Abstract: A tungsten nucleation film is formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate by alternatively providing to that surface, reducing gases and tungsten-containing gases. Each cycle of the method provides for one or more monolayers of the tungsten film. The film is conformal and has improved step coverage, even for a high aspect ratio contact hole.

Abstract: This invention provides practical methods to fabricate sub-micron 3D integrated circuits using multiple layers of diodes manufactured on polycrystalline or amorphous semiconductor thin films. The long existing problems for using poly diodes for high density IC are solved by design and manufacture methods. The circuit design methods of the present invention improve the tolerance in non-ideal properties of diodes. The resulting IC products can function correctly even when many of their diodes are defective. We also developed manufacture procedures fully compatible with current art IC technologies. No additional masking steps or high temperature procedures are used. The 3D IC devices of the present invention are ready to be manufactured by current art IC technologies. Integrated circuits with unprecedented densities are therefore realized by stacking thin film diodes upon common active devices.

Abstract: A process of making a buried digit line stack is disclosed. The process includes forming a silicon-lean metal silicide first film over a polysilicon plug, followed by a silicide compound barrier second film. The silicide compound barrier second film is covered with a refractory metal third film. A salicidation process causes the first film to salicide with the polysilicon plug. In one embodiment, all the aforementioned deposition processes are carried out by physical vapor deposition (“PVD”).

Abstract: Integrated circuitry includes a semiconductive substrate, an insulative material over the semiconductive substrate, and a series of alternating first and second conductive lines, the first and second lines being spaced and positioned laterally adjacent one another over the insulating layer. At least some of the laterally adjacent conductive lines may have different cross-sectional shapes in a direction perpendicular to the respective line. Alternatively, or in addition, individual second series conductive lines may be spaced from adjacent first series conductive lines a distance that is less than a minimum width of the first series lines.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of forming an integrated circuitry memory device. In one implementation, a conductive layer is formed over both memory array areas and peripheral circuitry areas. A refractory metal layer is formed over the conductive layer to provide conductive structure in both areas. According to one aspect of this implementation, the conductive layer is formed over the memory array provides an electrical contact for a capacitor container to be formed. According to another aspect of this implementation, the conductive layer formed over the peripheral circuitry area constitutes a conductive line which includes at least some of the silicide.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a pad for electrical connection provided on a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film with which a surface of the semiconductor substrate is coated and having an opening to which the pad is exposed, a conductive film joined to the pad on a bottom surface of the opening of the first insulating film and extending to a surface of the first insulating film outside the opening, a second insulating film with which the conductive film is coated and having an opening to which a part of the conductive film is exposed, and a connecting member arranged so as to be joined to the conductive film inside the opening of the second insulating film.

Abstract: A method for forming within a substrate employed within a microelectronics fabrication an electrical interconnection cross-over bridging between conductive regions separated by non-conductive regions formed within the substrate. There is formed over a substrate provided with conductive and non-conductive regions a blanket dielectric layer and a blanket polysilicon layer. After patterning the polysilicon and dielectric layers. A portion of the dielectric layer at the periphery of the polysilicon layer is etched away, leaving a gap between the polysilicon patterned layer and the underlying substrate contact region. There is formed over the substrate a layer of refractory metal and after rapid thermal annealing, there is formed a surface layer of refractory metal silicide over the surfaces of the polysilicon layer and within the gap between the polysilicon layer and the substrate, completing the electrical connection.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a well of first conductivity type and well of second conductivity type in a substrate; forming a field oxide layer and gate oxide layer on the substrate; forming first and second polysilicon layers on the field oxide layer and gate oxide layer, the first polysilicon layer being doped with impurities of second conductivity type, the second polysilicon layer being doped with impurities of first conductivity, the first and second polysilicon layers coming into contact with each other; patterning the first and second polysilicon layers to be isolated from each other, to thereby forming first and second gates; and forming a conductive layer between the first and second gates. Accordingly, isolation of N-type and P-type polysilicon layers from each other, and patterning of them for the purpose of forming a gate are carried out using one mask, effectively simplifying the etching process during a gate patterning process.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an improved contact opening of a semiconductor integrated circuit, and an integrated circuit formed according to the same. Planarization of the semiconductor structure is maximized and misalignment of contact openings is tolerated by first forming a conductive structure over a portion of a first body. A thin dielectric layer is formed at least partially over the conductive structure. A thick film, having a high etch selectivity to the thin dielectric layer, is formed over the dielectric layer. The thick film is patterned and etched to form a stack substantially over the conductive structure. An insulation layer is formed over the thin dielectric layer and the stack wherein the stack has a relatively high etch selectivity to the insulation layer. The insulation layer is etched back to expose an upper surface of the stack.

