Abstract: Wire-bonded semiconductor structures using organic insulating material and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a metal wiring layer in an organic insulator layer. The method further includes forming a protective layer over the organic insulator layer. The method further includes forming a via in the organic insulator layer over the metal wiring layer. The method further includes depositing a metal layer in the via and on the protective layer. The method further includes patterning the metal layer with an etch chemistry that is damaging to the organic insulator layer.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide interconnect barrier layers and methods for forming such barriers. A dielectric body having a trench formed in a surface thereof is provided. A first layer is formed above the dielectric body within the trench. The first layer includes amorphous carbon. A second layer is formed above the first layer. The second layer includes a metal. The dielectric body, the first layer, and the second layer are heated to convert at least some of the amorphous carbon to graphene.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more support structures and techniques for forming such support structures within semiconductor devices are provided. The support structure comprises an oxide infused silicon layer that is formed within a trench of a dielectric layer on a substrate of a semiconductor device. The oxide infused silicon layer results from a silicon layer that is exposed to oxide during an ultraviolet (UV) curing process. The oxide infused silicon layer is configured to support a barrier layer against a conductive structure formed on the barrier layer within the trench. In this way, the support structure provides pressure against the barrier layer so that the barrier layer substantially maintains contact with the conductive structure, to promote improved performance and reliability of the conductive structure.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body, having an active zone and a high voltage peripheral zone laterally adjacent to each other, the high voltage peripheral zone laterally surrounding the active zone. The device further includes a metallization layer on a front surface of the semiconductor body and connected to the active zone, a first barrier layer, comprising a high-melting metal or a high-melting alloy, between the active zone and the metallization layer, and a second barrier layer covering at least a part of the peripheral zone, the second barrier layer comprising an amorphous semi-isolating material. The first barrier layer and the second barrier layer partially overlap and form an overlap zone. The overlap zone extends over an entire circumference of the active zone. A method for producing such a power semiconductor device is also provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an interconnect provided on a first interlayer insulating film covering a semiconductor substrate in which an element is formed, a cap layer provided on the upper surface of the interconnect, and a barrier film provided between the interconnect and a second interlayer insulating film covering the interconnect. The interconnect includes a high-melting-point conductive layer, and the width of the interconnect is smaller than the width of the cap layer. The barrier film includes a compound of a contained element in the high-melting-point conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a non-conductive layer over a semiconductor substrate. A low-k dielectric layer is formed over the non-conductive layer. The low-k dielectric layer is etched and stopped at the non-conductive layer to form an opening. A plasma treatment is performed on the substrate to convert the non-conductive layer within the opening into a conductive layer. The opening is filled with a copper-containing material in an electroless copper bottom up fill process to form a copper-containing plug. The copper-containing plug is planarized so that the top of the copper-containing plug is co-planar with the top of the low-k dielectric layer. The substrate is heated to form a self-forming barrier layer on the sidewalls of the copper-containing plug.

Abstract: The embodiments fill the need of improving electromigration and reducing stress-induced voids of copper interconnect by enabling deposition of a thin and conformal barrier layer, and a copper layer in the copper interconnect. The adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer can be improved by making the barrier layer metal-rich prior copper deposition and by limiting the amount of oxygen the barrier layer is exposed prior to copper deposition. Alternatively, a functionalization layer can be deposited over the barrier layer to enable the copper layer being deposit in the copper interconnect with good adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer. An exemplary method of preparing a substrate surface of a substrate to deposit a functionalization layer over a metallic barrier layer of a copper interconnect to assist deposition of a copper layer in the copper interconnect in an integrated system in order to improve electromigration performance of the copper interconnect is provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure comprising a fuse/resistor structure over a functional layer having a substrate. The fuse/resistor structure includes a via, a first interconnect layer, and a second interconnect layer. The via is over the functional layer and has a first end and a second end vertically opposite the first end, wherein the first end is bounded by a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge and the second end is bounded by a third edge and a fourth edge opposite the third edge. The first interconnect layer includes a first metal layer running horizontally and contacting the first end and completely extending from the first edge to the second edge. The second interconnect layer includes a second metal layer running horizontally and contacting the second end of the via and extending past the third edge but reaching less than half way to the fourth edge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of filling a 3-D structure of a semiconductor substrate with a tungsten-containing material. The 3-D structure may include sidewalls, a plurality of openings in the sidewalls leading to a plurality of features having a plurality of interior regions. The methods may include depositing a first layer of the tungsten-containing material within the 3-D structure such that the first layer partially fills a plurality of interior regions of the 3-D structure, etching vertically and horizontally after depositing the first layer, and depositing a second layer of the tungsten-containing material within the 3-D structure after the vertical and horizontal etching such that the second layer fills at least a portion of the interior regions left unfilled by the first layer. Also disclosed herein are apparatuses for filling a 3-D structure of a semiconductor substrate with a tungsten-containing material having a controller with instructions for etching vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A device includes a metal pad and a passivation layer having a portion overlapping the metal pad. A capacitor includes a bottom capacitor electrode underlying the passivation layer, wherein the bottom capacitor includes the metal pad. The capacitor further includes a top capacitor electrode over the portion of the passivation layer; and a capacitor insulator including the portion of the passivation layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of clock drivers, wherein the plurality of clock drivers comprises substantially all clock drivers of the semiconductor device, and an interconnect region over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the interconnect region comprises a plurality of heat spreaders, wherein at least 25% of the plurality of clock drivers have a corresponding heat spreader of the plurality of heat spreaders. Each corresponding heat spreader of the plurality of heat spreaders covers at least 50% of a transistor within a corresponding clock driver of the plurality of clock drivers and extends across at least 70% of a perimeter of the transistor within the corresponding clock driver.

