Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a number of lateral diffusion measurement structures arranged on a silicon substrate. A lateral diffusion measurement structure includes a p-type region and an n-type region which cooperatively span a predetermined initial distance between opposing outer edges of the lateral diffusion measurement structure. The p-type and n-type regions meet at a p-n junction expected to be positioned at a target junction location after dopant diffusion has occurred.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having enhanced passivation integrity is disclosed. The device includes a substrate, a first layer, and a metal layer. The first layer is formed over the substrate. The first layer includes a via opening and a tapered portion proximate to the via opening. The metal layer is formed over the via opening and the tapered portion of the first layer. The metal layer is substantially free from gaps and voids.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a p-type region formed beneath a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and an n-type region formed beneath the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The n-type region meets the p-type region at a p-n junction. A diffusion barrier structure, which is beneath the surface of the semiconductor substrate and extends along a side of the p-n junction, limits lateral diffusion between the p-type region and n-type region.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate having a first surface. A STI structure extends from the first surface into the substrate. The STI structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first surface into the substrate, and has an intersection with the first surface. The second portion extends away from the first portion, and has a tip at a distance away from the intersection in a direction parallel to the first surface. The first portion and the second portion are filled with a dielectric material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with the metal fuse is provided. The metal fuse connects an electronic component (e.g., a transistor) and a existing dummy feature which is grounded. The protection of the metal fuse can be designed to start at the beginning of the metallization formation processes. The grounded dummy feature provides a path for the plasma charging to the ground during the entire back end of the line process. The metal fuse is a process level protection as opposed to the diode, which is a circuit level protection. As a process level protection, the metal fuse protects subsequently-formed circuitry. In addition, no additional active area is required for the metal fuse in the chip other than internal dummy patterns that are already implemented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having one or more back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) selectivity stress films that apply a stress that improves the performance of semiconductor devices underlying the BEOL selectivity stress films, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a semiconductor substrate with one or more semiconductor devices having a first device type. A stress transfer element is located within a back-end-of-the-line stack at a position over the one or more semiconductor devices. A selectivity stress film is located over the stress transfer element. The selectivity stress film induces a stress upon the stress transfer element, wherein the stress has a compressive or tensile state depending on the first device type of the one or more semiconductor devices. The stress acts upon the one or more semiconductor devices to improve their performance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having one or more back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) stress compensation layers that reduce stress on one or more underlying semiconductor devices, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a semiconductor substrate with one or more semiconductor devices. A stressed element is located within a back-end-of-the-line stack at a position overlying the one or more semiconductor devices. A stressing layer is located over the stressed element induces a stress upon the stressed element. A stress compensation layer, located over the stressed element, provides a counter-stress to reduce the stress induced on the stressed element by the stressing layer. By reducing the stress induced on the stressed element, stress on the semiconductor substrate is reduced, improving uniformity of performance of the one or more semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microelectronic fabrication employs an undoped silicate glass layer as an etch stop layer when etching a doped silicate glass layer with an anhydrous hydrofluoric acid etchant. The method is particularly useful for forming a patterned salicide blocking dielectric layer when fabricating a complementary metal oxide semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microelectronic fabrication employs an undoped silicate glass layer as an etch stop layer when etching a doped silicate glass layer with an anhydrous hydrofluoric acid etchant. The method is particularly useful for forming a patterned salicide blocking dielectric layer when fabricating a complementary metal oxide semiconductor device.

Abstract: A process for etching back SOG during planarization is described. A mix of CHF.sub.3 and CF.sub.4 in an argon carrier gas is used, with the latter having a flow rate of about 175 SCCM. An RF discharge is initiated for about 10 seconds during which time etching occurs. The system is then cleared of all reactive gases by a brief pumpdown to base pressure. In a key feature of the invention, argon alone is now admitted to the reaction chamber at a greater than normal flow rate of about 273 SCCM. This high flow rate is maintained for about 40 seconds (including about 10 seconds to reach an equilibrium pressure of about 225 mtorr) following which the system is pumped out again and the process is terminated. If this procedure is followed, no polymeric residue is generated at the surface of any exposed titanium nitride.