Abstract: A three-dimensional memory array includes a plurality of rail-stacks on each of several levels forming alternating levels of X-lines and Y-lines for the array. Memory cells are formed at the intersection of each X-line and Y-line. The memory cells of each memory plane are all oriented in the same direction relative to the substrate, forming a serial chain diode stack. In certain embodiments, row and column circuits for the array are arranged to interchange function depending upon the directionality of memory cells in the selected memory plane. High-voltage drivers for the X-lines and Y-lines are each capable of passing a write current in either direction depending on the direction of the selected memory cell. A preferred bias arrangement reverse biases only unselected memory cells within the selected memory plane, totaling approximately N2 memory cells, rather than approximately 3N2 memory cells as with prior arrays.

Abstract: A method of conducting a laser repair operation. A silicon wafer has a plurality of chips thereon. Each chips has a plurality of bonding pads, a plurality of testing pads, a plurality of fuses and a passivation layer for protecting the chips. The passivation layer exposes the bonding pads and the testing pads. A bump-forming process is conducted to form a bottom metallic layer and a bump sequentially over each bonding pad. Only a bottom metallic layer is formed over each testing pad. The bumps are formed, for example, by electroplating or printing. Testing is carried out by probing various bottom metallic layers above the testing pads. Finally, a laser repair is conducted.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device using a semiconductor thin film having high crystallinity, which is formed by a manufacturing method with high productivity. When active layers of an amorphous silicon film are crystallized, germanium is used as a catalytic element for facilitating crystallization. When a heat treatment is carried out in a state where the active layers are in contact with a germanium film through an opening portion provided in a mask insulating film, the active layers made of a polysilicon film are obtained by crystal growth in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A SOI substrate is preamorphized by ion implanting Xe prior to forming source/drain extensions and source/drain regions, thereby virtually eliminating or significantly reducing floating body effects. Other aspects comprise ion implanting a Xe2+ into a bulk silicon or SOI substrate to effect preeamorphization prior to forming source/drain extensions and regions having shallow junctions with reduced vertical and lateral straggle.

Abstract: In the manufacturing method of a GOLD structured TFT having a gate electrode of double-layered structure, in which, compared to a second layer gate electrode, the first layer gate electrode is thinner in film thickness and longer in dimension of the channel direction, by controlling the density of the photo-absorbent contained in a positive type resist, which contains a photo-absorbent of diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ)-novolac resin series, the taper angle of the side wall is controlled to a desired angle range so that the angle thereof becomes smaller. Owing to this, it is possible to control the retreat amount of the resist when carrying out dry etching and the dimension of Lov area to a desired dimensional range so that the dimension thereof becomes larger.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a contact between a semiconductor substrate and a doped polysilicon layer deposited on the substrate with an interposed insulating layer, wherein elements adapted to making the insulating layer permeable to the migration of dopants from the polysilicon layer to the substrate are implanted.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has, in one embodiment, two wells of different conductivity types formed in a semiconductor substrate. The two wells are arranged to be adjacent to each other to form a junction therebetween. A field oxide film is formed to cover the junction at a main surface of the semiconductor substrate. Other field oxide films or field-shield isolation structures may be formed to isolate circuit elements from one another in the wells.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and a damascene wiring layer structure, wherein first and second metal wiring layers are formed in a lower dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate such that top surfaces of the first and second metal wiring layers and the lower dielectric layer are level. First and second dielectric layers are sequentially formed to have a hole exposing the top surface of the second metal wiring layer. An upper electrode of a capacitor is formed in the hole region such that the top surfaces of the upper electrode and the second dielectric layer are level. Third and fourth dielectric layers are sequentially formed on the substrate. A damascene structure is formed to contact the top surface of the first metal wiring layer, and a contact plug is formed to contact the top surface of the upper electrode.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing semiconductor devices are provided. First and second portions of a first metal layer are formed in a first interlayer insulating layer. A second interlayer insulating layer is formed to cover the first portion and has an opening that exposes the second portion. A dielectric layer is formed on the exposed second portion. A second metal layer is formed on the dielectric layer to fill the opening in a capacitor region. A via contact hole to expose the first portion is formed in the second insulating layer. A third metal layer is formed in the via contact hole. A third interlayer insulating layer is formed on the second interlayer insulating layer. Contact holes to expose the second metal layer and the third metal layer are formed in the third interlayer insulating layer. A fourth metal layer is formed in the contact holes.

