Abstract: The present disclosure provides an OLED display substrate, a method for preparing the same, and a display device. The OLED display substrate includes an OLED device located on a base substrate and a packaging unit covering the OLED device. The packaging unit includes an inorganic material layer, an organic material layer, and a fluorine-doped diamond-like carbon layer located between the inorganic material layer and the organic material layer.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a semiconductor device and an electronic appliance in which the reliability of the fine transistor can be maintained while the signal output characteristic is improved in a device formed by stacking semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A pyramid structure to mitigate optical probing attacks in ICs by scrambling the measurements reflected by a laser pulse is disclosed. The pyramid structure is applied to selected areas at the bottom surface of the metal traces in metal layer to circumvent the extra silicon layer and thus minimize the changes to the conventional device structures. The pyramid structure includes randomized pyramids at nanometer scale. Optical simulation results show the pyramidized metal surface is able to prevent optical probing attacks. The fabrication of pyramids is CMOS compatible as well. Optical simulations are performed to analyze the impact these nano-scaled pyramids in a laser voltage probing attacking model. The nanopyramid can disturb the optical measurements enough to make the attacks practically infeasible. In addition, the nanopyramid structure countermeasure works in a passive mode without consuming any energy.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming an interconnect structure including: forming a via; forming a first barrier layer to at least cover a top surface and a sidewall of the via; forming a first dielectric layer on the first barrier layer; performing a planarization process to remove a portion of the first dielectric layer and a portion of the first barrier layer, thereby exposing the top surface of the via; forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, wherein the second dielectric layer has an opening exposing the top surface of the via; forming a blocking layer on the top surface of the via; forming a second barrier layer on the second dielectric layer; removing the blocking layer to expose the top surface of the via; and forming a conductive feature in the opening, wherein the conductive feature is in contact with the top surface of the via.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for the planarization of ruthenium metal layers in conductive structures. The method includes forming a first conductive structure on a second conductive structure, where forming the first conductive structure includes forming openings in a dielectric layer disposed on the second conductive structure and depositing a ruthenium metal in the openings to overfill the openings. The formation of the first conductive structure includes doping the ruthenium metal and polishing the doped ruthenium metal to form the first conductive structure.

Abstract: An interconnect structure is provided. The interconnect structure includes a first metal line. The first metal line includes a first conductive material disposed within a first dielectric layer over a substrate and a second conductive material disposed within the first dielectric layer and directly over a top of the first conductive material. The second conductive material is different from the first conductive material. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the first dielectric layer. A first via comprising a third conductive material is disposed within the second dielectric layer and on a top of the second conductive material. The second conductive material and the third conductive material have lower diffusion coefficients than the first conductive material.

Abstract: Interconnect structures having subtractive line with damascene second line type are provided. In one aspect, an interconnect structure includes: first metal lines of a first line type disposed on a substrate; and at least one second metal line of a second line type disposed on the substrate between two of the first metal lines, wherein the first line type includes subtractive lines and the second line type includes damascene lines such that the first metal lines have a different metallization structure from the at least one second metal line. A method of forming an interconnect structure is also provided.

Abstract: A device relates to a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a narrow-line bamboo microstructure integrated within a metal layer of the semiconductor device and a narrow-line polycrystalline microstructure. The narrow-line polycrystalline microstructure is integrated within the same metal layer as the narrow-line bamboo microstructure.

Abstract: Provided are an interconnect structure and an electronic device including the interconnect structure. The interconnect structure includes a dielectric layer including at least one trench, a conductive wiring filling an inside of the at least one trench, and a cap layer on at least one surface of the conductive wiring. The cap layer includes nanocrystalline graphene. The nanocrystalline includes nano-sized crystals.

