. Shobha
  • Patent number: 8975147
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor stack and associated device, such as a capacitor and DRAM cell. In particular, a bottom electrode has a material selected for lattice matching characteristics. This material may be created from a relatively inexpensive metal oxide which is processed to adopt a conductive, but difficult-to-produce oxide state, with specific crystalline form; to provide one example, specific materials are disclosed that are compatible with the growth of rutile phase titanium dioxide (TiO2) for use as a dielectric, thereby leading to predictable and reproducible higher dielectric constant and lower effective oxide thickness and, thus, greater part density at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Intermolecular, Inc., Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiangxin Rui, Hanhong Chen, Pragati Kumar, Sandra G. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 8975178
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a device, includes forming a first core including a line portion extending between first and second regions and having a first width and a fringe having a dimension larger than the first width, forming a mask on the fringe and on a first sidewall on the first core, removing the first core so that a remaining portion having a dimension larger than the first width is formed below the mask, forming a second sidewall on a pattern corresponding the first sidewall and the remaining portion, the second sidewall having a second width less than the first width and facing a first interval less than the first width in the first region and facing a second interval larger than the first interval in the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Keisuke Kikutani, Satoshi Nagashima, Hidefumi Mukai, Takehiro Kondoh, Hisataka Meguro
  • Patent number: 8927359
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of semiconductor device fabrication including forming a multi-composition ILD layer by forming a first portion of an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer on a semiconductor substrate; and forming a second portion of an ILD layer on the first portion of the ILD layer. The second portion may have a greater silicon content than the first portion. For example, the second portion may be a silicon rich oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-Hao Liu, Chun-Yi Chang, Ming-Feng Lin, Sheng-Wen Yu, Ziwei Fang
  • Publication number: 20140363968
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device package includes bonding a front surface of a first substrate to a second substrate, and thinning a back surface of the first substrate. The method includes depositing and patterning a dielectric layer on the thinned back surface of the first substrate, and etching the first substrate after the depositing and the patterning of the dielectric layer are performed to form a through silicon via to enable electrical connection with a first level metal of the first substrate. The method includes depositing an isolation layer to line the through silicon via is formed, and etching the isolation layer at the bottom of the through silicon via. The method includes depositing a conductive layer to line the through silicon via after the isolation layer at the bottom of the through silicon via is etched, and deposited a copper film over the conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Hsueh-An YANG
  • Patent number: 8877631
    Abstract: An interconnect arrangement and fabrication method are described. The interconnect arrangement includes an electrically conductive mount substrate, a dielectric layer formed on the mount substrate, and an electrically conductive interconnect formed on the dielectric layer. At least a portion of the dielectric layer under the interconnect contains a cavity. To fabricate the interconnect arrangement, a sacrificial layer is formed on the mount substrate and the interconnect layer is formed on the sacrificial layer. The interconnect layer and the sacrificial layer are structured to produce a structured interconnect on the structured sacrificial layer. A porous dielectric layer is formed on a surface of the mount substrate and of the structured interconnect as well as the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is then removed to form the cavity under the interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Manfred Engelhardt, Werner Pamler, Guenther Schindler
  • Patent number: 8871627
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate on which a structure portion is provided except a peripheral portion thereof, and has a laminated structure including low dielectric films and wiring lines, the low dielectric films having a relative dielectric constant of 3.0 or lower and a glass transition temperature of 400° C. or higher. An insulating film is formed on the structure portion. A connection pad portion is arranged on the insulating film and connected to an uppermost wiring line of the laminated structure portion. A bump electrode is provided on the connection pad portion. A sealing film made of an organic resin is provided on a part of the insulating film which surrounds the bump electrode. Side surfaces of the laminated structure portion are covered with the insulating film and/or the sealing film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tera Probe, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiko Mizusawa, Osamu Okada, Takeshi Wakabayashi, Ichiro Mihara
  • Patent number: 8859415
    Abstract: A method of forming wiring of a semiconductor device includes: forming an insulating resin on a main surface of a substrate such that an opening portion defining a wiring pattern is provided in the insulating resin; forming a first wiring layer made of a first metal on a bottom surface and side surfaces of the opening portion surrounding and a surface of the insulating resin opposite to the main surface of the substrate, the first wiring layer having a bottom portion formed on the bottom surface of the opening portion and side portions formed on the side surfaces, the bottom portion having a thickness greater than a thickness of at least one of the side portions; and cutting the insulating resin and the first wiring layer such that the insulating resin and the first wiring layer are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takayuki Tajima, Akira Tojo
  • Publication number: 20140300005
    Abstract: A multilevel interconnect structure for a semiconductor device includes an intermetal dielectric layer with funnel-shaped connecting vias. The funnel-shaped connecting vias are provided in connection with systems exhibiting submicron spacings. The architecture of the multilevel interconnect structure provides a low resistance connecting via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Antonio Di Franco, Marco Bonifacio, Silvio Cristofalo
  • Patent number: 8836141
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is prepared by an annealing process to interconnect at least two components of the device by a conductor line surrounded by an insulator material. The annealing process results in formation of residual stresses within the conductor line and the insulator material. A notch is designed in the layout on a selective portion of the mask for patterning conductor line. The existence of a shape of notch on the selective portion generates extra stress components within the conductor line than if without the existence of the notch. The position of the notch is selected so that the extra stress components substantially counteract the residual stresses, thereby causing a net reduction in the residual stresses. The reduction in the residual stresses results in a corresponding mechanical stress migration and therefore improvement in the reliability of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Hwa Chi, Tai-Chun Huang, Chih-Hsiang Yao
  • Publication number: 20140252648
    Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming an interconnect structure are disclosed. The interconnect structure includes a first metal line and a second metal line over a substrate; a portion of a first low-k (LK) dielectric layer between the first metal line and the second metal line; and a second LK dielectric layer over the portion of the first LK dielectric layer. A top surface of the second LK dielectric layer is substantially coplanar with a top surface of the first metal line or the second metal line, and a thickness of the second LK dielectric layer is less than a thickness of the first metal line or a thickness of the second metal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Jeng-Shiou Chen, Chih-Yuan Ting, Jyu-Horng Shieh, Minghsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 8828843
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an isolation structure includes forming a laminate structure on a substrate. A plurality trenches is formed in the laminate structure. Subsequently a pre-processing is effected to form a hydrophilic thin film having oxygen ions on the inner wall of the trenches. Spin-on-dielectric (SOD) materials are filled into the trenches. The hydrophilic think film having oxygen ions changes the surface tension of the inner wall of the trenches and increases SOD material fluidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaw-Wen Hu, Jung-Chang Hsieh, Kuen-Shin Huang, Jian-Wei Chen, Ming-Tai Chien
  • Patent number: 8828841
    Abstract: A system and method for forming an isolation trench is provided. An embodiment comprises forming a trench and then lining the trench with a dielectric liner. Prior to etching the dielectric liner, an outgassing process is utilized to remove any residual precursor material that may be left over from the deposition of the dielectric liner. After the outgassing process, the dielectric liner may be etched, and the trench may be filled with a dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Tang Peng, Bing-Hung Chen, Tze-Liang Lee, Hao-Ming Lien
  • Publication number: 20140242792
    Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided, which may include: providing an interlayer dielectric layer, a metal layer formed on the interlayer dielectric layer, an etch stop layer formed on the metal layer, and a first opening extending through the etch stop layer and the metal layer, wherein the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed from the first opening; forming a protecting layer on the sidewall of the first opening to cover the metal layer; after forming the protecting layer, forming a second opening by etching a portion of the interlayer dielectric layer; and forming an isolating layer by filling up the second opening, wherein the isolating layer includes an air gap. The semiconductor device is more stable in performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SHANGHAI HUAHONG GRACE SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhangli LIU, Ernest LI
