Abstract: A semiconductor chip includes a back end of line (BEOL) structure on a first surface of the semiconductor substrate and including a conductive connection structure and an interlayer insulating layer covering the conductive connection structure, a conductive reinforcing layer arranged on the BEOL structure, a cover insulating layer covering the conductive reinforcing layer, an under bump metal (UBM) layer including a plurality of pad connection portions connected to the conductive reinforcing layer through openings in the cover insulating layer, and a plurality of first connection bumps arranged on the plurality of pad connection portions of the UBM layer, electrically connected to one another through the conductive reinforcing layer, and located to overlap the conductive reinforcing layer. The conductive reinforcing layer has a plate shape and extends parallel to the first surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A memory device and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of gate structures on a substrate, forming a first spacer on opposite sides of the gate structures, filling a dielectric layer between adjacent first spacers, forming a metal silicide layer on the gate structures, conformally forming a spacer material layer over the metal silicide layer, the first spacer layer and the dielectric layer, and performing an etch back process on the spacer material layer to form a second spacer on opposite sides of the metal silicide layer.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention in which a first substrate including a photoelectric conversion element and a gate electrode of a transistor, and a second substrate including a peripheral circuit portion are placed upon each other. The first substrate does not include a high-melting-metal compound layer, and the second substrate includes a high-melting-metal compound layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a substrate, an interconnection part, and an isolating region located between the substrate and the interconnection part. A decoy structure is located within the isolating region and includes a silicided sector which is electrically isolated from the substrate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a memory device including a silicon oxide and a variable resistance element electrically coupled to the silicon oxide, includes: introducing a dopant into the silicon oxide from a first surface of the silicon oxide by ion implantation; and etching the first surface of the silicon oxide with an ion beam.

Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to semiconductor manufacturing, and more specifically to a temperature measurement device. In one implementation, the temperature measurement device includes a substrate and a stack of metal layers coupled to the substrate. Each metal layer of the stack of metal layers extends continuously uninterrupted from edge to edge of the substrate. The first metal layer has a lower electrical resistivity than the second metal layers. The electrical resistivity of the stack is based on the electrical resistivity of the first metal layer, which is temperature dependent. Utilizing a known relationship between temperature measurements and resistivity measurements, the temperature measurement device can measure and store temperature information in various substrate processing processes.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In a method embodiment, a dielectric layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a source/drain region. An opening is formed through the dielectric layer to the source/drain region. A silicide region is formed on the source/drain region and a barrier layer is formed in the opening along sidewalls of the dielectric layer by a same Plasma-Enhance Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) process.

Abstract: A fabricating method of a transistor structure includes providing a substrate with a doped well disposed within the substrate. Later, a gate structure is formed to be disposed on the doped well. Next, a hexagonal-shaped trench is formed to be embedded in the doped well at one side of the gate structure. Subsequently, a first epitaxial layer is formed to be disposed inside the hexagonal-shaped trench and contact the hexagonal-shaped trench, wherein the first epitaxial layer includes first type dopants. Finally, a second epitaxial layer including second-type dopants is formed to be disposed in the hexagon-shaped trench, wherein the first epitaxial layer surrounds the second epitaxial layer, the second epitaxial layer serves as a source/drain doped region of the transistor structure, and the first-type dopants and the second-type dopants are different conductive types.

Abstract: Structures for detecting and correcting an overlay inaccuracy and methods of detecting and correcting an overlay inaccuracy. An overlay target includes a first plurality of features arranged along a first longitudinal axis in a first line-space pattern having a first line width, and a second plurality of features arranged along a second longitudinal axis in a second line-space pattern having a second line width that is less than the first line width. The second longitudinal axis is aligned substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In a method embodiment, a dielectric layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a source/drain region. An opening is formed through the dielectric layer to the source/drain region. A silicide region is formed on the source/drain region and a barrier layer is formed in the opening along sidewalls of the dielectric layer by a same Plasma-Enhance Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) process.

Abstract: A method for forming self-aligned contacts includes patterning a mask between fin regions of a semiconductor device, etching a cut region through a first dielectric layer between the fin regions down to a substrate and filling the cut region with a first material, which is selectively etchable relative to the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer is isotropically etched to reveal source and drain regions in the fin regions to form trenches in the first material where the source and drain regions are accessible. The isotropic etching is super selective to remove the first dielectric layer relative to the first material and relative to gate structures disposed between the source and drain regions. Metal is deposited in the trenches to form silicide contacts to the source and drain regions.