Abstract: A fine particle of metal is disposed on a semiconductor substrate. With the exception of a position of disposition of the fine particle of metal, a covering layer is formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate. Thereafter, heat treatment is implemented at a temperature higher than that where constituent atoms of the semiconductor substrate and constituent atoms of the fine particle of metal dissolve at an interface thereof due to interdiffusion in a vacuum atmosphere. Thus, a fine projection structure that comprises a semiconductor substrate and a fine projection consisting of a solid solution of the semiconductor substrate and the metal is obtained. The fine projection is formed with part thereof precipitating in the semiconductor substrate. The fine projection structure as this largely contributes in realizing high integration semiconductor devices and quantum size devices.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a self-aligned contact and a method for forming the same, including a semiconductor substrate having a self-aligned contact region and a non-self-aligned contact region; a self-aligned contact exposing a portion of the self-aligned contact region; a first insulating layer formed on the semiconductor substrate that exposes the self-aligned contact; conductive patterns formed on the first insulating layer and spaced apart from each other; spacers formed on sidewalls of each of the conductive patterns; a second insulating layer formed over the first insulating layer that exposes the self-aligned contact; a third insulating layer formed between the second insulating layer and the spacer; a fourth insulating layer formed over the non-self-aligned contact region and on sidewalls of the spacers over the self-aligned contact region; and a fifth insulating layer formed on a portion of the fourth insulating layer over the non-self-aligned contact region.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of non-ion-implanted silicon oxynitride films as resistive elements. Such films have been traditionally used in semiconductor processing as antireflective coatings, but their utility as highly resistive circuit elements has heretofore not been realized. Such films find specific utility when used as the load resistors in a 4-T SRAM cell.

Abstract: A transistor device that includes at least two transistors, each transistor including a source region, a drain region, and a shallow trench isolation formed between and contiguous with the source and drain regions, wherein the shallow trench isolation electrically isolates the source and drain regions to minimize the short-channel effects, a conductor layer disposed over the source region, shallow trench isolation, and drain region, wherein the conductor layer electrically connects the source and drain regions to serve as a channel region, a gate oxide disposed over the conductor layer, and a gate structure formed over the gate oxide.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes raised source and drain regions, where the raised source and drain regions are facet free and unconstrained to have a shape conforming to a same crystallographic axes with respect to each other.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a polycide interconnection including a refractory metal silicide film improved in adherence with an interlayer insulation film, and a method of fabricating such a semiconductor device are provided. The local impurity concentration of a tungsten silicide film in the proximity of the interface between an interlayer oxide film and the tungsten silicide film is set to 5×1019 atms/cm3-2×1022 atms/cm3.

Abstract: A novel dielectric composition is provided that is useful in the manufacture of electronic devices such as integrated circuit devices and integrated circuit packaging devices. The dielectric composition is prepared by crosslinking a thermally decomposable porogen to a host polymer via a coupling agent, followed by heating to a temperature suitable to decompose the porogen. The porous materials that result have dielectric constants less than about 3.0, with some materials having dielectric constants less than about 2.5. Integrated circuit devices, integrated circuit packaging devices, and methods of manufacture are provided as well.

