Abstract: Image sensors and methods of manufacturing image sensors are provided. One such method includes forming a structure that includes a semiconductor layer extending from a front side to a back side, and a capacitive insulation wall extending through the semiconductor layer. The capacitive insulation wall includes first and second insulating walls separated by a region of a conductor or a semiconductor material. Portions of the semiconductor layer and the region of the conductor or semiconductor material are selectively etched, and the first and second insulating walls have portions protruding outwardly beyond a back side of the semiconductor layer and of the region of the conductor or semiconductor material. A dielectric passivation layer is deposited on the back side of the structure, and portions of the dielectric passivation layer are locally removed on a back side of the protruding portions of the first and second insulating walls.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing metallic interconnects for an integrated circuit includes forming an interconnect layout including at least one line including a non-diffusing material, forming a diffusing barrier layer on the line, forming an opening extending completely through the diffusing barrier layer and exposing a portion of the line, depositing a diffusing layer on the diffusing barrier layer such that a portion of the diffusing layer contacts the portion of the line, and thermally reacting the diffusing layer to form the metallic interconnects. Thermally reacting the diffusing layer chemically diffuses a material of the diffusing layer into the at least one line and causes at least one crystalline grain to grow along a length of the at least one line from at least one nucleation site defined at an interface between the portions of the diffusing layer and the line.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a gate structure on a substrate, and a doped source/drain region on each side of the gate structure; forming a first interlayer dielectric layer, the top surface of the first interlayer dielectric layer leveled with the top surface of the gate structure; forming a contact hole in the first interlayer dielectric layer on each side of the gate structure; forming a cobalt layer in the contact hole, the top surface of the cobalt layer lower than the top surface of the first interlayer dielectric layer; forming a protective layer to cover the cobalt layer, the top layer of the protective layer lower than the top surface of the first interlayer dielectric layer; and forming a second interlayer dielectric layer, the top surface of the second interlayer dielectric layer leveled with the top surface of the first interlayer dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a mold structure on a substrate, forming a first mask layer having a deposition thickness on the mold structure and patterning the first mask layer to form first mask openings which expose the mold structure. The mold structure is etched to form holes that penetrate the mold structure. The first mask layer is thinned to form mask portions having thickness smaller than the deposition thickness. Conductive patterns are formed to fill the holes and the first mask openings. The first mask layer including the mask portions is etched to expose the mold structure. The conductive patterns include protrusions. A chemical mechanical polishing process is performed to remove the protrusions of the conductive patterns.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first field-effect transistor (FET) on a substrate, the first FET comprising a first plurality of channel regions extending in a first direction, and stacking a second FET on the first FET, the second FET comprising a second plurality of channel regions extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first FET comprises a first gate region extending in the second direction across the first plurality of channel regions, and the second FET comprises a second gate region extending in the first direction across the second plurality of channel regions.

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: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to vertical transport field effect transistor devices and methods of manufacture. A structure includes: a vertical fin structure having a lower dopant region, an upper dopant region and a channel region between the lower dopant region and the upper dopant region; and a doped semiconductor material provided on sides of the vertical fin structure at a lower portion. The lower dopant region being composed of the doped semiconductor material which is merged into the vertical fin structure at the lower portion.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of lower electrodes having a vertical length greater than a horizontal width on a substrate, a supporter disposed between the lower electrodes, an upper electrode disposed on the lower electrodes, and a capacitor dielectric layer disposed between the lower electrodes and the upper electrode. The supporter includes a first element, a second element, and oxygen, an oxide of the second element has a higher band gap energy than an oxide of the first element, and the content of the second element in the supporter is from about 10 at % to 90 at %.

Abstract: A display substrate includes an active pattern, a gate electrode, a first insulation layer and a pixel electrode. The active pattern is disposed on a base substrate. The active pattern includes a metal oxide semiconductor. The gate electrode overlaps the active pattern. The first insulation layer covers the gate electrode and the active pattern, and a contact hole is defined in the first insulation layer. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the active pattern via the contact hole penetrating the first insulation layer. A first angle defined by a bottom surface of the first insulation layer and a sidewall of the first insulation layer exposed by the contact hole is between about 30° and about 50°.

Abstract: An electrical device in which an interface layer comprising arsenic is disposed between and in contact with a conductor and a semiconductor. In some cases, the interface layer may be a monolayer of arsenic.

Abstract: A method for forming an enhancement mode GaN HFET device with an isolation area that is self-aligned to a contact opening or metal mask window. Advantageously, the method does not require a dedicated isolation mask and the associated process steps, thus reducing manufacturing costs. The method includes providing an EPI structure including a substrate, a buffer layer a GaN layer and a barrier layer. A dielectric layer is formed over the barrier layer and openings are formed in the dielectric layer for device contact openings and an isolation contact opening. A metal layer is then formed over the dielectric layer and a photoresist film is deposited above each of the device contact openings. The metal layer is then etched to form a metal mask window above the isolation contact opening and the barrier and GaN layer are etched at the portion that is exposed by the isolation contact opening in the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for decreasing the impedance of a titanium nitride element for use in an electrode component. The method comprises obtaining a titanium nitride element and hydrothermally treating the titanium nitride element by immersing the titanium nitride element in a liquid comprising water while heating said liquid.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to the design, fabrication, and manufacture of gallium arsenide (GaAs) integrated circuits are disclosed. Copper can be used as the contact material for a GaAs integrated circuit. Metallization of the wafer and through-wafer vias can be achieved through copper plating processes disclosed herein. To avoid warpage, the tensile stress of a conductive layer deposited onto a GaAs substrate can be offset by depositing a compensating layer having negative stress over the GaAs substrate. GaAs integrated circuits can be singulated, packaged, and incorporated into various electronic devices.

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: Methods of fabricating a capped interconnect for a microelectronic device which includes a sealing feature for any gaps between a capping layer and an interconnect and structures formed therefrom. The sealing features improve encapsulation of the interconnect, which substantially reduces or prevents electromigration and/or diffusion of conductive material from the capped interconnect.

Abstract: A method (and semiconductor device) of fabricating a semiconductor device provides a filed effect transistor (FET) with reduced contact resistance (and series resistance) for improved device performance. An impurity is implanted in the source/drain (S/D) regions after contact silicide formation and a spike anneal process is performed that lowers the schottky barrier height (SBH) of the interface between the silicide and the lower junction region of the S/D regions. This results in lower contact resistance and reduces the thickness (and Rs) of the region at the silicide-semiconductor interface.

Abstract: A method and structure for preventing integrated circuit failure due to electromigration and time dependent dielectric breakdown is disclosed. A randomly patterned metal cap layer is selectively formed on the metal interconnect lines (typically copper (Cu)) with an interspace distance between metal cap segments that is less than the critical length (for short-length effects). Since the diffusivity is lower for the Cu/metal cap interface than for the Cu/dielectric cap interface, the region with a metal cap serves as a diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A structure and method of producing a semiconductor structure including a semi-insulating semiconductor layer, a plurality of isolated devices formed over the semi-insulating semiconductor layer, and a metal-semiconductor alloy region formed in the semi-insulating semiconductor layer, where the metal-semiconductor alloy region electrically connects two or more of the isolated devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a first aluminum pad layer on a metal layer, forming an adhesion layer on the first aluminum pad layer, etching the adhesion layer so as to form a patterned adhesion layer, and forming a second aluminum pad layer on the first aluminum pad layer and the patterned adhesion layer.

Abstract: Novel processing methods for production of high-refractive index contrast and low loss optical waveguides are disclosed. In one embodiment, a “channel” waveguide is produced by first depositing a lower cladding material layer with a low refractive index on a base substrate, a refractory metal layer, and a top diffusion barrier layer. Then, a trench is formed with an open surface to the refractory metal layer. The open surface is subsequently oxidized to form an oxidized refractory metal region, and the top diffusion barrier layer and the non-oxidized refractory metal region are removed. Then, a low-refractive-index top cladding layer is deposited on this waveguide structure to encapsulate the oxidized refractory metal region. In another embodiment, a “ridge” waveguide is produced by using similar process steps with an added step of depositing a high-refractive-index material layer and an optional optically-transparent layer.

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: According to various embodiments, an electrode may include at least one layer including a chemical compound including aluminum and titanium.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and method of making the same. A preferred interconnect structure has a first interconnect including a first dual damascene via and narrow line and a second interconnect at the same level as the first including a second dual damascene via and wider line. The first and second interconnects may have different aspect ratio and may have different line heights while being co-planar with each other. The second line of the second interconnect may abut or partially surround the first line of the first interconnect. The first interconnect includes a refractory metal material as the main conductor, whereas the second interconnect includes a lower resistivity material as its main conductor.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a substrate, an oxide dielectric layer on the substrate, an interface layer on the oxide dielectric layer, and an electrode on the interface layer. The oxide dielectric layer may include an aluminum oxide layer between first and second zirconium oxide layers. The interface layer may have a first formation enthalpy, and the oxide dielectric layer may be between the substrate and the interface layer. The electrode may have a second formation enthalpy higher than the first formation enthalpy, and the interface layer may be between the oxide dielectric layer and the electrode.

Abstract: An object is to reduce a capacitance value of parasitic capacitance without decreasing driving capability of a transistor in a semiconductor device such as an active matrix display device. Further, another object is to provide a semiconductor device in which the capacitance value of the parasitic capacitance was reduced, at low cost. An insulating layer other than a gate insulating layer is provided between a wiring which is formed of the same material layer as a gate electrode of the transistor and a wiring which is formed of the same material layer as a source electrode or a drain electrode.

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 3D integrated circuit structure comprises a first chip, wherein the first chip comprises: a substrate; a semiconductor device formed on the substrate and a dielectric layer formed on both the substrate and the semiconductor device; a conductive material layer formed within a through hole penetrating through both the substrate and the dielectric layer; a stress releasing layer surrounding the through hole; and a first interconnecting structure connecting the conductive material layer with the semiconductor device. By forming a stress releasing layer to partially release the stress caused by the conductive material in the via, the stress caused by mismatch of CTE between the conductive material and the semiconductor (for example, silicon) surrounding it can be reduced, thereby enhancing the performance of the semiconductor device and the corresponding 3D integrated circuit consisting of the semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio metallization structure is provided in which a noble metal-containing material is present at least within a lower portion of a contact opening located in a dielectric material and is in direct contact with a metal semiconductor alloy located on an upper surface of a material stack of at least one semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is plug located within the lower region of the contact opening and an upper region of the contact opening includes a conductive metal-containing material. The conductive metal-containing material is separated from plug of noble metal-containing material by a bottom walled portion of a U-shaped diffusion barrier. In another embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is present throughout the entire contact opening.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is manufactured by, first, providing a wafer, designated with a saw street guide, and having a bond pad formed on an active surface of the wafer. The wafer is taped with a dicing tape. The wafer is singulated along the saw street guide into a plurality of dies having a plurality of gaps between each of the plurality of dies. The dicing tape is stretched to expand the plurality of gaps to a predetermined distance. An organic material is deposited into each of the plurality of gaps. A top surface of the organic material is substantially coplanar with a top surface of a first die of the plurality of dies. A redistribution layer is patterned over a portion of the organic material. An under bump metallization (UBM) is deposited over the organic material in electrical communication, through the redistribution layer, with the bond pad.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; an underlying wiring on the semiconductor substrate; a resin film extending to the semiconductor substrate and the underlying wiring, and having a first opening on the underlying wiring; a first SiN film on the underlying wiring and the resin film, and having a second opening in the first opening; an upper layer wiring on the underlying wiring and part of the resin film; and a second SiN film on the upper layer wiring and the resin film, and joined to the first SiN film on the resin film. The upper layer wiring includes a Ti film, connected to the underlying wiring via the first and second openings, and an Au film on the Ti film. The first and second SiN films circumferentially protect the Ti film.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal-semiconductor alloy layer uses particular thermal annealing conditions to provide a stress free metal-semiconductor alloy layer through interdiffusion of a buried semiconductor material layer and a metal-semiconductor alloy forming metal layer that contacts the buried semiconductor material layer within an aperture through a capping layer beneath which is buried the semiconductor material layer. A resulting semiconductor structure includes the metal-semiconductor alloy layer that further includes an interconnect portion beneath the capping layer and a contiguous via portion that penetrates at least partially through the capping layer. Such a metal-semiconductor alloy layer may be located interposed between a substrate and a semiconductor device having an active doped region.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a plurality of semiconductor devices and a plurality of conductive lines connecting the semiconductor devices, wherein the conductive lines include a transition metal and a protective cap deposited on the transition metal. Alternatively, an integrated circuit includes a plurality of semiconductor devices and a plurality of conductive lines connecting the semiconductor devices and having sub-eighty nanometer pitches, wherein the conductive lines include a transition metal and a protective cap deposited on the transition metal, wherein the protective cap has a thickness between approximately five and fifteen nanometers.

Abstract: Methods for forming structures to use in atomic force probing of a conductive feature embedded in a dielectric layer and structures for use in atomic force probing. An insulator layer is formed on the dielectric layer such that the conductive feature is covered. A contact hole penetrates from a top surface of the insulator layer through the insulator layer to the conductive feature. The contact hole is at least partially filled with a conductive stud that is in electrical contact with the conductive feature and exposed at the top surface of the insulator layer so as to define a structure. A probe tip of an atomic force probe tool is landed on a portion of the structure and used to electrically characterize a device structure connected with the conductive feature.

Abstract: A non-catalytic palladium precursor composition is disclosed, including a palladium salt and an organoamine, wherein the composition is substantially free of water. The composition permits the use of solution processing methods to form a palladium layer on a wide variety of substrates, including in a pattern to form circuitry or pathways for electronic devices.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes first etching a substrate according to a first mask. The first etching forms a first etch feature in the substrate to a first depth. The first etching also forms a sliver opening in the substrate. The sliver opening may then be filled with a fill material. A second mask may be formed by removing a portion of the first mask. The substrate exposed by the second mask may be etched with a second etch, in which the second etching is selective to the fill material. The second etching extends the first etch feature to a second depth that is greater than the first depth, and the second etch forms a second etch feature. The first etch feature and the second etch feature may then be filled with a conductive metal.

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: A semiconductor wafer having a multi-layer wiring structure is disclosed. The wafer comprises a plurality of chip die areas arranged on the wafer in an array and scribe line areas between the chip die areas. The scribe lines of a semiconductor wafer having USG top-level wiring layers above ELK wiring layers have at least one metal film structures substantially covering corner regions where two scribe lines intersect to inhibit delamination at the USG/ELK interface during wafer dicing operation.

Abstract: A structure for a semiconductor device, according to an embodiment, includes: a substantially L-shaped silicide element including a base member and an extended member, wherein the base member extends at least partially into a shallow trench isolation (STI) region such that a substantially horizontal surface of the base member directly contacts a substantially horizontal surface of the STI region; and a contact contacting the substantially L-shaped silicide element.

Abstract: A through silicon via structure and a method of fabricating the through silicon via. The method includes: (a) forming a trench in a silicon substrate, the trench open to a top surface of the substrate; (b) forming a silicon dioxide layer on sidewalls of the trench, the silicon dioxide layer not filling the trench; (c) filling remaining space in the trench with polysilicon; after (c), (d) fabricating at least a portion of a CMOS device in the substrate; (e) removing the polysilicon from the trench, the dielectric layer remaining on the sidewalls of the trench; (f) re-filling the trench with an electrically conductive core; and after (f), (g) forming one or more wiring layers over the top surface of the substrate, a wire of a wiring level of the one or more wiring levels closest to the substrate contacting a top surface of the conductive core.

Abstract: According to example embodiments of inventive concepts, a power device includes a semiconductor structure having a first surface facing a second surface, an upper electrode, and a lower electrode. The upper electrode may include a first contact layer that is on the first surface of the semiconductor structure, and a first bonding pad layer that is on the first contact layer and is formed of a metal containing nickel (Ni). The lower electrode may include a second contact layer that is under the second surface of the semiconductor structure, and a second bonding pad layer that is under the second contact layer and is formed of a metal containing Ni.

Abstract: A method for fabricating multiple metal layers includes the following steps. An electronic component is provided with multiple contact points. A first metal layer is deposited over said electronic component. A first mask layer is deposited over said first metal layer. A second metal layer is deposited over said first metal layer exposed by an opening in said first mask layer. Said first mask layer is removed. A second mask layer is deposited over said second metal layer. A third metal layer is deposited over said second metal layer exposed by an opening in said second mask layer. Said second mask layer is removed. Said first metal layer not covered by said second metal layer is removed.

Abstract: Ni and Pt residuals are eliminated by replacing an SPM cleaning process with application of HNO3 in an SWC tool. Embodiments include depositing a layer of Ni/Pt on a semiconductor substrate, annealing the deposited Ni/Pt layer, removing unreacted Ni from the annealed Ni/Pt layer by applying HNO3 to the annealed Ni/Pt layer in an SWC tool, annealing the Ni removed Ni/Pt layer, and removing unreacted Pt from the annealed Ni removed Ni/Pt layer. Embodiments include forming first and second gate electrodes on a substrate, spacers on opposite sides of each gate electrode, and Pt-containing NiSi on the substrate adjacent each spacer, etching back the spacers, forming a tensile strain layer over the first gate electrode, applying a first HNO3 in an SWC tool, forming a compressive strain layer over the second gate electrode, and applying a second HNO3 in an SWC tool.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing the semiconductor apparatus, including: forming through-hole which penetrates a semiconductor substrate at a point that corresponds to a location of an electrode pad; forming an insulating film on a rear surface of the semiconductor substrate, including the interior of the through-hole; forming an adhesion securing layer from a metal or an inorganic insulator on a surface of the insulating film at least in an opening portion of the through-hole; forming a resist layer to serve as a mask in bottom etching on the adhesion securing layer; performing bottom etching to expose the electrode pad; removing the resist layer to obtain the insulating film free of surface irregularities that would otherwise have been created by bottom etching; forming a barrier layer, a seed layer, and a conductive layer by a low-temperature process; and performing patterning.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device, including a semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulating layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a bonding electrode formed on a surface of the interlayer insulating layer, and a metal film which covers an entire surface of a bonding surface including the interlayer insulating layer and the bonding electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an electrode having a metal silicide layer and a metal alloy layer, and a data storage element formed on the electrode. The metal silicide layer has a concave surface to correspond to a convex surface of the metal alloy layer such that the concave surface of the metal silicide layer and the convex surface of the metal alloy layer form a curved boundary.

Abstract: An interconnect structure that includes a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 3.0 or less is provided. This low k dielectric material has at least one conductive material having an upper surface embedded therein. The dielectric material also has a surface layer that is made hydrophobic prior to the formation of the noble metal cap. The noble metal cap is located directly on the upper surface of the at least one conductive material. Because of the presence of the hydrophobic surface layer on the dielectric material, the noble metal cap does not substantially extend onto the hydrophobic surface layer of the dielectric material that is adjacent to the at least one conductive material and no metal residues from the noble metal cap deposition form on this hydrophobic dielectric surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided having: a semiconductor; a gold-free electrically conductive structure in ohmic contact with the semiconductor; and a pair of electrically conductive layers separated by a layer of silicon. The structure includes: a refractory metal layer disposed in contact with the semiconductor; and wherein one of the pair of electrically conductive layers separated by the layer of silicon is the refractory metal layer. A second layer of silicon is disposed on a second one of the pair of pair of electrically conductive layers and including a third electrically conducive layer on the second layer of silicon. In one embodiment, the semiconductor includes a III-V material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of electrode structures perpendicularly extending on a substrate, and at least one support unit extending between the plurality of electrode structures. The support unit includes at least one support layer including a noncrystalline metal oxide contacting a part of the plurality of electrode structures. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio metallization structure is provided in which a noble metal-containing material is present at least within a lower portion of a contact opening located in a dielectric material and is in direct contact with a metal semiconductor alloy located on an upper surface of a material stack of at least one semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is plug located within the lower region of the contact opening and an upper region of the contact opening includes a conductive metal-containing material. The conductive metal-containing material is separated from plug of noble metal-containing material by a bottom walled portion of a U-shaped diffusion barrier. In another embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is present throughout the entire contact opening.

Abstract: A method of integrated circuit fabrication is provided, and more particularly fabrication of a semiconductor apparatus with a metallic alloy. An exemplary structure for a semiconductor apparatus comprises a first silicon substrate having a first contact comprising a silicide layer between the substrate and a first metal layer; a second silicon substrate having a second contact comprising a second metal layer; and a metallic alloy between the first metal layer of the first contact and the second metal layer of the second contact.