Abstract: Multiple interconnect structures with reduced TDDB susceptibility and reduced stray capacitance are disclosed. The structures have one or more pairs of layers (an upper and a lower layer) that form layered pairs in the structure. In each of the upper and lower layers, dielectric material separates an upper pair of interconnects from a lower pair of interconnects or from other conductive material. Pairs of vias pass through the dielectric and mechanically and electrically connect the respective sides of the upper and lower sides of the interconnect. A gap of air separates all or part of the pair of vias and the electrical paths the vias are within. In alternative embodiments, the airgap may extend to the bottom of the vias, below the tops of the lower pair of interconnects, or deeper into the lower layer. Alternative process methods are disclosed for making the different embodiments of the structures.

Abstract: Multiple interconnect structures with reduced TDDB susceptibility and reduced stray capacitance are disclosed. The structures have one or more pairs of layers (an upper and a lower layer) that form layered pairs in the structure. In each of the upper and lower layers, dielectric material separates an upper pair of interconnects from a lower pair of interconnects or from other conductive material. Pairs of vias pass through the dielectric and mechanically and electrically connect the respective sides of the upper and lower sides of the interconnect. A gap of air separates all or part of the pair of vias and the electrical paths the vias are within. In alternative embodiments, the airgap may extend to the bottom of the vias, below the tops of the lower pair of interconnects, or deeper into the lower layer. Alternative process methods are disclosed for making the different embodiments of the structures.

Abstract: Multiple interconnect structures with reduced TDDB susceptibility and reduced stray capacitance are disclosed. The structures have one or more pairs of layers (an upper and a lower layer) that form layered pairs in the structure. In each of the upper and lower layers, dielectric material separates an upper pair of interconnects from a lower pair of interconnects or from other conductive material. Pairs of vias pass through the dielectric and mechanically and electrically connect the respective sides of the upper and lower sides of the interconnect. A gap of air separates all or part of the pair of vias and the electrical paths the vias are within. In alternative embodiments, the airgap may extend to the bottom of the vias, below the tops of the lower pair of interconnects, or deeper into the lower layer. Alternative process methods are disclosed for making the different embodiments of the structures.

Abstract: Multiple interconnect structures with reduced TDDB susceptibility and reduced stray capacitance are disclosed. The structures have one or more pairs of layers (an upper and a lower layer) that form layered pairs in the structure. In each of the upper and lower layers, dielectric material separates an upper pair of interconnects from a lower pair of interconnects or from other conductive material. Pairs of vias pass through the dielectric and mechanically and electrically connect the respective sides of the upper and lower sides of the interconnect. A gap of air separates all or part of the pair of vias and the electrical paths the vias are within. In alternative embodiments, the airgap may extend to the bottom of the vias, below the tops of the lower pair of interconnects, or deeper into the lower layer. Alternative process methods are disclosed for making the different embodiments of the structures.

Abstract: Structure providing more reliable fuse blow location, and method of making the same. A vertical metal fuse blow structure has, prior to fuse blow, an intentionally damaged portion of the fuse conductor. The damaged portion helps the fuse blow in a known location, thereby decreasing the resistance variability in post-blow circuits. At the same time, prior to fuse blow, the fuse structure is able to operate normally. The damaged portion of the fuse conductor is made by forming an opening in a cap layer above a portion of the fuse conductor, and etching the fuse conductor. Preferably, the opening is aligned such that the damaged portion is on the top corner of the fuse conductor. A cavity can be formed in the insulator adjacent to the damaged fuse conductor. The damaged fuse structure having a cavity can be easily incorporated in a process of making integrated circuits having air gaps.

Abstract: A method including a first interconnect level including a first electrode embedded in a first dielectric layer, a top surface of the first electrode is substantially flush with a top surface of the first dielectric layer, a second interconnect level including a via embedded in a second dielectric layer above the first dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer in direct contact with and separating the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, an entire top surface of the first electrode is in direct physical contact with a bottom surface of the third dielectric layer, and an interface between the first dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer extending from the top surface of the first electrode to the via, the interface including a length less than a minimum width of the via, a bottom surface of the via is in direct physical contact with the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: Structure providing more reliable fuse blow location, and method of making the same. A vertical metal fuse blow structure has, prior to fuse blow, an intentionally damaged portion of the fuse conductor. The damaged portion helps the fuse blow in a known location, thereby decreasing the resistance variability in post-blow circuits. At the same time, prior to fuse blow, the fuse structure is able to operate normally. The damaged portion of the fuse conductor is made by forming an opening in a cap layer above a portion of the fuse conductor, and etching the fuse conductor. Preferably, the opening is aligned such that the damaged portion is on the top corner of the fuse conductor. A cavity can be formed in the insulator adjacent to the damaged fuse conductor. The damaged fuse structure having a cavity can be easily incorporated in a process of making integrated circuits having air gaps.

Abstract: A method and structure of a non-intrinsic anti-fuse structure. The anti-fuse structure has a first electrode, a second electrode, a first dielectric, and second dielectric. The first and second dielectrics have an interface which couples electrodes. The length along the interface which couples the electrodes is called the predetermined length. When the anti-fuse is programmed a conductive link forms along the interface to connect the first and second electrodes. The anti-fuse structure can be single-level or dual-level. The predetermined length can be less than spacing between adjacent electrodes when a dual-level structure is used. The anti-fuse structures have the advantage that they can be programmed at lower voltages than intrinsic structures and no extra steps are needed to integrate the anti-fuses with active structures.

Abstract: In a BEOL process, UV radiation is used in a curing process of ultra low-k (ULK) dielectrics. This radiation penetrates through the ULK material and reaches the cap film underneath it. The interaction between the UV light and the film leads to a change the properties of the cap film. Of particular concern is the change in the stress state of the cap from compressive to tensile stress. This leads to a weaker dielectric-cap interface and mechanical failure of the ULK film. A layer of nanoparticles is inserted between the cap and the ULK film. The nanoparticles absorb the UV light before it can damage the cap film, thus maintaining the mechanical integrity of the ULK dielectric.

Abstract: MIM capacitors and thin film resistors are fabricated with at least one less lithographic step than the prior art methods. The process step reduction is realized by using semi-transparent metallic electrodes, fabricated with a two-mask process, which provides for direct alignment, and eliminates the need for alignment trenches in an additional layer.

Abstract: Copper or a copper alloy is removed by chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) in a slurry of an oxidizer, an oxidation inhibitor, and an additive that appreciably regulates copper complexing with the oxidation inhibitor.