Abstract: A copper interconnect structure in a semiconductor device comprises a dielectric layer having sidewalls and a surface defining an opening in the dielectric layer. The copper interconnect structure also comprises a barrier layer deposited on the sidewalls and the surface of the dielectric layer defining the opening. The copper interconnect structure further comprises a barrier/seed mixed layer deposited on the barrier layer. The copper interconnect structure additionally comprises an adhesive layer deposited on the barrier/seed mixed layer. The copper interconnect structure also comprises a seed layer deposited on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, forming a barrier system comprised of at least one barrier material and at least two metallic elements, and performing a heating process to form a metal alloy comprised of the at least two metallic elements in the barrier system. Also disclosed is a device that comprises a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, a barrier system positioned in the trench/via, wherein the barrier system comprises at least one barrier material and a metal alloy comprised of at least two metallic elements that are comprised of materials other than the at least one barrier material, and a conductive structure positioned in the trench/via above the barrier system.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a workpiece including an insulating material layer disposed thereon. The insulating material layer includes a trench formed therein. The method includes forming a barrier layer on the sidewalls of the trench using a surface modification process and a surface treatment process.

Abstract: A method of forming an interposer includes providing a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface; forming one or more through-silicon vias (TSVs) extending from the front surface into the semiconductor substrate; forming an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer overlying the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and the one or more TSVs; and forming an interconnect structure in the ILD layer, the interconnect structure electrically connecting the one or more TSVs to the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Integrated circuits and processes for forming integrated circuits are provided. An exemplary process for forming an integrated circuit includes providing a substrate including an oxide layer and a protecting layer disposed over the oxide layer. A recess is etched through the protecting layer and at least partially into the oxide layer. A barrier material is deposited in the recess to form a barrier layer over the oxide layer and protecting layer in the recess. Electrically-conductive material is deposited over the barrier layer in the recess to form the embedded electrical interconnect. The embedded electrical interconnect and barrier layer are recessed to an interconnect recess depth and a barrier recess depth, respectively, within the substrate. At least a portion of the protecting layer remains over the oxide layer after recessing the barrier layer and is removed after recessing the barrier layer.

Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, forming a barrier layer in the trench/via, forming a copper-based seed layer on the barrier layer, converting at least a portion of the copper-based seed layer into a copper-based nitride layer, depositing a bulk copper-based material on the copper-based nitride layer so as to overfill the trench/via and performing at least one chemical mechanical polishing process to remove excess materials positioned outside of the trench/via to thereby define a copper-based conductive structure. A device disclosed herein includes a layer of insulating material, a copper-based conductive structure positioned in a trench/via within the layer of insulating material and a copper-based silicon or germanium nitride layer positioned between the copper-based conductive structure and the layer of insulating material.