Abstract: Integrated chips and methods of forming the same include forming a lower conductive line over an underlying layer. An upper conductive via is formed over the lower conducting lines. An encapsulating layer is formed on the lower conductive line and the upper conductive via using a treatment process that converts an outermost layer of the lower conductive line and the upper conductive via into the encapsulating layer.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a device may include: a semiconductor region; a metallization layer disposed over the semiconductor region; and a self-organizing barrier layer disposed between the metallization layer and the semiconductor region, wherein the self-organizing barrier layer comprises a first metal configured to be self-segregating from the metallization layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a first metal interconnection in a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer; performing a treatment process to rough a top surface of the first metal interconnection; and forming a carbon nanotube (CNT) junction on the first metal interconnection. Preferably, the treatment process further includes forming protrusions on the top surface of the first metal interconnection, in which the protrusions and the first metal interconnection comprise same material.

Abstract: A method includes depositing a first dielectric structure over a non-insulator structure, removing a portion of the first dielectric structure to form a via opening, filling the via opening with a dummy structure, depositing a second dielectric structure over the dummy structure, etching a portion of the second dielectric structure to form a trench over the dummy structure, removing the dummy structure from the via opening, and filling the trench opening and the via opening with a conductive structure, wherein the conductive structure is electrically connected to the non-insulator structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a memory device with a high resistivity thermal barrier are described. In some examples a barrier material may be positioned over a memory cell region, an oxide region, and/or a through-silicon via (TSV). The barrier may include a first region above the memory cell region and a second region above the TSV. A process, such as a plasma treatment, may be applied to the barrier, which may result in the first and second regions having different thermal resistivities (e.g., different densities). Accordingly, due to the different thermal resistivities, the memory cells may be thermally insulated from thermal energy generated in the memory device.

Abstract: An interconnection for a device in an integrated circuit includes a substrate on which a first metal line is embedded in a first dielectric layer. A via gouge is etched in the first metal line. A second dielectric layer is deposited over the first metal line and the first dielectric layer. A first via recess is etch through the second dielectric layer where the first via recess aligned to the via gouge. A second metal layer is deposited in the first via recess and the via gouge, forming a first via.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor package, including at least two conductors and a first dielectric partially surrounding the at least two conductors, a capacitor substantially under the first dielectric, and a second dielectric over and lining along the first dielectric and top portions of the at least two conductors. The at least two conductors are respectively configured as an input/output (I/O) terminal of the semiconductor package. The capacitor includes a first electrode extending along a first direction and electrically connected with one of the at least two conductors, and a second electrode extending along a second direction opposite to the first direction and electrically connected to the other one of the at least two conductors. The second dielectric provides a compressive stress to the first dielectric. A method of forming the semiconductor package is also provided.

Abstract: Processes form integrated circuit apparatuses that include parallel fins, wherein the fins are patterned in a first direction, and parallel gate structures intersect the fins in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Also, source/drain structures are positioned on the fins between the gate structures, source/drain contacts are positioned on the source/drain structures, sidewall insulators are positioned between the gate structures and the source/drain contacts (wherein the sidewall insulators have a lower portion adjacent to the fins and an upper portion distal to the fins), and upper sidewall spacers are positioned between the upper portion of the sidewall insulators and the source/drain contacts.

Abstract: Aluminum oxide films with a thickness of between about 10-50 ?, characterized by a dielectric constant (k) of less than about 7 (such as about 4-6) and having a density of at least about 2.5 g/cm3 (such as about 3.0-3.2 g/cm3) are deposited on partially fabricated semiconductor devices over a metal (e.g., cobalt or copper) such that the metal does not show signs of oxidation. In some embodiments, the films are etch stop films.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are in the field of advanced integrated circuit structure fabrication and, in particular, 10 nanometer node and smaller integrated circuit structure fabrication and the resulting structures. In an example, an integrated circuit structure includes a plurality of conductive interconnect lines in and spaced apart by an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer above a substrate. Individual ones of the plurality of conductive interconnect lines have an upper surface below an upper surface of the ILD layer. An etch-stop layer is on and conformal with the ILD layer and the plurality of conductive interconnect lines, the etch-stop layer having a non-planar upper surface with an uppermost portion of the non-planar upper surface over the ILD layer and a lowermost portion of the non-planar upper surface over the plurality of conductive interconnect lines.