Abstract: Semiconductor processing methods of forming integrated circuitry, and in particular, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuitry are described. In one embodiment, a single masking step is utilized to form mask openings over a substrate, and both impurities are provided and material of the substrate is etched through the openings. In one implementation, openings are contemporaneously formed in a photo masking layer over substrate areas where impurities are to be provided, and other areas where etching is to take place. In separate steps, the substrate is doped with impurities, and material of the substrate is etched through the mask openings. In another implementation, two conductive lines are formed over a substrate and a masking layer is formed over the conductive lines. Openings are formed in the masking layer in the same step, with one of the openings being received over one conductive line, and another of the openings being received over the other conductive line.

Abstract: A method for forming a tunnel oxide film of a flash memory. A chamber having a wafer therein is provided. Hydrogen and oxygen are introduced into the chamber, whereby the chamber has a pressure and a temperature therein. The pressure of the chamber is decreased to about 5-15 torrs. The temperature of the chamber is increased to about 850° C. to about 1100° C., whereby the hydrogen reacts with the oxygen to form a plurality of oxygen radicals, and whereby the oxygen radicals react with the wafer to form a silicon oxide film.

Abstract: In a semiconductor memory device including memory cells and a peripheral circuit unit, a memory cell has a first gate structure formed on a semiconductor substrate; a first impurity region of a first conductive type formed in the substrate on a first side of the gate structure; and a second impurity region formed in the substrate on a second side of the gate structure, the second impurity region including: a third impurity region of the first conductive type, a fourth impurity region of the first conductive type between the third impurity region and the second side of the gate structure, and a halo ion region of a second conductive type formed adjacent to the fourth impurity region.

Abstract: The invention comprises FLASH memory and methods of forming flash memory. In one implementation, a line of floating gates is formed over a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is etched to form a series of spaced trenches therein in a line adjacent and along at least a portion of the line of floating gates. At least one conductivity enhancing impurity implant is conducted into the semiconductor substrate at an angle away from normal to a general orientation of the semiconductor substrate to implant at least along sidewalls of the trenches and between the trenches, and a continuous line of source active area is formed within the semiconductor substrate along at least a portion of the line of floating gates. In another implementation, a line of floating gates is formed over a semiconductor substrate. An alternating series of trench isolation regions and active area regions are provided in the semiconductor substrate in a line adjacent and along at least a portion of the line of floating gates.

Abstract: Within a sequential and repetitive thermal oxidation and stripping method for forming a plurality of gate dielectric layers having a maximum numbered plurality of thicknesses upon a semiconductor substrate, there is provided a compensating thermal annealing when forming less than the maximum numbered plurality of thicknesses of the plurality of gate dielectric layers upon the semiconductor substrate. By employing the compensating thermal annealing, the semiconductor substrate is more readily manufacturable in conjunction with related microelectronic fabrications.

