Abstract: Methods for protecting the sidewall of a metal interconnect component using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes and using a single barrier metal material. After forming the metal interconnect component, a single barrier metal is deposited on its sidewall using PVD. A subsequent anisotropic etching of the barrier metal removes the barrier metal from the horizontal surface except for some that still remains on the top surface of the metal interconnect layer. A dielectric layer is then formed over the metal interconnect component and the barrier metal. The unlanded via is etched through the dielectric layer to the metal interconnect component, and then filled with a second metal to thereby allow the metal interconnect component to electrically connect with one or more upper metal layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a titanium silicon nitride barrier layer on a semiconductor wafer, comprising the steps of depositing a titanium nitride layer on the semiconductor wafer; plasma-treating the titanium nitride layer in a N2/H2 plasma; and exposing the plasma-treated titanium nitride layer to a silane ambient, wherein silicon is incorporated into the titanium nitride layer as silicon nitride thereby forming a titanium silicon nitride barrier layer. Additionally, there is provided a method of improving the barrier performance of a titanium nitride layer comprising the step of introducing silicon into the titanium nitride layer such that the silicon is incorporated into the titanium nitride layer as silicon nitride. Also provided is a method of integrating copper into a semiconductor device and a method of improving copper wettability at a copper/titanium nitride interface in a semiconductor device.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In a disclosed example, a multi-layered insulating structure is deposited on a semiconductor substrate, an opening is formed in the multi-layered insulating structure above the semiconductor substrate, and a trench is formed in the semiconductor substrate under the opening. Then, a groove is formed on an edge position of an intermediate layer of the multi-layered insulating structure by wet-etching the intermediate layer of the multi-layered insulating layer transversely using a pull back process. Then, a liner oxide layer is deposited on the groove and the trench. An oxide layer then fills the trench and the groove without generating voids or divots in the oxide layer of the trench.

Abstract: An advanced back-end-of-line (BEOL) metallization structure is disclosed. The structure includes a diffusion barrier or cap layer having a low dielectric constant (low-k), where the cap layer is formed of silicon nitride by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE CVD) process. The metallization structure also includes an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) formed of a carbon-containing dielectric material having a dielectric constant of less than about 4, and a continuous hardmask layer overlying the ILD which is preferably formed of silicon nitride or silicon carbide. A method for forming the BEOL metallization structure is also disclosed. The method includes a pre-clean or pre-activation step to improve the adhesion of the cap layer to the underlying copper conductors. The pre-clean or pre-activation step comprises exposing the copper surface to a reducing plasma including hydrogen, ammonia, nitrogen and/or noble gases.

Abstract: A method for forming a photoresist pattern with minimally reduced transformations through the use of ArF photolithography, including the steps of: forming an organic anti-reflective coating layer on a an etch-target layer already formed on a substrate; coating a photoresist for ArF on the organic anti-reflective coating layer; exposing the photoresist with ArF laser; forming a first photoresist pattern by developing the photoresist, wherein portions of the organic anti-reflective coating layer are revealed; etching the organic anti-reflective coating layer with the first photoresist pattern as an etch mask and forming a second photoresist pattern by attaching polymer to the first photoresist pattern, wherein the polymer is generated during etching the organic anti-reflection coating layer with an etchant including O2 plasma; and etching the etch-target layer by using the second photoresist pattern as an etch mask.

Abstract: A trench transistor with lower leakage current and higher gate rupture voltage. The gate oxide layer of a trench transistor is grown at a temperature above about 1100° C. to reduce thinning of the oxide layer at the corners of the trench. In a further embodiment, a conformal layer of silicon nitride is deposited over the high-temperature oxide layer, and a second oxide layer is formed between the silicon nitride layer and the gate polysilicon. The first gate oxide layer, silicon nitride layer, and second oxide layer form a composite gate dielectric structure that substantially reduces leakage current in trench field effect transistors.