Abstract: A printed circuit board comprises an epoxy-containing member, a first copper pattern disposed adjacent to the epoxy-containing member, and a first adhesion promoter layer interposed between the epoxy-containing member and the first copper pattern.

Abstract: A cavity is etched in a stack of layers which includes a first layer made of a first material and a second layer made of a second material. To etch the cavity, a first etch mask having a first opening is formed over the stack of layer. The stack of layers is then etched through the first opening to a depth located in the second layer. A second mask having a second opening, the dimensions of which are smaller, in top view, than the first opening, is formed over the stack of layer. The second opening is located, in top view, opposite the area etched through the first opening. The second layer is then etched through the second opening to reach the first layer. The etch method used is configured to etch the second material selectively over the first material.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a metal interconnect structure, comprising: a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate; an opening in the dielectric layer, wherein the opening has sidewalls and exposes a conductive region of at least one of the substrate and an interconnect line; an adhesive layer, comprising manganese, disposed over the conductive region and on the sidewalls; and a fill material, comprising cobalt, within the opening and on a surface of the adhesion layer. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A method for at least partially filling a feature on a workpiece generally includes obtaining a workpiece including a feature depositing a first conformal conductive layer in the feature, and thermally treating the workpiece to reflow the first conformal conductive layer in the feature.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and a method of forming the interconnect structure are provided. A dielectric layer and openings therein are formed over a substrate. A conductive seed layer is formed over the top surface and along a bottom and sidewalls of the openings. A conductive fill layer is formed over the seed layer. Metal oxide on the surface of the seed layer may be reduced/removed by a surface pre-treatment. The cleaned surface is covered by depositing fill material over the seed layer without exposing the surface to oxygen. The surface treatment may include a reactive remote plasma clean using hydrogen radicals. If electroplating is used to deposit the fill layer, then the surface treatment may include soaking the substrate in the electrolyte before turning on the electroplating current. Other surface treatments may include active pre-clean (APC) using hydrogen radicals; or Ar sputtering using a metal clean version xT (MCxT) tool.

Abstract: Low-temperature techniques for doping of Cu interconnects based on interfacially-assisted thermal diffusion are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming doped copper interconnects includes the steps of: patterning at least one trench in a dielectric material; forming a barrier layer lining the trench; forming a metal liner on the barrier layer; depositing a seed layer on the metal liner; plating a Cu fill into the trench to form Cu interconnects; removing a portion of a Cu overburden to access an interface between the metal liner and the Cu fill; depositing a dopant layer; and diffusing a dopant(s) from the dopant layer along the interface to form a Cu interconnect doping layer between the metal liner and the Cu fill. Alternatively, the overburden and the barrier layer/metal liner can be completely removed, and the dopant layer deposited selectively on the Cu fill. An interconnect structure is also provided.

Abstract: Microelectronic substrates having copper alloy conductive routes to reduce warpage due to differing coefficient of thermal expansion of the components used to form the microelectronic substrates. In one embodiment, the conductive routes of the microelectronic substrate may comprise an alloy of copper and an alloying metal of tungsten, molybdenum, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the conductive routes of the microelectronic substrate may comprise an alloy of copper, an alloying metal of tungsten, molybdenum, or a combination thereof, and a co-deposition metal of nickel, cobalt, iron, or a combination thereof. In still another embodiment, the copper alloy conductive routes may have copper concentrations which are graded therethrough, which may enable better pattern formation during a subtractive etching process used to form the copper alloy conductive routes.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to improved hardmask materials and methods for patterning and etching of substrates. A plurality of hardmasks may be utilized in combination with patterning and etching processes to enable advanced device architectures. In one implementation, a first hardmask and a second hardmask disposed on a substrate having various material layers disposed thereon. The second hardmask may be utilized to pattern the first hardmask during a first etching process. A third hardmask may be deposited over the first and second hardmasks and a second etching process may be utilized to form channels in the material layers.