Abstract: There is provided a manganese oxide film forming method capable of forming a manganese oxide film having high adhesivity to Cu. In the manganese oxide film forming method, a manganese oxide film is formed on an oxide by supplying a manganese-containing gas onto the oxide. A film forming temperature for forming the manganese oxide film is set to be equal to or higher than about 100° C. and lower than about 400° C.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate including first landing plugs and second landing plugs that are arrayed on a first line, forming a capping layer over the substrate, forming hole-type first trenches that expose the second landing plugs by selectively etching the capping layer, forming an insulation layer over the substrate including the first trenches, forming line-type second trenches that are stretched on the first line while overlapping with the first trenches by selectively etching the insulation layer, and forming a first conductive layer inside the second trenches.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer on a substrate; a first contact hole passing through the first insulating layer and exposing an upper surface of the substrate; a first barrier metal layer disposed on a sidewall and at a bottom of the first contact hole and a first metal plug disposed on the first barrier metal layer and in the first contact hole. A recess region is between the first insulating layer and the first metal plug. A gap-fill layer fills the recess region; and a second insulating layer is on the gap-fill layer. A second contact hole passes through the second insulating layer and exposes the upper surface of the first metal plug. A second barrier metal layer is on a sidewall and at the bottom of the second contact hole; and a second metal plug is on the second barrier metal layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure with an improved metal structure is described. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate having an upper surface, an interconnect layer over the upper surface, and an additional structure deposited over the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer can include a patterned seed layer over the substrate, at least two metal lines over the seed layer, and a dielectric material between adjacent metal lines. A barrier layer can be deposited over the at least two metal lines. Methods of making the semiconductor structures are also described.

Abstract: One or more integrated circuit structures and techniques for forming such integrated circuit structures are provided. The integrated circuit structures comprise a conductive structure that is formed within a trench in a dielectric layer on a substrate. The conductive structure is formed over a barrier layer formed within the trench, or the conductive structure is formed over a liner formed over the barrier layer. At least some of the dielectric layer, the barrier layer, the liner and the conductive structure are removed, for example, by chemical mechanical polishing, such that a step height exists between a top surface of the substrate and a top surface of the dielectric layer. Removing these layers in this manner removes areas where undesired interlayer peeling is likely to occur. A conductive cap is formed on the conductive structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include: a barrier layer; an adhesion layer disposed over the barrier layer; a metallization layer disposed over the adhesion layer, wherein the metallization layer is part of a final metallization level of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate and a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate. The integrated circuit structure further includes a conductive wiring in the dielectric layer. The integrated circuit structure also includes a first metallic capping layer over the conductive wiring and a second metallic capping layer over the first metallic capping layer. The second metallic capping layer has a width substantially the same as a width of the first metallic capping layer.

Abstract: A fuse structure includes within an aperture within a dielectric layer located over a substrate that exposes a conductor contact layer within the substrate a seed layer interposed between the conductor contact layer and another conductor layer. The seed layer includes a doped copper material that includes a dopant immobilized predominantly within the seed layer. The fuse structure may be severed while not severing a conductor interconnect structure also located over the substrate that exposes a second conductor contact layer within a second aperture. In contrast with the fuse structure that includes the doped seed layer having the immobilized dopant, the interconnect structure includes a doped seed layer having a mobile dopant.

Abstract: In a metallization system of a semiconductor device, a transition via may be provided with an increased degree of tapering by modifying a corresponding etch sequence. For example, the resist mask for forming the via opening may be eroded once or several times in order to increase the lateral size of the corresponding mask opening. Due to the pronounced degree of tapering, enhanced deposition conditions may be accomplished during the subsequent electrochemical deposition process for commonly filling the via opening and a wide trench connected thereto.

Abstract: The profile of a via can be controlled by forming a profile control liner within each via opening that is formed into a dielectric material prior to forming a line opening within the dielectric material. The presence of the profile control liner within each via opening during the formation of the line opening prevents rounding of the corners of a dielectric material portion that is present beneath the line opening and adjacent the via opening.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a first dielectric material layer on a semiconductor substrate. The first dielectric material layer is patterned to form a plurality of vias therein. A metal layer is formed on the first dielectric material layer, wherein the metal layer fills the plurality of vias. The metal layer is etched such that portions of the metal layer above the first dielectric material layer are patterned to form a plurality of metal features aligned with the plurality of vias respectively. A self-assembled monolayer film is formed on surfaces of the plurality of metal features.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate and at least three conducting features embedded into the substrate. Each conducting feature includes a top width x and a bottom width y, such that a top and bottom width (x1, y1) of a first conducting feature has a dimension of (x1<y1), a top and bottom width (x2, y2) of a second conducting feature has a dimension of (x2<y2; x2=y2; or x2>y2), and a top and bottom width (x3, y3) of a third conducting feature has a dimension of (x3>y3). The device also includes a gap structure isolating the first and second conducting features. The gap structure can include such things as air or dielectric.