Abstract: Contact structures and methods of forming contacts structures are contemplated by this disclosure. A structure includes a dielectric layer over a substrate, an adhesion layer, a silicide, a barrier layer, and a conductive material. The dielectric layer has an opening to a surface of the substrate. The adhesion layer is along sidewalls of the opening. The silicide is on the surface of the substrate. The barrier layer is on the adhesion layer and the silicide, and the barrier layer directly adjoins the silicide. The conductive material is on the barrier layer in the opening.

Abstract: A cobalt contact includes a dual silicide barrier layer. The barrier layer, which may be formed in situ, includes silicides of titanium and cobalt, and provides an effective adhesion layer between the cobalt contact and a conductive device region such as the source/drain junction of a semiconductor device, eliminating void formation during a metal anneal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer, a source and a drain located on one side of the semiconductor layer, a blocking layer located on one side of the semiconductor layer, the blocking layer including silicide, wherein the distance between an interface at one side of the blocking layer close to the semiconductor layer and the semiconductor layer is equal to or more than 10 nm, and a gate located between the source and the drain, the gate penetrating through the blocking layer, the gate including a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, the first conductive layer being close to the semiconductor layer, the second conductive layer being located on one side of the first conductive layer away from the semiconductor layer, and the first conductive layer including nickel.

Abstract: Some embodiment structures and methods are described. A structure includes an integrated circuit die at least laterally encapsulated by an encapsulant, and a redistribution structure on the integrated circuit die and encapsulant. The redistribution structure is electrically coupled to the integrated circuit die. The redistribution structure includes a first dielectric layer on at least the encapsulant, a metallization pattern on the first dielectric layer, a metal oxide layered structure on the metallization pattern, and a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the metallization pattern. The metal oxide layered structure includes a metal oxide layer having a ratio of metal atoms to oxygen atoms that is substantially 1:1, and a thickness of the metal oxide layered structure is at least 50 ?. The second dielectric layer is a photo-sensitive material. The metal oxide layered structure is disposed between the metallization pattern and the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a substrate having a fin-type active region that extends in a first direction, a gate structure that intersects the fin-type active region on the substrate and extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to an upper surface of the substrate, a guide pattern that extends on the gate structure in the second direction and has an inclined side surface that extends in the second direction, source/drain regions disposed on both sides of the gate structure, and a first contact that is electrically connected to one of the source/drain regions and in which an upper portion contacts the inclined side surface of the guide pattern. The width of an upper portion of the guide pattern in the first direction is less than the width of a lower portion of the guide pattern in the first direction.

Abstract: A circumferential embedded structure is formed by laser irradiation in a semiconductor substrate, which is of a semiconductor material. The embedded structure includes a polycrystalline structure of the semiconductor material, and surrounds a central portion of a semiconductor die. The semiconductor die including the embedded structure is separated from the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first chip, a dielectric layer over the first chip, and a second chip over the dielectric layer. A conductive layer is embedded in the dielectric layer and is electrically coupled to the first chip and the second chip. The second chip includes an optical component. The first chip and the second chip are arranged on opposite sides of the dielectric layer in a thickness direction of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method of reducing the risk of underbump metallization poisoning from the application of underfill material is provided. In an embodiment a spacer is located between a first underbump metallization and a second underbump metallization. When an underfill material is dispensed between the first underbump metallization and the second underbump metallization, the spacer prevents the underfill material from creeping towards the second underbump metallization. In another embodiment a passivation layer is used to inhibit the flow of underfill material as the underfill material is being dispensed.

