Abstract: A method of fabricating an interconnect structure of a semiconductor device is provided having a first conductive line and forming a second conductive line over the first conductive line. A via opening is formed in the second conductive line, and the via opening is aligned over the first conductive line. The via opening is filled with a conductive material to form an interconnect via and an upper portion of the interconnect via forms a portion of the second conductive line.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first memory cell, a second memory cell, a first capping film, and a second capping film. The first memory cell includes a first ovonic threshold switch (OTS) on a first phase change memory. The second memory cell includes a second OTS on a second phase change memory. The first capping film is on side surfaces of the first and second memory cells. The second capping film is on the first capping film and fills a space between the first and second memory cells.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor structure includes forming a conductive structure over a first passivation layer, depositing a first dielectric film continuously over the conductive structure, depositing a second dielectric film continuously over the first dielectric film, and depositing a third dielectric film over the second dielectric film. A portion of the third dielectric film is in contact with a portion of the first dielectric film.

Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory structures and methods for forming the same are disclosed. A method for forming a three-dimensional (3D) memory structure includes forming a dielectric layer on a substrate and forming a first plurality of openings in the dielectric layer at a staircase region of the 3D memory structure. The method also includes forming a second plurality of openings in the dielectric layer at a peripheral device region of the 3D memory structure and forming at least one hard mask layer in the first plurality of openings of the staircase region and in the second plurality of openings of the peripheral device region. The method further includes etching the dielectric layer using the at least one hard mask layer to form first and second pluralities of via extension regions in top portions of the respective first and second pluralities of openings.

Abstract: A wafer having a first region and a second region is provided. A first topography variation exists between the first region and the second region. A first layer is formed over the first region and over the second region of the wafer. The first layer is patterned. A patterned first layer causes a second topography variation to exist between the first region and the second region. The second topography variation is smoother than the first topography variation. A second layer is formed over the first region and the second region. At least a portion of the second layer is formed over the patterned first layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating layer, a gate electrode, an interlayer insulating layer, a contact hole, a metal layer, and a source line. The gate electrode is disposed on the gate insulating layer. The interlayer insulating layer covers the gate electrode. The contact hole penetrates the gate insulating layer and the interlayer insulating layer, causes a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate to be exposed, and includes an inner surface defined by a side surface of the interlayer insulating layer and a side surface of the gate insulating layer. The metal layer covers an upper surface of the interlayer insulating layer, the inner surface of the contact hole, and at least part of the portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate exposed by the contact hole.

Abstract: There is provided an etching method of a semiconductor substrate that includes a first layer containing germanium (Ge) and a second layer containing at least one specific metal element selected from nickel platinum (NiPt), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), the method including: bringing an etching solution which contains a non-halogen acidic compound into contact with the second layer and selectively removing the second layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor structure includes forming a plurality of gate structures on the base substrate with each gate structure including a gate electrode and sidewall spacers on each aide surface of the gate electrode, forming source/drain doped regions in the base substrate on opposite sides of each gate structure, forming a sacrificial layer on side surfaces of each sidewall spacer, and performing a pre-amorphous ion implantation process on the source/drain doped regions using the sacrificial layer as a mask.

Abstract: Provided is a method including the following steps: forming an insulating film having a thickness of 0.5 ?m or greater on an epitaxial layer provided with a well region, a source region, and a contact region, each being an impurity diffusion region; forming, in the insulating film, an opening that has a dimension of 2 mm×2 mm or greater in a plan view to expose at least part of the impurity diffusion region from the insulating film. The step of forming the opening in the insulating film is performed by the following separate steps: removing the insulating film so as to leave one-half or less of the thickness of the insulating film unremoved, through dry etching by the use of a photoresist; and removing the insulating film until the opening reaches the upper surface of the epitaxial layer, through wet etching by the use of the same photoresist.

Abstract: A method of forming an array of memory cells comprises forming an elevationally inner tier of memory cells comprising spaced inner tier lower first conductive lines, spaced inner tier upper second conductive lines, and programmable material of individual inner tier memory cells elevationally between the inner tier first lines and the inner tier second lines where such cross. First insulative material is formed laterally between the inner tier second lines to have respective elevationally outermost surfaces that are lower than elevationally outermost surfaces of immediately laterally-adjacent of the inner tier second lines. Second insulative material is formed elevationally over the first insulative material and laterally between the inner tier second lines. The second insulative material is of different composition from that of the first insulative material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to using a single chamber for multiple treatments resulting in a semiconductor chip having an interconnect. An exemplary process many include forming a via to expose several layers of a microchip. The layers may include, pattered dielectric layer, a capping layer, a first metal layer and an insulator. A surface modification step is then implemented to modify and/or densify the treated surfaces of the dielectric surface. A metal compound removal step is then implemented to remove metal compounds from the bottom of the via. Finally, the via is filled with a conductive material. The surface modification and the metal compound removal steps are implemented in one chamber.