Abstract: A method for forming an ultra thin gate dielectric for an integrated circuit device is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method includes forming an initial nitride layer upon a substrate by rapidly heating the substrate in the presence of an ammonia (NH3) gas, and then re-oxidizing the initial nitride layer by rapidly heating the initial nitride layer in the presence of a nitric oxide (NO) gas, thereby forming an oxynitride layer. The oxynitride layer has a nitrogen concentration therein of at about 1.0×1015 atoms/cm2 to about 6.0×1015 atoms/cm2, and has a thickness which may be controlled within a sub 10 Å range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device, comprising a semiconductor substrate, an insulating film and a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate, source-drain regions formed in the semiconductor substrate, and a metal oxide layer formed selectively on the gate electrode. The gate electrode is formed of a first metal, and the metal oxide layer contains a second metal having a reduction amount of a Gibbs standard free energy in forming an oxide that is larger than that of the first metal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which is capable of operating with a single positive power supply and has a low gate resistance, and a process for production thereof.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a DRAM semiconductor device including forming gate stacks in which a gate pattern and a gate sacrificial mask are sequentially deposited on a semiconductor substrate, forming an etch stopper on the semiconductor substrate, forming a lightly doped impurity region between the gate stacks, forming a gate spacer along sidewalls of the gate stacks, forming a heavily doped impurity region to contact the lightly doped impurity region and to be aligned with the gate spacer, removing the gate spacer, forming an interlevel dielectric layer to fill a gap between the gate stacks, forming a groove on a gate conductive layer by etching an exposed top surface of the etch stopper and the gate sacrificial mask, forming a contact mask pattern for filling the groove, forming a contact hole to be self-aligned with respect to the contact mask pattern, and forming a contact pad in the contact hole.

Abstract: A high voltage MOSFET device (100) has an nwell region (113) with a p-top layer (108) of opposite conductivity formed to enhance device characteristics. The p-top layer is implanted through a thin gate oxide, and is being diffused into the silicon later in the process using the source/drain anneal process. There is no field oxide grown on the top of the extended drain region, except two islands of field oxide close to the source and drain diffusion regions. This eliminates any possibility of p-top to be consumed by the field oxide, and allows to have a shallow p-top with very controlled and predictable p-top for achieving low on-resistance with maintaining desired breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A method for monitoring bipolar junction transistor emitter window etching process is disclosed. The method at least includes the following steps. First of all, a substrate is provided having a silicon oxide layer thereon and a silicon nitride layer on the silicon oxide layer. Then, a semiconductor layer is deposited on the silicon nitride layer. Next, a conductive region of a first conductivity type is formed in the semiconductor layer. Then, a dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor layer. Then, the dielectric layer and the semiconductor layer are anisotropically etched to stop on the silicon oxide layer to define an emitter region of the bipolar junction transistor. Finally, the silicon oxide layer is isotropically etched.

Abstract: A method for making a small pore. The defined pore is useful for the fabrication of programmable resistance memory elements. The programmable resistance memory material may be a chalcogenide.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for protection of a circuit against process-induced electrical discharge. The method includes forming a diode in close proximity to a charge collector structure capable of exhibiting the antenna effect, and connecting the diode to the charge collector structure by means of local interconnect techniques during the intermediate processing steps. Additionally, the diode may be formed beneath a connecting pad to educe or eliminate antenna effect problems without significant loss of a die area.

Abstract: A Silicon On Insulator (SOI) structure and method of producing an SOI structure that can prevent a short circuit between a Local Inter-Connect (LIC) and a well in the SOI structure is disclosed. The SOI structure includes a BOX layer of insulation material formed on a silicon substrate; an SOI layer formed on the BOX layer; a well formed within a device isolation area of the SOI layer such that its lower surface is in contact with the BOX layer; a field oxide film formed on a surface side within the well; a gate line formed across an active area on the SOI layer and a portion on the field oxide film; an N+ type source/drain area formed within the active area along both sides of the gate line to contact its lower surface with the BOX layer; an insulation layer formed on such resultant structure; and an opening part that is formed within the insulation layer.

Abstract: A method of forming isolation regions in a silicon substrate comprising the steps of forming a trench in the silicon substrate, filling the trench with a silanol polymer material then heating the silanol polymer material so that silicon dioxide is formed in the trench and thereby forms the isolation region. In the preferred embodiment, the silicon substrate is covered by a masking stack which is then etched to expose the underlying silicon substrate. The silicon substrate is then etched to form the trench and the silanol polymer material is deposited in the trench and fills the trench from the bottom up thereby avoiding divots and other defects. The silanol polymer grows faster on the silicon substrate than it does on the nitride. After the silanol polymer is reacted to form the silicon dioxide, CMP polishing is then used to remove the remaining masking stack and silicon dioxide above the surface of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: The invention utilizes introductions of oxygen and hydroxyl to perform an in situ steam generated (ISSG) process to anneal and reoxidize a conventional sidewall oxide layer in a shallow trench isolation. The ISSG annealing process renders the conventional sidewall oxide layer much less stress. The electrical property of the active regions and the isolation quality between the active regions can be assured.

