Abstract: The present disclosure provides an interconnect structure for a semiconductor device. The interconnect structure includes a first metal layer that contains a first metal line. The interconnect structure includes a dielectric layer located over the first metal layer. The dielectric layer contains a first sub-via electrically coupled to the first metal line and a second sub-via electrically coupled to the first sub-via. The second sub-via is different from the first sub-via. The interconnect structure includes a second metal layer located over the dielectric layer. The second metal layer contains a second metal line electrically coupled to the second sub-via. No other metal layer is located between the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of transforming an integrated circuit (IC) pattern into one or more patterns suitable for subsequent processing, such as mask fabrication. The method includes receiving an IC pattern that has an arbitrary shape, and using a computer, deriving an approximation IC pattern that is a user-defined fabrication-friendly shape, such as a rectangle or an ellipse. The method further includes calculating a pattern approximation error between the IC pattern and the approximation IC pattern. The method further includes checking whether the pattern approximation error is less than a user-defined threshold. If it is, the method further includes replacing the IC pattern with the approximation IC pattern for subsequent fabrication. Otherwise, the method further includes splitting the IC pattern into subparts, and recursively transforming each of the subparts.

Abstract: Provided is a method of transforming an integrated circuit (IC) pattern into one or more patterns suitable for subsequent processing, such as mask fabrication. The method includes receiving an IC pattern that has an arbitrary shape, and using a computer, deriving an approximation IC pattern that is a user-defined fabrication-friendly shape, such as a rectangle or an ellipse. The method further includes calculating a pattern approximation error between the IC pattern and the approximation IC pattern. The method further includes checking whether the pattern approximation error is less than a user-defined threshold. If it is, the method further includes replacing the IC pattern with the approximation IC pattern for subsequent fabrication. Otherwise, the method further includes splitting the IC pattern into subparts, and recursively transforming each of the subparts.

Abstract: Provided is a method of transforming an integrated circuit (IC) pattern into one or more patterns suitable for subsequent processing, such as mask fabrication. The method includes receiving an IC pattern that has an arbitrary shape, and using a computer, deriving an approximation IC pattern, wherein the approximation IC pattern is in a shape that is a user-defined fabrication-friendly shape, such as a rectangle or an ellipse. The method further includes calculating a pattern approximation error between the IC pattern and the approximation IC pattern. The method further includes checking whether the pattern approximation error is less than a user-defined threshold. If it is, the method further includes outputting the approximation IC pattern for subsequent fabrication. Otherwise, the method further includes splitting the IC pattern into a plurality of subparts, and recursively transforming each of the plurality of subparts.

Abstract: Provided is a method of transforming an integrated circuit (IC) pattern into one or more patterns suitable for subsequent processing, such as mask fabrication. The method includes receiving an IC pattern that has an arbitrary shape, and using a computer, deriving an approximation IC pattern, wherein the approximation IC pattern is in a shape that is a user-defined fabrication-friendly shape, such as a rectangle or an ellipse. The method further includes calculating a pattern approximation error between the IC pattern and the approximation IC pattern. The method further includes checking whether the pattern approximation error is less than a user-defined threshold. If it is, the method further includes outputting the approximation IC pattern for subsequent fabrication. Otherwise, the method further includes splitting the IC pattern into a plurality of subparts, and recursively transforming each of the plurality of subparts.

Abstract: A method includes determining one or more potential merges corresponding to a color set Ai and a color set Aj of N color sets, represented by A1 to AN, used in coloring polygons of a layout of an integrated circuit. N is a positive integer, i and j are integers from 1 to N, and i?j. One or more potential cuts corresponding to the color set Ai and the second color set Aj are determined. An index Aij is determined according to the one or more potential merges and the one or more potential cuts. A plurality of parameters F related to the index Aij is obtained based on various values of indices fi and fj. A parameter F is selected among the plurality of parameters F based on a definition of the index Aij.

