Abstract: A plurality of metal tracks are formed in an integrated circuit die in three metal layers stacked within the die. A protective dielectric layer is formed around metal tracks of an intermediate metal layer. The protective dielectric layer acts as a hard mask to define contact vias between metal tracks in the metal layers above and below the intermediate metal layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a sacrificial film as part of a process of forming a semiconductor device. The sacrificial film has a relatively high etch selectivity with respect to other materials of the semiconductor device so as to reduce loss of etching masks and improve the quality of a components (e.g., buried contacts) of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device including an interlayer insulating layer on a substrate, a wire layer on the interlayer insulating layer, and a through-silicon-via (TSV) contact pattern having an end contacting the wire layer and integrally extending from inside of a via hole formed through the interlayer insulating layer and the substrate to outside of the via hole.

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.

Abstract: A through-holed interposer is provided, including a board body, a conductive gel formed in the board body, and a circuit redistribution structure disposed on the board body. The conductive gel has one end protruding from a surface of the board body, and an area of the protruded end of the conductive gel that is in contact with other structures (e.g., packaging substrates or circuit structures) is increased, thereby strengthening the bonding of the conductive gel and reliability of the interposer.

Abstract: A semiconductor package may include a substrate including a substrate connection terminal, at least one semiconductor chip stacked on the substrate and having a chip connection terminal, a first insulating layer covering at least portions of the substrate and the at least one semiconductor chip, and/or an interconnection penetrating the first insulating layer to connect the substrate connection terminal to the chip connection terminal. A semiconductor package may include stacked semiconductor chips, edge portions of the semiconductor chips constituting a stepped structure, and each of the semiconductor chips including a chip connection terminal; at least one insulating layer covering at least the edge portions of the semiconductor chips; and/or an interconnection penetrating the at least one insulating layer to connect to the chip connection terminal of each of the semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die and first conductive layer formed over a surface of the semiconductor die. A first insulating layer is formed over the surface of the semiconductor die. A second insulating layer is formed over the first insulating layer and first conductive layer. An opening is formed in the second insulating layer over the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed in the opening over the first conductive layer and second insulating layer. The second conductive layer has a width that is less than a width of the first conductive layer along a first axis. The second conductive layer has a width that is greater than a width of the first conductive layer along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A third insulating layer is formed over the second conductive layer and first insulating layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip including through silicon vias (TSVs), wherein the TSVs may be prevented from bending and the method of fabricating the semiconductor chip may be simplified, and a method of fabricating the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip includes a silicon substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a plurality of TSVs which penetrate the silicon substrate and protrude above the second surface of the silicon substrate; a polymer pattern layer which is formed on the second surface of the silicon substrate, surrounds side surfaces of the protruding portion of each of the TSVs, and comprises a flat first portion and a second portion protruding above the first portion; and a plated pad which is formed on the polymer pattern layer and covers a portion of each of the TSVs exposed from the polymer pattern layer.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection structure includes forming an opening in an insulation film by a dry etching process that uses an etching gas containing fluorine; cleaning a bottom surface and a sidewall surface of the opening by exposing to a superheated steam; covering the bottom surface and the sidewall surface of the opening with a barrier metal film; depositing a conductor film on the insulation film via the barrier metal film to fill the opening with the conductor film; forming an interconnection pattern by the conductor film in the opening by polishing the conductor film and the barrier metal film underneath the conductor film by a chemical mechanical polishing process until a surface of the insulation film is exposed.

