Abstract: In one implementation, a method of removing a metal-containing layer is provided. The method comprises generating a plasma from a fluorine-containing gas. The plasma comprises fluorine radicals and fluorine ions. The fluorine ions are removed from the plasma to provide a reactive gas having a higher concentration of fluorine radicals than fluorine ions. A substrate comprising a metal-containing layer is exposed to the reactive gas. The reactive gas dopes at least a portion of the metal-containing layer to form a metal-containing layer doped with fluorine radicals. The metal-containing layer doped with fluorine radicals is exposed to a nitrogen and hydrogen containing gas mixture and the reactive gas to remove at least a portion of the metal-containing layer doped with fluorine radicals.

Abstract: In a 3D NAND device, the charge trap region of a memory cell is formed as a separate charge-trap “island.” As a result, the charge-trap region of one memory cell is electrically isolated from charge-trap regions in adjacent memory cells. The charge trap region of one memory cell is separated from the charge trap regions of adjacent memory cells by a dielectric structure, such as a silicon oxide film. Alternatively, the charge trap region of a memory cell is separated from the charge trap regions of adjacent memory cells by an air, gas, or vacuum gap.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an optical valve that modifies a laser beam to allow more energy to be irradiated onto less absorbing areas on a substrate and less energy to be irradiated onto more absorbing areas on the substrate, thus creating a more uniform heating field. The optical valve is a layered structure comprising a reflective switch layer, an absorbing layer, a thermal resistor and a thermal bath.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a ring assembly that may be used in an etching or other plasma processing chamber. The ring assembly generally includes an inner ring body having a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface, and an outer ring body having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and an inside surface that extends between the top surface and the bottom surface, the inside surface having a roof covering a portion of the inner ring body when the inner ring body is disposed adjacent the roof, wherein the inner ring body can be flipped into a different position so that a portion of the inner ring body that is not covered by the roof provides a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A permanent magnetic mask chuck is described herein. The permanent magnetic mask chuck includes a body with a plurality of permanent magnets positioned therein. The permanent magnets can then deliver a magnetic force to a mask to position and hold the mask over or on the substrate for further deposition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are described herein. A vacuum multi-chamber deposition tool can include a degas chamber with both a heating mechanism and a variable frequency microwave source. The methods described herein use variable frequency microwave radiation to increased quality and speed of the degas process without damaging the various components.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an improved transistor with reduced parasitic capacitance. In one embodiment, the transistor device includes a three-dimensional fin structure protruding from a surface of a substrate, the three-dimensional fin structure comprising a top surface and two opposing sidewalls, a first insulating layer formed on the two opposing sidewalls of the three-dimension fin structure, a sacrificial spacer layer conformally formed on the first insulating layer, wherein the sacrificial spacer layer comprises an aluminum oxide based material or a titanium nitride based material, and a second insulating layer conformally formed on the sacrificial spacer layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of process kits and process chambers incorporating same are provided herein. In some embodiments, a process kit includes: a one-piece process kit shield having a cylindrical body having an upper portion and a lower portion; an adapter section extending radially outward and having a resting surface to support the one-piece process kit shield on walls of a chamber and a sealing surface on which a chamber lid rests to seal off an inner volume of the chamber when the one-piece process kit shield is placed in the chamber; a heat transfer channel extending through the adapter section; and a protruding section extending radially inward from the lower portion; a resting bracket having an upper portion coupled to the adapter section and a lower portion extending radially inward; a cover ring disposed beneath the protruding section; and a deposition ring disposed beneath the cover ring.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods of thermal processing. More specifically, apparatus and methods described herein relate to laser thermal treatment of semiconductor substrates by increasing the uniformity of energy distribution in an image at a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Methods of processing a substrate include: providing a substrate having a polymer dielectric layer, a metal pad formed within the polymer dielectric layer and a first metal layer formed atop the polymer dielectric layer; depositing a polymer layer atop the substrate; patterning the polymer layer to form a plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of openings comprises a first opening formed proximate the metal pad; depositing a first barrier layer atop the polymer layer; depositing a dielectric layer atop the first barrier layer; etching the dielectric layer and the first barrier layer from within the first opening and a field region of the polymer layer; depositing a second barrier layer atop the substrate; depositing a second metal layer atop the substrate wherein the second metal layer fills the plurality of openings; and etching the second metal layer from a portion of the field region of the polymer layer.