Abstract: A method of providing dummy fill structures to meet the strict requirements for planarizing MRAM (Magnetic Random Access Memory) and other semiconductor devices to gain silicon floor space and allow maximum use of wiring levels. The method deposits a sacrificial or dummy layer of dielectric material such as SiO2 to form dummy fill structures prior to the planarization steps. The insulative dummy fill structures allow the use of less precise lithography and etching methods. The dummy fill structures provide support during the CMP process that planarizes the active devices prior to depositing another layer of SiO2 and etching lines of metallization. Since the dummy structures are made of a dielectric rather than conductive materials, the risk of shorts between levels of metallization and between active devices and lines of metallization is reduced.

Abstract: An antireflective coating (ARC) layer for use in the manufacture of a semiconductor device. The ARC layer has a bottom portion that has a lower percentage of silicon than a portion of the ARC layer located above it. The ARC layer is formed on a metal layer, wherein the lower percentage of silicon of the ARC layer inhibits the unwanted formation of suicides at the metal layer/ARC layer interface. In some embodiments, the top portion of the ARC layer has a lower percentage of silicon than the middle portion of the ARC layer, wherein the lower percentage of silicon at the top portion may inhibit the poisoning of a photo resist layer on the ARC layer. In one embodiment, the percentage of silicon can be increased or decreased by decreasing or increasing the ratio of the flow rate of a nitrogen containing gas with respect to the flow rate of a silicon containing gas during a deposition process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a semiconductor structure in manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a pad layer on a surface of a substrate, providing a nitride layer on the pad layer, and providing a sacrificial oxide layer on the nitride layer. In a first etching step, at least the sacrificial oxide and nitride layers are etched to define opposing substantially vertical surfaces of at least the sacrificial oxide and nitride layers. In a second etching step, the nitride layer is etched such that the opposing substantially vertical surfaces of the nitride layer are recessed from the opposing substantially vertical surfaces of the sacrificial oxide layer, the sacrificial oxide layer substantially preventing the nitride layer from decreasing in thickness as a result of the etching of the nitride layer. In a third etching step, the substrate is etched to form a trench extending into the substrate for purposes of defining one or more isolation regions adjacent the trench.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing method that assures required size of flat areas at a wiring overlay nitride film, and forms an SAC structure wherein selectivity is not lowered at corners. A first etching process wherein an insulating film is etched under conditions for forming a vertical opening (vertical conditions) is used to open up the insulating film to a point near the wiring overlay nitride film 105. A second etching process is used wherein the insulating film is opened until the wiring overlay nitride film becomes exposed, by etching under conditions assuring a high ratio of selectivity relative to the wiring overlay nitride film (SAC conditions). Then, a third etching process is used wherein the insulating film located between first and second electrodes is removed by etching under conditions with a low ratio of selectivity relative to the wiring overlay nitride film (SAC conditions).

Abstract: A method for implementing dual damascene processing includes forming a first hardmask layer over an interlevel dielectric layer, and forming a second hardmask layer over the first hardmask layer. A trench pattern is opened within a third hardmask layer formed over the second hardmask. A first etch process is implemented so as to define a via pattern completely through the second hardmask layer and partially through the first hardmask layer, and a second etch process is implemented to transfer the trench pattern and the via pattern into the interlevel dielectric layer.

Abstract: Form an opening in a dielectric layer formed on a substrate comprises depositing a hard mask composed of an etch resistant material over a dielectric layer, e.g. a silicon oxide. Use a photoresist mask to expose the hard mask. Use a fluorocarbon plasma to etch through the window to form an opening through the hard mask. Then etch through the hard mask opening to pattern the dielectric layer. The hard mask comprises an RCH/RCHX material with the structural formula R:C:H or R:C:H:X, where R is selected from Si, Ge, B, Sn, Fe, Ti and X is selected from O, N, S and F. The plasma etching process employs a) a gas mixture comprising N2; fluorocarbon (CHF3, C4F8, C4F6, CF4, CH2F2, CH3F); an oxidizer (O2, CO2), and a noble diluent (Ar, He); b) a high DC bias (500-3000 Volts bias on the wafer); 3) medium pressure (20-100 mT.; and d) moderate temperatures (?20 to 60°).