Abstract: An opening is formed within a substrate made of a silicon material, and a cleaning process is performed; after which, the bottom and walls of the opening are contaminated with oxygen and fluorine particles. A lower blocking layer is formed within the opening, and the lower blocking layer contacts the bottom and walls of the opening. Also, a middle liner layer is formed within the opening, and the middle liner layer contacts the lower blocking layer. Additionally, an upper blocking layer is formed within the opening, and the upper blocking layer contacts the middle liner layer. Further, a conductor layer is formed within the opening, and the conductor layer contacts the upper blocking layer. The lower blocking layer prevents the fluorine particles from affecting the other layers.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first active pattern and a second active pattern on a substrate, a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode respectively across the first active pattern and the second active pattern, a first insulation pattern between and separating the first and second gate electrodes, a gate spacer on a sidewall of the first gate electrode, on a sidewall of the second gate electrode, and on a sidewall of the first insulation pattern, and a second insulation pattern between the gate spacer and the sidewall of the first insulation pattern, wherein the first gate electrode, the first insulation pattern, and the second gate electrode are arranged along a first direction, and wherein the gate spacer extends in the first direction.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) guided wave device includes a plurality of electrodes arranged below a piezoelectric layer (e.g., either embedded in a slow wave propagation layer or supported by a suspended portion of the piezoelectric layer) and configured for transduction of a lateral acoustic wave in the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer permits one or more additions or modifications to be made thereto, such as trimming (thinning) of selective areas, addition of loading materials, sandwiching of piezoelectric layer regions between electrodes to yield capacitive elements or non-linear elastic convolvers, addition of sensing materials, and addition of functional layers providing mixed domain signal processing utility.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and fabrication methods thereof are provided. An exemplary fabrication method includes providing a base substrate; forming gate structures over the base substrate; forming doped source/drain regions in the base substrate at two sides of each of the gate structures; forming an oxide layer on each of the doped source/drain regions; forming a metal layer on the oxide layer; and performing a reactive thermal annealing process, such that the metal layer reacts with a material of the oxide layer and a material of the doped source/drain regions to form a metal contact layer on each of the doped source/drain regions. The metal contact layer includes a first metal contact layer on the doped source/drain region, an oxygen-containing metal contact layer on the first metal contact layer, and a second metal contact layer on the oxygen-containing metal contact layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a gate structure on a substrate; forming a first recess adjacent to two sides of the gate structure; forming an epitaxial layer in the first recess; removing part of the epitaxial layer to forma second recess; and forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer on the gate structure and into the second recess.

Abstract: A semiconductor process is described. A silicon-phosphorus (SiP) epitaxial layer is formed serving as a source/drain (S/D) region. A crystalline metal silicide layer is formed directly on the SiP epitaxial layer and thus prevents oxidation of the SiP epitaxial layer. A contact plug is formed over the crystalline metal silicide layer.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention includes a method for forming a contact in a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method may comprise: forming a contact opening in a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate to expose an upper portion of the semiconductor substrate; depositing a first liner layer to conformally coat the contact opening; causing a portion of the first liner layer to diffuse into the upper portion of the semiconductor substrate to form a first intermix region at the upper portion of the semiconductor substrate; depositing a refractory metal layer over the first intermix region; and depositing a metal in the contact opening thereby forming the contact.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first chip, a dielectric layer over the first chip, and a second chip over the dielectric layer. A conductive layer is embedded in the dielectric layer and is electrically coupled to the first chip and the second chip. The second chip includes an optical component. The first chip and the second chip are arranged on opposite sides of the dielectric layer in a thickness direction of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor process is described. A silicon-phosphorus (SiP) epitaxial layer is formed serving as a source/drain (S/D) region. A crystalline metal silicide layer is formed directly on the SiP epitaxial layer and thus prevents oxidation of the SiP epitaxial layer. A contact plug is formed over the crystalline metal silicide layer.

Abstract: In a state where a silicon carbide substrate having a first main surface and second main surface opposite to each other is fixed to a base material having a higher flexibility than the silicon carbide substrate, silicon carbide on a side of second main surface of silicon carbide substrate is removed, and an electrode is formed on the second main surface. The base material has an area which is smaller than or equal to an area of the first main surface of the silicon carbide substrate. In the step of fixing silicon carbide substrate to the base material, the base material is arranged at a position of covering a center of the first main surface so that the base material does not extend beyond an outer circumference of the first main surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for forming a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device are provided. The MEMS device includes a substrate and a MEMS sensor over the substrate. The MEMS sensor includes a floating heater disposed over the substrate. The MEMS sensor further includes a heat sink disposed over the substrate and at a side of the floating heater, and the heat sink has an air gap with the floating heater. The MEMS sensor further includes a first plurality of vias formed through the heat sink and thermally connected to the first substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed, which can improve device characteristics by increasing a process margin between an active region and a storage node contact. The semiconductor device includes an active region, a device isolation film formed to have a lower height than the active region, and exposing an upper part of the active region, and a barrier pattern formed at a sidewall of the exposed active region of an upper part of the device isolation film.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of forming contact structure for transistor. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first and a second gate structure of a first and a second transistor formed on top thereof, the first and second gate structures being embedded in a first inter-layer-dielectric (ILD) layer; epitaxially forming a first semiconductor region between the first and second gate structures inside the first ILD layer; epitaxially forming a second semiconductor region on top of the first semiconductor region, the second semiconductor region being inside a second ILD layer on top of the first ILD layer and having a width wider than a width of the first semiconductor region; and forming a silicide in a top portion of the second semiconductor region.

