Abstract: An example process to remove spacers from the gate of a NMOS transistor. A stress creating layer is formed over the NMOS and PMOS transistors and the substrate. In an embodiment, the spacers on gate are removed so that stress layer is closer to the channel of the device. The stress creating layer is preferably a tensile nitride layer. The stress creating layer is preferably a contact etch stop liner layer. In an embodiment, the gates, source and drain region have a silicide layer thereover before the stress creating layer is formed. The embodiment improves the performance of the NMOS transistors.

Abstract: A first example embodiment provides a method of removing first spacers from gates and incorporating a low-k material into the ILD layer to increase device performance. A second example embodiment comprises replacing the first spacers after silicidation with low-k spacers. This serves to reduce the parasitic capacitances. Also, by implementing the low-k spacers only after silicidation, the embodiments' low-k spacers are not compromised by multiple high dose ion implantations and resist strip steps. The example embodiments can improve device performance, such as the performance of a rim oscillator.

Abstract: A first example embodiment provides a method of removing first spacers from gates and incorporating a low-k material into the ILD layer to increase device performance. A second example embodiment comprises replacing the first spacers after silicidation with low-k spacers. This serves to reduce the parasitic capacitances. Also, by implementing the low-k spacers only after silicidation, the embodiments' low-k spacers are not compromised by multiple high dose ion implantations and resist strip steps. The example embodiments can improve device performance, such as the performance of a rim oscillator.

Abstract: A polishing process in a semiconductor device fabrication process employs a polishing composition in which a gaseous phase is created within the polishing composition. During a polishing process, the gaseous phase dynamically responds to changes in the surface profile of the material undergoing removal by chemical and abrasive action during polishing. The inert gas bubble density dynamically increases in proximity to surface region of the substrate being polished that are prone to dishing and erosion. The increased inert gas bubble density operates to reduce the polish removal rate relative to other regions of the substrate. The dynamic action of the gaseous phase within the polishing composition functions to selectively reduce the localized polish removal rate such that a uniformly smooth and flat polished surface is obtained that is independent of the influence of pattern density during the polishing process.

Abstract: A dual damascene structure comprising a composite barrier/etch stop layer including a lower silicon carbide (SiC) layer and an upper first oxygen doped SiC layer formed over a substrate is provided. A first dielectric layer is formed over the first oxygen doped SiC layer followed by a second oxygen doped SiC etch stop layer, and a second dielectric layer. An opening with a via and an overlying trench extends through the second dielectric layer, the second oxygen doped SiC etch stop layer, the first dielectric layer, the upper first oxygen doped SiC layer and at least a portion of the lower silicon carbide (SiC) layer. The opening is filled with a diffusion barrier layer and a metal layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrier layer and cap comprised of CuSiN for an interconnect. We provide an interconnect opening in a dielectric layer over a semiconductor structure. We form a CuSiN barrier layer over the sidewalls and bottom of the interconnect opening by reacting with the first copper layer. We then form an interconnect over the CuSiN layer filling the interconnect opening. We can form a CuSiN cap layer on the top surface of the interconnect.

Abstract: An example process to remove spacers from the gate of a NMOS transistor. A stress creating layer is formed over the NMOS and PMOS transistors and the substrate. In an embodiment, the spacers on gate are removed so that stress layer is closer to the channel of the device. The stress creating layer is preferably a tensile nitride layer. The stress creating layer is preferably a contact etch stop liner layer. In an embodiment, the gates, source and drain region have a silicide layer thereover before the stress creating layer is formed. The embodiment improves the performance of the NMOS transistors.

Abstract: A semiconductor system is provided including providing a semiconductor substrate; forming PMOS and NMOS transistors in and on the semiconductor substrate; forming a tensile strained layer on the semiconductor substrate; and relaxing the tensile strained layer around the PMOS transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip having an exposed metal terminating pad thereover, and a separate substrate having a corresponding exposed metal bump thereover are provided. A conducting polymer plug is formed over the exposed metal terminating pad. A conforming interface layer is formed over the conducting polymer plug. The conducting polymer plug of the semiconductor chip is aligned with the corresponding metal bump. The conforming interface layer over the conducting polymer plug is mated with the corresponding metal bump. The conforming interface layer is thermally decomposed, adhering and permanently attaching the conducting polymer plug with the corresponding metal bump. Methods of forming and patterning a nickel carbonyl layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An example process to remove spacers from the gate of a NMOS transistor. A stress creating layer is formed over the NMOS and PMOS transistors and the substrate. In an embodiment, the spacers on gate are removed so that stress layer is closer to the channel of the device. The stress creating layer is preferably a tensile nitride layer. The stress creating layer is preferably a contact etch stop liner layer. In an embodiment, the gates, source and drain region have an silicide layer thereover before the stress creating layer is formed. The embodiment improves the performance of the NMOS transistors.