  • Patent number: 8810032
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: forming a first metal layer on a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate including a diffusion layer; forming an insulating layer having an opening on the first metal layer; forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer in the opening of the insulating layer; removing the insulating layer; covering an exposed surface of the second metal layer with a third metal layer, the third metal layer including a metal having an ionization tendency lower than that of the second metal layer; and forming an electrode interconnect including the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the third metal layer by removing the first metal layer using the third metal layer as a mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomomi Imamura, Tetsuo Matsuda, Yoshinosuke Nishijo
  • Patent number: 8803321
    Abstract: A stack of a first metal line and a first dielectric cap material portion is formed within a line trench of first dielectric material layer. A second dielectric material layer is formed thereafter. A line trench extending between the top surface and the bottom surface of the second dielectric material layer is patterned. A photoresist layer is applied over the second dielectric material layer and patterned with a via pattern. An underlying portion of the first dielectric cap material is removed by an etch selective to the dielectric materials of the first and second dielectric material layer to form a via cavity that is laterally confined along the widthwise direction of the line trench and along the widthwise direction of the first metal line. A dual damascene line and via structure is formed, which includes a via structure that is laterally confined along two independent horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Holmes, David V. Horak, Charles W. Koburger, III, Shom Ponoth, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 8796138
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming through-vias are presented, for example, a method for forming a via in a portion of a semiconductor wafer comprising a substrate. The method comprises forming a trench surrounding a first part of the substrate such that the first part is separated from a second part of the substrate, forming a hole through the substrate within the first part, and forming a first metal within the hole. The trench extends through the substrate. The first metal extends from a front surface of the substrate to a back surface of the substrate. The via comprises the hole and the first metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machiness Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Cotte, Christopher Vincent Jahnes, Bucknell Chapman Webb
  • Patent number: 8785276
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a cell string includes forming an interlayer dielectric layer, a sacrificial layer, and a semiconductor pattern on a semiconductor substrate, such that the interlayer dielectric layer and the sacrificial layer are formed in a first direction parallel with the semiconductor substrate, and such that the semiconductor pattern is formed in a second direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate, forming an opening by patterning the interlayer dielectric layer and the sacrificial layer, filling the opening with a metal, and annealing the semiconductor pattern having the opening filled with the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Nakanishi, Choong-Man Lee
  • Patent number: 8785319
    Abstract: Methods of forming fine patterns are provided. The methods may include forming first hard mask patterns extending in a first direction on a lower layer, forming second hard mask patterns filling gap regions between the first hard mask patterns, forming first mask patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first and second hard mask patterns, etching the first hard mask patterns using the first mask patterns as etch masks to form first openings, forming second mask patterns filling the first openings and extending in the second direction, and etching the second hard mask patterns using the second mask patterns as etch masks to form second openings spaced apart from the first openings in a diagonal direction with respect to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon-Soo Park, Kukhan Yoon, Joon Kim, Cheolhong Kim, Seokwoo Nam
  • Patent number: 8779561
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlight unit without a Printed Circuit board (PCB). The LED backlight unit includes a chassis, insulating resin layer, and one or more light source modules. The insulating resin layer is formed on the chassis. The circuit patterns are formed on the insulating resin layer. The light source modules are mounted on the insulating resin layer and are electrically connected to the circuit patterns. The insulating resin layer has a thickness of 200 ?m or less, and is formed by laminating solid film insulating resin on the chassis or by applying liquid insulating resin to the chassis using a molding method employing spin coating or blade coating. Furthermore, the circuit patterns are formed by filling the engraved circuit patterns of the insulating resin layer with metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gi Ho Jeong, Si Young Yang, Jae Wook Kwon, Jeong Hoon Park, Hyun Ju Yi, Choon Keun Lee