Abstract: An active device and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The active device includes a buffer layer, a channel, a gate, a gate insulation layer, a source and a drain. The buffer layer is disposed on a substrate and has a positioning region. A thickness of a portion of the buffer layer in the positioning region is greater than a thickness of a portion of the buffer layer outside the positioning region. The channel is disposed on the buffer layer and in the positioning region. The gate is disposed above the channel. The gate insulation layer is disposed between the channel and the gate. The source and the drain are disposed above the channel and electrically connected to the channel.

Abstract: Accordingly, a method of forming a metal chalcogenide material may comprise introducing at least one metal precursor and at least one chalcogen precursor into a chamber comprising a substrate, the at least one metal precursor comprising an amine or imine compound of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, a post-transition metal, or a metalloid, and the at least one chalcogen precursor comprising a hydride, alkyl, or aryl compound of sulfur, selenium, or tellurium. The at least one metal precursor and the at least one chalcogen precursor may be reacted to form a metal chalcogenide material over the substrate. A method of forming a metal telluride material, a method of forming a semiconductor device structure, and a semiconductor device structure are also described.

Abstract: An iridium interfacial stack (“IrIS”) and a method for producing the same are provided. The IrIS may include ordered layers of TaSi2, platinum, iridium, and platinum, and may be placed on top of a titanium layer and a silicon carbide layer. The IrIS may prevent, reduce, or mitigate against diffusion of elements such as oxygen, platinum, and gold through at least some of its layers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of fabricating a metal silicide includes the following steps. A semiconductor material selected from the group consisting of silicon and silicon germanium is provided. A metal(s) is deposited on the semiconductor material. A first anneal is performed at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to react the metal(s) with the semiconductor material to form an amorphous layer including an alloy formed from the metal(s) and the semiconductor material, wherein the temperature at which the first anneal is performed is below a temperature at which a crystalline phase of the alloy is formed. An etch is used to selectively remove unreacted portions of the metal(s). A second anneal is performed at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to crystallize the alloy thus forming the metal silicide. A device contact and a method of fabricating a FET device are also provided.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device, includes a substrate, an inter-layer insulating layer provided above the substrate, a first interconnect provided in a first trench, and a second interconnect provided in a second trench. The first interconnect is made of a first metal, and the first trench is provided in the inter-layer insulating layer on a side opposite to the substrate. The second interconnect is made of a second metal, and the second trench is provided in the inter-layer insulating layer toward the substrate. A width of the second trench is wider than a width of the first trench. A mean free path of electrons in the first metal is shorter than a mean free path of electrons in the second metal, and the first metal is a metal, an alloy or a metal compound, including at least one nonmagnetic element as a constituent element.

Abstract: To provide a power storage device with improved cycle characteristics and a method for manufacturing the power storage device, a power storage device is provided with a conductive layer in contact with a surface of an active material layer including a silicon layer after an oxide film, such as a natural oxide film, which is formed on the surface of the active material layer is removed. The conductive layer is thus provided in contact with the surface of the active material layer including a silicon layer, whereby the conductivity of the electrode surface of the power storage device is improved; therefore, cycle characteristics of the power storage device can be improved.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a contact structure for transistor. The contact structure includes a first epitaxial-grown region between a first and a second gate of, respectively, a first and a second transistor; a second epitaxial-grown region directly on top of the first epitaxial-grown region with the second epitaxial-grown region having a width that is wider than that of the first epitaxial-grown region; and a silicide region formed on a top portion of the second epitaxial-grown region with the silicide region having an interface, with rest of the second epitaxial-grown region, that is wider than that of the first epitaxial-grown region. In one embodiment, the second epitaxial-grown region is at a level above a top surface of the first and second gates of the first and second transistors.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device, includes a substrate, an inter-layer insulating layer provided above the substrate, a first interconnect provided in a first trench, and a second interconnect provided in a second trench. The first interconnect is made of a first metal, and the first trench is provided in the inter-layer insulating layer on a side opposite to the substrate. The second interconnect is made of a second metal, and the second trench is provided in the inter-layer insulating layer toward the substrate. A width of the second trench is wider than a width of the first trench. A mean free path of electrons in the first metal is shorter than a mean free path of electrons in the second metal, and the first metal is a metal, an alloy or a metal compound, including at least one nonmagnetic element as a constituent element.