Abstract: A method for forming an interconnect structure includes forming an insulating layer on a substrate. A damascene opening is formed through a thickness portion of the insulating layer. A diffusion barrier layer is formed to line the damascene opening. A conductive layer is formed overlying the diffusion barrier layer to fill the damascene opening. A carbon-containing metal oxide layer is formed on the conductive layer and the insulating layer.

Abstract: A method and structure is disclosed whereby multiple interconnect layers having effective air gaps positioned in regions most susceptible to capacitive coupling can be formed. The method includes providing a layer of conductive features, the layer including at least two line members disposed on a substrate and spaced from one another by less than or equal to an effective distance, and at least one such line member also having a via member extending away from the substrate, depositing a poorly conformal dielectric coating to form an air gap between such line members, and exposing a top end of the via.

Abstract: A method for providing metal filled features in a layer is provided. A nonconformal metal seed layer is deposited on tops, sidewalls, and bottoms of the features, wherein more seed layer is deposited on tops and bottoms of features than sidewalls. The metal seed layer are etched back on tops, sidewalls, and bottoms of the features, wherein some metal seed layer remains on tops and bottoms of the features. Deposition on the seed layer on tops of the features is suppressed. An electroless “bottom up” deposition of metal is provided to fill the features.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming a ternary metal nitride film and more specifically, a TaSiN film. A metal nitride film, or TaN film, is deposited on a substrate with plasma treatment. A SiN layer is deposited on the metal nitride, or TaN, film to form a metal-SiN, or TaSiN, film. The film is then annealed to provide a metal nitride film with stable resistivity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating integrated circuitry includes forming a first conductive line. First elemental tungsten is deposited directly against an elevationally outer surface of the first conductive line selectively relative to any exposed non-conductive material. Dielectric material is formed elevationally over the first conductive line and a via is formed there-through to conductive material of the first conductive line at a location where the first tungsten was deposited. Second elemental tungsten is non-selectively deposited to within the via and electrically couples to the first conductive line. A second conductive line is formed elevationally outward of and electrically coupled to the second tungsten that is within the via.

Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a method for making a semiconductor structure, the method including: forming a first conductive interconnect at least partially through the substrate; and forming a second conductive interconnect over the substrate, wherein the first conductive interconnect and the second conductive interconnect are formed at least partially simultaneously.

Abstract: A structure and method of forming passivated copper chip pads is described. In various embodiments, the invention describes a substrate that includes active circuitry and metal levels disposed above the substrate. A passivation layer is disposed above a last level of the metal levels. A conductive liner is disposed in the sidewalls of an opening disposed in the passivation layer, wherein the conductive liner is also disposed over an exposed surface of the last level of the metal levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a back-end-of-the-line metal interconnect layer. The method is performed by depositing one or more self-assembled monolayers on a semiconductor substrate to define a metal interconnect layer area. A metal interconnect layer having a plurality of metal structures is formed on the semiconductor substrate within the metal interconnect layer area. An inter-level dielectric layer is then formed onto the surface of the semiconductor substrate in areas between the plurality of metal structures.

Abstract: Plug contacts may be formed with barrier layers having thicknesses of less than 50 ? in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the barrier layer may be formed by the chemical vapor deposition of diborane, forming a boron layer between a metallic contact and the surrounding dielectric and between a metallic contact and the substrate and/or substrate contact. This boron layer may be substantially pure boron and boron silicide.

Abstract: An electromigration and stress migration enhancement liner is provided for use in an interconnect structure. The liner includes a metal that has a thickness at a bottom of the at least one via opening and on an exposed portion of an underlying conductive feature that is greater than a remaining thickness that is located on exposed sidewalls of the interconnect dielectric material. The thinner portion of the electromigration and stress migration enhancement liner is located between the interconnect dielectric material and an overlying diffusion barrier. The thicker portion of the electromigration and stress migration enhancement liner is located between the underlying conductive feature and the diffusion barrier as well as between an adjacent dielectric capping layer and the diffusion barrier. The remainder of the at least one via opening is filled with an adhesion layer and a conductive material.

