Abstract: Excessive variation in vertical (i.e., inter-level) capacitance of multi-level metallization semiconductor devices resulting in racing of clock skew circuitry of finished devices, and over-etching of borderless vias leading to inter-level short-circuits, are simultaneously eliminated, or substantially reduced, by selectively providing an etch-resistant masking material at thinner, i.e., recessed, portions of a first, low k gap fill material blanket-deposited over spaced-apart features of a metallization pattern and in the spaces therebetween. The surfaces of thicker, non-recessed portions thereof are etched so as to be substantially co-planar with the feature surfaces and the recessed portions. The etch-resistant mask is then removed, and second, oxide-based and third, low k dielectric layers deposited over the planarized surface.

Abstract: Excessive variation in vertical (i.e., inter-level) capacitance of multi-level metallization semiconductor devices resulting in poor RC time constants of finished devices, and over-etching of borderless vias leading to inter-level short-circuits, are simultaneously eliminated or substantially reduced by selectively providing an etch-resistant masking material at thinner, i.e., recessed, portions of a first, low k gap fill material blanket-deposited over spaced-apart features of a metallization pattern and in the spaces therebetween. The surfaces of thicker, non-recessed portions thereof are etched so as to be substantially co-planar with the feature surfaces and the recessed portions. The etch-resistant mask is then removed, and second and third dielectric layers deposited over the planarized surface.

Abstract: Sub-micron dimensioned, ultra-shallow junction MOS and/or CMOS transistor devices having reduced or minimal junction leakage are formed by a salicide process wherein silicon substrate surfaces intended to be subjected to ion implantation for source/drain formation are protected from damage resulting from reactive plasma etching of a blanket insulative layer for sidewall spacer formation by leaving a residual thickness of the insulative layer thereon. The residual layer is retained during ion implantation and removed prior to salicide processing to provide an undamaged surface for optimal contact formation thereon. Embodiments include anisotropically plasma etching a major amount of the thickness of the blanket insulative layer during a preselected interval for sidewall spacer formation and removing the residual thickness thereof after source/drain implantation by etching with dilute aqueous HF.

Abstract: Methods are provided that selectively provide various contact resistances based on each individual transistor's influence on an overall chip speed during the formation of active regions and silicide layers. In order to provide lower contact resistance to devices which have a critical influence on overall device speed, the active regions of such critical devices are formed with a lower impurity concentration and thicker silicide layers are provided on the active regions. Likewise, for the normal devices which have less or no influence on overall chip speed, thinner silicide layers are provided on the active regions having a higher impurity concentration than the critical devices.

Abstract: An anti-reflective coating for use in microcircuit fabrication and specifically using ultraviolet photolithographic processes. A three-layered anti-reflective coating is used to enhance metallization etching in the construction of microcircuits. The coating features a titanium nitride anti-reflective layer sandwiched between two titanium metal layers. The upper titanium layer protects subsequently applied deep ultraviolet photoresists from the deleterious effects of the titanium nitride anti-reflective layer. The unique character of the three layer anti-reflective coating allows the use of an efficient single chamber fabrication process to form the three-layer coating.

Abstract: Sub-micron dimensioned, ultra-shallow junction MOS and/or CMOS transistor devices have been reduced or a minimal junction leakage are formed by a salicide process wherein carbonaceous residue on silicon substrate surfaces resulting from reactive plasma etching for sidewall spacer formation is removed prior to salicide processing. Embodiments include forming a sacrificial oxide and removing the sacrificial oxide to remove the carbonaceous residues and anneal out damage to the silicon substrate. Subsequently formed silicide regions on the source and drain regions have improved quality.

Abstract: A combined interconnect system is formed comprising a Cu or Cu alloy feature electrically connected an Al or Al alloy feature through a composite comprising a first layer containing tantalum and aluminum contacting the Al or Al alloy feature, a second layer containing tantalum nitride, a third layer containing tantalum nitride having an nitrogen content less than that of the second layer, e.g. amorphous tantalum nitride, and a fourth layer comprising tantalum or tantalum nitride having a nitrogen content less than that of the third layer. Embodiments include forming a dual damascene opening in the dielectric layer exposing a lower Al or Al alloy feature, depositing a layer of tantalum in contact with the Al or Al alloy feature, sequentially depositing the second, third and fourth layers, filling the opening with Cu or Cu alloy layer, CMP and heating to diffuse aluminum from the underlying feature into the first tantalum layer.

Abstract: Method and arrangements are provided for removing plasma etch damage to pre-silicidize the surfaces by a wet silicon etch. Following the formation of lightly doped drain (LDD) spacers in conjunction with a refractory metal silicide process, the damage created by the plasma etching to form these sidewall spacers is removed. The silicide that is formed on the pre-silicidized surfaces are substantially free of the etch damage and/or elemental contaminants and exhibits improved quality.

Abstract: An anti-reflective coating for use in microcircuit fabrication and specifically using ultraviolet photolithographic processes. A three layered anti-reflective coating is used to enhance metallization etching in the construction of microcircuits. The coating features a titanium nitride anti-reflective layer sandwiched between two titanium metal layers. The upper titanium layer protects subsequently applied deep ultraviolet photoresists from the deleterious effects of the titanium nitride anti-reflective layer. The unique character of the three layer anti-reflective coating allows the use of an efficient single chamber fabrication process to form the three layer coating.

Abstract: A multipurpose cap layer serves as a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) during the formation of a resist mask, a hardmask during subsequent etching processes, a hardened surface during subsequent deposition and planarization processes, and optionally as a diffusion barrier to mobile ions from subsequently deposited materials.

Abstract: An improved SiO.sub.x etch which employs CHF.sub.3, N.sub.2 and a light mass cooling gas in total pressure on the order of 3000 mT in a confined plasma reactor. High aspect ratios at least 10:1 are obtainable.