Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes forming a gate structure over an active region of a substrate, forming an epitaxial layer comprising first dopants of a first conductivity type over portions of the active region on opposite sides of the gate structure, the epitaxial layer, applying a cleaning solution comprising ozone and deionized water to the epitaxial layer, thereby forming an oxide layer on the epitaxial layer, forming a patterned photoresist layer over the oxide layer and the gate structure to expose a portion of the oxide layer, forming a contact region second dopants of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type in the portion of the epitaxial layer not covered by the patterned photoresist layer, and forming a contact overlying the contact region.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes forming a gate structure over an active region of a substrate, forming an epitaxial layer comprising first dopants of a first conductivity type over portions of the active region on opposite sides of the gate structure, the epitaxial layer, applying a cleaning solution comprising ozone and deionized water to the epitaxial layer, thereby forming an oxide layer on the epitaxial layer, forming a patterned photoresist layer over the oxide layer and the gate structure to expose a portion of the oxide layer, forming a contact region second dopants of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type in the portion of the epitaxial layer not covered by the patterned photoresist layer, and forming a contact overlying the contact region.

Abstract: Methods of forming a semiconductor device structure are described. The method includes forming a first conductive feature including a conductive fill material over a substrate, forming an etch stop layer on the conductive fill material, forming an intermetallization dielectric on the etch stop layer, forming an opening in the etch stop layer and the intermetallization dielectric to expose a portion of the conductive fill material, forming a recess in the exposed portion of the conductive fill material, and the opening and the recess together form a rivet-shaped space. The method further includes forming a second conductive feature in the rivet-shaped space and forming a metal nitride layer over the intermetallization dielectric and the second conductive feature. The forming the metal nitride layer includes depositing the metal nitride layer and treating the metal nitride layer with a plasma treatment process.