Abstract: A method for preserving semiconductor feature opening profiles for metrology examination including providing semiconductor wafer having a process surface comprising semiconductor feature openings; blanket depositing over the semiconductor feature openings to substantially fill the semiconductor feature openings at least one layer of material comprising silicon oxide; and, preparing a portion of the semiconductor wafer in cross sectional layout for metrology examination.

Abstract: A damascene structure for semiconductor devices is provided. In an embodiment, the damascene structure includes trenches formed over vias that electrically couple the trenches to an underlying conductive layer such that the trenches have varying widths. The vias are lined with a first barrier layer. The first barrier layers along the bottom of vias are removed such that a recess formed in the underlying conductive layer. The recesses formed along the bottom of vias are such that the recess below narrower trenches is greater than the recess formed below wider trenches. In another embodiment, a second barrier layer may then be formed over the first barrier layer. In this embodiment, a portion of the conductive layer may be interposed between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer.

Abstract: A new and improved method for measuring dimensions of a photoresist pattern profile on a wafer substrate during photolithography for the fabrication of integrated circuits on the substrate. According to one embodiment, the method includes fixing the photoresist pattern profile on the substrate using a spin-on glass (SOG) procedure. In another embodiment, the method includes fixing the photoresist pattern profile on the substrate using a sputter oxide (SO) procedure. The fixed photoresist pattern is then subjected to a microscopy procedure, typically transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to measure the exact linewidth and other dimensions of the profile. The method prevents distortion of the profile during fixation and facilitates an accurate determination of the profile dimensions.

Abstract: A method for forming salicides with reduced junction leakage including providing a semiconductor process wafer comprising a silicon substrate; inducing amorphization within the silicon substrate to a form a first amorphous region having a first predetermined depth measured from the silicon substrate surface; carrying out at least one first thermal annealing process to controllably partially recrystallize the first amorphous region to produce a second amorphous region having a second predetermined depth less than the first predetermined depth; depositing a metal layer over selected areas of the silicon substrate comprising the second amorphous region; and, carrying out at least one second thermal annealing process to form a metal silicide.

Abstract: A new and improved method for measuring dimensions of a photoresist pattern profile on a wafer substrate during photolithography for the fabrication of integrated circuits on the substrate. According to one embodiment, the method includes fixing the photoresist pattern profile on the substrate using a spin-on glass (SOG) procedure. In another embodiment, the method includes fixing the photoresist pattern profile on the substrate using a sputter oxide (SO) procedure. The fixed photoresist pattern is then subjected to a microscopy procedure, typically transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to measure the exact linewidth and other dimensions of the profile. The method prevents distortion of the profile during fixation and facilitates an accurate determination of the profile dimensions.

Abstract: A method for preserving semiconductor feature opening profiles for metrology examination including providing semiconductor wafer having a process surface comprising semiconductor feature openings; blanket depositing over the semiconductor feature openings to substantially fill the semiconductor feature openings at least one layer of material comprising silicon oxide; and, preparing a portion of the semiconductor wafer in cross sectional layout for metrology examination.