Abstract: This invention relates to silicon precursor compositions for forming silicon-containing films by low temperature (e.g., <300° C.) chemical vapor deposition processes for fabrication of ULSI devices and device structures. Such silicon precursor compositions comprise at least one disilane derivative compound that is fully substituted with alkylamino and/or dialkylamino functional groups.

Abstract: A sensor with an attenuated drift characteristic, including a layer structure in which a sensing layer has a layer of diffusional barrier material on at least one of its faces. The sensor may for example be constituted as a hydrogen gas sensor including a palladium/yttrium layer structure formed on a micro-hotplate base, with a chromium barrier layer between the yttrium layer and the micro-hotplate, and with a tantalum barrier layer between the yttrium layer and an overlying palladium protective layer. The gas sensor is useful for detection of a target gas in environments susceptible to generation or incursion of such gas, and achieves substantial (e.g., >90%) reduction of signal drift from the gas sensor in extended operation, relative to a corresponding gas sensor lacking the diffusional barrier structure of the invention.

Abstract: An alignment device is disclosed use in maintaining the alignment of longitudinal frame members of a trench-forming assembly. The alignment device comprises a cross member. Extending in the same direction from opposite ends of the cross member is at least one pair of first lateral extensions. The pair of lateral extensions is spaced apart so as to contact the respective longitudinal frame members of the trench-forming assembly, and thereby maintain the two frame members at a distance relative to each other. The alignment device may further include at least one interior extension extending from the cross member in the same direction as the pair of first lateral extensions. In this embodiment, the interior extension defines a slot between the interior extension and at least one of the first lateral extensions, where the slot is structured is to receive at least a portion of one of the longitudinal frame members.

Abstract: A multi-step method for depositing ruthenium thin films having high conductivity and superior adherence to the substrate is described. The method includes the deposition of a ruthenium nucleation layer followed by the deposition of a highly conductive ruthenium upper layer. Both layers are deposited using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) employing low deposition rates.

Abstract: A CVD Method of forming gate dielectric thin films on a substrate using metalloamide compounds of the formula M(NR1R2)x, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of: Zr, Hf, Y, La, Lanthanide series elements, Ta, Ti, Al; N is nitrogen; each of R1 and R2 is same or different and is independently selected from the group consisting of H, aryl, perfluoroaryl, C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C8 perfluoroalkyl, alkylsilyl and x is the oxidation state on metal M; and an aminosilane compound of the formula HxSi(NR1R2)4?x, wherein H is hydrogen; x is from 0 to 3; Si is silicon; N is nitrogen; each of R1 and R2 is same or different and is independently selected from the group consisting of H, aryl, perfluoroaryl, C1-C8 alkyl, and C1-C8 perfluoroalkyl. By comparison with the standard SiO2 gate dielectric materials, these gate dielectric materials provide low levels of carbon and halide impurity.

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) precursor compositions for forming metal oxide high dielectric constant (?) thin films. The precursor composition in one embodiment comprises a metal precursor having a general formula M(?-diketonate)2(OR)2, wherein M is Hf, Zr or Ti, and R is t-butyl. The precursor composition may also comprise a solvent medium selected from the group consisting of ethers, glymes, tetraglymes, amines, polyamines, alcohols, glycols, aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, cyclic ethers, and compatible combinations of two or more of the foregoing.

Abstract: Tantalum compositions of Formulae I-V hereof are disclosed, having utility as precursors for forming tantalum-containing films. The tantalum compositions are amenable to usage involving chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition processes, to form semiconductor device structures, including a dielectric layer, a barrier layer overlying the dielectric layer, and copper metallization overlying the barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer includes a Ta-containing layer including sufficient carbon so that the Ta-containing layer is amorphous. In one preferred implementation, the semiconductor device structure is fabricated by depositing the Ta-containing barrier layer, via CVD or ALD, from a precursor including a Ta alkylidene compound, at a temperature below 400° C., in a reducing or inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A multi-step method for depositing ruthenium thin films having high conductivity and superior adherence to the substrate is described. The method includes the deposition of a ruthenium nucleation layer followed by the deposition of a highly conductive ruthenium upper layer. Both layers are deposited using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) employing low deposition rates.

