Abstract: The invention generally encompasses methods of forming thin films molecular based devices, and devices formed therefrom. Some embodiments relate to molecular memory cells, molecular memory arrays, electronic devices including molecular memory, and processing systems and methods for producing molecular memories. More particularly, the present invention encompasses methods and molecular based devices comprising a wetting layer and redox-active molecules.

Abstract: The invention generally encompasses methods of forming thin films molecular based devices, and devices formed therefrom. Some embodiments relate to molecular memory cells, molecular memory arrays, electronic devices including molecular memory, and processing systems and methods for producing molecular memories. More particularly, the present invention encompasses methods and molecular based devices comprising a wetting layer and redox-active molecules.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a ferroelectric capacitor includes the steps of forming a lower electrode layer of the ferroelectric capacitor on an insulation film covering an active device element, forming a ferroelectric film on the lower electrode layer as a capacitor insulation film, crystallizing the ferroelectric film by applying a thermal annealing process in an atmosphere containing a non-oxidizing gas and an oxidizing gas, and forming an upper electrode layer on the ferroelectric film.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of ferroelectric capacitor elements of an integrated circuit includes steps of deposition of an electrically conductive bottom electrode layer, preferably made of a noble metal. The bottom electrode is covered with a layer of ferroelectric dielectric material. The ferroelectric dielectric is annealed with a first anneal prior to depositing a second electrode layer comprising a noble metal oxide. Deposition of the electrically conductive top electrode layer is followed by annealing the layer of ferroelectric dielectric material and the top electrode layer with a second anneal. The first and the second anneal are performed by rapid thermal annealing.

Abstract: A ferroelectric thin film capacitor and a method for producing the same wherein the capacitor dielectric includes multi-layered crystallographic textures. An integrated circuit device, such as a non-volatile memory device, includes at least one capacitor having a top and bottom electrode thereof and a ferroelectric dielectric layer therebetween. The ferroelectric dielectric layer comprises a first ferroelectric layer having a first crystallographic texture forming a main body of the dielectric layer and a second ferroelectric layer having a second differing crystallographic texture forming an interface layer between the main body and one of the top and bottom electrodes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a ferroelectric capacitor includes the steps of forming a lower electrode layer of the ferroelectric capacitor on an insulation film covering an active device element, forming a ferroelectric film on the lower electrode layer as a capacitor insulation film, crystallizing the ferroelectric film by applying a thermal annealing process in an atmosphere containing a non-oxidizing gas and an oxidizing gas, and forming an upper electrode layer on the ferroelectric film.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a ferroelectric capacitor includes the steps of forming a lower electrode layer of the ferroelectric capacitor on an insulation film covering an active device element, forming a ferroelectric film on the lower electrode layer as a capacitor insulation film, crystallizing the ferroelectric film by applying a thermal annealing process in an atmosphere containing a non-oxidizing gas and an oxidizing gas, and forming an upper electrode layer on the ferroelectric film.

Abstract: An improved sputtering method for sputter deposition from non-conducting metal oxide, ceramic, and ferroelectric targets is disclosed. Enhancements in deposition rate and composition control have been demonstrated using a pulsed DC sputtering method using a power supply in the frequency range of 100 to 250 KHz and a low frequency RF sputtering method using a power supply in the range of 200 to 500 KHz. The enhancement in composition control comes from an improvement in the sticking efficiencies of the volatile components in ferroelectric films. The low frequency and/or pulsed DC supplies provide lead content control for optimizing ferroelectric performance in pressure regimes that favor better cross wafer composition and thickness uniformity in PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) sputtering tools.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of ferroelectric capacitor elements of an integrated circuit includes steps of deposition of an electrically conductive bottom electrode layer, preferably made of a noble metal. The bottom electrode is covered with a layer of ferroelectric dielectric material. The ferroelectric dielectric is annealed with a first anneal prior to depositing a second electrode layer comprising a noble metal oxide. Deposition of the electrically conductive top electrode layer is followed by annealing the layer of ferroelectric dielectric material and the top electrode layer with a second anneal. The first and the second anneal are performed by rapid thermal annealing.

Abstract: A multi-layer ferroelectric thin film includes a nucleation layer, a bulk layer, and an optional cap layer. A thin nucleation layer of a specific composition is implemented on a bottom electrode to optimize ferroelectric crystal orientation and is markedly different from the composition required in the bulk of a ferroelectric film. The bulk film utilizes the established nucleation layer as a foundation for its crystalline growth. A multi-step deposition process is implemented to achieve a desired composition profile. This method also allows for an optional third composition adjustment near the upper surface of the film to ensure compatibility with an upper electrode interface and to compensate for interactions resulting from subsequent processing.

Abstract: A method of forming a local interconnect for a ferroelectric memory cell includes the steps of simultaneously opening top electrode and source/drain contacts to the ferroelectric memory cell, sputtering a first blanket metal layer comprised of platinum or palladium on a top surface of the ferroelectric memory cell, annealing the ferroelectric memory cell to simultaneously recover damage in a ferroelectric capacitor dielectric of the memory cell, and to silicidize the first metal layer in the source/drain contact, sputtering a second blanket metal layer comprised of titanium nitride on a top surface of the first metal layer, and selectively etching the first and second metal layers to form the local interconnect between the top electrode and source/drain contacts of the ferroelectric memory cell.