Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for depositing a capping layer on a substrate surface containing a copper layer is provided which includes exposing the substrate surface to a zinc solution, exposing the substrate surface to a silver solution to form a silver layer thereon and depositing the capping layer on the silver layer by an electroless deposition process. A second silver layer may be formed on the capping layer, if desired. In another embodiment, a composition of a deposition solution useful for forming a cobalt tungsten alloy contains calcium tungstate, a cobalt source at a concentration within a range from about 50 mM to about 500 mM, a complexing agent at a concentration within a range from about 100 mM to about 700 mM, and a buffering agent at a concentration within a range from about 50 mM to about 500 mM.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for increasing the number of memory cells associated with a lithographic feature. The systems comprise memory elements that are formed on the sidewalls of the lithographic feature by employing various depositing and etching processes. The side wall memory cells can have a bit line of the wafer as the first electrode and operate with a second formed electrode to activate a portion of an organic matter that is formed there between.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit having improved electromigration characteristics includes forming an aperture in an interlevel dielectric layer and providing a barrier layer in the aperture. The aperture is filled with a metal material and a barrier layer is provided above the metal material. An intermetallic region can be formed at an interface of the metal material and the barrier layer. The intermetallic material can be formed by implantation of species.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating smooth surfaces for layers that are employed in memory cells and have previously been subject to a CMP process. The present invention employs various cycles of exposing the post CMP surface to inorganic and organic acids, as well as growing passive layers. The systems and methods may comprise an electroless feature for forming the passive layers.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an integrated circuit has a substrate with a semiconductor device thereon. A channel dielectric layer is deposited over the device and has an opening provided therein. A reducing process is performed in order to reduce the oxidation on the conductor and a conformal atomic liner is deposited in an atomic layer thickness to line the opening in the channel dielectric layer. A barrier layer is deposited over the conformal atomic liner and a seed layer is deposited over the barrier layer. A conductor core layer is deposited on the seed layer, filling the opening over the barrier layer and connecting to the semiconductor device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-cell organic memory device that can operate as a non-volatile memory device having a plurality of multi-cell structures constructed within the memory device. A lower electrode can be formed, wherein one or more passive layers are formed on top of the lower electrode. An Inter Layer Dielectric (ILD) is formed above the passive layers and lower electrode, whereby a via or other type relief is created within the ILD and an organic semiconductor material is then utilized to partially fill the via above the passive layer. The portions of the via that are not filled with organic material are filled with dielectric material, thus forming a multi-dimensional memory structure above the passive layer or layers and the lower electrode. One or more top electrodes are then added above the memory structure, whereby distinctive memory cells are created within the organic portions of the memory structure and activated (e.g.

Abstract: An integrated circuit manufacturing method is provided having a semiconductor substrate with a semiconductor device. A device dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate and a channel dielectric layer on the device dielectric layer has an opening formed therein. A barrier layer lines the channel opening and a conductor core fills the opening over the barrier layer. A seedless barrier layer lines the opening, and a conductor core fills the opening over the seedless barrier layer. The barrier layer is deposited in the opening and contains atomic layers of barrier material which bonds to the dielectric layer, an intermediate material which bonds to the barrier material layer and to the conductor core, and a conductor core material which bonds to the intermediate material. The conductor core bonds to the conductor core material.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making memory cells and semiconductor devices containing the memory cells. The methods involve passivating a portion of a copper containing electrode to form a copper sulfide layer in an electrochemical cell by applying a current through a passivation solution containing a sulfide compound. Such devices containing the memory cells are characterized by light weight and robust reliability.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit can include forming a barrier material layer along lateral side walls and a bottom of a via aperture which is configured to receive a via material that electrically connects a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, implanting a first alloy element into an interfacial layer over the barrier material layer, depositing an alloy layer over the interfacial layer. The implanted first alloy element is reactive with the barrier material layer to increase resistance to copper diffusion.