Abstract: A method for forming a sacrificial oxide layer is disclosed. The invention utilizes an in situ steam generated process comprising the introductions of oxygen and hydroxyl to oxidize active regions of a substrate and form a sacrificial oxide layer. The ISSG process renders the sacrificial oxide layer much less stress and encroachment. Unlike the conventional sacrificial oxide layer, the sacrificial oxide layer formed by the method set forth will not damage the substrate. The electrical and mechanical properties of the active regions can be assured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formation method of a trench structure comprising forming a pad oxide layer on a substrate. A first polysilicon layer is formed on the pad oxide layer and an oxide layer is formed thereon. A second polysilicon layer is formed on the oxide layer. The partial second polysilicon layer, the oxide layer, the first polysilicon layer, and the pad oxide layer are removed to expose the partial substrate. The second polysilicon layer and the partial substrate are etched for forming the trench structure in the substrate. An etched depth of the trench structure is well controlled by the etched thickness of the second polysilicon layer.

Abstract: Substrates suitable to manufacture and products of a thin film semiconductor device are provided, by at first preparing a manufacturing substrate having a characteristic capable of enduring a process for forming a thin film transistor and a product substrate having a characteristic suitable to direct mounting of the thin film transistor in a preparatory step, then applying a bonding step to bond the manufacturing substrate to the product substrate for supporting the product substrate at the back, successively applying a formation step to form at least a thin film transistor to the surface of the product substrate in a state reinforced with the manufacturing substrate and, finally, applying a separation step to separate the manufacturing substrate after use from the product substrate.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for gettering silicon on insulator wafers without forming regions of heavy doping. Silicon germanium layers (201, 304) are formed beneath silicon layers (200, 305) such that dislocations will form in the silicon germanium layers. These dislocations will serve to getter impurities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a Group III nitride compound semiconductor, which method permits only minimal reaction of the semiconductor with a hetero-substrate during epitaxial growth and induces no cracks in the Group III nitride compound semiconductor even when the semiconductor is cooled to room temperature. The method includes a buffer layer formation step for forming a gas-etchable buffer layer on the hetero-substrate, and a semiconductor formation step for epitaxially growing the Group III nitride compound semiconductor on the buffer layer through a vapor phase growth method, wherein at least a portion of the buffer layer is gas-etched during or after the semiconductor formation step.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. An accommodating buffer layer comprises a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from a silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer has a lattice registry to both the underlying silicon wafer and the overlying monocrystalline material layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer. In addition, formation of a compliant substrate may include utilizing surfactant enhanced epitaxy, epitaxial growth of single crystal silicon onto single crystal oxide, and epitaxial growth of Zintl phase materials.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of germanium can be grown overlying large silicon wafers by first growing an accommodating buffer layer on a silicon wafer. The accommodating buffer layer is a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon wafer and the overlying monocrystalline germanium layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer.

Abstract: A thin film semiconductor device and a method for producing it are described. In the thin film layer of semiconductor of the device, a plurality of large size single-crystalline grains of semiconductor are formed in a regulated configuration, and each of single crystalline grains is equipped with one unit of electric circuit having a gate electrode, a source electrode and drain electrode. Such regulated arrangement of large size single-crystalline grains in the semiconductor layer is realized by a process including a step of irradiating the layer of amorphous or polycrystalline semiconductor with energy beam such as excimer laser so that maximum irradiation intensity points and minimum irradiation intensity points are arranged regulatedly. The device can have a high mobility such as about 500 cm2/V sec..