Abstract: A method includes determining one or more potential merges corresponding to a color set Ai and a color set Aj of N color sets, represented by A1 to AN, used in coloring polygons of a layout of an integrated circuit. N is a positive integer, i and j are integers from 1 to N, and i?j. One or more potential cuts corresponding to the color set Ai and the second color set Aj are determined. An index Aij is determined according to the one or more potential merges and the one or more potential cuts. A plurality of parameters F related to the index Aij is obtained based on various values of indices fi and fj. A parameter F is selected among the plurality of parameters F based on a definition of the index Aij.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide techniques to ensure a layout for an integrated circuit is split-able. In a method embodiment, a layout is generated in a customer site having a layout library as inputs wherein the library provides exemplary layouts that have been verified to be spit-able and that can be used and layouts that can cause conflicts to avoid. A real-time odd cycle checker is also provided in which the checker identifies in real time conflict areas and odd cycles as they arise during layout generation. To reduce memory usage layouts of various devices may be separated so that each individual layout or a small number of layouts, rather than a large layout for the whole application circuit, can be checked against conflicts. Once the layout is ready at the customer site, it is sent to the foundry site to be decomposed into two masks and taped-out. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an interconnect structure for a semiconductor device. The interconnect structure includes a first metal layer that contains a first metal line. The interconnect structure includes a dielectric layer located over the first metal layer. The dielectric layer contains a first sub-via electrically coupled to the first metal line and a second sub-via electrically coupled to the first sub-via. The second sub-via is different from the first sub-via. The interconnect structure includes a second metal layer located over the dielectric layer. The second metal layer contains a second metal line electrically coupled to the second sub-via. No other metal layer is located between the first metal layer and the second metal layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes a core area for core circuits and a peripheral area for peripheral circuits. The semiconductor device includes a core oxide on the semiconductor substrate in the core area, a portion of the core oxide being nitrided, a first polysilicon pattern on the core oxide, an I/O oxide including pure oxide on the semiconductor substrate in the peripheral area, and a second polysilicon pattern on the I/O oxide.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide techniques to ensure a layout for an integrated circuit is split-able. In a method embodiment, a layout is generated in a customer site having a layout library as inputs wherein the library provides exemplary layouts that have been verified to be spit-able and that can be used and layouts that can cause conflicts to avoid. A real-time odd cycle checker is also provided in which the checker identifies in real time conflict areas and odd cycles as they arise during layout generation. To reduce memory usage layouts of various devices may be separated so that each individual layout or a small number of layouts, rather than a large layout for the whole application circuit, can be checked against conflicts. Once the layout is ready at the customer site, it is sent to the foundry site to be decomposed into two masks and taped-out. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes a core area for core circuits and a peripheral area for peripheral circuits. The semiconductor device includes a core oxide on the semiconductor substrate in the core area, a portion of the core oxide being nitrided, a first polysilicon pattern on the core oxide, an I/O oxide including pure oxide on the semiconductor substrate in the peripheral area, and a second polysilicon pattern on the I/O oxide.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes a core area for core circuits and a peripheral area for peripheral circuits. The semiconductor device includes a core oxide on the semiconductor substrate in the core area, a portion of the core oxide being nitrided, a first polysilicon pattern on the core oxide, an I/O oxide including pure oxide on the semiconductor substrate in the peripheral area, and a second polysilicon pattern on the I/O oxide.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with improved resistance to delamination and method for forming the same the method including providing a semiconductor wafer comprising a metallization layer with an uppermost etch stop layer; forming at least one adhesion promoting layer on the etch stop layer; and, forming an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer on the at least one adhesion promoting layer.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating the same. The devices include a substrate, a catalyst layer, a second dielectric layer, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The substrate comprises an overlying first dielectric layer with an electrode embedded therein. The catalyst layer overlies the electrode and the first dielectric layer and substantially comprises Co and M1, wherein M1 is selected from a group consisting of W, P, B, Bi, Ni, and a combination thereof. The second dielectric layer overlies the catalyst layer and comprises an opening exposing parts of the catalyst layer. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are disposed on the exposed catalyst layer and electrically connect the electrode.

Abstract: An interconnect structure for a semiconductor device is provided. The interconnect structure for a semiconductor device comprises a substrate having a conductive region thereon, a first dielectric layer having a modified surface portion serving as an etch stop layer and a second dielectric layer having a hardness less than that of the modified surface portion. The interconnect structure for a semiconductor device further comprises a trench-shaped conductive line disposed within the second dielectric layer and a conductive plug disposed within the first dielectric layer and interposed between the trench-shaped conductive line and the conductive region.

Abstract: A method for planarizing a semiconductor structure is disclosed. A semiconductor substrate having a first area in which one or more trenches are formed in a first pattern density, and a second area in which one or more trenches are formed in a second pattern density lower than the first pattern density, is provided. A first dielectric layer is formed above the semiconductor for covering the trenches in the first and second areas. A first chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the first dielectric layer using a predetermined type of slurry for reducing a thickness thereof. The first dielectric layer is then rinsed. A second chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the first dielectric layer using the predetermined type of slurry for further removing the first dielectric layer outside the trenches, thereby reducing a step height variation between surfaces of the first and second areas.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a porous, low-k dielectric layer is provided. A preferred embodiment comprises the steps of forming a porogen-containing, low-k dielectric layer, in the damascene process. In preferred embodiments, pore generation, by e-beam porogen degradation, occurs after the steps of CMP planarizing the damascene copper conductor and depositing a semipermeable cap layer. In alternative embodiments, the cap layer consists essentially of silicon carbide, silicon nitride, Co, W, Al, Ta, Ti, Ni, Ru, and combinations thereof. The semipermeable cap layer is preferably deposited under PECVD conditions such that the cap layer is sufficiently permeable to enable removal of porogen degradation by-products. Preferred embodiments further include an in-situ N2/NH3 treatment before depositing the semipermeable cap layer.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating the same. The devices include a substrate, a catalyst layer, a second dielectric layer, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The substrate comprises an overlying first dielectric layer with an electrode embedded therein. The catalyst layer overlies the electrode and the first dielectric layer and substantially comprises Co and M1, wherein M1 is selected from a group consisting of W, P, B, Bi, Ni, and a combination thereof. The second dielectric layer overlies the catalyst layer and comprises an opening exposing parts of the catalyst layer. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are disposed on the exposed catalyst layer and electrically connect the electrode.

Abstract: A method for planarizing a semiconductor structure is disclosed. A semiconductor substrate having a first area in which one or more trenches are formed in a first pattern density, and a second area in which one or more trenches are formed in a second pattern density lower than the first pattern density, is provided. A first dielectric layer is formed above the semiconductor for covering the trenches in the first and second areas. A first chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the first dielectric layer using a predetermined type of slurry for reducing a thickness thereof. The first dielectric layer is then rinsed. A second chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the first dielectric layer using the predetermined type of slurry for further removing the first dielectric layer outside the trenches, thereby reducing a step height variation between surfaces of the first and second areas.