Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes an energy source, a support platform for holding a wafer, an optical path extending from the energy source to the support platform, and a photomask aligned such that a patterned major surface of the photomask is parallel to the force of gravity, where the optical path passes through the photomask, where the patterned major surface of the photomask is perpendicular to a topmost surface of the support platform.

Abstract: A package includes a device die, an encapsulant encapsulating the device die therein, a first plurality of through-vias penetrating through the encapsulant, a second plurality of through-vias penetrating through the encapsulant, and redistribution lines over and electrically coupling to the first plurality of through-vias. The first plurality of through-vias include an array. The second plurality of through-vias are outside of the first array, and the second plurality of through-vias are larger than the first plurality of through-vias.

Abstract: A single layer process is utilized to reduce swing effect interference and reflection during imaging of a photoresist. An anti-reflective additive is added to a photoresist, wherein the anti-reflective additive has a dye portion and a reactive portion. Upon dispensing the reactive portion will react with underlying structures to form an anti-reflective coating between the underlying structure and a remainder of the photoresist. During imaging, the anti-reflective coating will either absorb the energy, preventing it from being reflected, or else modify the optical path of reflection, thereby helping to reduce interference caused by the reflected energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a wafer includes a chuck, at least one O-ring disposed on the chuck, a vacuum system connected to the chuck, such that the vacuum system comprises a plurality of vacuum holes through the chuck connected to one or more vacuum pumps, and a controller configured to control the height of the at least one O-ring relative to the top surface of the chuck. The controller is connected to pressure sensors capable of detecting a vacuum. The at least one O-ring may include a plurality of O-rings.

Abstract: A package includes a device die, an encapsulant encapsulating the device die therein, a first plurality of through-vias penetrating through the encapsulant, a second plurality of through-vias penetrating through the encapsulant, and redistribution lines over and electrically coupling to the first plurality of through-vias. The first plurality of through-vias include an array. The second plurality of through-vias are outside of the first array, and the second plurality of through-vias are larger than the first plurality of through-vias.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes techniques for managing vertical alignment or overlay in semiconductor manufacturing using machine learning. Alignments of interconnection features in a fan-out WLP process are evaluated and managed through the disclosed techniques. Big data and machine learning are used to train a classification that correlates the overlay error source factors with overlay metrology categories. The overlay error source factors include tool signals. The trained classification includes a base classification and a Meta classification.

Abstract: A photoresist apparatus and a method are provided. The photoresist apparatus includes a pre-baking apparatus. The pre-baking apparatus includes: a hot-plate, a first cover over the hot-plate, a second cover over the first cover, a first heating element extending along a topmost surface of the first cover, and a second heating element extending along a topmost surface of the second cover.

Abstract: A first photoresist material is formed. The first photoresist material is exposed through a phase shift mask. The first photoresist material is developed to form a first photoresist layer, wherein the first photoresist layer comprises a plurality of first photoresist patterns and a plurality of first openings between the plurality of first photoresist patterns. A first conductive material is formed in the plurality of first openings. A second photoresist layer is formed over the first conductive material, wherein the second photoresist layer comprises at least one second opening. A second conductive material is formed in the at least one second opening. The first photoresist layer and the second photoresist layer are removed, to form a plurality of first conductive patterns and at least one second conductive pattern. A dielectric layer is formed, wherein the at least one second conductive pattern is disposed in the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A photoresist apparatus and a method are provided. The photoresist apparatus includes a pre-baking apparatus. The pre-baking apparatus includes: a hot-plate, a first cover over the hot-plate, a second cover over the first cover, a first heating element extending along a topmost surface of the first cover, and a second heating element extending along a topmost surface of the second cover.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing redistribution circuit structures are disclosed and one of the methods includes the following steps. A seed layer is formed over a die and an encapsulant encapsulating the die. A photoresist material is formed over the seed layer. The photoresist material is exposed through a phase shift mask to an I-line wavelength within an I-line stepper using a numerical aperture equal to or less than 0.18. The photoresist material is developed to form a photoresist layer including photoresist patterns and openings therebetween. A conductive material is formed in the openings. The photoresist patterns are removed to form conductive patterns. By using the conductive patterns as a mask, the seed layer is partially removed, to form seed layer patterns under the conductive patterns, wherein redistribution conductive patterns include the seed layer patterns and the conductive patterns respectively.