  • Patent number: 8779546
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory system and method of manufacture thereof including: a base wafer; an isolation region on the base wafer; an ion implanted region on the base wafer separated by the isolation region; a bit line contact plug over the ion implanted region; an isolation sidewall on the sides of the bit line contact plug; a resistor or capacitor on the isolation sidewall opposite the bit line contact plug between the bit line contact plug and another of the bit line contact plug; and a bit line over the resistor or capacitor and on the bit line contact plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Tsukamoto, Satoru Mayuzumi
  • Patent number: 8778793
    Abstract: A barrier insulating film is constituted from a first SiCN film formed with a tetramethylsilane gas flow rate lower than usual, a second SiCN film formed over the first SiCN film and formed with a usual tetramethylsilane gas flow rate, and a SiCO film formed over the second SiCN film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Furuhashi, Naohito Suzumura
  • Patent number: 8766445
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; an underlying wiring on the semiconductor substrate; a resin film extending to the semiconductor substrate and the underlying wiring, and having a first opening on the underlying wiring; a first SiN film on the underlying wiring and the resin film, and having a second opening in the first opening; an upper layer wiring on the underlying wiring and part of the resin film; and a second SiN film on the upper layer wiring and the resin film, and joined to the first SiN film on the resin film. The upper layer wiring includes a Ti film, connected to the underlying wiring via the first and second openings, and an Au film on the Ti film. The first and second SiN films circumferentially protect the Ti film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Hisaka, Takahiro Nakamoto, Toshihiko Shiga, Koichiro Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 8766449
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable interconnect geometry formed on a substrate that allows for increased electrical performance of the interconnects without compromising mechanical reliability. The compliance of the interconnects varies from the center of the substrate to edges of the substrate. The variation in compliance can either be step-wise or continuous. Exemplary low-compliance interconnects include columnar interconnects and exemplary high-compliance interconnects include helix interconnects. A cost-effective implementation using batch fabrication of the interconnects at a wafer level through sequential lithography and electroplating processes may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Suresh K. Sitaraman, Karan Kacker, Thomas Sokol
  • Patent number: 8759212
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a cap insulating film, including Si and C, on a substrate; forming an organic silica film, having a composition ratio of the number of carbon atoms to the number of silicon atoms higher than that of the cap insulating film, on the cap insulating film; and forming two or more concave portions, having different opening diameters, in the organic silica film, by plasma processing in which mixed gas including inert gas, N-containing gas, fluorocarbon gas and oxidant gas is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ippei Kume, Jun Kawahara, Naoya Furutake, Shinobu Saitou, Yoshihiro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20140151887
    Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device, in one embodiment, includes a substrate having a plurality of bit lines. A first and second inter-level dielectric layer are successively disposed on the substrate. Each of a plurality of source lines and staggered bit line contacts extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer. Each of a plurality of source line vias and a plurality of staggered bit line vias extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer to each respective one of the plurality of source lines and the plurality of staggered bit line contacts. The source lines and staggered bit line contacts that extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer are formed together by a first set of fabrication processes. The source line vias and staggered bit line contacts that extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer are also formed together by a second set of fabrication processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Shenqing Fang, Connie WANG, Wen Yu, Fei Wang
  • Patent number: 8741768
    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. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Petti
  • Publication number: 20140145337
    Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device, in one embodiment, includes a substrate having a plurality of bit lines. A first and second inter-level dielectric layer are successively disposed on the substrate. Each of a plurality of source lines extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer. Each of a plurality of source line vias extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer to each respective one of the plurality of source lines. Each of the plurality of staggered bit line contacts extend through the first and second inter-level dielectric layes to respective bit lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Shenqing Fang, Connie WANG, Wen Yu, Fei Wang