Abstract: An first example method and apparatus for etching and cleaning a substrate comprises device with a first manifold and a second manifold. The first manifold has a plurality of nozzles for dispensing chemicals onto the substrate. The second manifold is attached to a vacuum source and/or a dry air/gas source. A second example embodiment is a wafer cleaning device and method that uses a manifold with capillary jet nozzles and a liquid capillary jet stream to clean substrates.

Abstract: A first example embodiment provides a method of removing first spacers from gates and incorporating a low-k material into the ILD layer to increase device performance. A second example embodiment comprises replacing the first spacers after silicidation with low-k spacers. This serves to reduce the parasitic capacitances. Also, by implementing the low-k spacers only after silicidation, the embodiments' low-k spacers are not compromised by multiple high dose ion implantations and resist strip steps. The example embodiments can improve device performance, such as the performance of a rim oscillator.

Abstract: A method of sputtering a Ta layer comprised of alpha phase Ta on a Cu layer. An embodiment includes a Ta sputter deposition on a Cu surface at a substrate temperature less than 200° C. Another embodiment has a pre-cooling step at a temperature less than 100° C. prior to Ta layer sputter deposition. In another non-limiting example embodiment, a pre-clean step comprising an inert gas sputter is performed prior to the tantalum sputter. Another non-limiting example embodiment provides a semiconductor structure comprising: a semiconductor structure; a copper layer over the semiconductor structure; a tantalum layer on the copper layer; the tantalum layer comprised alpha phase Ta; a metal layer on the tantalum layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrier layer and cap comprised of CuSiN for an interconnect. We provide an interconnect opening in a dielectric layer over a semiconductor structure. We form a CuSiN barrier layer over the sidewalls and bottom of the interconnect opening by reacting with the first copper layer. We then form an interconnect over the CuSiN layer filling the interconnect opening. We can form a CuSiN cap layer on the top surface of the interconnect.

Abstract: An example method embodiment forms spacers that create tensile stress on the substrate on both the PFET and NFET regions. We form PFET and NFET gates and form tensile spacers on the PFET and NFET gates. We implant first ions into the tensile PFET spacers to form neutralized stress PFET spacers. The neutralized stress PFET spacers relieve the tensile stress created by the tensile stress spacers on the substrate. This improves device performance.

Abstract: An example embodiment is a method of curing a film over a semiconductor structure. We provide a semiconductor structure comprised of a substrate and an interconnect structure. We provide a film over the semiconductor structure. We provide an electron source, an anode grid between the electron source and the semiconductor structure. We cure the film by exposing the film to an electron beam from the electron source that passes through the anode grid. We control the electron beam by controlling the bias voltage between the anode grid and the semiconductor structure. Another embodiment is a tool for curing a film.

Abstract: A method of fabricating at least one damascene opening comprising the following steps. A structure having at least one exposed conductive structure is provided. A dielectric barrier layer over the structure and the at least one exposed conductive structure. A lower low-k dielectric layer is formed over the dielectric barrier layer. An upper low-k dielectric layer is formed over the lower low-k dielectric layer. An SRO etch stop layer is formed between the lower low-k dielectric layer and the upper low-k dielectric layer and/or an SRO hard mask layer is formed over the upper low-k dielectric layer. At least the upper and lower low-k dielectric layers are patterned to form the at least one damascene opening exposing at least a portion of the at least one conductive structure, wherein the at least one SRO layer has a high etch selectivity relative to the lower and upper low-k dielectric layers.

Abstract: A method of forming phoslon (PNO) comprising the following steps. A CVD reaction chamber having a reaction temperature of from about 300 to 600° C. is provided. From about 10 to 200 sccm PH3 gas, from about 50 to 4000 sccm N2 gas and from about 50 to 1000 sccm NH3 gas are introduced into the CVD reaction chamber. Either from about 10 to 200 sccm O2 gas or from about 50 to 1000 sccm N2O gas is introduced into the CVD reaction chamber. An HFRF power of from about 0 watts to 4 kilowatts is also employed. An LFRF power of from about 0 to 5000 watts may also be employed. Employing a phoslon etch stop layer in a borderless contact fabrication. Employing a phoslon lower etch stop layer and/or a phoslon middle etch stop layer in a dual damascene fabrication.

Abstract: A method of improving adhesion of low dielectric constant films to other dielectric films is described. A low dielectric constant material layer is deposited on a substrate. The low dielectric constant material layer is treated with helium plasma. An overlying layer is deposited on the low dielectric constant material layer wherein there is good adhesion between the low dielectric constant material layer and the overlying layer.

Abstract: An example method embodiment forms spacers that create tensile stress on the substrate on both the PFET and NFET regions. We form PFET and NFET gates and form tensile spacers on the PFET and NFET gates. We implant first ions into the tensile PFET spacers to form neutralized stress PFET spacers. The neutralized stress PFET spacers relieve the tensile stress created by the tensile stress spacers on the substrate. This improves device performance.