Abstract: Described are semiconductor devices and methods of making semiconductor devices with a barrier layer comprising cobalt and manganese nitride. Also described are semiconductor devices and methods of making same with a barrier layer comprising CoMn(N) and, optionally, an adhesion layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved metal ion filtering are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate processing apparatus includes: a chamber body and a chamber lid disposed on the chamber body defining a processing region within the chamber body beneath the lid; a collimator disposed in the processing region; a power source coupled to the collimator; and a first set of magnets disposed around the chamber body above the collimator and a second set of magnets disposed around the chamber body and below the collimator that together create a guidance magnetic field that is substantially orthogonal to the collimator.

Abstract: Methods are described herein for etching cobalt films which are difficult to volatize. The methods include exposing a cobalt film to a bromine or chlorine-containing precursor with a concurrent local plasma which applies a bias to the impinging etchants. Cobalt halide is formed on the surface at the same time an amorphized cobalt layer is formed near the surface. A carbon-and-nitrogen-containing precursor is later delivered to the substrate processing region to form volatile cobalt complexes which desorb from the surface of the cobalt film. Cobalt may be selectively removed. The concurrent production of cobalt halide and amorphized regions was found to markedly increase the overall etch rate and markedly improve surface smoothness upon exposure to the carbon-and-nitrogen-containing precursor. All the recited steps may now be performed in the same substrate processing chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide electrostatic chucks for operating at elevated temperatures. One embodiment of the present invention provides a dielectric chuck body for an electrostatic chuck. The dielectric chuck body includes a substrate supporting plate having a top surface for receiving a substrate and a back surface opposing the top surface, an electrode embedded in the substrate supporting plate, and a shaft having a first end attached to the back surface of the substrate supporting plate and a second end opposing the first end. The second end is configured to contact a cooling base and provide temperature control to the substrate supporting plate. The shaft is hollow having a sidewall enclosing a central opening, and two or more channels formed through the sidewall and extending from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing semiconductors are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for processing a substrate may include: a first ring disposed concentrically about a substrate support, the first ring configured to position a substrate atop the substrate support during processing; and a second ring disposed between the substrate support and the first ring, the second ring configured to provide a heat transfer path from the first ring to the substrate support.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for semiconductor work pieces and related methodology is disclosed and which includes a processing chamber having an internal cavity, and which has a plurality of rotatable processing stations positioned therein and wherein the rotatable processing stations each process a semiconductor work piece.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally related to a substrate processing apparatus. In one embodiment, a process kit for a substrate processing chamber disclosed herein. The process kit includes a first ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, an adjustable tuning ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, and an actuating mechanism. The bottom surface is supported by a substrate support member. The bottom surface at least partially extends beneath a substrate supported by the substrate support member. The adjustable tuning ring is positioned beneath the first ring. The top surface of the adjustable tuning ring and the first ring define an adjustable gap. The actuating mechanism is interfaced with the bottom surface of the adjustable tuning ring. The actuating mechanism is configured to alter the adjustable gap defined between the bottom surface of the first ring and the top surface of the adjustable tuning ring.

Abstract: Methods are described for reducing shrinkage experienced by porous films on a patterned substrate. The film may be a silicon-and-hydrogen-containing layer which further contains one or two of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Shortly after deposition, the silicon-and-hydrogen-containing layer is treated by concurrent exposure to a relatively small molecule precursor (e.g. NH3 or C2H2) and a source of UV light. The treatment may reduce subsequent shrinkage experienced by the porous film even at the bottom of the film due to the significant penetration prior to reaction. The treatment may reduce shrinkage at the bottom of a trench filled with the porous film.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for performing semiconductor device fabrication, and more particularly, to improvements in lithographic overlay techniques. The method for improved overlay includes depositing a material on a substrate, heating a substrate in a chamber using thermal energy, measuring a local stress pattern of each substrate, wherein measuring the local stress pattern measures an amount of change in a depth of the deposited material on the substrate, plotting a plurality of points on a k map to determine a local stress pattern of the substrate, adjusting the thermal energy applied to the points on the k map, determining a sensitivity value for each of the points on the k map, and applying a correction factor to the applied thermal energy to adjust the local stress pattern.

Abstract: Atomic layer deposition in selected zones of a workpiece surface is accomplished by transforming the surfaces outside the selected zones to a hydrophobic state while the materials in the selected zones remain hydrophilic.