  • Patent number: 8735247
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device is disclosed. The method includes forming a first structure for a common source line on a semiconductor substrate, the first structure extending along a first direction, forming a mold structure by alternately stacking a plurality of sacrificial layers and a plurality of insulating layers on the semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of openings in the mold structure exposing a portion of the first structure, and forming a first memory cell string at a first side of the first structure and a second memory cell string at a second, opposite side of the first structure. The plurality of openings include a first through-hole and a second through-hole, each through-hole passing through the plurality of sacrificial layers and plurality of insulating layers, and the first through-hole and the second through-hole overlap each other in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Chul Yoo, Ki-Hyun Hwang, Han-Mei Choi, Jin-Gyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8722536
    Abstract: A circuit substrate uses post-fed top side power supply connections to provide improved routing flexibility and lower power supply voltage drop/power loss. Plated-through holes are used near the outside edges of the substrate to provide power supply connections to the top metal layers of the substrate adjacent to the die, which act as power supply planes. Pins are inserted through the plated-through holes to further lower the resistance of the power supply path(s). The bottom ends of the pins may extend past the bottom of the substrate to provide solderable interconnects for the power supply connections, or the bottom ends of the pins may be soldered to “jog” circuit patterns on a bottom metal layer of the substrate which connect the pins to one or more power supply terminals of an integrated circuit package including the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Douriet, Francesco Preda, Brian L. Singletary, Lloyd A. Walls
  • Patent number: 8709937
    Abstract: According to example embodiments, a method of forming micropatterns includes forming dummy patterns having first widths on a dummy region of a substrate, and forming cell patterns having second widths on an active line region of the substrate. The active line region may be adjacent to the dummy region and the second widths may be less than the first widths. The method may further include forming damascene metallization by forming a seed layer on the active line region and the dummy region, forming a conductive material layer on a whole surface of the substrate, and planarizing the conductive material layer to form metal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-sun Park, Gil-heyun Choi, Ji-soon Park, Jong-myeong Lee, Jong-won Hong, Hei-seung Kim
  • Patent number: 8685851
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a MOS device with memory function is provided, which includes: providing a semiconductor substrate, a surface of the semiconductor substrate being covered by a first dielectric layer, a metal interconnect structure being formed in the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer overlying a surface of the first dielectric layer and the metal interconnect structure; forming an opening in the second dielectric layer, a bottom of the opening revealing the metal interconnect structure; forming an alloy layer at the bottom of the opening, material of the alloy layer containing copper and other metal; and performing a thermal treatment to the alloy layer and the metal interconnect structure to form, on the surface of the metal interconnect structure, a compound layer containing oxygen element. The compound layer containing oxygen element and the MOS device formed in the semiconductor substrate constitute a MOS device with memory function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Chao Zhao, Wenwu Wang
  • Patent number: 8679967
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, methods, and systems for fabricating memory lines and structures using double sidewall patterning for four times half pitch relief patterning. The invention includes forming features from a first template layer disposed above a substrate, forming half-pitch sidewall spacers adjacent the features, forming smaller features in a second template layer by using the half-pitch sidewall spacers as a hardmask, forming quarter-pitch sidewall spacers adjacent the smaller features, and forming conductor features from a conductor layer by using the quarter-pitch sidewall spacers as a hardmask. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventors: Roy E. Scheuerlein, Yoichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8673765