Abstract: The removal of defect particles that may be created during polysilicon hard mask etching, and that are embedded within the polysilicon layer, is disclosed. Oxide is first grown in the polysilicon layer exposed through the patterned hard mask layer, so that the defect particle becomes embedded within the oxide. Oxide growth may be accomplished by rapid thermal oxidation (RTO). The oxide is then exposed to an acidic solution, such as hydrofluoric (HF) acid, to remove the oxide and the embedded defect particle embedded therein.

Abstract: A method for the production of semiconductor components which includes applying masking layers and components on epitaxial semiconductor substrates within the epitaxy reactor without removal of the substrate from the reactor. At least one of the masking layers is HF soluble such that a gas etchant may be introduced within the reactor so as to etch a select number and portion of masking layers. This method may be used for production of lateral integrated components on a substrate wherein the components may be of the same or different type. Such types include electronic and optoelectronic components. Numerous masking layers may be applied, each defining particular windows intended to receive each of the various components. In the reactor, the masks may be selectively removed, then the components grown in the newly exposed windows.

Abstract: A method for forming a contact hole of a semiconductor device, wherein a polymer residual on a bottom surface of the contact hole is treated with plasma of mixture gas containing oxygen to convert the polymer residual into a pure silicon oxide film free of carbon and fluorine for easy removal in a subsequent washing process is disclosed. The method comprises (a) sequentially forming a capping layer and a planarized interlayer insulating film on a semiconductor substrate having a predetermined lower structure; (b) selectively etching the interlayer insulating film to expose a predetermined region of the capping layer; (c) removing the exposed capping layer; (d) subjecting the resulting structure to a plasma treatment using a mixture gas containing oxygen; and (e) performing a cleaning process.

Abstract: A method for plasma etching is disclosed with improved etching selectivity for a nitride containing DARC and a low-k dielectric layer. Plasma chemistry is controlled by adjusting a nitrogen to oxygen ratio to achieve improved etching selectivity in both nitride containing and low-k dielectric layers. Nitrogen to oxygen ratios are adjusted to control etching of for example, a DARC nitride containing layer, and Carbon to fluorine ratios are additionally adjusted to control etching in a low-k dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for relieving stress in the via structures of semiconductor structures whenever a linewidth below a via is larger than a ground-rule, including providing a via at least as large as the groundrule, providing a landing pad above the via, providing a via bar in place of a via, slotting the metal linewidth below the via, or providing an oversize via with a sidewall spacer.

Abstract: Formed is a lamination structure of a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer as an intermediate insulating film between a floating gate and a control gate. A silicon nitride film above the control gate is removed by dry etching. In this event, CH3F gas, CH2F2 gas or a mixed gas thereof and O2 gas are used as an etching gas, a pressure inside a reaction chamber is set in the range of 10.6 to 13.3 Pa (80 to 100 mTorr), and a flow rate of the O2 gas is set five times that of the CH3F gas, CH2F2 gas or mixed gas thereof or more.

Abstract: A method for protecting a gate stack in an integrated circuit wafer involves the deposition of a thin nucleation or seed layer of silicon nitride on the gate stack. Following deposition of the nucleation layer, a second, primary layer of silicon nitride is formed on the nucleation layer using a BTBAS precursor to thereby form a spacer film. The primary layer may have carbon incorporated therein.

Abstract: A process is described for transferring a photoresist pattern into a substrate. In one embodiment a stack comprised of a top photoresist layer, a middle ARC layer, and a bottom hardmask is formed over a gate electrode layer. A line in the photoresist pattern is anisotropically transferred through the ARC and hardmask. Then an isotropic etch to trim the linewidth by 0 to 50 nm per edge is performed simultaneously on the photoresist, ARC and hardmask. This method minimizes the amount of line end shortening to less than three times the dimension trimmed from one line edge. Since a majority of the photoresist layer is retained, the starting photoresist thickness can be reduced by 1000 Angstroms or more to increase process window. The pattern is then etched through the underlying layer to form a gate electrode. The method can also be used to form STI features in a substrate.

Abstract: A method of etching nitride over oxide is provided for the formation of vertical profile nitride spacers with high uniformity while maintaining the integrity of underlying thin oxide layers. The method includes providing a first gas flow including a first fluorocarbon and a second fluorocarbon at a first ratio, applying a first quantity of power to the first gas flow to create a first plasma, etching a first portion of a silicon nitride layer with the first plasma, providing a second gas flow including the first fluorocarbon and the second fluorocarbon at a second ratio greater than the first ratio, applying a second quantity of power to the second gas flow to create a second plasma, and etching a second portion of the silicon nitride layer with the second plasma.

Abstract: A method of etching nitride over oxide is provided for the formation of vertical profile nitride spacers with high uniformity while maintaining the integrity of underlying thin oxide layers. The method includes providing a first gas flow including a first fluorocarbon and a second fluorocarbon at a first ratio, applying a first quantity of power to the first gas flow to create a first plasma, etching a first portion of a silicon nitride layer with the first plasma, providing a second gas flow including the first fluorocarbon and the second fluorocarbon at a second ratio greater than the first ratio, applying a second quantity of power to the second gas flow to create a second plasma, and etching a second portion of the silicon nitride layer with the second plasma.

Abstract: A processing gas constituted of CH2F2, O2 and Ar is introduced into a processing chamber 102 of a plasma processing apparatus 100. The flow rate ratio of the constituents of the processing gas is set at CH2F2/O2/Ar=20 sccm/10 sccm/100 sccm. The pressure inside the processing chamber 102 is set at 50 mTorr. 500 W high frequency power with its frequency set at 13.56 Mz is applied to a lower electrode 108 on which a wafer W is placed. The processing gas is raised to plasma and thus, an SiNx layer 206 formed on a Cu layer 204 is etched. The exposed Cu layer 204 is hardly oxidized and C and F are not injected into it.

Abstract: A new method of creating a relatively thick layer of PE silicon nitride. A conventional method of creating a layer of silicon nitride applies a one-step process for the creation thereof. Film stress increases as the thickness of the created layer of PE silicon nitride increases. A new method is provided for the creation of a crack-resistant layer of PE silicon nitride by providing a multi-step process. The main processing step comprises the creation of a relatively thick, compressive film of PE silicon nitride, over the surface of this relatively thick layer of PE silicon nitride is created a relatively thin (between about 150 and 500 Angstrom) layer of tensile stress PE silicon nitride. This process can be repeated to create a layer of PE silicon nitride of increasing thickness.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having gate oxide with a first thickness and a second thickness is formed by initially implanting a portion of the gate area of the semiconductor substrate with nitrogen ions and then forming a gate oxide on the gate area. Preferably the gate oxide is grown by exposing the gate area to an environment of oxygen. A nitrogen implant inhibits the rate of SiO2 growth in an oxygen environment. Therefore, the portion of the gate area with implanted nitrogen atoms will grow or form a layer of gate oxide, such as SiO2, which is thinner than the portion of the gate area less heavily implanted or not implanted with nitrogen atoms. The gate oxide layer could be deposited rather than growing the gate oxide layer. After forming the gate oxide layer, polysilicon is deposited onto the gate oxide. The semiconductor substrate can then be implanted to form doped drain and source regions. Spacers can then be placed over the drain and source regions and adjacent the ends of the sidewalls of the gate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a transistor includes providing a transistor assembly having a semiconductor layer with a first surface, a dielectric layer disposed on the first surface, a gate electrode disposed on the dielectric layer, an insulation layer adjacent at least part of the gate electrode, and a nitride spacer layer adjacent at least part of the insulation layer. The method also includes depositing, on part of the first surface, a material that will react with the semiconductor layer to form silicide and removing the unreacted material. The method further includes etching the nitride spacer layer, depositing a pre-metal spacer layer adjacent at least part of the nitride spacer layer and at least part of the first surface, etch removing a portion of the pre-metal spacer layer to expose part of the silicided portion of the first surface, and forming a contact with the silicided portion of the first surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC) utilizes a shallow trench isolation (STI) technique. The shallow trench isolation technique is used in strained silicon (SMOS) process. The liner for the trench is formed to in a low temperature process which reduces germanium outgassing. The low temperature process can be a UVO, ALD, CVD, PECVD, or HDP process.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of fabricating multiple sets of field effect transistors. In one implementation, an etch stop layer is formed over an insulative capping layer which is formed over a conductive gate layer formed over a substrate. The etch stop layer, the insulative capping layer, and the conductive gate layer are patterned and etched to form a first set of conductive gate constructions over the substrate. A dielectric material is formed and planarized over the first set of gate constructions. Thereafter, the insulative capping layer and the conductive gate layer are patterned and etched to form a second set of conductive gate constructions over the substrate. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming bit lines of a semiconductor device capable of solving an issue on overlay between a bit line contact and a bit line when bit lines of DRAM are formed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a chamfered silicide layer and a manufacturing method of the same. The semiconductor device includes: a first insulation layer overlying a semiconductor substrate; gate structures including first conductive layer patterns formed on the first insulation layer, and second conductive layer patterns which are formed on the first conductive layer patterns, wherein the lower sides of the second conductive layer patterns are substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the semiconductor substrate and the upper sides of the second conductive layer patterns are chamfered; and a second insulation layer formed with a first width W on the second conductive layer patterns, wherein the sidewalls of the second insulation layer overhang the upper edges of the second conductive layer patterns.

Abstract: A method for forming a shallow trench isolation using a SiON anti-reflective coating which eliminates water spot defects. The method begins by providing a substrate. A pad oxide layer is formed over the substrate. A silicon nitride layer is formed on the pad oxide layer. A silicon oxynitride layer is formed on the silicon nitride layer. A photoresist mask, having an opening, is formed over the silicon oxynitride layer. The silicon oxynitride layer, the silicon nitride layer, the pad oxide layer, and the substrate are etched through the opening, forming a trench. The photoresist mask is removed. In the key step, the silicon oxynitride layer is removed. Then, a thin silicon oxide layer is grown and a silicon oxide layer is deposited and planarized to form a shallow trench isolation.

Abstract: A method for etching silicon nitride selective to silicon dioxide and silicon (polycrystalline silicon or monocrystalline silicon) comprises the use of oxygen along with an additional etchant of either CHF3 or CH2F2. Flow rates, power, and pressure settings are specified.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a conducting connection through insulating layers by way of a contact hole and conducting materials with which the contact hole is filled. The method permits the production of a contact hole resembling the shape of a wineglass, into which conducting filling material and barrier layers can be inserted without the known problems such as void formation, overetching trenches, and dielectric close-off. It is possible in this way, for example, to produce an electric connection between the diffusion zone of a selection transistor and the lower electrode of a storage capacitor of large-scale integrated DRAM and FeRAM components with the aid of only a few mask steps.

Abstract: A method for forming shallow trench isolation (STI) features to reduce or avoid divot formation at STI trench corners including providing a shallow trench isolation (STI) feature included in a semiconductor process surface the STI feature including an anisotropically etched trench formed into a semiconductor substrate extending through a thickness including a thermally grown silicon dioxide layer overlying the semiconductor substrate and a metal nitride hardmask layer overlying the thermally grown silicon dioxide layer said anisotropically etched trench being back filled with a silicon dioxide filling material; removing excess silicon dioxide filling material overlying the hardmask layer according to a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process; removing the hard mask layer according to a wet chemical etching process; and, re-growing the thermally grown silicon dioxide layer including re-oxidizing to at least an originally formed thermally grown silicon dioxide layer thickness.

