Abstract: Methods for fabricating a structure that includes a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and structures that include a MIM capacitor. A layer stack is deposited that includes a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer, and a third conductor layer. The layer stack is patterned to define a first electrode of the MIM capacitor from the first conductor layer, a second electrode of the MIM capacitor from the second conductor layer, and a third electrode of the MIM capacitor from the third conductor layer. A via opening is formed that extends vertically through the layer stack. The first electrode is recessed relative to the second electrode to define a cavity that is laterally offset from the via opening. A dielectric inner spacer is formed in the cavity. A conductive via is formed in the first via opening after the dielectric inner spacer is formed.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a structure that includes a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and structures that include a MIM capacitor. A layer stack is deposited that includes a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer, and a third conductor layer. The layer stack is patterned to define a first electrode of the MIM capacitor from the first conductor layer, a second electrode of the MIM capacitor from the second conductor layer, and a third electrode of the MIM capacitor from the third conductor layer. A via opening is formed that extends vertically through the layer stack. The first electrode is recessed relative to the second electrode to define a cavity that is laterally offset from the via opening. A dielectric inner spacer is formed in the cavity. A conductive via is formed in the first via opening after the dielectric inner spacer is formed.

Abstract: An approach for providing MOL constructs using diffusion contact structures is disclosed. Embodiments include: providing a first diffusion region in a substrate; providing, via a first lithography process, a first diffusion contact structure; providing, via a second lithography process, a second diffusion contact structure; and coupling the first diffusion contact structure to the first diffusion region and the second diffusion contact structure. Embodiments include: providing a second diffusion region in the substrate; providing a diffusion gap region between the first and second diffusion regions; providing the diffusion contact structure over the diffusion gap region; and coupling, via the diffusion contact structure, the first and second diffusion regions.

Abstract: A method for forming CA power rails using a three mask decomposition process and the resulting device are provided. Embodiments include forming a horizontal diffusion CA power rail in an active layer of a semiconductor substrate using a first color mask; forming a plurality of vertical CAs in the active layer using second and third color masks, the vertical CAs connecting the CA power rail to at least one diffusion region on the semiconductor substrate, spaced from the CA power rail, wherein each pair of CAs formed by one of the second and third color masks are separated by at least two pitches.

Abstract: A method for forming CA power rails using a three mask decomposition process and the resulting device are provided. Embodiments include forming a horizontal diffusion CA power rail in an active layer of a semiconductor substrate using a first color mask; forming a plurality of vertical CAs in the active layer using second and third color masks, the vertical CAs connecting the CA power rail to at least one diffusion region on the semiconductor substrate, spaced from the CA power rail, wherein each pair of CAs formed by one of the second and third color masks are separated by at least two pitches.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for fabricating an integrated circuit having a backside test structure are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate, forming at least one Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) through the semiconductor substrate, forming a backside probe pad over the backside of the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the at least one TSV, and forming a frontside bondpad over the frontside of the semiconductor substrate. The frontside bondpad is electrically coupled to the backside probe pad by the at least one TSV.

Abstract: Methods are provided that relate to the capacitive monitoring of characteristic pertaining to layer formed during the back end-of-the-line (BEOL) processing of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of forming a first capacitor array including first and second overlying contacts each formed in a different one of the plurality of BEOL layers, measuring the interlayer capacitance between the first and second overlying contacts, and converting the measured interlayer capacitance to a distance between the first and second overlying contacts.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for fabricating an integrated circuit having a backside test structure are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate, forming at least one Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) through the semiconductor substrate, forming a backside probe pad over the backside of the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the at least one TSV, and forming a frontside bondpad over the frontside of the semiconductor substrate. The frontside bondpad is electrically coupled to the backside probe pad by the at least one TSV.

Abstract: Methods are provided that relate to the capacitive monitoring of characteristic pertaining to layer formed during the back end-of-the-line (BEOL) processing of a semiconductor device. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of forming a first capacitor array including first and second overlying contacts each formed in a different one of the plurality of BEOL layers, measuring the interlayer capacitance between the first and second overlying contacts, and converting the measured interlayer capacitance to a distance between the first and second overlying contacts.