Abstract: Metal interconnect structures are reworked to address possible voids or other defects. Etching of initially deposited interconnect metal to open voids is followed by reflow to accumulate interconnect metal at the bottoms of trenches. Additional interconnect metal is deposited over the initially deposited interconnect metal by electroplating and/or electroless plating. Additional diffusion barrier material may be deposited and patterned prior to deposition of the additional interconnect material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are integrated circuit (IC) package supports and related apparatuses and methods. For example, in some embodiments, an IC package support may include a non-photoimageable dielectric, and a conductive via through the non-photoimageable dielectric, wherein the conductive via has a diameter that is less than 20 microns. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device structure. An example semiconductor device structure includes a first device layer, a second device layer and an inter-level connection structure. The first device layer includes a first conductive layer and a first dielectric layer formed on the first conductive layer, the first device layer being formed on a substrate. The second device layer includes a second conductive layer, the second device layer being formed on the first device layer. The inter-level connection structure includes one or more conductive materials and configured to electrically connect to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, the inter-level connection structure penetrating at least part of the first dielectric layer. The first conductive layer is configured to electrically connect to a first electrode structure of a first semiconductor device within the first device layer.

Abstract: A method includes forming an opening in a dielectric layer, depositing a seed layer in the opening, wherein first portions of the seed layer have a first concentration of impurities, exposing the first portions of the seed layer to a plasma, wherein after exposure to the plasma the first portions have a second concentration of impurities that is less than the first concentration of impurities, and filling the opening with a conductive material to form a conductive feature. In an embodiment, the seed layer includes tungsten, and the conductive material includes tungsten. In an embodiment, the impurities include boron.

Abstract: Semiconductor chips may include a substrate; a protective layer on a first surface of the substrate, through electrodes extending through the substrate and the protective layer, and a Peltier structure including first through structures including first conductivity type impurities, and second through structures including second conductivity type impurities, which may extend through the substrate and the protective layer; pads on the protective layer and connected to the through electrodes, respectively, first connection wires connecting respective first ends of the first through structures to respective first ends of the second through structures, and second connection wires connecting respective second ends of the first through structures to respective second ends of one of the second through structures. The first through structures and the second through structures may be alternately connected to each other in series by the first connection wires and the second connection wires.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device structure. An example semiconductor device structure includes a first device layer, a second device layer and an inter-level connection structure. The first device layer includes a first conductive layer and a first dielectric layer formed on the first conductive layer, the first device layer being formed on a substrate. The second device layer includes a second conductive layer, the second device layer being formed on the first device layer. The inter-level connection structure includes one or more conductive materials and configured to electrically connect to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, the inter-level connection structure penetrating at least part of the first dielectric layer. The first conductive layer is configured to electrically connect to a first electrode structure of a first semiconductor device within the first device layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking composition, by means of which better protection of goods than hitherto available can be achieved independently of the coloring of the goods. The marking composition comprises an infrared-absorbing particulate component and carbon derivative, wherein the weight ratio of infrared-absorbing component to carbon derivative is in the range of approx. 10:1 to approx. 10,000:1.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer insulating film; a conductive connection structure provided in the first interlayer insulating film; a second interlayer insulating film provided on the first interlayer insulating film; a wiring structure provided in the second interlayer insulating film and connected to the conductive connection structure; and an insertion liner interposed between an upper surface of the conductive connection structure and the wiring structure, the insertion liner including carbon.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a doped semiconductor material portion, a metal-semiconductor alloy portion contacting the doped semiconductor material portion, a device contact via structure in direct contact with the metal-semiconductor alloy portion, and at least one dielectric material layer laterally surrounding the device contact via structure. The device contact via structure includes a barrier stack and a conductive fill material portion. The barrier stack includes at least two metal nitride layers and at least one nitrogen-containing material layer containing nitrogen and an element selected from silicon or boron.

Abstract: A memory device includes a substrate; a bottom electrode disposed over the substrate; an insulating layer disposed over the bottom electrode, the insulating layer having a through hole defined in the insulating layer; a heater disposed in the through hole; a phase change material layer disposed over the heater; a selector layer disposed over the phase change material layer; and a metal layer disposed over the selector layer. The metal layer is wider than the phase change material layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a metal film and a complex capping layer covering a top surface of the metal film. The metal film includes a first metal, and penetrates at least a portion of an insulating film formed over a substrate. The complex capping layer includes a conductive alloy capping layer covering the top surface of the metal film, and an insulating capping layer covering a top surface of the conductive alloy capping layer and a top surface of the insulating film. The conductive alloy capping layer includes a semiconductor element and a second metal different from the first metal. The insulating capping layer includes a third metal.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a material layer over a substrate and forming a first trench in the material layer, forming a conformal capping layer along sidewalls of the first trench, forming a second trench in the material layer while the capping layer is disposed along sidewalls of the first trench and forming a conductive feature within the first trench and the second trench.

Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes alternating stacks of insulating strips and electrically conductive strips located over a substrate and laterally spaced apart among one another by line trenches which laterally extend along a first horizontal direction and are spaced apart along a second horizontal direction, and memory stack structures arranged in rows extending along the first horizontal direction. Each row of memory stack structures is located on a respective sidewall of the line trenches. Each of the memory stack structures includes a vertical semiconductor channel, a tunneling dielectric contacting the vertical semiconductor channel, a charge storage layer contacting the tunneling dielectric, and a composite blocking dielectric. The composite blocking dielectric includes a first dipole-containing blocking dielectric layer stack, a homogeneous blocking dielectric layer, and a second dipole-containing blocking dielectric layer stack.

Abstract: Compositions of matter, compounds, articles of manufacture and processes to reduce or substantially eliminate EM and/or stress migration, and/or TDDB in copper interconnects in microelectronic devices and circuits, especially a metal liner around copper interconnects comprise an ultra thin layer or layers of Mn alloys containing at least one of W and/or Co on the metal liner. This novel alloy provides EM and/or stress migration resistance, and/or TDDB resistance in these copper interconnects, comparable to thicker layers of other alloys found in substantially larger circuits and allows the miniaturization of the circuit without having to use thicker EM and/or TDDB resistant alloys previously used thereby enhancing the miniaturization, i.e., these novel alloy layers can be miniaturized along with the circuit and provide substantially the same EM and/or TDDB resistance as thicker layers of different alloy materials previously used that lose some of their EM and/or TDDB resistance when used as thinner layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking composition, by means of which better protection of goods than hitherto available can be achieved independently of the coloring of the goods. The marking composition comprises an infrared-absorbing particulate component and a carbon derivative, wherein the weight ratio of infrared-absorbing component to carbon derivative is in the range of approx. 10:1 to approx. 10,000:1.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a connection pad in a substrate, the connection pad having an exposed surface made of a metallic material that diffuses less readily into a dielectric layer than does a metal of a wiring layer connected thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of processing a substrate and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the same. The method of processing a substrate comprises forming a mask layer on a substrate, inspecting the mask layer, and forming a mask pattern based on an inspection result of the mask layer. The operation of inspecting the mask layer comprises using Raman spectrum analysis to detect defects in the mask layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a material layer over a substrate and forming a first trench in the material layer, forming a conformal capping layer along sidewalls of the first trench, forming a second trench in the material layer while the capping layer is disposed along sidewalls of the first trench and forming a conductive feature within the first trench and the second trench.

Abstract: A device having a conductive feature disposed on a substrate; a cap structure is disposed on top of the conductive feature and on at least two sidewalls of the conductive feature. An air gap cap disposed on the cap structure and defines an air gap adjacent the conductive feature.

Abstract: A self-rectifying resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell structure is provided. The self-rectifying RRAM cell structure includes a first electrode. An insulator-metal-transition (IMT) material layer is disposed on the first electrode. A barrier layer is disposed on the IMT material layer. A second electrode is disposed on the barrier layer. The IMT material layer is separated from the second electrode by the barrier layer.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a semiconductor structure comprising: a backend portion including a plurality of metal layers between bottom and top metal layers; the top metal layer including a top metal layer portion having first and second opposing sidewall surfaces and a top surface that couples the sidewall surfaces to one another; an insulator layer directly contacting the top surface; and a via coupling a contact bump to the top metal layer portion; wherein a first vertical axis, orthogonal to a substrate coupled to the backend portion, intercepts the contact bump, the nitride layer, the via, and the top metal layer portion. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed. The device includes a foundation layer including first and second layers being different from each other in material, and the foundation layer including a surface on which a boundary of the first and second layers is presented, a catalyst layer on the surface of the foundation layer, and the catalyst layer including a protruding area. The device further includes a graphene layer being in contact with the protruding area.

Abstract: Low capacitance and high reliability interconnect structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a copper based interconnect structure in an opening of a dielectric material. The method further includes forming a capping layer on the copper based interconnect structure. The method further includes oxidizing the capping layer and any residual material formed on a surface of the dielectric material. The method further includes forming a barrier layer on the capping layer by outdiffusing a material from the copper based interconnect structure to a surface of the capping layer. The method further includes removing the residual material, while the barrier layer on the surface of the capping layer protects the capping layer.

