Abstract: The introduction of dielectric material of enhanced mechanical stability, such as silicon dioxide or fluorine-doped silicon dioxide, into the via level of a low-k interconnect structure provides an increased overall mechanical stability, especially during the packaging of the device. Consequently, cracking and delamination, as frequently observed in high end low-k interconnect structures, may significantly be reduced, even if organic package substrates are used.

Abstract: A test structure for integrated circuit (IC) device fabrication includes a plurality of test structure chains formed at various regions of an IC wafer, each of the plurality of test structure chains including one or more vias; each of the one or more vias in contact with a conductive line disposed thereabove, the conductive line being configured such that at least one dimension thereof varies from chain to chain so as to produce variations in seed layer and liner layer thickness from chain to chain for the same deposition process conditions.

Abstract: A test structure for integrated circuit (IC) device fabrication includes a plurality of test structure chains formed at various regions of an IC wafer, each of the plurality of test structure chains including one or more vias; each of the one or more vias in contact with a conductive line disposed thereabove, the conductive line being configured such that at least one dimension thereof varies from chain to chain so as to produce variations in seed layer and liner layer thickness from chain to chain for the same deposition process conditions.

Abstract: The disclosed method forms a via between metallization layers in a semiconductor structure by patterning an insulator layer overlying a first metallization layer to include a via opening. The method lines the via opening with TaN and Ta liners and then sputter etches the via opening deeper through the TaN and Ta liners into the first metallization layer. After sputter etching, the method then lines the via opening with second TaN and Ta liners. Next, the method deposits a conductor into the via opening, thereby connecting the first and second metallization layers.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a silicon on insulator (SOI) device that includes a silicon substrate, a buried insulator layer overlying the silicon substrate, and a monocrystalline silicon layer overlying the buried insulator layer. The method comprises the steps of forming an MOS capacitor coupled between a first voltage bus and a second voltage bus. The MOS capacitor has a gate electrode material forming a first plate of the MOS capacitor and an impurity doped region in the monocrystalline silicon layer beneath the gate electrode material forming a second plate of the MOS capacitor. The first voltage bus is coupled to the first plate of the capacitor and the second voltage bus is coupled to the second plate of the capacitor. The method further includes forming an electrical discharge path coupling the second plate of the MOS capacitor to the silicon substrate.

Abstract: By performing a first common etch process for forming a via opening and a delineation trench or open area in a metallization layer with different removal rates, the etch front in the delineation trench or open area may be delayed, thereby significantly reducing the probability of wafer arcing. Subsequently, the delineation trench or open area may be etched down to the respective etch stop layer in a further common etch process, during which a trench is formed above the via opening.

Abstract: By performing a first common etch process for forming a via opening and a delineation trench or open area in a metallization layer with different removal rates, the etch front in the delineation trench or open area may be delayed, thereby significantly reducing the probability of wafer arcing. Subsequently, the delineation trench or open area may be etched down to the respective etch stop layer in a further common etch process, during which a trench is formed above the via opening.

Abstract: The introduction of dielectric material of enhanced mechanical stability, such as silicon dioxide or fluorine-doped silicon dioxide, into the via level of a low-k interconnect structure provides an increased overall mechanical stability, especially during the packaging of the device. Consequently, cracking and delamination, as frequently observed in high end low-k interconnect structures, may significantly be reduced, even if organic package substrates are used.