Abstract: A conductive pattern structure and its manufacturing method, an array substrate and a display device are provided. The conductive pattern structure includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer stacked in turn, wherein the second metal layer covers an upper surface and all side surfaces of the first metal layer, and the metal of the first metal layer has a stronger activity than the metal of the second metal layer. A common replacement reaction is adopted according to the order of the metal reducibility in the metal activity series table to cover an upper surface and all side surfaces of the first metal layer with the second metal layer.

Abstract: A method is presented for tuning work functions of transistors. The method includes forming a high-k dielectric over a semiconductor substrate, and forming a work function stack over the high-k dielectric, the work function stack including a first layer having a nitrogen (N) scavenging element, a second layer having an oxygen (O) scavenging element, and a third layer being a conducting layer.

Abstract: A method providing a high aspect ratio through substrate via in a substrate is described. The through substrate via has vertical sidewalls and a horizontal bottom. The substrate has a horizontal field area surrounding the through substrate via. A metallic barrier layer is deposited on the sidewalls of the through substrate via. A nitridation process converts a surface portion of the metallic barrier layer to a nitride surface layer. The nitride surface layer enhances the nucleation of subsequent depositions. A first metal layer is deposited to fill a portion of the through substrate via and cover the horizontal field area. A thermal anneal step to reflow a portion of the first metal layer on the horizontal field area into the through substrate via. A second metal layer is deposited over the first metal layer to fill a remaining portion of the through substrate via. Another aspect of the invention is a device created by the method.

Abstract: A method for depositing a dielectric layer that includes introducing a substrate into a process chamber of a deposition tool; and heating the substrate to a process temperature. The method may further include introducing precursors that include at least one dielectric providing gas species for a deposited layer and at least one hydrogen precursor gas into the process chamber of the deposition tool. The hydrogen precursor gas is introduced to the deposition chamber at a flow rate ranging from 50 sccm to 5000 sccm. The molar ratio for Hydrogen/Silicon gas precursor can be equal or greater than 0.05.

Abstract: A method for depositing a dielectric layer that includes introducing a substrate into a process chamber of a deposition tool; and heating the substrate to a process temperature. The method may further include introducing precursors that include at least one dielectric providing gas species for a deposited layer and at least one hydrogen precursor gas into the process chamber of the deposition tool. The hydrogen precursor gas is introduced to the deposition chamber at a flow rate ranging from 50 sccm to 5000 sccm. The molar ratio for Hydrogen/Silicon gas precursor can be equal or greater than 0.05.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices include a patterned dielectric layer overlaying a semiconductor substrate; a metal layer comprising copper disposed in the patterned dielectric layer; and a barrier layer formed at an interface between the dielectric layer and the metal layer, wherein the barrier layer is AlOxNy. The patterned dielectric may define a trench and via interconnect structure or first and second trenches for a capacitor structure. Also disclosed are processes for forming the semiconductor device, which includes subjecting the dielectric surfaces to a nitridization process to form a nitrogen enriched surface. Aluminum metal is then conformally deposited onto the nitrogen enriched surfaces to form AlOxNy at the aluminum metal/dielectric interface. The patterned substrate is then metalized with copper and annealed. Upon annealing, a copper aluminum alloy is formed at the copper metal/aluminum interface.

Abstract: A method is presented for forming a semiconductor structure. The method includes depositing an insulating layer over a semiconductor substrate, etching the insulating layer to form trenches for receiving copper (Cu), selectively recessing the Cu at one or more of the trenches corresponding to circuit locations requiring electromigration (EM) short-length, and forming self-aligned conducting caps over the one or more trenches where the Cu has been selectively recessed. The conducting caps can be tantalum nitride (TaN) caps. The method further includes forming a via extending into each of the trenches for receiving Cu. Additionally, the via for trenches including recessed Cu extends to the self-aligned conducting cap, whereas the via for trenches including non-recessed Cu extends to a top surface of the Cu.