Abstract: A method to prepare low reflective surface according to an example of the present invention comprises: the first step to prepare materials having pillar structure on the surface; the second step to prepare aluminum surface-materials by treating for the pillar structure to have aluminum surface; and the third step to prepare a low reflective surface with dual protuberance structure by forming nano-flake layer on the pillar surface of the material surface through oxidation of the surface aluminum of the aluminum surface-materials. The method to prepare low reflective surface can provide a low reflective surface structure that can be applied to photovoltaic device surface or various display surface as a surface able to reduce reflection significantly by absorbing wavelengths in the range of visible and infrared ray through internally total reflection with simple, low cost, and ecofriendly process.

Abstract: The performances of a semiconductor device are improved. Between a memory gate electrode and a p type well, and between a control gate electrode and the memory gate electrode of a split gate type nonvolatile memory, an insulation film having a charge accumulation layer therein is formed. The insulation film includes a lamination film of a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film formed thereover, another silicon oxide film formed thereover, and an insulation film formed thereover, and thinner than the upper silicon oxide film. The insulation film is in contact with the memory gate electrode including polysilicon. The insulation film is formed of a metal compound containing at least one of Hf, Zr, Al, Ta, and La, and hence can cause Fermi pinning, and has a high dielectric constant.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a plurality of copper interconnects. At least a first portion of the plurality of copper interconnects has a meniscus in a top surface. The semiconductor device also includes a plurality of air gaps, wherein each air gap of the plurality of air gaps is located between an adjacent pair of at least the first portion of the plurality of bit lines.

Abstract: A redistribution layer for a chip is provided, wherein the redistribution layer comprises at least one electrical conductor path connecting two connection points with each other, wherein the at least one electrical conductor path is arranged on a planar supporting layer and wherein the electrical conductor path comprises copper and at least one other further electrical conductive material in an amount of more than 0.04 mass percent.

Abstract: A dielectric stack and method of depositing the stack to a substrate using a single step deposition process. The dielectric stack includes a dense layer and a porous layer of the same elemental compound with different compositional atomic percentage, density, and porosity. The stack enhances mechanical modulus strength and enhances oxidation and copper diffusion barrier properties. The dielectric stack has inorganic or hybrid inorganic-organic random three-dimensional covalent bonding throughout the network, which contain different regions of different chemical compositions such as a cap component adjacent to a low-k component of the same type of material but with higher porosity.

Abstract: In one embodiment method, a first Ti based layer is deposited on the substrate. An intermediate Al based layer is deposited on the first layer, a second NiV based layer is deposited on the intermediate layer, and a third Ag based layer is deposited on the second layer. The layer stack is tempered in such a way that at least one inter-metallic phase is formed between at least two metals of the group containing Ti, Al, Ni and V.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to an embodiment, includes forming a wiring in a surface of a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, exposing the first insulating film in whose surface the wiring is formed to a plasma containing a rare gas so as to form a densified layer on the surface of the first insulating film, removing an oxide film formed on the wiring, after the densified layer is formed and forming a second insulating film on the wiring from which the oxide film is removed and on the densified layer, wherein the processes from the removal of the oxide film to the formation of the second insulating film are carried out without being atmospherically-exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactive sputtering method and a reactive sputtering apparatus which suppress a film quality change caused by a temperature variation in continuous substrate processing. An embodiment of the present invention performs reactive sputtering while adjusting a flow rate of reactive gas according to the temperature of a constituent member facing a sputtering space. Specifically, a temperature sensor is provided on a shield and the flow rate is adjusted according to the temperature. Thereby, even when a degassing amount of a film adhering to the shield changes, a partial pressure of reactive gas can be set to a predetermined value. For a resistance change layer constituting a ReRAM, a perovskite material such as PrCaMn03 (PCMO), LaSrMnO3 (LSMO), and GdBaCoxOy (GBCO), a two-element type transition metal oxide material which has a composition shifted from a stoichiometric one, such as nickel oxide (NiO), vanadium oxide (V2O5), and the like are used.

