Abstract: Borderless vias are formed in electrical connection with a lower metal feature of a metal pattern gap filled with HSQ. Heat treatment in an inert atmosphere is conducted before filling the through-hole to outgas water absorbed during solvent cleaning of the through-hole, thereby reducing via void formation and improving via integrity.

Abstract: A patterned metal layer is gap filled with HSQ, an oxide formed thereon by PECVD, e.g., silicon dioxide derived from silane and N.sub.2 O, and planarized. The dielectric constant of the HSQ layer is minimized by baking the deposited HSQ layer in an inert atmosphere, e.g., N.sub.2, before heat soaking in an N.sub.2 O-containing atmosphere for no more than about 10 seconds and subsequent PECVD.

Abstract: A low RC delay interconnection pattern is formed with a low resistivity metal, such as copper, and a low dielectric constant material, such as organic polymers. An intermediate bonding layer is formed between the low resistivity metal and low dielectric constant material employing an adhesion promoter, such as a silane-based adhesion promoter. The adhesion promoter can be applied between the metal and dielectric layers or incorporated in the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The control speed of semiconductor circuitry is increased by forming air tunnels in the interwiring spaces of a conductive pattern to reduce intra-conductive layer capacitance.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming metal interconnect structures which resists the formation of pile-ups caused by electromigration. Each metal interconnect structure includes an aluminum interconnect sandwiched between two refractory metal layers. The method of the present invention involves forming a layer of aluminum intermetallic alloy on the sidewalls of the aluminum interconnects. The layer of aluminum intermetallic alloy provides reinforcement for the sidewalls. The layer of aluminum intermetallic alloy comprises aluminum-refractory metal alloy. The aluminum-refractory metal alloy is formed by reacting the exposed aluminum on the sidewalls with refractory metal-containing precursor material. After the formation of the layer of aluminum intermetallic alloy the sidewalls of the aluminum interconnects, the formation of pile-ups will be suppressed. Thus, the lifetime of the aluminum interconnects is extended.

Abstract: A low RC delay interconnection pattern is formed with a low resistivity metal, such as copper, and a low dielectric constant material, such as organic polymers. An intermediate bonding layer is formed between the low resistivity metal and low dielectric constant material employing an adhesion promoter, such as a silane-based adhesion promoter. The adhesion promoter can be applied between the metal and dielectric layers or incorporated in the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The control speed of semiconductor circuitry is increased by forming air tunnels in the interwiring spaces of a conductive pattern to reduce intra-conductive layer capacitance.

Abstract: A T-shaped electrode is formed on a semiconductor substrate by first forming a dielectric film on the substrate. A first layer of photoresist is applied on the upper surface of the dielectric film, and a second layer of photoresist is applied over the first layer of photoresist. The first and second layers of photoresist have different optical properties, requiring different wavelengths of ultraviolet for exposure before developing. Portions of the first and second photoresist layers and the dielectric film are selectively removed by photolithographic techniques with one masking step for forming an opening to the substrate. The first and second photoresist layers adjacent to the opening are ion etched to expose the upper surface of the dielectric film adjacent to the opening. A portion of the first photoresist layer adjacent to the opening is removed to undercut the second photoresist layer. Metal is deposited in the opening and on the exposed upper surface of the dielectric film to form a T-shaped electrode.

Abstract: Metallized via-holes and a wraparound metal plating are simultaneously formed on semiconductor chips by patterning a photoresist mask on the front surface of the wafer to open windows over metal pads as well as the grid areas where wraparound plating is desired; etching off the exposed metal if necessary and forming via-holes and grooves in the wafer by reactive ion etching to a depth which is less than the total thickness of the wafer; depositing a thin conductive film along the walls of the grooves and via-holes by electroless methods; plating the walls of the grooves and the via-holes with conductive metal by electrolytic methods; removing the back surface of the wafer ("backlapping") along with the floors of both the grooves and the via-holes, to expose the metal on the wall of the via-holes and separate the individual chips; and, depositing conductive metal on the back surface of the individual chips to complete the grounding path.

Abstract: A method for simultaneous selective plating of viaholes and heat sinks associated with a semiconductor wafer using a metal mask and comprising the steps of:(a) coating a first side of the wafer with an insulating layer to prevent electroplating on this first side;(b) patterning on a second side of the wafer, opposite to the first side, a metal mask for defining the areas where plating should not occur;(c) forming via-holes through said wafer;(d) depositing a thin conductive film to coat the bottom and walls of the via-holes as well as areas of the second side of the wafer not covered by the metal mask; and(e) electrolytically plating the resulting wafer while ultrasonically agitating the electrolyte if necessary to ensure sufficient electrolyte transport into the via-holes for uniform plating.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming completely metallized via holes in semiconductor wafers. Metal pads are formed on one face of a semiconductor wafer together with a conductive interconnecting network. An insulating layer is then deposited to cover this face of the wafer. Holes are etched in the opposite face of the wafer up to and exposing a portion of the metal pads. The via holes are then completely filled with metal by means of electroplating, using the metal pads as a cathode.