Abstract: Nickel silicidation of a gate electrode is controlled using a cobalt barrier layer. Embodiments include forming a gate electrode structure comprising a lower polycrystalline silicon layer, a layer of cobalt thereon and an upper polycrystalline silicon layer on the cobalt layer, depositing a layer of nickel and silicidizing, whereby the upper polycrystalline silicon layer is converted to nickel suicide and a cobalt silicide barrier layer is formed preventing nickel from reacting with the lower polycrystalline silicon layer.

Abstract: Metal nitride and metal oxynitride extrusions often form on metal silicides. These extrusions can cause short circuits and degrade processing yields. The present invention discloses a method of selectively removing such extrusions. In one embodiment, a novel wet etch comprising an oxidizing agent and a chelating agent selectively removes the extrusions from a wordline in a memory array. In another embodiment, the wet etch includes a base that adjusts the pH of the etch to selectively remove certain extrusions relative to other substances in the wordline. Accordingly, new metal silicide structures can be used to form novel wordlines and other types of integrated circuits.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device, and a method of manufacturing the same, comprises an epitaxial nickel silicide on (100) Si, or a stable nickel silicide on amorphous Si, fabricated with a cobalt interlayer. In one embodiment the method comprises depositing a cobalt (Co) interface layer between the Ni and Si layers prior to the silicidation reaction. The cobalt interlayer regulates the flux of the Ni atoms through the cobalt/nickel/silicon alloy layer formed from the reaction of the cobalt interlayer with the nickel and the silicon so that the Ni atoms reach the Si interface at a similar rate, i.e., without any orientation preference, so as to form a uniform layer of nickel silicide. The nickel silicide may be annealed to form a uniform crystalline nickel disilicide. Accordingly, a single crystal nickel silicide on (100) Si or on amorphous Si is achieved wherein the nickel silicide has improved stability and may be utilized in ultra-shallow junction devices.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of first diffusion layers having a low impurity density, the first diffusion layers being formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of second diffusion layers having a high impurity density, the second diffusion layers being formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of first contacts, each of which contacts the first diffusion layers and each of which is formed of a semiconductor; and a plurality of second contacts, each of which contacts the second diffusion layers and each of which is formed of a metal.

Abstract: A semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) transistor is disclosed. The SOI transistor includes a source region, a drain region and a body region disposed therebetween, the body region including a gate disposed thereon, the source and drain regions including respective silicide regions. The body region includes a region of recombination centers formed by atom implantation, wherein atoms forming the region of recombination centers are implanted at an angle from opposite sides of the gate in a direction towards the body region, with the gate and source and drain silicide regions acting as an implant blocking mask, such that the region of recombination centers is disposed between a source/body junction and a drain/body junction. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating the SOI transistor.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is made by mounting semiconductor elements on both sides of a wiring board having three-dimensional wiring including inner-via holes. A high operating speed and smaller size are made possible by employing a laminated structure of semiconductor elements without using the chip-on-chip configuration. Semiconductor elements are mounted on both sides of a wiring board having three-dimensional wiring including inner via holes so that the semiconductor elements oppose each other via the wiring board. The electrodes of the semiconductor elements are connected with each other by the three-dimensional wiring of the wiring board.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming local interconnect structures for integrated circuits. A representative embodiment includes depositing a silicon source layer over a substrate having at least one topographical structure thereon. The silicon source layer preferably comprising silicon rich silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride or other silicon source having sufficient free silicon to form a silicide but not so much free silicon as to result in formation of stringers (i.e., does not comprise polysilicon). The silicon source layer is preferably deposited over an active area in the substrate and at least a portion of the topographical structure. A silicide forming material, e.g., a refractory metal, is deposited directly on selected regions of the silicon source layer and over the topographical structure. A silicide layer is made from the silicide forming material and the silicon source layer preferably by annealing the structure.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, a CoSi2 film is interposed between a pluglike contact and a barrier metal film as a silicide film. Consequently, excess reaction can be suppressed on a Ti/polysilicon interface between the pluglike contact or a pluglike local wire and the barrier metal film for stably lowering contact resistance.