Abstract: A pattern is provided in a dielectric layer. The pattern includes a set of features in the dielectric for a set of metal conductor structures. The set of features have a first dimension. An adhesion promoting layer disposed over the patterned dielectric is deposited. A ruthenium layer disposed over the adhesion promoting layer is deposited. A cobalt layer is deposited over the ruthenium layer. A high temperature thermal anneal is performed which creates a ruthenium cobalt alloy layer to cover surfaces of the set of features. A metal layer is deposited disposed over the ruthenium cobalt alloy layer to form a set of metal conductor structures. In another aspect of the invention, a device is created using the method.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a substrate including a patterned dielectric layer. The pattern includes a set of features in the dielectric for a set of metal conductor structures. An adhesion promoting layer is disposed over the set of features in the patterned dielectric. A ruthenium cobalt alloy layer is disposed over the adhesion promoting layer. A metal layer is disposed over the ruthenium cobalt alloy layer filling the set of features.

Abstract: A substantially flat bottom electrode for magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) devices includes three components: a recessed bulk conductive material such as copper, a conductive liner lining the recess, and a cap layer, wherein the conductive liner is a harder material than the cap layer. The cap layer and the dielectric layer are coplanar having a height differential of less than 3 nanometers. The conductive liner has a lower chemical mechanical planarization removal rate. Also provided are processes for forming the bottom electrode.

Abstract: A surface of at least one of a connection terminal of an electronic component and a connection terminal of a circuit board is covered with a protection layer made of a AgSn alloy. The connection terminal of the electronic component is soldered to the connection terminal of the circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate liquid processing apparatus that includes: a liquid processing unit that performs a liquid processing on a film formed on a surface of a substrate with an etching liquid; an etching liquid supply unit that supplies an etching liquid to the liquid processing unit; and a controller that controls the etching liquid supply unit. The controller is configured to perform a control such that an etching liquid in a state of having a relatively low etching rate for the film is supplied from the etching liquid supply unit to the liquid processing unit so that the substrate is etched in the liquid processing unit, and then, an etching liquid in a state of having a relatively high etching rate for the film is supplied from the etching liquid supply unit to the liquid processing unit so that the substrate is etched in the liquid processing unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transistor device having a field plate, and a method of formation. In some embodiments, the transistor device has a gate electrode disposed over a substrate between a source region and a drain region. One or more dielectric layers laterally extend from over the gate electrode to a location between the gate electrode and the drain region. A field plate is located within an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer overlying the substrate. The field plate laterally extends from over the gate electrode to over the location and vertically extends from the one or more dielectric layers to a top surface of the ILD layer. A conductive contact is arranged over the drain region and is surrounded by the ILD layer. The conductive contact extends to the top surface of the ILD layer.

Abstract: Methods for forming barrier/seed layers for interconnect structures are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate having an opening formed in a first surface of the substrate, the opening having a sidewall and a bottom surface, the method may include forming a layer comprising manganese (Mn) and at least one of ruthenium (Ru) or cobalt (Co) on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening; and depositing a conductive material on the layer to fill the opening. In some embodiments, one of ruthenium (Ru) or cobalt (Co) is deposited on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening. The materials may be deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or by physical vapor deposition (PVD).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for depositing two or more PVD seed layers for electroplating metallic interconnects over a substrate, the substrate including a patterned insulating layer which includes at least one opening surrounded by a field, the at least one opening having top corners, sidewalls, and bottom, the field and the at least one opening being ready for depositing one or more seed layers, and the method includes: (a) depositing by a PVD technique, in a PVD chamber, a continuous PVD seed layer over the sidewalls and bottom of the at least one opening, using a first set of deposition parameters; and (b) depositing by a PVD technique, in a PVD chamber, another PVD seed layer over the substrate, using a second set of deposition parameters, wherein (i) the second set of deposition parameters includes at least one deposition parameter which is different from any of the parameters in the first set of deposition parameters, or the second set of deposition parameters includes at least