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the back end of line process for fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs). The inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer between two metal layers may comprise an etching stop layer over a metal layer, a low-k dielectric layer over the etching stop layer, a dielectric hard mask layer over the low-k dielectric layer, an nitrogen free anti-reflection layer (NFARL) over the dielectric hard mask layer, and a metal-hard-mask (MHM) layer of a thickness in a range from about 180 ? to about 360 ? over the NFARL. The MHM layer thickness is optimized at the range from about 180 ? to about 360 ? to reduce the Cu pits while avoiding the photo overlay shifting issue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Chih Wang, Wei-Rong Chen, Yao Hsiang Liang, Chen-Kuang Lien
  • Patent number: 8674484
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method including: providing a substrate; stacking interlevel dielectric layers over said substrate, and separating said interlevel dielectric layers with a dielectric separator layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Sean King
  • Patent number: 8664099
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a MEMS device with particles blocking function, and a method for making the MEMS device. The MEMS device comprises: a substrate on which is formed a MEMS device region; and a particles blocking layer deposited on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Incorporation, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Chuan Wei Wang, Sheng Ta Lee
  • Patent number: 8666206
    Abstract: An asymmetric slotted waveguide and method for fabricating the same. The slotted waveguide is constructed in silicon-on-insulator using a Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. One or more wafers can be coated with a photo resist material using a photolithographic process in order to thereby bake the wafers via a post apply bake (PAB) process. An anti-reflective coating (TARC) can be further applied on the wafers and the wafers can be exposed on a scanner for the illumination conditions. After a post exposure bake (PEB), the wafers can be developed in a developer using a puddle develop process. Finally, the printed wafers can be processed using a shrink process to reduce the critical dimension (CD) of the slot and thereby achieve an enhanced asymmetric slotted waveguide that is capable of guiding the optical radiation in a wide range of optical modulation applications using an electro-optic polymer cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T S Pomerene, Wesley D. Reinhardt, Craig M. Hill
  • Patent number: 8664109
    Abstract: A method of forming a carbon-rich silicon carbide-like dielectric film having a carbon concentration of greater than, or equal to, about 30 atomic % C and a dielectric constant of less than, or equal to, about 4.5 is provided. The dielectric film may optionally include nitrogen. When nitrogen is present, the carbon-rich silicon carbide-like dielectric film has a concentration nitrogen that is less than, or equal, to about 5 atomic % nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Global Foundries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Grill, Joshua L. Herman, Son Nguyen, E. Todd Ryan, Hosadurga K. Shobha
  • Patent number: 8647978
    Abstract: A contiguous layer of graphene is formed on exposed sidewall surfaces and a topmost surface of a copper-containing structure that is present on a surface of a substrate. The presence of the contiguous layer of graphene on the copper-containing structure reduces copper oxidation and surface diffusion of copper ions and thus improves the electromigration resistance of the structure. These benefits can be obtained using graphene without increasing the resistance of copper-containing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ott, Ageeth A. Bol
  • Publication number: 20140035146
    Abstract: A metal wiring for applying a voltage to a semiconductor component of a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device comprising a low voltage applying region adjacent to a high voltage applying region, is provide. The metal wiring includes: an isolator region, a first lower metal layer electrically connected to the semiconductor component, a first upper metal layer configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply, and a plurality of inter-metal dielectric layers deposited between the first lower metal layer and the first upper metal layer, each of the plurality of inter-metal dielectric layers comprising at least one contact plug for providing an electrical connection between the first lower metal layer and the first upper metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Kwan-soo Kim, Tae-jong Lee, Kang-sup Shin, Si-bum Kim, Yang-beom Kang, Jong-yeul Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140038407
    Abstract: A line trough and a via cavity are formed within a dielectric layer comprising a fluorosilicate glass (FSG) layer. A fluorine depleted adhesion layer is formed within the line trough and the via cavity either by a plasma treatment that removes fluorine from exposed surfaces of the FSG layer, or by deposition of a substantially fluorine-free dielectric layer. Metal is deposited within the line trough and the via cavity to form a metal line and a metal via. The fluorine depleted adhesion layer provides enhanced adhesion to the metal line compared with prior art structures in which a metal line directly contacts a FSG layer. The enhanced adhesion of metal with an underlying dielectric layer provides higher resistance to delamination for a semiconductor package employing lead-free C4 balls on a metal interconnect structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, Emily R. Kinser