Abstract: A method of implanting copper barrier material to improve electrical performance in an integrated circuit fabrication process can include providing a copper layer over an integrated circuit substrate, providing a barrier material at a bottom and sides of a via positioned over the copper layer to form a barrier material layer separating the via from the copper layer, implanting a metal species into the barrier material layer, and providing a conductive layer over the via such that the via electrically connects the conductive layer to the copper layer. The implanted metal species can make the barrier material layer more resistant to copper diffusion from the copper layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that facilitate formation of semiconductor devices via planarization processes. The present invention utilizes dishing effects that typically occur during a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process. A reducing CMP process is performed on a semiconductor device in order to form a passive layer instead of performing a first CMP, followed by a deposition and a second CMP to form a passive layer. The reducing CMP process utilizes a slurry that includes a reducing chemistry that forms the passive layer in a dish region of an electrode. Thus, the passive layer is formed in conjunction with the reducing CMP process utilized for forming the electrode.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit can include performing a reactive ion etch (RIE) to form a via aperture in a dielectric layer where the via aperture exposes a portion of a conductive layer located under the dielectric layer, removing polymer residue from the RIE, and forming a nucleation layer over the exposed portion of the conductive layer using an alloy. The nucleation layer can be formed in an electroless process and can improve electromigration reliability, reduce via resistance, eliminate via corrosion, and eliminate copper resputtering on dielectric sidewalls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to fabricate an organic memory device, wherein the fabrication method includes forming a lower electrode, depositing a passive material over the surface of the lower electrode, applying an organic semiconductor material over the passive material, and operatively coupling the an upper electrode to the lower electrode through the organic semiconductor material and the passive material. Patterning of the organic semiconductor material is achieved by depositing a silicon-based resist over the organic semiconductor, irradiating portions of the silicon-based resist and patterning the silicon-based resist to remove the irradiated portions of the silicon-based resist. Thereafter, the exposed organic semiconductor can be patterned, and the non-irradiated silicon-based resist can be stripped to expose the organic semiconductor material that can be employed as a memory cell for single and multi-cell memory devices.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a polymer memory device in a via. The method involves providing a semiconductor substrate having at least one metal-containing layer thereon, forming at least one copper contact in the metal-containing layer, forming at least one dielectric layer over the copper contact, forming at least one via in the dielectric layer to expose at least a portion of the copper contact, forming a polymer material in a lower portion of the via, and forming a top electrode material layer in an upper portion of the via.

Abstract: Methods of making an organic memory cell made of two electrodes with a controllably conductive media between the two electrodes are disclosed. The controllably conductive Media contains an organic semiconductor layer and passive layer. In particular, novel methods of forming a electrode and adjacent passive layer are described.

Abstract: An organic memory cell having a CuX layer made by implantation is disclosed. The organic memory cell is made of two electrodes, at least one containing copper, with a controllably conductive media between the two electrodes. The controllably conductive media contains an organic semiconductor layer and CuX layer made by implantation of a Group VIB element.

Abstract: An organic memory cell made of two electrodes with a controllably conductive media between the two electrodes is disclosed. The controllably conductive media contains an organic semiconductor layer and passive layer. The controllably conductive media changes its impedance when an external stimuli such as an applied electric field is imposed thereon. Methods of making the organic memory devices/cells, methods of using the organic memory devices/cells, and devices such as computers containing the organic memory devices/cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit can include forming a laminated conductive line. The laminated conductive line can be formed in a dielectric trench. The laminated conductive line can include alternating barrier layers and copper layers. An integrated circuit includes at least one interconnect layer, the interconnect layer including a number of conductive lines. Each of the conductive lines includes a first thin barrier layer, a first thin copper layer, a second thin barrier layer and a second thin copper layer. The layered or laminated structure can reduce unconstrained void formation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit can include forming a barrier material layer along lateral side walls and a bottom of a via aperture which is configured to receive a via material that electrically connects a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, implanting a first alloy element into the barrier material layer, and implanting a second alloy element after deposition of the via material. The implanted first alloy element makes the barrier material layer more resistant to copper diffusion. The implanted second alloy element diffuses to a top interface of the via material and reduces bulk diffusion from the via material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit can include forming a barrier layer along lateral side walls and a bottom of a via aperture, forming a seed layer proximate and conformal to the barrier layer, and forming an implanted layer proximate and conformal to the barrier layer and the seed layer. The via aperture is configured to receive a via material that electrically connects a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer.