Abstract: A capacitor of a semiconductor device which uses a high dielectric layer and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The capacitor includes a storage electrode having at least two conductive patterns which overlap each other and a thermally-stable material layer pattern being positioned between the conductive layer patterns. The storage electrode and the thermally-stable material layer pattern are formed by alternately forming a conductive layer and a thermally-stable material layer, and patterning the conductive layer and the thermally-stable material layer to have predetermined shapes. With the present structure, it is possible to prevent the storage electrode from being transformed or broken during a thermal treatment process for forming a high dielectric layer on the storage electrode or in a subsequent high temperature thermal treatment process.

Abstract: A refractory Metal Nitride and a refractory metal Silicon Nitride layer (64) can be formed using metal organic chemical deposition. More specifically, tantalum nitride (TaN) (64) can be formed by a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) using Ethyltrikis (Diethylamido) Tantalum (ETDET) and ammonia (NH3). By the inclusion of silane (SiH4), tantalum silicon nitride (TaSiN) (64) layer can also be formed. Both of these layers can be formed at wafer temperatures lower than approximately 400° C. with relatively small amounts of carbon (C) within the film. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention can be used to form tantalum nitride (TaN) or tantalum silicon nitride (TaSiN) (64) that is relatively conformal and has reasonably good diffusion barrier properties.

Abstract: An interconnect structure having refractory sidewalls 240 for enhanced yield, performance and reliability. The primary purpose of the refractory metal 240 is to getter sidewall impurities, residual polymers, and corrosive species by-products from the plasma etch and cleanup processes used to pattern interconnects. In a preferred embodiment, the refractory metal 240 reacts with the conducting layer 210 to form an intermetallic 245 which further enhances the endurance of the metallization against stress-induced rupturing and via-induced electromigration. The disclosed structures and methods are particularly advantageous in “zero-overlap” designs, and aggressive pitch patterns where linewidth and corrosion control are critical, but are also advantageous in “Damascene” pattern definition applications.

Abstract: A metal wiring stricture includes a conduction line, an insulator film for electrically insulating the conduction line, and a transmutation layer formed as the density of a portion of the insulator film adjacent to the conduction line is increased or by adding impurities to the insulator film. A metal wiring forming method for a semiconductor device, includes the step of forming a trench in a given portion of a silicon oxidation film formed on a semiconductor substrate, forming a transmutation layer on a surface of the silicon oxidation film, and depositing a conductive material on the transmutation layer to form a conduction line, whereby diffusion of the conductive material is prevented.

Abstract: A semiconductor barrier layer and manufacturing method therefor for copper interconnects which is a tantalum-titanium, tantalum-titanium nitride, tantalum-titanium sandwich. The tantalum in the tantalum-titanium alloy bonds strongly with the semiconductor dielectric, the tantalum-titanium nitride acts as the barrier to prevent diffusion of copper, and the titanium bonds strongly with the copper.

Abstract: The semiconductor device is provided with an insulator layer having a via-stud on a semiconductor substrate, the via-stud being formed in a via-hole through a barrier layer formed of an inorganic compound layer or a high melting point metal layer formed on an inner surface of the via-hole, the via-stud being made of the same metal as a metal composing the barrier layer. The semiconductor device can be obtained by forming the barrier layer on the inner surface of the via-hole in the semiconductor substrate, then treating the substrate with a treatment solution containing a complex forming agent, immersing the treated substrate into an electroless plating solution, bringing a member made of the same metal as a metal formed by the electroless plating in contact with the electroless plating solution, and electrically connecting the member to the barrier layer to perform electroless plating.

Abstract: An interconnect structure having refractory sidewalls 240 for enhanced yield, performance and reliability. The primary purpose of the refractory metal 240 is to getter sidewall impurities, residual polymers, and corrosive species by-products from the plasma etch and cleanup processes used to pattern interconnects. In a preferred embodiment, the refractory metal 240 reacts with the conducting layer 210 to form an intermetallic 245 which further enhances the endurance of the metallization against stress-induced rupturing and via-induced electromigration. The disclosed structures and methods are particularly advantageous in “zero-overlap” designs, and aggressive pitch patterns where linewidth and corrosion control are critical, but are also advantageous in “Damascene” pattern definition applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonding structure between a bonding pad and a bonding portion of a bonding wire made of an Au-base material, wherein said bonding pad further comprises: a base layer; at least a barrier layer overlying said base layer; and a bonding layer overlying said at least barrier layer, said bonding layer including an Al-base material, and wherein said bonding portion of said bonding wire is buried in said bonding layer, and an Au—Al alloy layer extends on an interface between said bonding portion and said bonding layer, and a bottom of said Au—Al alloy layer is in contact with or adjacent to an upper surface of said barrier layer.

Abstract: A ferroelectric thin-film device comprises: a single crystal substrate; a conductive thin film formed on the single crystal substrate; and an oriented ferroelectric oxide thin film having a perovskite structure formed on the conductive thin film. The oriented ferroelectric thin film comprises a first layer having a composition changing from the interface with the conductive thin film in the thickness direction and a second layer having a constant composition formed on the first layer. The composition of the first layer and the composition of the second layer are substantially the same at the boundary between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a barrier film comprising an extremely thin film formed of one or more monolayers each comprised of a two-dimensional array of metal atoms. In one exemplary aspect, the barrier film is used for preventing the diffusion of atoms of another material, such as a copper conductor, into a substrate, such as a semiconducting material or an insulating material. In one mode of making the semiconductor device, the barrier film is formed by depositing a precursor, such as a metal halide (e.g., BaF2), onto the substrate material, and then annealing the resulting film on the substrate material to remove all of the constituents of the temporary heteroepitaxial film except for a monolayer of metal atoms left behind as attached to the surface of the substrate. A conductor, such as copper, deposited onto the barrier film is effectively prevented from diffusing into the substrate material even when the barrier film is only one or several monolayers in thickness.

Abstract: A via is formed in a semiconductor device using a self-aligned copper-based pillar to connect upper and lower copper interconnect layers separated by a dielectric. The lower interconnect layer is formed on an underlying layer. The copper-based via pillar is formed on the lower interconnect layer. The upper interconnect layer is formed to make electrical contact to the exposed upper surface of the via pillar. Conductive diffusion barrier material is formed on vertical sidewalls of the lower interconnect layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of the present invention comprises a first interconnect and a second interconnect formed from aluminum or aluminum alloy at a different layer to the first interconnect and being connected to the first interconnect via metal not including aluminum, and a hole is provided at the second interconnect. As a result, aluminum loss at ends of the interconnect can be suppressed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a thermally stable carbon-based low dielectric constant film such as a hydrogenated amorphous carbon film or a diamond-like carbon film in a parallel plate chemical vapor deposition process utilizing plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process is disclosed. Electronic devices containing insulating layers of thermally stable carbon-based low dielectric constant materials that are prepared by the method are further disclosed. In order to render the carbon-based low dielectric constant film thermally stable, i.e., at a temperature of at least 400° C., the films are heat treated at a temperature of not less than 350° C. for at least 0.5 hour. To enable the fabrication of thermally stable carbon-based low dielectric constant film, specific precursor materials such as cyclic hydrocarbons should be used, for instance, cyclohexane or benzene.

Abstract: In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a semiconductor device having a multilayer interconnection structure, wherein an upper interconnection comprises a first metal layer composed of an aluminum alloy, which is formed over a lower interconnection, and a second metal layer formed over the first metal layer and composed of an aluminum alloy formed as a film at a temperature higher than that for the first metal layer. Another invention provides a semiconductor device having a multilayer interconnection structure, wherein a metal region composed of a metal different from an aluminum alloy is formed in a portion spaced by a predetermined distance in an extending direction of an upper interconnection from an end of a via hole defined in the upper interconnection composed of the aluminum alloy, which is electrically connected to a lower interconnection through the via hole.

Abstract: A chip-type multi-layered electronic part in which terminal electrodes are prevented from oxidization when the electrical part is joined with a substrate, so that superior electrical bonding between the terminal electrodes and internal electrodes can be attained. Terminal electrodes 7 connected to internal electrodes 1 contain silver and palladium as the main ingredients in the weight ratio in a range of from 7:3 to 3:7, and further contain boron in a range of from 0.1 weight percent to 1.0 weight percent added to the main ingredients of 100 weight percent.

Abstract: A semiconductor device capable of operating at a high speed or of having many functions. In this device, delamination of buried electrodes is prevented and thus high reliability is offered. The depth A of contact holes, the minimum linewidth R of a lower metallization layer, and the thickness B of the lower metallization layer satisfy relations given by (0.605/R)0.5<A<2.78−1.02B+0.172B2.

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 capable of preventing diffusion of a particle of copper or the like which forms a conductive layer is provided without any increase in the number of manufacturing the steps. Further, a semiconductor device preventing diffusion of a particle forming a conductive layer into an insulating layer even when a width of the conductive layer is increased is provided. The semiconductor device includes: an insulating layer 2; a barrier layer 4; a conductive layer 5; a barrier layer 6 having an opening 11; an insulating layer 7 having a through hole 8 exposing a surface of conductive layer 5 and a part of a surface of barrier layer 6; a barrier layer 9 formed on a surface of said through hole 8 and insulating layer 7 which is in contact with an upper surface 6a of barrier layer 6; and a conductive layer 10 filling opening 11 and through hole 8.

Abstract: A soft metal conductor for use in a semiconductor device which has an uppermost layer consisting of grains having grain sizes sufficiently large so as to provide a substantially scratch-free surface upon polishing in a subsequent polishing step. The invention also provides a method for making a soft metal conductor that has a substantially scratch-free surface upon polishing by a multi-step deposition process, i.e., first sputtering at a higher temperature and then sputtering at a lower temperature and followed by another high temperature sputtering process. The invention further discloses a method for forming a substantially scratch-free surface on a soft metal conductor by first depositing a soft metal layer at a low deposition temperature and then annealing the soft metal layer at a higher temperature to increase the grain size of the metal.

Abstract: Cu diffusion between Cu and/or Cu alloy interconnect members, e.g., lines, is avoided or substantially reduced by removing an upper portion of the inter-layer dielectric between neighboring lines to form a recess and depositing a diffusion barrier layer filling the recess between neighboring lines. Interconnects in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include Cu and/or Cu filled damascene trenches in a silicon oxide inter-layer dielectric oxide with a recess between neighboring lines filled with a silicon nitride capping layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is comprised of a first wire that has a plurality of via holes formed in the vicinity of an end thereof and that is connected to a conductor of a different layer through the via holes, and a plurality of slits that are provided parallel to the direction in which the first wire extends and that split the first wire into a plurality of second wires over a predetermined distance from the end thereof.

Abstract: A local interconnect for an integrated circuit structure is described capable of bridging over a conductive element to electrically connect together, at the local interconnect level, non-adjacent conductive portions of the integrated circuit structure. After formation of active devices and a conductive element of an integrated circuit structure in a semiconductor substrate, a silicon oxide mask is formed over the structure, with the conductive element covered by the silicon oxide mask. Metal silicide is then formed in exposed silicon regions beneath openings in the mask. The portion of the silicon oxide mask covering the conductive element is then retained as insulation. A silicon nitride etch stop layer and a planarizable dielectric layer are then formed over the structure. An opening is then formed through such silicon nitride and dielectric layers over the conductive element and exposed metal silicide regions adjacent the conductive element.

Abstract: A semiconductor comprising a semiconductor device formed on a semiconductor substrate, an interlevel insulating film having holes and a ring-shaped groove in a circuit area formed on the semiconductor substrate and having the semiconductor element formed therein, the ring-shaped groove seamlessly surrounding an outer periphery of the circuit area, via plugs formed in the holes in the interlevel insulating film, a wiring connected to the plug electrodes and mainly comprising copper, and a via ring having a layer formed in the ring-shaped groove and mainly comprising aluminum, wherein no layer mainly comprising copper is formed in the via ring layer.

Abstract: A new liner structure and method to incorporate this liner into process flows in order to lower the processing temperature of aluminum extrusion or reflow cavity filling. The structures produced by this innovative method are particularly useful for advanced sub-quarter micron multi-level interconnect applications.

Abstract: The present invention aims at improving the lifetime of the wiring connecting to the hole nearest to the bonding pad and thereby improving the reliability of the semiconductor device. The invention relates to such semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of first metal layers connected to a bonding pad, and plurality of aluminum wirings respectively connected to the first metal layers. The plurality of aluminum wirings are connected to a single second metal layer and have a length equal to or short than Blech Length.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer, prelayer, refractory layer, and conductive layer. The conductive layer includes an ohmic contact layer, and may also include a barrier layer, of a highly stable, low-resistance element or compound, such as Au or Ti, which is formed on the refractory layer. The refractory layer is a material that does not react with, or dissociate from, either the prelayer or the conductive layer when the semiconductor device is exposed to relatively high temperatures. The refractory layer material may be metal suicides, phosphides, or nitrides. The material of the prelayer is selected to minimize strain between the prelayer, the refractory layer and the semiconductor layer to provide a relatively strong bond between the refractory layer and semiconductor. The prelayer may be selected to provide relatively high current injection to the semiconductor, and may further form a low Schottky barrier height with the semiconductor.

Abstract: A wiring layer of a semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a first conductive film made of a material containing Al. A material, which reacts with Al at a rate lower than that at which Ti reacts with Al, is provided on the first conductive film. A first barrier metal film is formed, and an interlayer insulating film is formed thereon. An opening is formed in the interlayer insulating film so as to expose the first barrier metal film. The opening is buried to form a second conductive film electrically connected to the first conductive film.

Abstract: A metal-line structure in an integrated circuit (IC) and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The metal-line structure includes a barrier layer formed at a selected location over the dielectric layer, a metallization layer formed over the barrier layer, an ARC formed over the metallization layer, and a spacer structure formed over all the exposed sidewalls of the barrier layer, the metallization layer, and the ARC. The forming of the spacer structure on each of the metal lines can help prevent the occurrence of extrusions along the sidewalls of the metal lines in the IC device that would otherwise cause dielectric cracks and thus lead to undesired bridging between neighboring metal lines as in the prior art. Moreover, the method of fabricating such a metal-line structure can be carried out without having to perform photolithography, thus reducing manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The shielding device described is distinguished by the fact that it has a coating that at least partially surrounds the element that is to be electromagnetically shielded. As a result, the elements that are to be electromagnetically shielded can be optimally shielded with minimal outlay.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum filled via hole for use in a semiconductor interconnect structure. The aluminum filled via hole of the semiconductor interconnect structure includes a first patterned metallization layer lying over a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer overlying the first patterned metallization layer and the first dielectric layer. An aluminum filled via hole defined through the second dielectric layer and in contact with the first patterned metallization layer. The aluminum filled via hole has an electromigration barrier cap over a topmost portion of the aluminum filled via hole that is substantially level with the second dielectric layer. The electromigration barrier cap having a thickness of between about 500 angstroms and about 2,500 angstroms.

Abstract: An electrically resistive structure comprising a substrate (11) which is provided on at least one side with a first resistive film (13) and a second resistive film (17), the materials of these first and second films (13, 17) being mutually different, whereby an anti-diffusion film (15) is disposed between the first and second films (13, 17). The presence of such an anti-diffusion film (15) allows annealing of the resistive structure without significant degradation of its resistive properties. Suitable alloy materials for use in such an anti-diffusion film (15) include WTi, and particularly WTiN. Appropriate exemplary materials for the first resistive film (13) and second resistive film (17) include SiCr and CuNi alloys, respectively.

Abstract: A microelectronic semiconductor interconnect structure barrier and method of deposition provide improved conductive barrier material properties for high-performance device interconnects. The barrier comprises a dopant selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, iridium, rhodium, and tin. The barrier can comprise a refractory metal selected from the group consisting of tantalum, tungsten titanium, chromium, and cobalt, and can also comprise a third element selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. The dopant and other barrier materials can be deposited by chemical-vapor deposition to achieve good step coverage and a relatively conformal thin film with a good nucleation surface for subsequent metallization such as copper metallization in one embodiment, the barrier suppresses diffusion of copper into other layers of the device, including the inter-metal dielectric, pre-metal dielectric, and transistor structures.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a thin semi-insulating polycrystalline silicon (SIPOS) film on the surface of a silicon substrate having a diffused region therein. The SIOPS film is thermally treated at the bottom of a via-plug of an overlying metallic film to form a metallic silicide for electrically connecting the via-plug with the diffused region, whereas the SIPOS film is maintained as it is for insulation on a dielectric film. The SIPOS film protects the diffused regions against over-etching to thereby improve the junction characteristics and provide a larger process margin for contacts between the metallic interconnects and the diffused regions.

Abstract: A multi-layered metal bond pad for a semiconductor die having a conductive metal layer and an overlying ruthenium electrode layer. The ruthenium electrode layer protects the conductive metal from oxidation due to ambient environmental conditions. An interconnect structure such as a wire bond or solder ball may be attached to the ruthenium layer to connect the semiconductor die to a lead frame or circuit support structure. Also disclosed are processes for forming the ruthenium layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wiring structure for a semiconductor device being excellent in the resistance against electromigration and being able to lengthen a life of the wiring. The wiring structure is comprised of a refractory metal layer and an aluminum alloy layer being stacked on the refractory metal layer. The wiring structure contains a compound layer produced between the refractory metal layer and the aluminum alloy layer. The refractory metal layer is parted in the extended direction of the wiring to prevent the compound layer produced between the refractory metal layer and the aluminum alloy layer from being ranged in the extended direction of the wiring. A length of an interval between the parted refractory metal layer portions is set to exceed a value being twice as large as a thickness of the compound layer. This prevents the compound layer growing between faces of refractory metal layer portion being opposite to each other being ranged each other.

Abstract: A typical integrated circuit interconnects millions of microscopic transistors and resistors with aluminum wires buried in silicon-dioxide insulation. Yet, aluminum wires and silicon-dioxide insulation are a less attractive combination than gold, silver, or copper wires combined with polymer-based insulation, which promise both lower electrical resistance and capacitance and thus faster, more efficient circuits. Unfortunately, conventional etch-based techniques are ineffective with gold, silver, or copper, and conventional polymer formation promote reactions with metals that undermine the insulative properties of polymer-based insulations. Accordingly, the inventor devised methods which use a liftoff procedure to avoid etching problems and a non-acid-polymeric precursor and non-oxidizing cure procedure to preserve the insulative properties of the polymeric insulator. The resulting interconnective structures facilitate integrated circuits with better speed and efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductor element which comprises a metal layer with gold and germanium. A thin covering layer of germanium oxide lies on the metal layer, protecting the subjacent metal layer from undesirable oxidation of the germanium. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a semiconductor element.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bit line is disclosed. Such a method includes: forming a layer-insulation layer on the surface of a semiconductor substrate; forming a contact hole on a predetermined region of the layer-insulation layer; forming a first conductive layer on the upper surface of the layer-insulation layer and inside the contact hole, the first conductive layer being made of a metal; forming a second conductive layer on the upper surface of the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer being made of a metal; and patterning the first and the second conductive layers together. The bit line made of a metal is manufactured to be integrated with a plug. The first conductive layer is formed by sputtering while the second conductive layer is formed by chemical vapor deposition, thereby shortening the process and improving the characteristics of the bit line.

Abstract: Poorly adherent layers such as silicon nitride and silicon dioxide exhibit improved adhesion to copper member by providing an intervening germanium-containing layer. The germanium-containing layer is copper germanide, germanium oxide, germanium bitride or combinations thereof. The germanium-containing layer enhances the adhesion such that the poorly adherent layer is less susceptible to delamination from the copper member.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a silicon substrate, an electrical wiring metal, an insulating film formed on the silicon substrate, a plurality of contact holes formed in the insulating film for connecting the silicon substrate and the electrical wiring metal to each other, and a titanium silicide film formed in the contact holes. The thickness of the titanium silicide film is 10 nm to 120 nm or, preferably, 20 nm to 84 nm. Semiconductor regions and the electrical wiring metal are connected to each other through the titanium silicide film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the formation of implanted thermally and electrically conductive structures in a dielectric. An electrically conductive structure, such as an interconnect, is formed through ion implantation into several levels within a dielectric layer to penetrate into an electrically conductive region beneath the dielectric layer, such as a semiconductor substrate. Ion implantation continues in discreet, overlapping implantations of the ions from the electrical conductive region up to the top of the dielectric layer so as to form a continuous interconnect. Structural qualities achieved by the method of the present invention include a low interconnect-conductive region resistivity and a low thermal-cycle stress between the interconnect and the dielectric layer in which the interconnect has been implanted.

Abstract: An interlayer insulation film is deposited on a substrate in which a semiconductor element has been formed. A wiring groove is formed in the interlayer insulation film. A barrier layer, made of a material which prevents the diffusion of Cu atoms, is formed on at least the inner surface of the wring groove and the upper surface of the interlayer insulation film. A seed layer, made of Cu which contains an impurity, -is deposited on the barrier layer. By way of plating, a conductive layer made of Cu is deposited on the seed layer so as to fill the wiring groove. The substrate is heated to precipitate the impurity, contained in the seed layer, on at least an interface between the seed layer and the barrier layer. The conductive layer, the seed layer and the barrier layer are removed until the upper surface of the interlayer insulation film appears, thus performing surface planarization.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip (10, 50, 100) may comprise an integrated circuit (14, 54, 108, 110, 112) formed in a semiconductor layer (12, 52, 102). A thermal contact (16, 56, 116) may be formed at a high temperature region of the integrated circuit (14, 54, 108, 110, 112). A thick plated metal layer (40, 80, 140) may be generally isolated from the integrated circuit (14, 54, 108, 110, 112). The thick plated metal layer (40, 80, 140) may include a base (42, 82, 142) and an exposed surface (44, 84, 144) opposite the base (42, 82, 142). The base (42, 82, 142) may be coupled to the thermal contact (16, 56, 116) to receive thermal energy of the high temperature region. The exposed surface (44, 84, 144) may dissipate thermal energy received by the thick plated metal layer (40, 80, 140).

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip (10) includes a substrate (12), a plurality of transistors (16) provided in the substrate (12), a circuit pattern (14) provided on a top surface of the substrate (12) and a metal layer (42) comprising at least two metals in substantially eutectic proportions provided on a bottom surface of the substrate, the bottom surface of the metal layer (42) being exposed. The integrated circuit chip (10) can be attached to a farther substrate, e.g., a housing, using automated attachment techniques. The chip (10) can be attached to the housing by picking up the integrated circuit chip (10) with the metal layer (42) provided on the bottom surface thereof and placing the integrated circuit chip (10) onto a housing so the bottom surface of the integrated circuit chip (10) faces the housing with the metal layer (42) there between; and then heating the metal layer (42) to a temperature above its eutectic temperature to melt the metal layer and attach the integrated circuit chip (10) to the housing.

Abstract: A semiconductor ceramic device includes a semiconductor ceramic sintered body and external electrodes. The semiconductor ceramic sintered body contains a lanthanum cobalt type oxide major component, about 0.1 to 10 mol % on an element conversion basis of an oxide of Cr as a sub-component, and about 0.001 to 0.5 mol % on an element conversion basis of at least one of the oxides of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ni, Cu and Zn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for minimizing voids in a plug. The process begins by forming a conformal barrier layer within the hole and then forming a metal plug within the hole. Thereafter, a cap layer is formed over the metal plug in which the cap layer has a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the metal plug. The hole is heated such that the metal in the hole flows to eliminate the void as a result of the compressive stress generated by the cap layer on the metal plug.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that compromises a dielectric layer (12) disposed outwardly from a substrate (10). The dielectric layer (12) has at least one contact opening (14) formed through the dielectric layer (12). The device has an adhesion layer (16) disposed outwardly from the exposed surfaces of the dielectric layer (12) and the substrate (10). A first barrier layer (18) is formed outwardly from the adhesion layer (16). A second barrier layer (20) is formed outwardly from the first barrier layer (18). A conductive plug (24) fills the contact opening (14) and is disposed outwardly from the second barrier layer (20).

Abstract: A semiconductor device, for example an IC, having conductor tracks (3) of a metal (3) exhibiting a better conductance than aluminium, such as copper, silver, gold or an alloy thereof. The tracks are situated on an insulating layer (2) and are connected to a semiconductor region (1A) or to an aluminium conductor track by means of a metal plug (5), for example of tungsten, which is situated in an aperture (4) in the insulating layer (2). The bottom and walls of the aperture (4) are provided with an electroconductive material (6), such as titanium nitride, which forms a diffusion barrier for the metal (3). In accordance with the invention, the insulating layer (2) comprises a sub-layer (2A), which forms a diffusion barrier for the metal (3) and which extends, outside the aperture (4), throughout the surface of the semiconductor body (10). As a result, the conductor tracks (3) no longer have to be provided with a sheath serving as a diffusion barrier for the metal (3).

Abstract: An article comprising a metal circuit and/or a heat-radiating metal plate formed on a ceramic substrate, wherein the metal circuit and/or the heat-radiating metal plate comprise either (1) the following first metal-second metal bonded product, wherein the first metal and the second metal are different, or (2) the following first metal-third metal-second metal bonded product, and wherein in (1) and (2), the first metal is bonded to the ceramic substrate; first metal: a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), platinum (Pt) and an alloy containing at least one of these metal components; second metal: a metal selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al) and an alloy containing at least one of these metal components; and third metal: a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) and an alloy containing at least one of these metal components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor integrated circuit device having a plurality of metallization levels of patterned metallization lines that are resistant to electromigration voiding, and methods for making the electromigration void resistant metallization lines. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a metallization line having a first end and a second end. Oxide feature regions are defined in the metallization line, and the oxide feature regions are arranged along the metallization line between the first end and the second end. Each one of the oxide feature regions are configured to be separated from a previous oxide feature region by about a Blech length or less, and each of the oxide feature regions are configured to define a region of increased metallization atom concentration and a corresponding increased back-flow force. The oxide feature regions therefore define a composite metallization interconnect line, which is well configured to retard electromigration voiding.