Abstract: A method for forming alignment marks leverages pad density and critical dimensions (CDs). In some embodiments, the method includes forming first and second alignment marks on a first substrate and a second substrate where the alignment marks have a width within 5% of the associated CD of copper pads on the respective substrates and forming a first and second dummy patterns around the first and second alignment marks. The first and second dummy patterns have dummy pattern densities within 5% of the respective copper pad density of the first and second substrates and CDs within 5% of the respective copper pad CDs. In some embodiments, alignment marks with physical dielectric material protrusions and recesses on opposite substrate surfaces may further enhance bonding.

Abstract: A method for forming alignment marks leverages pad density and critical dimensions (CDs). In some embodiments, the method includes forming first and second alignment marks on a first substrate and a second substrate where the alignment marks have a width within 5% of the associated CD of copper pads on the respective substrates and forming a first and second dummy patterns around the first and second alignment marks. The first and second dummy patterns have dummy pattern densities within 5% of the respective copper pad density of the first and second substrates and CDs within 5% of the respective copper pad CDs. In some embodiments, alignment marks with physical dielectric material protrusions and recesses on opposite substrate surfaces may further enhance bonding.

Abstract: Methods for bonding semiconductor surfaces leverage hybrid bonding processes to enable heterogeneous integration architectures. In some embodiments, the methods may comprise forming a semiconductor structure on a silicon-based substrate with a first set of exposed conductive connections on a top surface of the semiconductor structure. The first set of exposed conductive connections having a pitch of less than approximately 10 microns. Forming an advanced rectangular substrate panel with a second set of exposed conductive connections. The second set of exposed conductive connections having a pitch of less than approximately 10 microns. Bonding a top surface of the semiconductor structure to a top surface of the advanced rectangular substrate panel using a hybrid bonding process to bond the semiconductor structure to the advanced rectangular substrate panel.

Abstract: A method of depositing a metal material on an isolated seed layer uses a barrier layer as a conductive path for plating. The method may include depositing a barrier layer on a substrate wherein the barrier layer provides adhesion for seed layer material and inhibits migration of the seed layer material, forming at least one isolated seed layer area on the barrier layer on the substrate, and depositing the metal material on the at least one isolated seed layer area using an electrochemical deposition process wherein the barrier layer provides a current path to deposit the metal material on the at least one isolated seed layer area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for single side filling of through-vias in a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of filling through-vias in a substrate includes: coupling a first side of the substrate having through-vias to a carrier plate with an adhesive layer; exposing the through-vias to a conductive layer disposed between the carrier plate and the first side of the substrate; and plating the substrate using the conductive layer as a conductive seed layer to fill the through-vias with a conductive material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electroplating a substrate incorporate aspects of digital lithography and feedback from electroplating processes to improve characteristics of plating material based on die patterns. In some embodiments, a method of electroplating a substrate may include receiving a die design, forming a first lithographic pattern for a first substrate based on the die design, using a digital lithography process to pattern the first substrate with the first lithographic pattern, using an electroplating process to deposit material on the first substrate, using a metrology process to determine at least one parameter of the deposited material on the first substrate, and forming a second lithographic pattern from the first lithographic pattern for a second substrate based, at least in part, on the at least one parameter received directly from the metrology process on the first substrate by the digital lithographic process for the second substrate.

Abstract: A method of depositing a metal material on an isolated seed layer uses a barrier layer as a conductive path for plating. The method may include depositing a barrier layer on a substrate wherein the barrier layer provides adhesion for seed layer material and inhibits migration of the seed layer material, forming at least one isolated seed layer area on the barrier layer on the substrate, and depositing the metal material on the at least one isolated seed layer area using an electrochemical deposition process wherein the barrier layer provides a current path to deposit the metal material on the at least one isolated seed layer area.

Abstract: A method of processing a semiconductor substrate includes: immersing a substrate in a first bath, wherein the substrate comprises a barrier layer, a conductive seed layer, and a patterned photoresist layer defining an opening; providing a first electric current between the conductive seed layer and a first anode disposed in electrical contact with the first bath to deposit a conductive material within the opening; stripping the patterned photoresist layer; immersing the substrate in a second bath; providing a second electric current that is a reverse of the first electric current between the conductive seed layer plus the conductive material and a second anode disposed in electrical contact with the second bath; etching the conductive seed layer from atop a field region of the barrier layer; and etching the barrier layer from atop a field region of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of processing a semiconductor substrate includes: immersing a substrate in a first bath, wherein the substrate comprises a barrier layer, a conductive seed layer, and a patterned photoresist layer defining an opening; providing a first electric current between the conductive seed layer and a first anode disposed in electrical contact with the first bath to deposit a conductive material within the opening; stripping the patterned photoresist layer; immersing the substrate in a second bath; providing a second electric current that is a reverse of the first electric current between the conductive seed layer plus the conductive material and a second anode disposed in electrical contact with the second bath; etching the conductive seed layer from atop a field region of the barrier layer; and etching the barrier layer from atop a field region of the substrate.

Abstract: In a workpiece process end point detection system, light is diffused and then light intensity or color is sensed. Optical noise is greatly reduced and more accurate end point detection can be made. A light emitter and a light sensor may be located within a workpiece process chamber. A housing around the light emitter and the light sensor seals out process fluids and also diffuses light passing through. The diffused light may be optically filtered before reaching the light sensor.