Abstract: Methods of forming a microelectronic structure are described. Embodiments of those methods include forming a porous dielectric layer comprising at least one active end group, and bonding at least one large atomic radii species to replace the at least one active end group, wherein a local swelling may be formed within a portion of the porous dielectric.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes introducing a precursor containing hydrocarbon substituents and optionally a second conventional or hydrocarbon-containing precursor into a vapor deposition apparatus; and forming a dielectric layer having the hydrocarbon substituents on a substrate within the vapor deposition apparatus from the precursor(s). In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the hydrocarbon substituents may be later removed from the dielectric layer to reduce density thereof.

Abstract: A method for healing detrimental bonds in deposited materials, for example porous, low-k dielectric materials, including oxydatively processing a deposited material, processing the deposited material with a trialkyl group III compound, and processing in the presence of an alcohol. Also included in embodiments of the invention are materials with bonds healed by embodiments of the claimed method.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure may be covered with a thermally decomposing film. That film may then be covered by a sealing cover. Subsequently, the thermally decomposing material may be decomposed, forming a cavity.

Abstract: A silicone-doped carbon interlayer dielectric (ILD) and its method of formation are disclosed. The ILD's dielectric constant and/or its mechanical strength can be tailored by varying the ratio of carbon-to-silicon in the silicon-doped carbon matrix.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method of forming a low-k carbon doped oxide dielectric material with improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method of forming a film. The method comprises depositing a porous film. The porous film has active end groups; and preventing cross-linking among said active end groups, wherein the end groups are capped with less reactive or unreactive groups.

Abstract: An organic-framework zeolite interlayer dielectric is disclosed. The interlayer dielectric's resistance to chemical attack, its dielectric constant, its mechanical strength, or combinations thereof can be tailored by (1) varying the ratio of carbon-to-oxygen in the organic-framework zeolite, (2) by including tetravalent atoms other than silicon at tetrahedral sites in the organic-framework zeolite, or (3) by including combinations of pentavalent/trivalent atoms at tetrahedral sites in the organic-framework zeolite.

Abstract: Several techniques are described for modulating the etch rate of a sacrificial light absorbing material (SLAM) by altering its composition so that it matches the etch rate of a surrounding dielectric. This particularly useful in a dual damascene process where the SLAM fills a via opening and is etched along with a surrounding dielectric material to form trenches overlying the via opening.

Abstract: Multiple-layer films in integrated circuit processing may be formed by the phase segregation of a single composition formed above a semiconductor substrate. The composition is then induced to phase segregate into at least a first continuous phase and a second continuous phase. The composition may be formed of two or more components that phase segregate into different continuous layers. The composition may also be a single component that breaks down upon activation into two or more components that phase segregate into different continuous layers. Phase segregation may be used to form, for example, a sacrificial light absorbing material (SLAM) and a developer resistant skin, a dielectric layer and a hard mask, a photoresist and an anti-reflective coating (ARC), a stress buffer coating and a protective layer on a substrate package, and light interference layers.

Abstract: A method of forming air gaps surrounding conductors in a dielectric layer, the dielectric layer comprising, for example, part of the interconnect structure of an integrated circuit device. The air gaps are formed, in part, by depositing a sacrificial material within a trench and/or via that have been formed in a dielectric layer, and the sacrificial material is ultimately removed after metal deposition to create the air gaps. A porous dielectric cap may be deposited over the dielectric layer, and the sacrificial material may be removed through this porous dielectric layer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A surface may be selectively coated with a polymer using an induced surface grafting or polymerization reaction. The reaction proceeds in those regions that are polymerizable and not in other regions. Thus, a semiconductor structure having organic regions and metal regions exposed, for example, may have the organic polymers formed selectively on the organic regions and not on the unpolymerizable or metal regions.

Abstract: A method for impregnating the pores of a zeolite low-k dielectric layer with a polymer, and forming an interconnect structure therein, thus mechanically strengthening the dielectric layer and preventing metal deposits within the pores.

Abstract: A method for forming a high mechanical strength, low k, interlayer dielectric material with aluminosilicate precursors so that aluminum is facilely incorporated into the silicon matrix of the material, and an integrated circuit device comprising one or more high-strength, low-k interlayer dielectric layers so formed.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes a molecular sieve layer is described herein. The molecular sieve layer may be used as a high mechanical strength, low dielectric constant insulating layer.

Abstract: A deliberately engineered placement and size constraint (molecular weight distribution) of photoacid generators, solubility switches, photoimageable species, and quenchers forms individual pixels within a photoresist. Upon irradiation, a self-contained reaction occurs within each of the individual pixels that were irradiated to pattern the photoresist. These pixels may take on a variety of forms including a polymer chain, a bulky cluster, a micelle, or a micelle formed of several polymer chains. Furthermore, these pixels may be designed to self-assemble onto the substrate on which the photoresist is applied.

Abstract: A method including introducing a precursor in the presence of a circuit substrate, and forming a film including a reaction product of the precursor on the substrate, wherein the precursor includes a molecule comprising a primary species of the film and a modifier. A method including introducing a precursor in the presence of a circuit substrate, the precursor including a primary species and a film modifier as a single source, and forming a film on the circuit substrate. An apparatus including a semiconductor substrate, and a film on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, the film including a reaction product of a precursor including a molecule comprising a primary species and a modifier.

Abstract: Photoresists may be formed over a structure that has been modified so as to poison a lower layer of the photoresist. Then, when the photoresist is patterned, it is only patterned down to the poisoned layer. The poisoned layer may be removed subsequently. However, because of the use of the modification process, the critical dimensions of the photoresist may be improved in some embodiments.

Abstract: A cap may be formed anisotropically over a photoresist feature. For example, a material, such as a polymer, may be coated over the photoresist feature. If the coated material is photoactive, the cap may be grown preferentially in the vertical direction, creating high aspect ratio structures in some embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of forming air gaps in the interconnect structure of an integrated circuit device. The air gaps may be formed by depositing sacrificial layer over a dielectric layer and then depositing a permeable hard mask over the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is subsequently removed to form air gaps. The permeable hard mask may have a thickness of less than approximately 250 nm, and internal stresses within the permeable hard mask may be controlled to prevent deformation of this layer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.