Abstract: A method of forming a self-aligned silicide (salicide) with a double gate silicide. The method improves transistor speed by lowering the leakage current in the source and drain areas and lowering the polysilicon sheet resistance of the gate. As a result of one embodiment of the present method, a silicide is formed over the gate area which is advantageously thicker than silicide formations over the source and drain areas.

Abstract: This invention provides a semiconductor device comprising gate insulating films 13, 21 formed on the main surface of a silicon substrate 11; gate electrodes 14, 22 consisting of polycrystalline silicon; and a high-density doped layer 17, wherein a part of the side of the gate electrode 22 is electrically connected with the high-density doped layer via a metal silicide layer 23.

Abstract: A ternary metal silicide layer is formed between a silicon substrate and a barrier layer, in a contact structure including: a substrate having a silicon part; an insulating layer formed on the substrate, and having a connection hole that reaches the silicon part, a barrier layer formed at least on an inner surface of the connection hole; and a conductive member buried inside the barrier layer.

Abstract: A contact interface having a substantially continuous profile along a bottom and lower sides of the active surface of the semiconductor substrate formed within a contact opening. The contact interface is formed by depositing a layer of conductive material, such as titanium, using both a high bias deposition and a low bias deposition. The high bias and low bias deposition may be effected as a two-step deposition or may be accomplished by changing the bias from a high level to a low level during deposition, or vice versa. The conductive material is converted to a silicide by an annealing process to form the contact interface.

Abstract: A configuration for connecting conductor tracks includes a first conductor track fabricated with a first phase mask having a first phase and a second conductor track fabricated with a second phase mask having a second phase opposite to the first phase. The first and second conductor tracks define a given metallization plane and are disposed on this given metallization plane. The first conductor track adjoins the second conductor track in a junction region such that a discontinuity is provided between the first conductor track and the second conductor track. A connecting contact is disposed above or below the given metallization plane and connects the conductor tracks in the junction region. Moving the connection above or below the metallization plane avoids phase conflicts in the junction region. A method of electrically connecting conductor tracks is also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductive contact having an atomically flat interface. A layer containing titanium and one of cobalt, tungsten, tantalum, or molybdenum is deposited on a silicon substrate and the resulting structure is annealed in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere at about 500° C. to about 700° C. A conductive material is deposited on top of the structure formed on anneal. A flat interface is formed that prevents diffusion of conductive materials into the underlying silicon substrate. The method can be used to form contacts for very small devices and shallow junctions, such as are required for ULSI shallow junctions.

Abstract: A method of forming a liner (and resultant structure) in a contact includes depositing a first layer of refractory metal, annealing the first layer, and sputter depositing a second layer of refractory metal or a compound or an alloy thereof, over the first layer.

Abstract: The dimension measurement and management of a mask or a wafer are facilitated by using a dummy pattern having a configuration and arrangement capable of achieving a plurality of objects. In the entire region or a major region of an optional wiring layer on a semiconductor chip and in the space between the adjacent patterns in an actual pattern portion, dummy patterns for controlling the coverage and density of a pattern in the wiring layer are regularly arranged. All or some of the dummy patterns are dummy patterns for the dimension measurement including the main size (width and distance) required for the dimension management of the wiring layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structure of a dual damascene, in particular to a structure of a dual damascene using in a via. The structure of this dual damascene via comprises of; the first gap, the second gap, the third gap, a barrier layer, the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, the first dielectric barrier cap, the second dielectric barrier cap, the first low dielectric constant (k) dielectric layer, and the second low dielectric constant dielectric layer. The structure of the present invention can obtain better electromigration (EM) resistance and better via resistance stability by using the third gap to be situated in the first conductive layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device and method of forming same is disclosed and includes a silicon substrate having a field oxide region and spaced active region. First and second self-aligned contact window openings are associated with a respective field oxide region and active region. A dummy polysilicon landing pad is formed over the field oxide region and formed below the first self-aligned contact window opening. An operative polysilicon landing pad is formed above the dummy landing pad. A silicon nitride barrier layer is also formed during the process.