Abstract: A device includes a molding compound encapsulating a first integrated circuit die and a second integrated circuit die; a dielectric layer over the molding compound, the first integrated circuit die, and the second integrated circuit die; and a metallization pattern over the dielectric layer and electrically connecting the first integrated circuit die to the second integrated circuit die. The metallization pattern comprises a plurality of conductive lines. Each of the plurality of conductive lines extends continuously from a first region of the metallization pattern through a second region of the metallization pattern to a third region of the metallization pattern; and has a same type of manufacturing anomaly in the second region of the metallization pattern.

Abstract: An optical lithography system for patterning semiconductor devices and a method of using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical path; a prism disposed on the optical path; a lens disposed on the optical path; and a tunable mirror disposed on the optical path, the tunable mirror including a mirror having a concave surface at a front-side thereof; a rear support attached to a backside of the mirror; and a plurality of fine-adjustment screws extending from the rear support to the backside of the mirror.

Abstract: A photoresist with a detection additive is utilized to help increase the contrast of images during an after development inspection process. The detection additive fluoresces during the after development inspection process and adds to the energy that is reflected during the after development inspection process, increasing the contrast during the after development inspection process and helping to identify defects that are not otherwise detectable.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die and a redistribution structure. The redistribution structure is electrically connected to the semiconductor die. The redistribution structure includes dielectric layers, conductive traces and seal patterns. The conductive traces are embedded in the dielectric layers. At least one conductive trace of the conductive traces includes a via pattern and a routing pattern. The seal patterns are disposed on the conductive traces. One seal pattern of the seal patterns is disposed between a top surface of the routing pattern and a first dielectric layer of the dielectric layers.

Abstract: A package includes a device die, an encapsulant encapsulating the device die therein, a first plurality of through-vias penetrating through the encapsulant, a second plurality of through-vias penetrating through the encapsulant, and redistribution lines over and electrically coupling to the first plurality of through-vias. The first plurality of through-vias include an array. The second plurality of through-vias are outside of the first array, and the second plurality of through-vias are larger than the first plurality of through-vias.

Abstract: A package structure includes a first die, a second die, a bridge, an encapsulant and a redistribution layer (RDL) structure. The bridge is arranged side by side with the first die and the second die. The encapsulant laterally encapsulates the first die, the second die and the bridge. The RDL structure is disposed on the first die, the second die, the bridge and the encapsulant. The first die and the second die are electrically connected to each other through the bridge and the RDL structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of making a conductive connector is provided. In an embodiment an opening is formed within a photoresist by adjusting the center point of an in-focus area during the exposure process. Once the photoresist has been developed to form an opening, an after development baking process is utilized to reshape the opening. Once reshaped, a conductive material is formed into the opening to take on the shape of the opening.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die and a redistribution structure. The redistribution structure is electrically connected to the semiconductor die. The redistribution structure includes dielectric layers, conductive traces and seal patterns. The conductive traces are embedded in the dielectric layers. At least one conductive trace of the conductive traces includes a via pattern and a routing pattern. The seal patterns are disposed on the conductive traces. One seal pattern of the seal patterns is disposed between a top surface of the routing pattern and a first dielectric layer of the dielectric layers.

Abstract: A single layer process is utilized to reduce swing effect interference and reflection during imaging of a photoresist. An anti-reflective additive is added to a photoresist, wherein the anti-reflective additive has a dye portion and a reactive portion. Upon dispensing the reactive portion will react with underlying structures to form an anti-reflective coating between the underlying structure and a remainder of the photoresist. During imaging, the anti-reflective coating will either absorb the energy, preventing it from being reflected, or else modify the optical path of reflection, thereby helping to reduce interference caused by the reflected energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a wafer includes a chuck, at least one O-ring disposed on the chuck, a vacuum system connected to the chuck, such that the vacuum system comprises a plurality of vacuum holes through the chuck connected to one or more vacuum pumps, and a controller configured to control the height of the at least one O-ring relative to the top surface of the chuck. The controller is connected to pressure sensors capable of detecting a vacuum. The at least one O-ring may include a plurality of O-rings.