Abstract: A method, and structures for implementing enhanced interconnects for high conductivity applications. An interconnect structure includes an electrically conductive interconnect member having a predefined shape with spaced apart end portions extending between a first plane and a second plane. A winded graphene ribbon is carried around the electrically conductive interconnect member, providing increased electrical current carrying capability and increased thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing semiconductor device includes preparing a structure including a substrate, an insulating layer on the substrate and having a recess, a barrier film on the insulating layer, and a copper film on the barrier such that the copper film is filling the recess with the barrier between the insulating layer and copper film, removing the copper film down to interface with the barrier such that copper wiring is formed in the recess, etching the wiring such that surface of the wiring is recessed from surface of the insulating layer, and removing the barrier from the surface of the insulating layer such that the surface of the insulating layer is exposed. The etching includes positioning the structure removed down to the barrier in organic compound atmosphere having vacuum state, and irradiating oxygen gas cluster ion beam on the surface of the wiring to anisotropically etch the wiring.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising: providing a Si-containing layer; forming a barrier layer over said Si-containing layer, said barrier layer comprising a compound including a metallic element; forming a metallic nucleation_seed layer over said barrier layer, said nucleation_seed layer including said metallic element; and forming a metallic interconnect layer over said nucleation_seed layer, wherein said barrier layer and said nucleation_seed layer are formed without exposing said semiconductor device to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for providing metal filled features in a layer is provided. A metal seed layer is deposited on tops and bottoms of the features. Metal seed layer on tops of the features and overhangs is removed without removing metal seed layer on bottoms of features. An electroless deposition of metal is provided to fill the features, wherein the electroless deposition first deposits on the metal seed layer on bottoms of the features.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer. A conductive line is formed in the opening, wherein the conductive line has an open void formed therein. A sealing metal layer is formed overlying the conductive line, the dielectric layer, and the open void, wherein the sealing metal layer substantially fills the open void. The sealing metal layer is planarized so that a top surface thereof is substantially level with a top surface of the conductive line. An interconnect feature is formed above the semiconductor substrate, wherein the interconnect feature is electrically coupled with the conductive line and the sealing metal layer-filled open void.

Abstract: A method of forming overlapping contacts in a semiconductor device includes forming a first contact in a dielectric layer; etching the dielectric layer to form a recess adjacent to the first contact and removing a top portion of the first contact while etching the dielectric layer, wherein a bottom portion of the first contact remains in the dielectric layer after the recess is formed in the dielectric layer; and forming a second contact in the recess adjacent to the bottom portion of the first contact and on top of a top surface of the bottom portion of the first contact.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first conductive layer and an under bump metallization layer over the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer has a first conductive region and a second conductive region electrically isolated from the first conductive region. The under bump metallization layer has a first conductive area and a second conductive area electrically isolated from the first conductive area, the first conductive area substantially located over the first conductive region and the second conductive area substantially located over the second conductive region. At least one of the first conductive area or the first conductive region includes a first protrusion extending toward the second conductive area or second conductive region, respectively. Conductive vias connect the first conductive region to the second conductive area and connect the second conductive region to the first conductive area, and the vias include at least one via connected to the first protrusion.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided by which signal travel distance within and between semiconductor device packages is reduced and substrate size and complexity can be reduced. This capacity is provided by virtue of a conductive via that intersects a wire bond molded within a package substrate. The via provides a direct electrical connection between an external signal transmitter or receiver and the points connected by the wire bond, and thereby avoiding the need for the signal to transit built up interconnects in the semiconductor device package. Conductive vias can provide connectivity through or to a package substrate, and can be through vias or blind vias. The conductive via is formed by either mechanical or laser drilling, and is filled using standard fill techniques, and is therefore readily incorporated into a package production flow.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a fabricating process for the same are provided. The semiconductor fabricating process includes providing a first dielectric layer, a transitional layer formed on the first dielectric layer, and a conductive fill penetrated through the transitional layer and into the first dielectric layer; removing the transitional layer; and forming a second dielectric layer over the conductive fill and the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a through substrate interconnect includes forming a via into a semiconductor substrate. The via extends into semiconductive material of the substrate. A liquid dielectric is applied to line at least an elevationally outermost portion of sidewalls of the via relative a side of the substrate from which the via was initially formed. The liquid dielectric is solidified within the via. Conductive material is formed within the via over the solidified dielectric and a through substrate interconnect is formed with the conductive material.

Abstract: A method for forming a device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate prepared with first and second contact regions and a dielectric layer over the contact region. First and second vias are formed in the dielectric layer. The first via is in communication with the first contact region and the second via is in communication with the second contact region. A buried void provides a communication path between the first and second vias. The vias and buried void are at least partially filled with a dielectric filler. The partially filled buried void blocks the communication path between the first and second vias created by the buried void. The dielectric filler in the vias is removed, leaving remaining dielectric filler in the buried void to block the communication path between the first and second vias and contact plugs are formed in the vias.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an insulating film formed above the semiconductor substrate, and a multilayered wiring formed in a prescribed area within the insulating film. The multilayered wiring includes a dual damascene wiring positioned on at least one layer of the multilayered wiring. The dual damascene wiring includes an alloy having copper as a principal component. A concentration of at least one metallic element contained as an added component of the alloy in a via connected to the dual damascene wiring is 10% or more higher in a via connected to a wiring whose width exceeds by five or more times a diameter of the via than that in another via connected to another wiring of a smallest width in a same upper wiring layer of the multilayered wiring.