Abstract: A system and related process to enable control of photolithographic pattern features on a structure having one or more severe non-flat topologies. The system includes an analysis of the Depth of Focus associated with photolithographic equipment and a photoresist film applied to the structure. From that determination a range of layout dimension of the topologies is identified accordingly and incorporated into the fabrication of such topologies. A conformal layer of material is then applied to the formed structure including the determined topologies to effectively substantially close up the topologies prior to application of the photoresist film. The system is suitable for use with any structure having severe topologies and photolithographic limitations including, for example, in the fabrication of micro-electro mechanical systems.

Abstract: A semiconductor device adopting an interlayer contact structure between upper and lower conductive layers and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device adopting the structure are provided. The lower conductive layer includes a first conductive layer and a first silicide layer stacked together. The upper conductive layer includes a second conductive layer doped with impurities and a second silicide layer stacked together. In the interlayer contact structure, the first and second conductive layers are in direct contact with each other. This decreases the contact resistance between the two conductive layers and improves the electrical properties of the device.

Abstract: Coplanar waveguides having a deep trench between a signal line and a ground plane and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. An oxide layer is provided over a silicon substrate and a photoresist is applied and patterned to define areas where the signal line and the ground plane will be formed. A barrier layer is provided over the oxide layer in the defined areas. A metal layer is then deposited over the barrier layer. An etch mask is deposited over the metal layer for the subsequent trench formation. The photoresist and the underlying portion of the oxide and barrier layers are removed and a deep trench is formed in the substrate between the signal line and the ground plane using etching through the mask.