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an isolation region which is formed in a semiconductor layer, and a resistance conductive layer which is in a sidewall shape. According to this semiconductor device, the resistance conductive layer having a high resistance can be obtained with a very small area. Thus, a novel semiconductor device including a resistance element can be provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor incorporating a channel passivation step is described. The method achieves dopant ion activation in a polysilicon gate by using laser irradiation, however, with an additional insulating material layer such as SiOx or SixNy overlying and protecting the channel portion of the polysilicon gate. Any possible contamination by residual photoresist material after a photoresist removal step on the channel portion of the polysilicon gate can thus be avoided. Furthermore, deficiencies such as dopant ions out-diffusion and lateral diffusion can be avoided. The leakage current of the thin film transistors formed by the present invention method is significantly reduced when compared to those formed by a conventional method.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for forming an adhesive layer on copper. A copper layer (120) is formed as part of the metal interconnect structure of an integrated circuit. An adhesive layer (130) is formed on the copper layer (120) and a second layer (140) is formed on the adhesive layer (130). Any number of dielectric layers or non-dielectric layers are then formed over the second layer (140).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having an L-shaped spacer is provided. A buffer dielectric layer, a first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer are sequentially formed on the surface of the gate electrode and on the semiconductor substrate. Next, the second dielectric layer is etched to form a first disposable spacer on the first dielectric layer at both sidewalls of the gate electrode. Next, a deeply doped source and drain region is formed on the semiconductor substrate to be aligned to the first disposable spacer. Next, the first disposable spacer and the first dielectric layer are sequentially removed. Next, a shallowly doped source and drain region is formed on the semiconductor substrate at both sidewalls of the gate electrode adjacent to the deeply doped source and drain region. Next, a third dielectric layer, a fourth dielectric layer, and a fifth dielectric layer are sequentially formed on the buffer dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of making a ball grid assembly and the assembly wherein a mask (1) is provided which is not wettable by solder and through which a pattern of parallel holes (3) is provided extending to at least one of a pair of opposing surfaces. A magnet (5), preferably an electromagnet, is disposed at the other one of the opposing surfaces. Solderable magnetic pins (7) are caused to enter the holes by magnetic attraction by positioning the one surface of the mask over the pins with a portion of each of the pins extending out of the hole into which it has entered. A layer of solder (11) is formed on the portion of each of the pins extending out of a hole in the mask and this layer of solder is reflowed over the pins and over a grid of solder adherable elements (13) on the package (15) and then allowed to set. The mask is removed from the pins when the solder is again set.

Abstract: A method of forming memory circuitry sequentially includes forming a plurality of metal interconnect lines over a semiconductive substrate. A plurality of memory cell storage devices comprising voltage or current controlled resistance setable semiconductive material are then formed. In one implementation, a method of forming integrated circuitry includes forming a metal interconnect line over a semiconductive substrate. A device comprising two metal comprising electrodes separated by a voltage or current controlled resistance setable semiconductive material is formed. The resistance setable semiconductive material is formed after forming the metal interconnect line.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing wiring includes a step of forming a conductive layer pattern through a developing step after performing film formation and exposure step using photosensitive paste that contains a photosensitive material and a conductive material, a step of forming an insulating layer pattern through a developing step after performing film formation and exposure step using photosensitive paste that contains a photosensitive material and an insulating material, and a baking step for baking the conductive layer pattern and the insulating layer pattern. Thus, a wiring pattern can be formed with high precision by reducing an edge curl.

Abstract: There are provided a semiconductor device fabricating method for forming a wiring layer on a semiconductor substrate, followed by cleaning, which may prevent elution and oxidation of the wiring layer, and a treating liquid used in the fabricating method. A Cu wiring, an interlayer film over the Cu wiring and an opening in the interlyaer film to expose the surface of the Cu wiring are formed in a plasma atmosphere. IPA is sprayed to the semiconductor device, and then, an organic release process is performed thereto with an amine solvent to remove an etching residue. The semiconductor device is rinsed with the IPA again to remove the remaining amine, and then is cleaned with a treating liquid, which is alkalescent. Then, it is rinsed with pure water or CO2 water and is dried.