Abstract: A method for preventing buckling in a substrate using a tensile hard mask is provided. The method may include forming a mask over a substrate, the hard mask including a first area having a pattern for forming a plurality of openings and an adjacent second area free of openings, and the hard mask includes a tensile stress therein. The hard mask may be used to form the plurality of openings in the substrate. Partially eroding the hard mask leaves the substrate with the plurality of openings therein and a substantially planar surface, having diminished buckling.

Abstract: A junction field effect transistor (JFET) comprises an insulating carrier substrate, a base semiconductor substrate formed on the insulating carrier substrate and a gate region formed on the base semiconductor substrate. The gate region forms a junction with the base semiconductor substrate. The JFET further comprises a first source/drain region formed on the base semiconductor substrate and located on a first side of the gate region and a second source/drain region formed on the base semiconductor substrate and located on a second side of the gate region. A gate stack is deposited on the gate region, a first source/drain stack is deposited on the first source/drain region and a second source/drain stack is deposited on the second source/drain region. At least one of the gate stack, first source/drain stack and second source/drain stack overlaps onto another one of the gate stack, first source/drain stack and second source/drain stack.

Abstract: Lift-off methods for fabricating metal line patterns on a substrate are provided. For example, a method to fabricate a device includes forming a sacrificial layer on a substrate and forming a photoresist mask over the sacrificial layer, isotropically etching a portion of the sacrificial layer exposed through an opening of the photoresist mask to form an undercut region in the sacrificial layer below the photoresist mask, wherein the undercut region defines an overhang structure, and anisotropically etching a portion of the sacrificial layer exposed through the opening of the photoresist mask to form an opening through the sacrificial layer down to the substrate. Metallic material is deposited to cover the photoresist mask and to at least partially fill the opening formed in the sacrificial layer without coating the overhang structure with metallic material. The sacrificial layer is dissolved to lift-off the metallic material covering the photoresist mask.

Abstract: A silicon carbide substrate having a gate insulating film provided in contact with a first main surface, having a gate electrode provided in contact with the gate insulating film, and having a source region exposed from first main surface is prepared. A first recess having a first inner wall surface is formed in an interlayer insulating film by performing a first isotropic etching with respect to the interlayer insulating film with use of a mask layer. A second recess having a second inner wall surface is formed by performing a first anisotropic etching with respect to the interlayer insulating film and the gate insulating film with use of the mask layer and thereby exposing the source region from gate insulating film. An interconnection is formed which is arranged in contact with the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface and electrically connected to a source electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to using a single chamber for multiple treatments resulting in a semiconductor chip having an interconnect. An exemplary process many include forming a via to expose several layers of a microchip. The layers may include, pattered dielectric layer, a capping layer, a first metal layer and an insulator. A surface modification step is then implemented to modify and/or densify the treated surfaces of the dielectric surface. A metal compound removal step is then implemented to remove metal compounds from the bottom of the via. Finally, the via is filled with a conductive material. The surface modification and the metal compound removal steps are implemented in one chamber.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: removing a template membrane from the MNW; infiltrating the MNW with a bonding material; placing the bonding material on the adjacent surface; bringing an adjacent surface into contact with a top surface of the MNW while the bonding material is bondable; and allowing the bonding material to cool and form a solid bond between the MNW and the adjacent surface. A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: choosing a bonding material based on a desired bonding process; and without removing the MNW from a template membrane that fills an interstitial volume of the MNW, depositing the bonding material onto a tip of the MNW.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is provided a method of creating a package, the method comprising: providing an initial substrate, wherein the initial substrate comprises a carrier foil, a functional copper foil, and an interface release layer between the carrier foil and the functional copper foil; building up copper portions on the functional copper foil; attaching a chip to a first copper portion; coupling the chip to a second copper portion; encapsulating at least the chip and the copper portions with a mold; and removing the carrier foil and interface release layer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to using a single chamber for multiple treatments resulting in a semiconductor chip having an interconnect. An exemplary process many include forming a via to expose several layers of a microchip. The layers may include, pattered dielectric layer, a capping layer, a first metal layer and an insulator. A surface modification step is then implemented to modify and/or densify the treated surfaces of the dielectric surface. A metal compound removal step is then implemented to remove metal compounds from the bottom of the via. Finally, the via is filled with a conductive material. The surface modification and the metal compound removal steps are implemented in one chamber.