Abstract: An opening through an insulating layer between a first layer and a second layer of a semiconductor device is formed where the second layer is a polysilicon or amorphous silicon hard mask layer. The polysilicon or amorphous silicon hard mask layer is etched to form at least one opening through the polysilicon or amorphous silicon hard mask layer using a patterning layer as a mask having at least one opening. The insulating layer is etched to form the opening through the insulating layer using the etched polysilicon or amorphous silicon hard mask layer as a mask. The etched polysilicon or amorphous silicon hard mask layer is nitridized prior to subsequent processing.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact in an integrated circuit between a first metalization layer and a silicon substrate. In one embodiment the method comprises forming a premetal dielectric layer over the silicon substrate, etching a contact hole through the premetal dielectric layer and then forming a thin silicon nitride layer on an outer surface of the contact hole. The silicon nitride layer reduces overetching that may otherwise occur when oxidation build-up is removed from the silicon interface within the contact hole by a preclean process. After the preclean process, the contact hole is then filled with one or more conductive materials. In various embodiments the silicon nitride layer is formed by exposing the contact hole to a nitrogen plasma, depositing the layer by a chemical vapor deposition process and depositing the layer by an atomic layer deposition process. In other embodiments, the method is applicable to the formation of vias through intermetal dielectric layers.

Abstract: Three fundamental and three derived aspects of the present invention are disclosed. The three fundamental aspects each disclose a process sequence that may be integrated in a full process. The first aspect, designated as “latent masking”, defines a mask in a persistent material like silicon oxide that is held abeyant after definition while intervening processing operations are performed. The latent oxide pattern is then used to mask an etch. The second aspect, designated as “simultaneous multi-level etching (SMILE)”, provides a process sequence wherein a first pattern may be given an advanced start relative to a second pattern in etching into an underlying material, such that the first pattern may be etched deeper, shallower, or to the same depth as the second pattern. The third aspect, designated as “delayed LOCOS”, provides a means of defining a contact hole pattern at one stage of a process, then using the defined pattern at a later stage to open the contact holes.

Abstract: A single mask process is described for making a trench type fast recovery process. The single mask defines slots in a photoresist for locally removing strips of nitride and oxide from atop silicon and for subsequently etching trenches in the silicon. A boron implant is carried out in the bottoms of the trenches to form local P/N junctions. The oxide beneath the nitride is then fully stripped in the active area and only partly stripped in the termination area in which the trenches are wider spaced than in the active area. Aluminum is then deposited atop the active area and in the trenches, but is blocked from contact with silicon in the active area by the remaining nitride layer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming an under bump metallurgy layer over a contact pad area on an interconnect formed over a semiconductor substrate are provided which eliminate a pretreatment process for removing native oxide on the contact pad area prior to the deposition of the under bump metallurgy layer. In one embodiment, the removal of a cap layer which insulates the contact pad area and the deposition of the under bump metallurgy layer are carried out without leaving a vacuum environment.

Abstract: Shallow trench isolation among transistors and other devices on a semiconductor substrate is provided by initially forming a layer of highly absorbing silicon rich nitride to serve as a hardmask between a semiconductor substrate and a photoresist. The highly absorbing layer of silicon rich nitride has an extinction coefficient (k)>0.5. As reflected light passes through the layer of silicon rich nitride, a substantially amount of light is absorbed therein thereby blocking such reflected light from negatively interfering with patterning of the photoresist during photo-lithography. Following patterning of the photoresist, isolation trenches are formed in the semiconductor substrate by etching through the silicon rich nitride in accordance with the pattern formed on the photoresist.

Abstract: To increase the etching resistance and to reduce the etching rate of a silicon-containing mask layer, an additional substance is mixed into the mask layer or into an etching gas. The additional substance is present in the mask layer or a concentration of the additional substance can be subsequently increased in the mask layer. During a subsequent etching process for patterning using the mask layer, the mask layer is removed at a reduced etching rate.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite silicon oxide layer over a semiconductor device. The composite silicon oxide layer is formed between the semiconductor device and a doped silicate glass layer. The composite silicon oxide layer comprises two silicon oxide layers, each having a different silicon/oxide composition. The oxygen-rich oxide layer or silicon dioxide layer is formed directly above the semiconductor device, and the silicon-rich oxide layer is formed above the silicon dioxide layer next to the doped silicate glass layer. Both the silicon dioxide layer and the silicon-rich oxide layer are formed in the same plasma deposition chamber.