Abstract: A method for forming interconnect dual damascene structures comprising: first, performing a low-k dielectric spin-on; wherein the low-k dielectric is photosensitive and is copper; second, forming trench and vias in the low-k dielectric with a tri-tone mask; and third, applying a liner deposition in the trench and vias; wherein the tri-tone mask comprises a plurality of transmissions, wherein the transmissions of the tri-tone mask is in the range of 0% to 100%. The transmission of the tri-tone mask further comprises a transmission of 0% corresponding to non-erosion regions of the dielectric. Moreover, the transmission of the tri-tone mask further comprises a transmission of 100% corresponding to via regions of the dielectric. Furthermore, the range of 0% to 100% corresponds to trench regions of the dielectric.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming the salicide, more particularly, to the method for forming the salicide in the partial region. The present invention uses a silicon layer to be the mask layer to form the salicide in the partial region of the logic circuit. The silicide is formed on the gate and is not formed in the diffusion region, which are in the cell array region. The silicide is formed on the gate and in the diffusion region, which are in the periphery region. The present invention method can make the semiconductor device obtain lower resistance and decrease the leakage defects.

Abstract: The present invention mainly provides a method to locally form metal suicides on an integral circuit. The method can avoid forming metal silicides on the surface of those devices with high resistance, so the performance of those devices will not degrade. The method can also avoid a phenomenon of leakage current which is caused by forming metal silicides between the memory cells on the same word line.

Abstract: The present invention mainly provides a method to locally form metal silicides on an integral circuit. The method can avoid forming metal silicides on the surface of those devices with high resistance, so the performance of those devices will not degrade. The method can also avoid a phenomenon of leakage current which is caused by forming metal silicide between the memory cells on the same word line.

Abstract: A contact structure for establishing electrical connection with contact targets. The contact structure is formed of a contact substrate and a plurality of contactors. The contactor has a contact portion which is protruded in a vertical direction to form a contact point, an intermediate portion which is inserted in a through hole provided on the contact substrate, and a base portion having a base end which functions as a contact pad and a spring portion provided between the base end and the intermediate portion for producing a resilient contact force when the contactor is pressed against the contact target.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and medium of conditioning a planarizing surface includes installing a wafer to be polished in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus having a polishing pad and a conditioning disk, polishing the wafer under a first set of pad conditioning parameters selected to maintain wafer material removal rates with preselected minimum and maximum removal rates, determining a wafer material removal rate occurring during the polishing step, calculating updated pad conditioning parameters to maintain wafer material removal rates within the maximum and minimum removal rates, and conditioning the polishing pad using the updated pad conditioning parameters, wherein the updated pad conditioning parameters are calculated using a pad wear and conditioning model that predicts the wafer material removal rate of the polishing pad based upon pad conditioning parameters, such as the conditioning down force and rotational speed of the conditioning disk.

Abstract: To provide a manufacturing method for simultaneously forming machined patterns different in dept in a small number of steps and a machined pattern having a U-shaped sectional form in which depths and widths are smoothly changed. Mask patterns 62 respectively having a semicircular sectional form and mask patterns 65 respectively having a V-shaped sectional form are formed at different opening widths 63 and 64 respectively to perform sandblasting by using the mask patterns 62 and 65 as masks. Though a deep groove is formed between the semicircular-sectional-form mask patterns 62, a shallow groove is formed between the V-shaped-sectional-form mask patterns 65.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic channel through a substrate includes etching an exposed section on a first surface of the substrate, and coating the etched section of the substrate. The etching and the coating are alternatingly repeated until the fluidic channel is formed.

Abstract: An integrated process and system for etching a hole in an oxide layer and conformally coating a liner for metal filling. The wafer with a patterned photoresist mask is loaded into a first transfer chamber held at a vacuum of less than 1 Torr. An oxide etch reactor etches the oxide down to a nitride etch stop and barrier layer to form a hole through the oxide. Thereafter, the photoresist is ashed, and the barrier layer is removed. The wafer is transferred through a gated vacuum passageway to a second transfer chamber held at a vacuum no more than 10−6 Torr. In at least two PVD or CVD deposition chambers connected to the second transfer chamber, a barrier layer of Ta/TaN is coated onto sides of the hole and a copper seed layer is deposited over the barrier layer. The invention may be limited to the operations subsequent to ashing.