Abstract: Silicon precursors for forming silicon-containing films in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, such as films including silicon carbonitride, silicon oxycarbonitride, and silicon nitride (Si3N4), and a method of depositing the silicon precursors on substrates using low temperature (e.g., <550° C.) chemical vapor deposition processes, for fabrication of ULSI devices and device structures.

Abstract: Metalorganic precursors of the formula: (R1R2N)a-bMXb wherein: M is the precursor metal center, selected from the group of Ta, Ti, W, Nb, Si, Al and B; a is a number equal to the valence of M; 1?b?(a-1); R1 and R2 can be the same as or different from one another, and are each independently selected from the group of H, C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, and RO3Si, where each R0 can be the same or different and each R0 is independently selected from H and C1-C4 alkyl; and X is selected from the group of chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine. Precursors of such formula are useful for chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of conductive barrier materials in the manufacture of microelectronic device structures, e.g., by atomic layer chemical vapor deposition on a substrate bearing nitrogen-containing surface functionality. Further described is a method of forming Si3N4 on a substrate at low temperature, e.g., using atomic layer chemical vapor deposition (ALCVD).

Abstract: This invention relates to silicon precursor compositions for forming silicon-containing films by low temperature (e.g., <300° C.) chemical vapor deposition processes for fabrication of ULSI devices and device structures. Such silicon precursor compositions comprise at least one disilane derivative compound that is fully substituted with alkylamino and/or dialkylamino functional groups.

Abstract: Silicon precursors for forming silicon-containing films in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, such as low dielectric constant (k) thin films, high k gate silicates, low temperature silicon epitaxial films, and films containing silicon nitride (Si3N4), siliconoxynitride (SiOxNy) and/or silicon dioxide (SiO2). The precursors of the invention are amenable to use in low temperature (e.g., <500° C.) chemical vapor deposition processes, for fabrication of ULSI devices and device structures.

Abstract: A method is described for the selective deposition of bismuth based ferroelectric films by selective chemical vapor deposition on a substrate. Selectivity in the deposition process is attained by selection of substrate-precursor combinations which assure high bismuth deposition efficiency in certain areas and low bismuth deposition efficiency in other areas in combination with specific process parameters.

Abstract: A method is described for the nucleation controlled deposition of ferroelectric thin films by chemical vapor deposition in a novel processing sequence wherein a higher density of bismuth nucleation sites is achieved either by the use of a substrate member which has been treated in a manner to yield a controllably and reproducible rough surface on which SBT films with excellent properties may be produced or by using a chemically modified substrate surface upon which surface chemical properties are modified. Typical techniques for achieving surface roughening include reactive ion etching, inert ion milling and chemical mechanical polishing, each of which may be used to delineate patterned bottom electrodes. The chemical properties of the substrate may be modified by alloy deposition, deposition of seed layers which are then partially or completely in-diffused ion implantation with or without heat treatment and changing the chemistry of the surface by a pre-exposure to chemical agents prior to deposition.

Abstract: A chicken manure drying system is placed in a hen house. A platform of the system is disposed underneath a plurality of chicken cages. As chicken manure drops from the chicken cages, it collects on the platform. Drying fans of the system are disposed adjacent to the platform. The drying fans provide a constant flow of air over the chicken manure so as to dry the chicken manure. The plowing apparatus of the system includes a plowing device disposed over the platform. The plowing device is periodically moved across the platform in order to plow the chicken manure. The plowing of the chicken manure exposes more of the chicken manure to air. This exposure facilitates the comprehensive and expeditious drying of the chicken manure. After the chicken manure has been sufficiently dried to serve as fertilizer, the chicken manure is conveyed to a collection site.