Abstract: Processes for improving adhesion of films to semiconductor wafers and a semiconductor structure are provided. By implementing the processes of the invention, it is possible to significantly suppress defect creation, e.g., decrease particle generation, during wafer fabrication processes. More specifically, the processes described significantly reduce flaking of a TaN film from edges or extreme edges (bevel) of the wafer by effectively increasing the adhesion properties of the TaN film on the wafer. The method increasing a mol percent of nitride with respect to a total tantalum plus nitride to 25% or greater during a barrier layer fabrication process.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming layers conformally over undulating surface topographies associated with semiconductor substrates. The undulating surface topographies can first be exposed to one or more of titanium oxide, neodymium oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide and vanadium oxide to treat the surfaces, and can be subsequently exposed to a material that forms a layer conformally along the treated surfaces. The material can, for example, comprise an aluminum-containing compound and one or both of silane and silazane. The invention also includes semiconductor constructions having conformal layers formed over liners containing one or more of titanium oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide and vanadium oxide.

Abstract: A method of forming a doped TaN Cu barrier adjacent to a Ru layer of a Cu interconnect structure and the resulting device are provided. Embodiments include forming a cavity in a SiO-based ILD; conformally forming a doped TaN layer in the cavity and over the ILD; conformally forming a Ru layer on the doped TaN layer; depositing Cu over the Ru layer and filling the cavity; planarizing the Cu, Ru layer, and doped TaN layer down to an upper surface of the ILD; forming a dielectric cap over the Cu, Ru layer, and doped TaN layer; and filling spaces formed between the dielectric cap and the doped TaN layer.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices with enhanced electromigration performance and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one metal line in electrical contact with a device. The method further includes forming at least one staple structure in electrical contact with the at least one metal line. The at least one staple structure is formed such that electrical current passing through the at least one metal line also passes through the at least staple structure to reduce electromigration issues.

Abstract: A method for fabricating packaged semiconductor devices; attaching a batch-sized metallic grid with openings onto an adhesive tape having an insulating clear core covered by a layer of UV-releasable adhesive, the openings sized larger than a semiconductor chip; attaching a semiconductor chip onto the tape of each window, the chip terminals facing the adhesive surface; laminating insulating material of low coefficient of thermal expansion to fill gaps between each chip and respective grid; turning over assembly to place a carrier under backside of chips and lamination and to remove the tape; plasma-cleaning the assembly front side and sputtering uniform at least one metal layer across the assembly; optionally plating metal layers; and patterning the metal layers to form rerouting traces and extended contact pads for assembly.

Abstract: A gate containing ruthenium for a dielectric having an oxide containing a lanthanide and a method of fabricating such a combination gate and dielectric produce a reliable structure for use in a variety of electronic devices. A ruthenium or a conductive ruthenium oxide gate may be formed on a lanthanide oxide. A ruthenium-based gate on a lanthanide oxide provides a gate structure that can effectively prevent a reaction between the gate and the lanthanide oxide.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a structure comprises a substrate having a first area and a second area; a through substrate via (TSV) in the substrate penetrating the first area of the substrate; an isolation layer over the second area of the substrate, the isolation layer having a recess; and a conductive material in the recess of the isolation layer, the isolation layer being disposed between the conductive material and the substrate in the recess.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing the specific contact resistance of metal-semiconductor (group IV) junctions by interposing a monolayer of group V or group III atoms at the interface between the metal and the semiconductor, or interposing a bi-layer made of one monolayer of each, or interposing multiple such bi-layers. The resulting low specific resistance metal-group IV semiconductor junctions find application as a low resistance electrode in semiconductor devices including electronic devices (e.g., transistors, diodes, etc.) and optoelectronic devices (e.g., lasers, solar cells, photodetectors, etc.) and/or as a metal source and/or drain region (or a portion thereof) in a field effect transistor (FET). The monolayers of group III and group V atoms are predominantly ordered layers of atoms formed on the surface of the group IV semiconductor and chemically bonded to the surface atoms of the group IV semiconductor.

Abstract: An interlayer is used to reduce Fermi-level pinning phenomena in a semiconductive device with a semiconductive substrate. The interlayer may be a rare-earth oxide. The interlayer may be an ionic semiconductor. A metallic barrier film may be disposed between the interlayer and a metallic coupling. The interlayer may be a thermal-process combination of the metallic barrier film and the semiconductive substrate. A process of forming the interlayer may include grading the interlayer. A computing system includes the interlayer.

Abstract: A device including a dielectric layer overlying a substrate, a conductive line with a sidewall in the dielectric layer, a Ta layer adjoining the sidewall of the conductive line, and a metal oxide formed between the Ta layer and the dielectric layer.

Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising: forming a structure, the structure including at least a first element and a second element; and forming a passivation layer over the structure, the passivation layer including at least the first element and the second element, the first element and the second element of the passivation layer coming from the structure.

Abstract: The semiconductor device has insulating films 40, 42 formed over a substrate 10; an interconnection 58 buried in at least a surface side of the insulating films 40, 42; insulating films 60, 62 formed on the insulating film 42 and including a hole-shaped via-hole 60 and a groove-shaped via-hole 66a having a pattern bent at a right angle; and buried conductors 70, 72a buried in the hole-shaped via-hole 60 and the groove-shaped via-hole 66a. A groove-shaped via-hole 66a is formed to have a width which is smaller than a width of the hole-shaped via-hole 66. Defective filling of the buried conductor and the cracking of the inter-layer insulating film can be prevented. Steps on the conductor plug can be reduced. Accordingly, defective contact with the upper interconnection layer and the problems taking place in forming films can be prevented.

Abstract: The semiconductor device has insulating films 40, 42 formed over a substrate 10; an interconnection 58 buried in at least a surface side of the insulating films 40, 42; insulating films 60, 62 formed on the insulating film 42 and including a hole-shaped via-hole 60 and a groove-shaped via-hole 66a having a pattern bent at a right angle; and buried conductors 70, 72a buried in the hole-shaped via-hole 60 and the groove-shaped via-hole 66a. A groove-shaped via-hole 66a is formed to have a width which is smaller than a width of the hole-shaped via-hole 66. Defective filling of the buried conductor and the cracking of the inter-layer insulating film can be prevented. Steps on the conductor plug can be reduced. Accordingly, defective contact with the upper interconnection layer and the problems taking place in forming films can be prevented.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming interconnects through semiconductor substrates. An opening may be formed to extend partway through a semiconductor substrate, and part of an interconnect may be formed within the opening. Another opening may be formed to extend from a second side of the substrate to the first part of the interconnect, and another part of the interconnect may be formed within such opening. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a first part of a through-substrate interconnect extending partially through a semiconductor substrate from a first side of the substrate; and having a second part of the through-substrate interconnect extending from a second side of the substrate and having multiple separate electrically conductive fingers that all extend to the first part of the interconnect.

Abstract: A plug structure including a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a barrier layer and a second plug is provided. The first dielectric layer having a first plug therein is located on a substrate, wherein the first plug physically contacts a source/drain in the substrate. The second dielectric layer having an opening exposing the first plug is located on the first dielectric layer. The barrier layer conformally covers the opening, wherein the barrier layer has a bottom part and a sidewall part, and the bottom part is a single layer and physically contacts the first plug while the sidewall part is a dual layer. The second plug fills the opening and on the barrier layer. Moreover, a process of forming a plug structure is also provided.

Abstract: Self-aligned pitch split techniques for metal wiring involving a hybrid (subtractive patterning/damascene) metallization approach are provided. In one aspect, a method for forming a metal wiring layer on a wafer includes the following steps. A copper layer is formed on the wafer. A patterned hardmask is formed on the copper layer. The copper layer is subtractively patterned using the patterned hardmask to form a plurality of first copper lines. Spacers are formed on opposite sides of the first copper lines. A planarizing dielectric material is deposited onto the wafer, filling spaces between the first copper lines. One or more trenches are etched in the planarizing dielectric material. The trenches are filled with copper to form a plurality of second copper lines that are self-aligned with the first copper lines. An electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and methods of formation are provided. The semiconductor arrangement includes conductive lines having sidewalls angled between about 45° to about 90° relative to a plane in which bottom surfaces of the conductive lines lie. A dielectric layer is formed over the conductive lines, where forming the dielectric layer after the conductive lines are formed mitigates damage to the dielectric layer, such as by not subjecting the dielectric layer to etching. The angled sidewalls of the conductive lines cause the dielectric layer to pinch off before an area between adjacent conductive lines is filled, thus establishing an air gap between adjacent conductive lines, where the air gap has a lower dielectric constant than the dielectric material. At least one of the substantially undamaged dielectric layer or the air gap serves to reduce parasitic capacitance within the semiconductor arrangement, which improves performance.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to embed an insulating film in a hole having a high aspect ratio and a small width without the occurrence of a void. The thickness of a polishing stopper layer is reduced by making separate layers respectively serve as a mask during forming the hole in a semiconductor substrate, and a stopper during removing the insulating film filled in the hole.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device including a semiconductor element and a wiring substrate on which the semiconductor element is mounted. The wiring substrate includes an insulating substrate and conductive wiring formed in the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the semiconductor element. The conductive wiring includes an underlying layer formed on the insulating substrate, a main conductive layer formed on the underlying layer, and an electrode layer covering side surfaces of the underlying layer and side surfaces and an upper surface of the main conductive layer. The underlying layer includes an adhesion layer being formed in contact with the insulating substrate and containing an alloy of Ti.