Abstract: A method of performing a silicide contact process comprises a forming a nickel-platinum alloy (NiPt) layer over a semiconductor device structure; performing a first rapid thermal anneal (RTA) so as to react portions of the NiPt layer in contact with semiconductor regions of the semiconductor device structure, thereby forming metal rich silicide regions; performing a first wet etch to remove at least a nickel constituent of unreacted portions of the NiPt layer; performing a second wet etch using a dilute Aqua Regia treatment comprising nitric acid (HNO3), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and water (H2O) to remove any residual platinum material from the unreacted portions of the NiPt layer; and following the dilute Aqua Regia treatment, performing a second RTA to form final silicide contact regions from the metal rich silicide regions.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a first interposer; first and second semiconductor chips horizontally mounted over the first interposer and electrically connected with the first interposer; and a second interposer disposed over the first and second semiconductor chips and electrically connected with the first and second semiconductor chips, wherein the first semiconductor chip includes a plurality of first through electrodes, and the second semiconductor chip includes a plurality of second through electrodes, and wherein the first through electrodes of the first semiconductor chip and the second through electrodes of the second semiconductor chip are electrically connected with each other through the first and second interposers.

Abstract: A conductive pillar for a semiconductor device is provided. The conductive pillar is formed such that a top surface is non-planar. In embodiments, the top surface may be concave, convex, or wave shaped. An optional capping layer may be formed over the conductive pillar to allow for a stronger inter-metallic compound (IMC) layer. The IMC layer is a layer formed between solder material and an underlying layer, such as the conductive pillar or the optional capping layer.

Abstract: Methods and associated structures of forming a microelectronic device are described. Those methods may include forming a structure comprising a first contact metal disposed on a source/drain contact of a substrate, and a second contact metal disposed on a top surface of the first contact metal, wherein the second contact metal is disposed within an IID disposed on a top surface of a metal gate disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and device for pattern alignment are disclosed. The device can include an exposure field; a die within the exposure field, wherein the die comprises an integrated circuit region, a seal ring region, and a corner stress relief region; and a die alignment mark disposed between the seal ring region and the corner stress relief region.

Abstract: A bump pad structure for a semiconductor package is disclosed. A bump pad structure includes a conductive pad disposed on an insulating layer. A ring-shaped conductive layer is embedded in the insulating layer and is substantially under and along an edge of the conductive pad. At least one conductive via plug is embedded in the insulating layer and between the conductive pad and the ring-shaped conductive layer, such that the conductive pad is electrically connected to the ring-shaped conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of metal sputtering, comprising the following steps. A wafer holder and inner walls of a chamber are coated with a seasoning layer comprised of: a) a material etchable in a metal barrier layer etch process; or b) an insulating or non-conductive material. A wafer having two or more wafer conductive structures is placed upon the seasoning layer coated wafer holder. The wafer is cleaned wherein a portion of the seasoning layer is re-deposited upon the wafer over and between adjacent wafer conductive structures. A metal barrier layer is formed over the wafer. The wafer is removed from the chamber and at least two adjacent upper metal structures are formed over at least one portion of the metal barrier layer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed. The device includes a semiconductor substrate, and an interconnection above the semiconductor substrate. The interconnection includes a co-catalyst layer, a catalyst layer on the co-catalyst layer, and a graphene layer on the catalyst layer. The co-catalyst layer includes a portion contacting the catalyst layer. The portion has a face-centered cubic structure with a (111) plane oriented parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The catalyst layer has a face-centered cubic structure with a (111) plane oriented parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Provided are a semiconductor film including silicon microstructures formed at high density, and a manufacturing method thereof. Further, provided are a semiconductor film including silicon microstructures whose density is controlled, and a manufacturing method thereof. Furthermore, a power storage device with improved charge-discharge capacity is provided. A manufacturing method in which a semiconductor film with a silicon layer including silicon structures is formed over a substrate with a metal surface is used. The thickness of a silicide layer formed by reaction between the metal and the silicon is controlled, so that the grain sizes of silicide grains formed at an interface between the silicide layer and the silicon layer are controlled and the shapes of the silicon structures are controlled. Such a semiconductor film can be applied to an electrode of a power storage device.

Abstract: Methods for producing air gap-containing metal-insulator interconnect structures for VLSI and ULSI devices using a photo-patternable low k material as well as the air gap-containing interconnect structure that is formed are disclosed. More particularly, the methods described herein provide interconnect structures built in a photo-patternable low k material in which air gaps are defined by photolithography in the photo-patternable low k material. In the methods of the present invention, no etch step is required to form the air gaps. Since no etch step is required in forming the air gaps within the photo-patternable low k material, the methods disclosed in this invention provide highly reliable interconnect structures.