Abstract: A connective structure for bonding semiconductor devices and methods for forming the same are provided. The bonding structure includes an alpad structure, i.e., a thick aluminum-containing connective pad, and a substructure beneath the aluminum-containing pad that includes at least a pre-metal layer and a barrier layer. The pre-metal layer is a dense material layer and includes a density greater than the barrier layer and is a low surface roughness film. The high density pre-metal layer prevents plasma damage from producing charges in underlying dielectric materials or destroying subjacent semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first layer including a number of first layer metal pads, a second layer formed on top of the first layer, the second layer including a number of second layer metal pads, and vias connecting the first layer metal pads to the second layer metal pads. A surface area overlap between the first layer metal pads and the second layer metal pads is below a defined threshold.

Abstract: An aluminum interconnection apparatus comprises a metal structure formed over a substrate, wherein the metal structure is formed of a copper and aluminum alloy, a first alloy layer formed underneath the metal structure and a first barrier layer formed underneath the first alloy layer, wherein the first barrier layer is generated by a reaction between the first alloy layer and an adjacent dielectric layer during a thermal process.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thin-film transistor substrate including a thin-film semiconductor includes: forming a metal film mainly comprising Cu above a substrate; forming a source electrode and a drain electrode by processing the metal film in a predetermined shape; irradiating the source electrode and the drain electrode with nitrogen plasma; exposing surfaces of a top and an end portion of the source electrode and the drain electrode with silane (SiH4) gas; and forming an insulating layer comprising an oxide on the source electrode and the drain electrode.

Abstract: An electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer, a method of fabricating the same, and a substrate comprising the same are disclosed. According to the present invention, at least 50% in volume of the electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer comprises plural grains adjacent to each other, wherein the said grains are made of stacked twins, the angle of the stacking directions of the nano-twins between one grain and the neighboring grain is between 0 to 20 degrees. The electrodeposited nano-twins copper layer of the present invention is highly reliable with excellent electro-migration resistance, hardness, and Young's modulus. Its manufacturing method is also fully compatible to semiconductor process.

Abstract: A method of eliminating overhang in a contact hole formed in a contact film stack is described. A liner layer is overlaid on the contact film stack, the liner also coating the contact hole. A portion of the liner is removed to expose the overhang, and the exposed overhang is removed. The liner is also used to fill-in a bowing profile of the contact hole, thereby rendering sidewalls of the contact hole smooth and straight suitable for metal fill-in while suppressing piping defects.

Abstract: In-situ melting and crystallization of sealed cooper wires can be performed by means of laser annealing for a duration of nanoseconds. The intensity of the laser irradiation is selected such that molten copper wets interconnect interfaces, thereby forming an interfacial bonding arrangement that increases specular scattering of electrons. Nanosecond-scale temperature quenching preserves the formed interfacial bonding. At the same time, the fast crystallization process of sealed copper interconnects results in large copper grains, typically larger than 80 nm in lateral dimensions, on average. A typical duration of the annealing process is from about 10's to about 100's of nanoseconds. There is no degradation to interlayer low-k dielectric material despite the high anneal temperature due to ultra short duration that prevents collective motion of atoms within the dielectric material.

Abstract: The present inventive concepts provide a liquid composition for etching a metal containing copper. The liquid composition may include hydrogen peroxide in a range of about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt % and a buffer solution in a range of about 0.1 wt % to about 10 wt %. The buffer solution may include citrate. The liquid composition may have a pH in a range of about 4.0 to about 7.0.