  • Publication number: 20140038408
    Abstract: A line trough and a via cavity are formed within a dielectric layer comprising a fluorosilicate glass (FSG) layer. A fluorine depleted adhesion layer is formed within the line trough and the via cavity either by a plasma treatment that removes fluorine from exposed surfaces of the FSG layer, or by deposition of a substantially fluorine-free dielectric layer. Metal is deposited within the line trough and the via cavity to form a metal line and a metal via. The fluorine depleted adhesion layer provides enhanced adhesion to the metal line compared with prior art structures in which a metal line directly contacts a FSG layer. The enhanced adhesion of metal with an underlying dielectric layer provides higher resistance to delamination for a semiconductor package employing lead-free C4 balls on a metal interconnect structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, Emily R. Kinser
  • Patent number: 8629055
    Abstract: A coating solution of SOG is applied on a silicon oxynitride film (11) and precured. As a result, moisture contained in the coating solution volatilizes, and an SOG film (12) is formed. Next, a coating solution of SOG is applied on the SOG film (12) and precured. As a result, an SOG film (13) is formed. Thereafter, a coating solution of SOG is applied on the SOG film (13) and precured. As a result, an SOG film (14) is formed. Subsequently, a main cure of the SOG films (12, 13, and 14) is performed. The viscosity of the coating solution of SOG used for forming the SOG film (12) is lower than those of the coating solutions of SOG used for forming the SOG films (13 and 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Tsukasa Sato, Kouichi Nagai
  • Patent number: 8617981
    Abstract: The reliability of wirings, each of which includes a main conductive film containing copper as a primary component, is improved. On an insulating film including the upper surface of a wiring serving as a lower layer wiring, an insulating film formed of a silicon carbonitride film having excellent barrier properties to copper is formed; on the insulating film, an insulating film formed of a silicon carbide film having excellent adhesiveness to a low dielectric constant material film is formed; on the insulating film, an insulating film formed of a low dielectric constant material as an interlayer insulating film is formed; and thereafter a wiring as an upper layer wiring is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Noguchi, Takayuki Oshima, Noriko Miura, Kensuke Ishikawa, Tomio Iwasaki, Kiyomi Katsuyama, Tatsuyuki Saito, Tsuyoshi Tamaru, Hizuru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8609528
    Abstract: Methods for patterning high-density features are described herein. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method comprising patterning a first subset of a pattern, the first subset configured to form a plurality of lines over the substrate, and patterning a second subset of the pattern, the second subset configured to form a plurality of islands over the substrate, wherein said patterning the first subset and said patterning the second subset comprise at least two separate patterning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Pantas Sutardja, Albert Wu, Winston Lee, Peter Lee, Chien-Chuan Wei, Runzi Chang
  • Patent number: 8610278
    Abstract: A contiguous layer of graphene is formed on exposed sidewall surfaces and a topmost surface of a copper-containing structure that is present on a surface of a substrate. The presence of the contiguous layer of graphene on the copper-containing structure reduces copper oxidation and surface diffusion of copper ions and thus improves the electromigration resistance of the structure. These benefits can be obtained using graphene without increasing the resistance of copper-containing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ott, Ageeth A. Bol
  • Patent number: 8603912
    Abstract: A power semiconductor component and a method for the production of a power semiconductor component are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, a topmost metallization region that is provided is formed in a manner extended laterally and outside contacts formed, in such a way that, as a result, a protection and sealing material region to be provided is formed, while avoiding electrically insulating additional protection and sealing layers that are usually to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Josef Maynollo, Thomas Detzel
  • Patent number: 8598042
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing is disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a substrate and forming one or more layers over the substrate. The method further includes forming a surface layer over the one or more layers. The method further includes performing a patterning process on the surface layer thereby forming a pattern on the surface layer. The method further includes performing a cleaning process using a cleaning solution to clean a top surface of the substrate. The cleaning solution includes tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water (H2O).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Lun Lu, Kuan-Wen Lin, Ching-Wei Shen, Ting-Hao Hsu, Sheng-Chi Chin