Abstract: A structure and method of making the structure. The structure includes a dielectric layer on a substrate; a first wire formed in a first trench in the dielectric layer, a first liner on sidewalls and a bottom of the first trench and a first copper layer filling all remaining space in the first trench; a second wire formed in a second trench in the dielectric layer, a second liner on sidewalls and a bottom of the second trench and a second copper layer filling all remaining space in the second trench; and an electromigration stop formed in a third trench in the dielectric layer, a third liner on sidewalls and a bottom of the third trench and a third copper layer filling all remaining space in the third trench, the electromigration stop between and abutting respective ends of the first and second wires.

Abstract: Semiconductor photodetectors are provided that may enable optimized usage of an active detector array. The semiconductor photodetectors may have a structure that can be produced and/or configured as simply as possible. A radiation detector system is also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a gate structure on a semiconductor substrate, an impurity region at a side of the gate structure and the impurity region is within the semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulating layer covering the gate structure and the impurity region, a contact structure extending through the interlayer insulating layer and connected to the impurity region, and an insulating region. The contact structure includes a first contact structure that has a side surface surrounded by the interlayer insulating layer and a second contact structure that has a side surface surrounded by the impurity region. The insulating region is under the second contact structure.

Abstract: In a process, an opening is formed to extend from a front surface of a semiconductor substrate through a part of the semiconductor substrate. A metal seed layer is formed on a sidewall of the opening. A block layer is formed on only a portion of the metal seed layer. A metal layer is formed on the block layer and the metal seed layer to fill the opening.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio metallization structure is provided in which a noble metal-containing material is present at least within a lower portion of a contact opening located in a dielectric material and is in direct contact with a metal semiconductor alloy located on an upper surface of a material stack of at least one semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is plug located within the lower region of the contact opening and an upper region of the contact opening includes a conductive metal-containing material. The conductive metal-containing material is separated from plug of noble metal-containing material by a bottom walled portion of a U-shaped diffusion barrier. In another embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is present throughout the entire contact opening.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of manufacturing an optoelectronic semiconductor device, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate; forming an optoelectronic system on the substrate; forming a barrier layer on the optoelectronic system; forming an electrode on the barrier layer; and annealing the optoelectronic semiconductor device; wherein the optoelectronic semiconductor device has a first forward voltage before the annealing step and has a second forward voltage after the annealing step, and a difference between the second forward voltage and the first forward voltage is smaller than 0.2 Volt.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method to fabricate interconnection wires of a semiconductor device in a way to utilize benefits of copper interconnection and low k dielectric insulation while avoiding the problem of low k damage due to etching processes, and so fabricated interconnection wires. The method saves fabrication time and cost by reduced number of steps and also resolves metal gap fill issue. The method may comprise providing layers of a substrate, an etch stop layer and a sacrificial layer, forming first spacers, forming first copper interconnecting wires, removing the first spacers; forming polymer-like second spacers by depositing plasma gases in an etching chamber, forming second metal interconnecting wires, removing the second spacers to define channels interwoven with alternating first and second metal interconnecting wires, forming an anti-diffusion barrier around each of the first and second metal interconnecting wires, and filling the channels with a dielectric material for insulation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit containing a FeCap array. The FeCap array is at least partially surrounded on the sides by hydrogen barrier walls and on the top by a hydrogen barrier top plate. A method for at least partially enclosing a FeCap array with hydrogen barrier walls and a hydrogen barrier top plate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a copper line comprises a lower portion of a copper pattern buried in an interlayer insulating film, an upper portion of the copper disposed over the upper portion of the lower copper pattern, and an upper barrier metal layer disposed over upper and side surfaces of the upper copper pattern. As a result, the copper pattern is protected by the barrier metal layers, providing a metal line with a stable structure.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and method of fabricating the same is provided. More specifically, the interconnect structure is a defect free capped interconnect structure. The structure includes a conductive material formed in a trench of a planarized dielectric layer which is devoid of cap material. The structure further includes the cap material formed on the conductive material to prevent migration. The method of forming a structure includes selectively depositing a sacrificial material over a dielectric material and providing a metal capping layer over a conductive layer within a trench of the dielectric material. The method further includes removing the sacrificial material with any unwanted deposited or nucleated metal capping layer thereon.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and method of fabricating the same is provided. More specifically, the interconnect structure is a defect free capped interconnect structure. The structure includes a conductive material formed in a trench of a planarized dielectric layer which is devoid of cap material. The structure further includes the cap material formed on the conductive material to prevent migration. The method of forming a structure includes selectively depositing a sacrificial material over a dielectric material and providing a metal capping layer over a conductive layer within a trench of the dielectric material. The method further includes removing the sacrificial material with any unwanted deposited or nucleated metal capping layer thereon.