Abstract: An aluminum interconnect which extends adjacent to and is insulated from a stacked capacitor structure to facilitate electrical communication between an active device region of a semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor device structure and a bit line extending above the semiconductor substrate. The aluminum interconnect is disposed within a trench and may include a metal silicide layer adjacent the active device region to form a buried metal diffusion layer. The aluminum interconnect may also include a metal nitride layer disposed between the metal silicide and aluminum. The invention also includes methods of fabricating aluminium interconnects adjacent stacked capacitor structures and semiconductor device structures which include the aluminum interconnects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for partially strapping a plurality of polysilicon lines, each having a first end and second end, uses a metal line having a plurality of spaced apart metal segments that are collinear with each metal segment partially strapping a different one of the polysilicon lines. The metal segments are arranged from the first end to the second end with the signals propagating from the second end to the first end with each metal line having a length of x x = L n + 1 / 3 and with a metal line at the second end having a length of {fraction (4/3)}X where L is the length between the first end and the second end and n is the number of metal lines.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device and method of manufacturing the same is presented. The device comprises a first conductive line formed on a semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer formed on the first conductive line and the semiconductor substrate has a first contact hole exposing the first conductive line. A second conductive line consisting of a polysilicon layer and a silicide layer thereon is formed on the insulating layer including the first contact hole. The polysilicon layer of the second conductive line extends from the sidewall of the first contact hole to the top of the insulating layer so as to expose the first conductive line. The silicide layer of the second conductive line is directly connected to the exposed first conductive line in the first contact hole. Contact resistance between a bit line and a word line on the device can be reduced by directly contacting a silicide layer of the word line and a silicide layer of the bit line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor standard cell architecture with local interconnect. The standard cell architecture includes a semiconductor substrate having diffusion regions that are designated for source and drain regions of a functional circuit. The standard cell also includes a polysilicon layer that is patterned to define gate electrodes and interconnections of the semiconductor standard cell architecture. In addition, the standard cell includes a local interconnect metallization layer that is patterned into a plurality of local interconnect metallization lines that are configured to be disposed over the semiconductor substrate and are further configured to substantially interconnect the source and drain regions and gate electrodes to define the functional circuit. The plurality of local interconnect metallization lines are further designed to incorporate local interconnect metallization pins that are connection points for interconnecting the functional circuit to another functional circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a pad for electrical connection provided on a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film with which a surface of the semiconductor substrate is coated and having an opening to which the pad is exposed, a conductive film joined to the pad on a bottom surface of the opening of the first insulating film and extending to a surface of the first insulating film outside the opening, a second insulating film with which the conductive film is coated and having an opening to which a part of the conductive film is exposed, and a connecting member arranged so as to be joined to the conductive film inside the opening of the second insulating film.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a conductor layer utilize an implanted matrix to form C54-titanium silicide. Word line stacks formed by the methods of the invention are used in sub-0.2 micron line width applications, interconnects, and silicided source/drain regions, among other applications, and have a lower resistivity and improved thermal stability.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present invention, a bonding pad structure of a semiconductor device reduces damage caused by thermo-mechanical stress in beam lead bonding. A method of fabricating an improved bonding pad structure is also provided. A polysilicon film plate is preferably formed between a bonding pad metal layer and a dielectric layer. The polysilicon film plate absorbs external thermo-mechanical stress and improves the durability of the bonding pad in a bond pull test (BPT). The bonding between the bonding pad metal layer and the dielectric layer is also improved. Other features and advantages are also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device or integrated circuit has high and low resistive contacts. Mobility spoiling ions such as carbon are implanted into all contacts of the substrate. High resistive contacts are temporarily covered with an oxide during processing to prevent silicide from forming due to interaction between a siliciding metal and the implanted mobility spoiling ions in the contacts. The resulting high resistance contacts have highly linear I-V curves, even at high voltages. Selective silicide formation converts some of the contacts back to low resistance contacts as a result of interaction between a siliciding metal and the implanted mobility spoiling ions in the low resistance contacts.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes metal silicide films formed on the surface of a source-drain region and of a gate electrode. On the metal silicide films, impurity regions are formed of a conductivity type opposite to the conductivity type of the source-drain region. This structure enables the contact resistance at the interfaces between contact layers and the metal silicide films even when the semiconductor integrated circuit is scaled down, thereby providing a high-speed semiconductor device and its manufacturing method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel contact structure comprising an underlying layer of titanium silicide, an intermediate layer of titanium boride, and an overlying layer of polysilicon. Also disclosed is a method for forming the contact structure which comprises depositing a titanium layer in the bottom of a contact opening having oxide insulation sidewalls, forming an overlying layer of polysilicon above the titanium layer, and annealing the two layers together. The resulting contact structure is formed with fewer steps than contact structures of the prior art and without the need for additional steps to achieve uniform sidewall coverage, due to high adhesion of the overlying layer of polysilicon with oxide insulation sidewalls of the contact opening. The contact structure has low contact resistance, and provides a suitable diffusion barrier due to a high melting point.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having copper wiring and capable of reliably preventing copper atoms from diffusing into a memory storage region even in a slight amount is obtained. This semiconductor device includes on a semiconductor substrate a memory cell portion and a wiring portion including copper wires, and includes in a region surrounding the memory cell portion a copper-diffusion preventing film for blocking diffusion of copper atoms from the wiring portion.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a process for forming the device includes a conductor that overlies an insulating layer. In one embodiment, the conductor includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion. The second conductive portion lies between the first and third conductive portions. The first conductive portion includes a first element, and the third conductive portion includes a metal and silicon without a significant amount of the first element. In another embodiment, the conductor is a gate electrode or a capacitor electrode. The conductor includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, a third conductive portion, and a fourth conductive portion. The second conductive portion lies between the first and third conductive portions and has a different composition compared to the first, third, and fourth conductive portion.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of forming an integrated circuitry memory device. In one preferred implementation, a conductive layer is formed over both memory array areas and peripheral circuitry areas. A refractory metal layer is formed over the conductive layer to provide conductive structure in both areas. According to a preferred aspect of this implementation, the conductive layer which is formed over the memory array provides an electrical contact for a capacitor container to be formed. According to another preferred aspect of this implementation, the conductive layer formed over the peripheral circuitry area constitutes a conductive line which includes at least some of the silicide. In another preferred implementation, the invention provides a method of forming a capacitor container over a substrate. According to a preferred aspect of this implementation, a conductive layer is elevationally interposed between an upper insulating layer and a lower conductive layer over the substrate.