Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to semiconductor device architectures and manufacturing techniques. More specifically, some embodiments of the present technology relate to large area metrology and process control for anisotropic chemical etching. Catalyst influenced chemical etching (CICE) can be used to create high aspect ratio semiconductor structures with dimensions in the nanometer to millimeter scale with anisotropic and smooth sidewalls. However, all aspects of the CICE process must be compatible with the equipment used in semiconductor fabrication facilities today, and they must be scalable to enable wafer scale processing with high yield and reliability. This invention relates to metrology and control of etch and CMOS compatible methods of patterning the catalyst and removing it without damaging the etched structures.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating and replicating self-aligned multi-tier nanoscale structures for a variety of cross-sectional geometries. These methods can utilize a single lithography step whereby the need for alignment and overlay in the process is completely eliminated thereby enabling near-zero overlay error. Furthermore, techniques are developed to use these methods to fabricate self-aligned nanoscale multi-level/multi-height patterns with various shapes for master templates, replica templates and nanoimprint based pattern replication. Furthermore, the templates can be used to pattern multiple levels in a sacrificial polymer resist and achieve pattern transfer of the levels into a variety of substrates to form completed large area nanoelectronic and nanophotonic devices using only one patterning step.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating and replicating self-aligned multi-tier nanoscale structures for a variety of cross-sectional geometries. These methods can utilize a single lithography step whereby the need for alignment and overlay in the process is completely eliminated thereby enabling near-zero overlay error. Furthermore, techniques are developed to use these methods to fabricate self-aligned nanoscale multi-level/multi-height patterns with various shapes for master templates, replica templates and nanoimprint based pattern replication. Furthermore, the templates can be used to pattern multiple levels in a sacrificial polymer resist and achieve pattern transfer of the levels into a variety of substrates to form completed large area nanoelectronic and nanophotonic devices using only one patterning step.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating and replicating self-aligned multi-tier nanoscale structures for a variety of cross-sectional geometries. These methods can utilize a single lithography step whereby the need for alignment and overlay in the process is completely eliminated thereby enabling near-zero overlay error. Furthermore, techniques are developed to use these methods to fabricate self-aligned nanoscale multi-level/multi-height patterns with various shapes for master templates, replica templates and nanoimprint based pattern replication. Furthermore, the templates can be used to pattern multiple levels in a sacrificial polymer resist and achieve pattern transfer of the levels into a variety of substrates to form completed large area nanoelectronic and nanophotonic devices using only one patterning step.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating and replicating self-aligned multi-tier nanoscale structures for a variety of cross-sectional geometries. These methods can utilize a single lithography step whereby the need for alignment and overlay in the process is completely eliminated thereby enabling near-zero overlay error. Furthermore, techniques are developed to use these methods to fabricate self-aligned nanoscale multi-level/multi-height patterns with various shapes for master templates, replica templates and nanoimprint based pattern replication. Furthermore, the templates can be used to pattern multiple levels in a sacrificial polymer resist and achieve pattern transfer of the levels into a variety of substrates to form completed large area nanoelectronic and nanophotonic devices using only one patterning step.

Abstract: A method for electrically interconnecting a first electrical conductor to a second electrical conductor through a via formed in an insulating layer disposed between the conductors. A refractory metal layer is formed over: an upper surface of the insulating layer; sidewalls of the insulating layer formed by the via; and, portions of the first electrical conductor exposed by the via. Gold is deposited on a portion of the refractory metal layer formed on the exposed portion of the first electrical conductor. The deposited gold has a planar surface and is preferably spaced from portions of the conductive layer disposed on the sidewalls of the insulating layer to provide an plating site. Additional gold is electroplated onto the electroplating site to fill the via to a level co-planar with the upper level of the insulating layer. A photoresist layer is formed over the co-planar surfaces of the insulating layer and the filled via.