Abstract: After stacking m wafers in each of which a plurality of semiconductor chips are formed, the m wafers are diced to semiconductor chips to form a first chip stack having m of the semiconductor chips stacked, and, after stacking n wafers, the n wafers are diced to semiconductor chips to form a second chip stack having n of the semiconductor chips stacked. Next, the first chip stack is sorted according to the number of defective semiconductor chips included in the first chip stack, and the second chip stack is sorted according to the number of defective semiconductor chips included in the second chip stack. Furthermore, the first chip stack or the second chip stack after sorting are combined to form a third chip stack.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate, a metal ring penetrating through the substrate, a dielectric region encircled by the metal ring, and a through-via penetrating through the dielectric region. The dielectric region is in contact with the through-via and the metal ring.

Abstract: A backside metal ground plane with improved metal adhesion and methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. The method includes forming at least one through silicon via (TSV) in a substrate. The method further includes forming an oxide layer on a backside of the substrate. The method further includes forming a metalized ground plane on the oxide layer and in electrical contact with an exposed portion of the at least one TSV.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a core semiconductor device with a through silicon via (TSV). The core semiconductor device includes a plurality of stacked semiconductor die and semiconductor component. An insulating layer is formed around the core semiconductor device. A conductive via is formed through the insulating layer. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first side of the core semiconductor device. The first interconnect structure is electrically connected to the TSV. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second side of the core semiconductor device. The second interconnect structure is electrically connected to the TSV. The first and second interconnect structures include a plurality of conductive layers separated by insulating layers. A semiconductor die is mounted to the first interconnect structure. The semiconductor die is electrically connected to the core semiconductor device through the first and second interconnect structures and TSV.

Abstract: Metal interconnections are formed in an integrated by combining damascene processes and subtractive metal etching. A wide trench is formed in a dielectric layer. A conductive material is deposited in the wide trench. Trenches are etched in the conductive material to delineate a plurality of metal plugs each contacting a respective metal track exposed by the wide trench.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a through silicon via (TSV) structure is provided, in which, a first dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, the first dielectric layer is patterned to have at least one first opening, a via hole is formed in the first dielectric layer and the substrate, a second dielectric layer is conformally formed on the first dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer has at least one second opening corresponding to the at least one first opening, and the second dielectric layer covers a sidewall of the via hole. A conductive material layer is formed to fill the via hole and the second opening. The conductive material layer is planarized to form a TSV within the via hole. A TSV structure is also provided, in which, the second dielectric layer is disposed within the first opening and on the sidewall of the via hole.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a circuit region where a circuit element is formed, a multilayer wiring layer that is formed on the substrate and composed of a plurality of wiring layers and a plurality of via layers that are laminated, and an electrode pad that is formed on the multilayer wiring layer. An interlayer insulating film is formed in a region of a first wiring layer that is a top layer of the plurality of wiring layers, in the region the electrode pad and the first circuit region overlapping each other in a planar view of the electrode pad.

Abstract: A method for forming a device is disclosed. A substrate having first and second major surfaces is provided. A stress buffer is formed in the substrate. A through silicon via (TSV) contact is formed between the stress buffer. The stress buffer has a depth less than a depth of the TSV contact. The stress buffer alleviates stress created by the difference in coefficient thermal expansion (CTE) between the TSV contact and the substrate.

Abstract: A method for filling a recessed feature of a substrate includes a) at least partially filling a recessed feature of a substrate with tungsten-containing film using at least one of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD); b) at a predetermined temperature, using an etchant including activated fluorine species to selectively etch the tungsten-containing film more than an underlying material of the recessed feature without removing all of the tungsten-containing film at a bottom of the recessed feature; and c) filling the recessed feature using at least one of CVD and ALD.

Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to laminated semiconductor structures. In some examples, method of forming a polyimide film are described. An example method may include forming a through hole in a laminated semiconductor structure that includes multiple stacked semiconductor layers. An inner wall of the laminated semiconductor structure can define the through hole. The inner wall can be exposed to a solution including a salt of polyamic acid and/or a polyamic acid that can be precipitated on the inner wall. The precipitated polyamic acid on the inner wall can be transformed into a polyimide film substantially coating the inner wall.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device incorporating a semiconductor element in a multilayered wiring structure including a plurality of wiring layers and insulating layers, a semiconductor element is mounted on a silicon support body whose thickness is reduced to a desired thickness and which are equipped with a plurality of through-vias running through in the thickness direction; an insulating layer is formed to embed the semiconductor element; then, a plurality of wiring layers is formed on the opposite surfaces of the silicon support body in connection with the semiconductor element. Thus, it is possible to reduce warping which occurs in proximity to the semiconductor element in manufacturing, thus improving a warping profile in the entirety of a semiconductor device. Additionally, it is possible to prevent semiconductor elements from becoming useless, improve a yield rate, and produce a thin-type semiconductor device with high-density packaging property.

Abstract: A conductive structure(s), such as a gate electrode(s) or a contact structure(s), and methods of fabrication thereof are provided. The conductive structure(s) includes a first conductive layer of a first conductive material, and a second conductive layer of a second conductive material. The second conductive layer is disposed over the first conductive layer, and at least a portion of the first conductive material includes grains having a size larger than a defined value, and at least a second portion of the second conductive material includes grains having a size less than the defined value. In one embodiment, the first and second conductive materials are the same conductive material, with different-sized grains.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to the following processes. A first hole is formed in an insulating film. A seed layer, which covers an upper surface of the insulating film and an inner surface of the first hole, is formed. A first plating film is formed over the seed layer at a first growth rate. A second plating film is formed over the first plating film at a second growth rate that is higher than the first growth rate. A third plating film is formed over the second plating film at a third growth rate that is higher than the second growth rate.

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

Abstract: A system and method for plating a contact connected to a test pad is provided. An embodiment comprises inserting a blocking material into vias between the contact and the test pad. In another embodiment a blocking structure may be inserted between the contact and the test pad. In yet another embodiment a blocking layer may be inserted into a contact stack. Once the blocking material, the blocking structure, or the blocking layer have been formed, the contact may be plated, with the blocking material, the blocking structure, or the blocking layer reducing or preventing degradation of the test pad due to galvanic effects.

Abstract: Methods for depositing metal in high aspect ratio features formed on a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes applying first RF power at VHF frequency to target comprising metal disposed above substrate to form plasma, applying DC power to target to direct plasma towards target, sputtering metal atoms from target using plasma while maintaining pressure in PVD chamber sufficient to ionize predominant portion of metal atoms, depositing first plurality of metal atoms on bottom surface of opening and on first surface of substrate, applying second RF power to redistribute at least some of first plurality from bottom surface to lower portion of sidewalls of the opening, and depositing second plurality of metal atoms on upper portion of sidewalls by reducing amount of ionized metal atoms in PVD chamber, wherein first and second pluralities form a first layer deposited on substantially all surfaces of opening.

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: 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: Methods of forming conductive elements on and in a substrate include forming a layer of conductive material over a surface of a substrate prior to forming a plurality of vias through the substrate from an opposing surface of the substrate to the layer of conductive material. In some embodiments, a temporary carrier may be secured to the layer of conductive material on a side thereof opposite the substrate prior to forming the vias. Structures, including workpieces formed using such methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spacer etching process produces ultra-narrow conductive lines in a plurality of semiconductor dice. Sub-lithographic patterning of the conductive lines are compatible with existing aluminum and copper backend processing. A first dielectric is deposited onto the semiconductor dice and trenches are formed therein. A conductive film is deposited onto the first dielectric and the trench surfaces. All planar conductive film is removed from the faces of the semiconductor dice and bottoms of the trenches, leaving only conductive films on the trench walls, whereby “fence conductors” are created therefrom. Thereafter the gap between the conductive films on the trench walls are filled in with insulating material. A top portion of the insulated gap fill is thereafter removed to expose the tops of the fence conductors. Portions of the fence conductors and surrounding insulating materials are removed at appropriate locations to produce desired conductor patterns comprising isolated fence conductors.

