Abstract: An interconnect structure on a semiconductor die includes: a lower conductive layer; an upper conductive layer disposed above the lower conductive layer; and a VIA disposed between the lower conductive layer and the upper conductive layer. The VIA includes: a primary interconnect structure and a sacrificial stress barrier ring disposed around the primary interconnect structure and separated a distance from the primary interconnect structure. A fabrication method for the interconnect structure includes: forming a dielectric layer over a lower conductive layer; patterning photoresist (PR) layer over the dielectric layer to define a location for a plurality of VIA trenches, wherein the patterning includes patterning the PR layer to provide a center opening for the VIA trenches that is surrounded by a ring opening for the VIA trenches, wherein the center opening and the ring opening are spaced apart.

Abstract: A method of forming low-k material is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of core-shell particles. The core of the core-shell particles has a first ceramic with a low melting point. The shell of the core-shell particles has a second ceramic with a low melting point and a low dielectric constant. The core-shell particles are sintered and molded to form a low-k material. The shell of the core-shell particles is connected to form a network structure of a microcrystal phase.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming an interconnect structure over a substrate. The method includes forming a first conductive pad and a mask layer over the interconnect structure. The mask layer covers a top surface of the first conductive pad. The method includes forming a metal oxide layer over a sidewall of the first conductive pad. The method includes forming a second conductive pad over the first conductive pad and passing through the mask layer. The first conductive pad and the second conductive pad are made of different materials.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor memory structure includes forming an MTJ stack over a substrate. The method also includes etching the MTJ stack to form an MTJ device. The method also includes depositing a metal layer over a top surface and sidewalls of the MTJ device. The method also includes oxidizing the metal layer to form an oxidized metal layer. The method also includes depositing a cap layer over the oxidized metal layer. The method also includes oxidizing the cap layer to form an oxidized cap layer. The method also includes removing an un-oxidized portion of the cap layer.