Abstract: A method of enhancing inductor performance comprising the following steps. A structure having a first oxide layer formed thereover is provided. A lower low-k dielectric layer is formed over the first oxide layer. A second oxide layer is formed over the lower low-k dielectric layer. The second oxide layer is patterned to form at least one hole there through exposing a portion of the lower low-k dielectric layer. Etching through the exposed portion of the lower low-k dielectric layer and into the lower low-k dielectric layer to from at least one respective air gap within the etched lower low-k dielectric layer. An upper low-k dielectric layer is formed over the patterned second oxide layer. At least one inductor is formed within the upper low-k dielectric layer and over the at least one air gap whereby the performance of the inductor is enhanced.

Abstract: Methods for forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor using an organic anti-reflective coating (ARC) are described. The first electrode of the MIM capacitor is formed from a first metal layer. The organic ARC is applied, and the second electrode of the MIM capacitor is formed from a second metal layer. The organic ARC is then removed using a nominal clean technique. Because the organic ARC is removed, the performance of the MIM capacitor is improved. Specifically, the breakdown voltage of the MIM capacitor increases and the leakage current decreases.

Abstract: A new method is provided for the creation of a MIM capacitor. The invention starts with a semiconductor surface. A first copper damascene process is applied for the creation of a first and a second damascene copper interconnect plug through a first layer of dielectric deposited over the surface of the substrate. A first layer of tantalum is deposited (for the bottom plate of a capacitor) over which is deposited a first layer of silicon nitride (for capacitor dielectric) over which is deposited a second layer of tantalum (for the top plate of a capacitor). A one time etch of the three deposited layers forms a MIM capacitor. A second layer of silicon nitride is deposited followed by the deposition of a second layer of dielectric. Third and fourth dual damascene openings are created through the second layer of dielectric and the second layer of silicon nitride. The third dual damascene opening aligns with MIM capacitor. The fourth dual damascene opening aligns with the second dual damascene plug.

Abstract: A new method for forming a dual-metal gate CMOS transistors is described. An NMOS and a PMOS active area of a semiconductor substrate are separated by isolation regions. A nitride layer is deposited overlying a gate dielectric layer and patterned to form a first dummy gate in each of the active areas. First ions are implanted to form source/drain regions in each of the active areas not covered by the first dummy gates. The first dummy gates are isotropically etched to form second dummy gates thinner than the first dummy gates. Second ions are implanted to form lightly doped source/drain regions in each of the active areas not covered by the second dummy gates. Dielectric spacers are formed on sidewalls of the second dummy gates and the source/drain regions are silicided. The second dummy gates and spacers are removed. A first metal layer is deposited overlying the substrate and patterned to form a first metal gate in one of the NMOS and PMOS active areas.

Abstract: Methods for forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor using an organic anti-reflective coating (ARC) are described. The first electrode of the MIM capacitor is formed from a first metal layer. The organic ARC is applied, and the second electrode of the MIM capacitor is formed from a second metal layer. The organic ARC is then removed using a nominal clean technique. Because the organic ARC is removed, the performance of the MIM capacitor is improved. Specifically, the breakdown voltage of the MIM capacitor increases and the leakage current decreases.