Abstract: A multilayer semiconductor device that includes a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor including a first metal plate, a dielectric layer, and a second metal plate, a nitride etchstop layer formed above the MIM capacitor, a first interlayer dielectric formed on the nitride etchstop layer, and a first via and a second via that extend through at least the first interlayer dielectric to contact the nitride etchstop layer.

Abstract: A method for plasma etching of silicon nitride using a mixture of trifluoromethane and oxygen in a ratio of approximately 8 to 1 to selectively etch silicon nitride in preference to silicon dioxide and photoresist, resulting in critical dimension gain.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a self aligned contact (SAC) of a semiconductor device that can minimize the loss of gate electrodes and hard mask. The method includes the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate on which a plurality of conductive patterns are formed; forming a first insulation layer along the profile of the conductive patterns on the substrate; forming a second insulation layer on the substrate and simultaneously forming voids between the conductive patterns; forming a third insulation layer on the first insulation layer; and forming contact holes that expose the surface of the substrate between the conductive patterns by etching the third insulation layer and the second insulation layer covering the voids.

Abstract: A method for forming an isolation region on a semiconductor substrate with a high yield, comprising partially covering the surface of a semiconductor substrate with an oxidation inhibitor film, depositing a material for side-wall parts on the oxidation inhibitor film and also on an exposed region of the surface, which is revealed through an opening of the oxidation inhibitor film, to form side-wall parts at the edge portions of the oxidation inhibitor film, then, removing by a plasma etching process the unnecessary portions of said side-wall material deposited on the oxidation inhibitor film and on the exposed region of the substrate and leaving intact the side-wall parts at the edge portions of the oxidation inhibitor film, and cleaning the exposed region on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, revealed through the opening of the oxidation inhibitor film, before subsequent heat treatment to generate a field oxide film.

Abstract: A method for removing fluorine-containing etching residues during dual damascene process comprises providing a dual damascene structure having a copper conductor structure therein, a cap layer formed on the copper conductor structure and the dual damascene structure, and a low dielectric constant dielectric layer on the cap layer. The low dielectric constant dielectric layer formed by spin-on polymer method has at least an opening above the copper conductor structure. The cap layer is etched by fluorine-containing plasma to expose the copper conductor structure. The dual damascene structure is cleaned with a solvent and then the fluorine-containing etching residues are removed by plasma sputtering treatment or baking, or by a combination of both. The addition of baking and plasma sputtering treatment can prevent poor adhesion between the subsequent metal diffusion barrier layer and the low dielectric constant dielectric layer.

Abstract: A process is provided for etching a silicon based material in a substrate, such as a photomask, to form features with straight sidewalls, flat bottoms, and high profile angles between the sidewalls and bottom, and minimizing the formation of polymer deposits on the substrate. In the etching process, the substrate is positioned in a processing chamber, a processing gas comprising a fluorocarbon, which advantageously is a hydrogen free fluorocarbon, is introduced into the processing chamber, wherein the substrate is maintained at a reduced temperature, and the processing gas is excited into a plasma state at a reduced power level to etch the silicon based material of the substrate. The processing gas may further comprise an inert gas, such as argon.

Abstract: A method for using intermediate transfer layers for transferring nanoscale patterns to substrates and forming nanostructures on substrates. An intermediate transfer layer is applied to a substrate surface, and one or more mask templates are then applied to the intermediate transfer layer. Holes are etched through the intermediate transfer layer, and material may be deposited into the etched holes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit can include providing a layer of silicon nitride over a semiconductor substrate where the layer of silicon nitride has a first thickness selected based on a desired size of extensions; providing a layer of photoresist material over the layer of silicon nitride; patterning the layer of photoresist to form photoresist features being separated at the top of the photoresist features by one minimum lithographic feature and etching a portion of the layer of silicon nitride to form a hole for an integrated circuit device feature. The photoresist features include extensions at the bottom of the photoresist features. The extensions define footings. These footings reduce the separation at the bottom of the photoresist features. As such, exposed portions of the layer of silicon nitride are less than one minimum lithographic feature in width.