Abstract: A capacitor dielectric can be between the storage node and the electrode layer. A supporting pattern can be connected to the storage node, where the supporting pattern can include at least one first pattern and at least one second pattern layered on one another, where the first pattern can include a material having an etch selectivity with respect to the second pattern.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. When forming a profile of the lower electrode, a second lower electrode hole (i.e., a bunker region) located at the lowermost part of the lower electrode is buried with an Ultra Low Temperature Oxide (ULTO) material without damaging the lower electrode material. As a result, when a dielectric film is deposited in a subsequent process, the above-mentioned semiconductor device prevents the occurrence of a capacitor leakage current caused by defective gapfilling of the dielectric film located at the lowermost part of the lower electrode.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) including a set of isolated wire structures disposed within a layer of the IC, methods of manufacturing the same and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming adjacent wiring structures on a same level, with a space therebetween. The method further includes forming a capping layer over the adjacent wiring structures on the same level, including on a surface of a material between the adjacent wiring structures. The method further includes forming a photosensitive material over the capping layer. The method further includes forming an opening in the photosensitive material between the adjacent wiring structures to expose the capping layer. The method further includes removing the exposed capping layer.

Abstract: The method for the formation of a silicide film herein provided comprises the steps of forming an Ni film on the surface of a substrate mainly composed of Si and then heat-treating the resulting Ni film to thus form an NiSi film as an upper layer of the substrate, wherein, prior to the heat-treatment for the formation of the NiSi film, the Ni film is subjected to a preannealing treatment using H2 gas at a temperature which is less than the heat-treatment temperature and which never causes the formation of any NiSi film in order to remove any impurity present in the Ni film, and the resulting Ni film is then subjected to a silicide-annealing treatment to thus form the NiSi film.

Abstract: A method of forming stacked die devices includes attaching first semiconductor die onto a wafer to form a reconstituted wafer, and then bonding second semiconductor die onto the first semiconductor die to form a plurality of singulated stacked die devices on the wafer. A support tape is attached to a bottomside of the second semiconductor die. A dicing tape is attached to the wafer. The wafer is laser irradiated before or after attachment of the dicing tape at intended dicing lanes that align with gaps between the first semiconductor die to mechanically weaken the wafer at the intended dicing lanes, but not cut through the wafer. The dicing tape is pulled to cleave the wafer into a plurality of singulated portions to form a plurality of singulated stacked die devices attached to the singulated wafer portions by the dicing tape. The support tape is removed prior to cleaving.

Abstract: A semiconductor element-embedded substrate includes a semiconductor element; a chip component; a peripheral insulating layer covering at least the outer circumferential side surfaces thereof; an upper surface-side wiring line provided on the upper surface side of the substrate; and a lower surface-side wiring line provided on the lower surface side of the substrate. The built-in semiconductor element includes a terminal on the upper surface side thereof, and this terminal is electrically connected to the upper surface-side wiring line. The built-in chip component includes an upper surface-side terminal electrically connected to the upper surface-side wiring line; a lower surface-side terminal electrically connected to the lower surface-side wiring line; and a through-chip via penetrating through the chip component to connect the upper surface-side terminal and the lower surface-side terminal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first interconnect over the semiconductor substrate; forming an interlayer dielectric film over the first interconnect; forming a hole in the interlayer dielectric film such that the hole reaches the first interconnect; forming a trench in the interlayer dielectric film; and embedded a conductive film in the hole and the trench, thereby a via is formed in the hole and a second interconnect in the trench, wherein, in a planar view, the first interconnect extends in a first direction, wherein, in a planar view, the second interconnect extends in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein a maximum width of the via in the second direction is larger than a maximum width of the via in the first direction.

Abstract: In a hybrid integrated module, a semiconductor die is mechanically coupled face-to-face to an integrated device in which the substrate has been removed. For example, the integrated circuit may include an optical device fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer in which the backside silicon handler has been completely removed, thereby facilitating improved device performance and highly efficient thermal tuning of the operating wavelength of the optical device. Moreover, the semiconductor die may be a VLSI chip that provides power, and serves as a mechanical handler and/or an electrical driver. The thermal tuning efficiency of the substrateless optical device may be enhanced by over 100× relative to an optical device with an intact substrate, and by 5× relative to an optical device in which the substrate has only been removed in proximity to the optical device.

Abstract: A method of providing signal, power and ground through a through-silicon-via (TSV), and an integrated circuit chip having a TSV that simultaneously provides signal, power and ground. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a TSV through a semiconductor substrate, including forming a via in the substrate; and forming a multitude of conductive bars in the via. The multitude of conductive bars include at least one signal bar, at least one power bar, and at least one ground bar. The method further comprises connecting the at least one power bar to a power voltage source to apply power through the TSV; connecting the at least one ground bar to a ground voltage; and connecting the at least one signal bar to a source of an electronic signal to conduct the signal through the TSV and to form a hybrid power-ground-signal TSV in the substrate.