Abstract: A contact structure is provided, including a substrate, an active layer, an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer, a contact opening, and a conductive layer. The active layer is disposed over the substrate, and the insulating layer is disposed over the active layer; an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer over the insulating layer. The contact opening penetrates a portion of the ILD layer and the insulating layer to expose a portion of the active layer, wherein the contact opening includes a first recess portion, and the first recess portion is defined by a bottom surface of the ILD layer, a sidewall of the insulating layer and a top surface of the active layer. The conductive layer is in the contact opening and is electrically connected to the active layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a conductive region at least partially in the semiconductor substrate; forming a dielectric layer over the substrate; forming a hard mask over the dielectric layer, the hard mask having an opening over the conductive region; dry etching the dielectric layer by a first etching gas to form a recessed feature, wherein a surface of the conductive region is therefore exposed at a bottom of the recessed feature, and a byproduct film is formed at an inner surface of the recessed feature; and dry etching the dielectric layer by a second etching gas, wherein the second etching gas chemically reacts with the byproduct film and the conductive region, and a sacrificial layer is therefore built up around the bottom of the recessed feature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include diffusion barriers, methods for forming the barriers, and semiconductor devices utilizing the barriers. The diffusion barrier comprises a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a semiconductor substrate, where one surface of the SAM is disposed in contact with and covalently bonded to the semiconductor substrate, and one surface of the monolayer is disposed in contact with and covalently bonded to a metal layer. In some embodiments, the barrier comprises an assembly of one or more monomeric subunits of the following structure: Si—(CnHy)-(LM)m where n is from 1 to 20, y is from 2n?2 to 2n, m is 1 to 3, L is a Group VI element, and M is a metal, such as copper. In some embodiments, (CnHy) can be branched, crosslinked, or cyclic.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various methods of forming metal silicide regions on semiconductor devices by using different temperatures during the silicidation processes. In one example, the method includes forming a plurality of N-doped source/drain regions and a plurality of P-doped source/drain regions in a semiconducting substrate and performing a first heating process at a first temperature to initially form a first metal silicide region in each of the P-doped source/drain regions. The method further includes performing a second heating process at a second temperature to initially form a second metal silicide region in each of the N-doped source/drain regions, wherein the second temperature is less than the first temperature and performing a third heating process at a third temperature to complete the formation of the first and second metal silicide regions, wherein the third temperature is greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate provided with a semiconductor element; a connecting member formed above the semiconductor substrate configured to electrically connect upper and lower conductive members; a first insulating film formed in the same layer as the connecting member; a wiring formed on the connecting member, the wiring including a first region and a second region, the first region contacting with a portion of an upper surface of the connecting member, and the second region located on the first region and having a width greater than that of the first region; and a second insulating film formed on the first insulating film so as to contact with at least a portion of the first region of the wiring and with a bottom surface of the second region.

Abstract: A resistive test structure that includes a semiconductor substrate with an active region, a gate stack formed over the active region, a first electrical contact in communication with the active region on opposing sides of the gate stack, the first electrical contact providing an electrical short across a first dimension of the gate stack, and a second electrical contact in communication with the active region on the opposing sides of the gate stack, the second electrical contact providing an electrical short across the first dimension of the gate stack, the first and second electrical contacts spaced along a second dimension of the gate stack perpendicular to the first dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing stiction of a three-dimensional MEMS (microelectromechanical system) microstructure, the apparatus including: a substrate; and a plurality of micro projections formed on a top surface of the substrate with a predetermined height in such a way that a cleaning solution flowing out from the microstructure disposed thereabove is discharged.

Abstract: A nanostructure quick-switch memristor includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode and three layers of nanomembrane provided between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The three layers of nanomembrane consist of an N-type semiconductor layer, a neutral semiconductor layer on the N-type semiconductor layer, and a P-type semiconductor layer on the neutral semiconductor layer. The nanostructure quick-switch memristor of the present invention has the quick switching speed, simple manufacturing method, and low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A sample with at least a first structure and a second structure is measured and a first model and a second model of the sample are generated. The first model models the first structure as an independent variable and models the second structure. The second model of the sample models the second structure as an independent variable. The measurement, the first model and the second model together to determine at least one desired parameter of the sample. For example, the first structure may be on a first layer and the second structure may be on a second layer that is under the first layer, and the processing of the sample may at least partially remove the first layer, wherein the second model models the first layer as having a thickness of zero.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various methods of forming a gate cap layer above a replacement gate structure, and a device having such a cap layer. In one example, a device disclosed herein includes a replacement gate structure having a dished upper surface, sidewall spacers positioned proximate the replacement gate structure and a gate cap layer positioned above the replacement gate structure, wherein the gate cap layer has a bottom surface that corresponds to the dished upper surface of the replacement gate structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus, and methods for forming three dimensional memory arrays using a multi-depth imprint lithography mask and a damascene process. An imprint lithography mask for manufacturing a memory layer in a three dimensional memory is described. The mask includes a translucent material formed with features for making an imprint in a transfer material to be used in a damascene process, the mask having a plurality of imprint depths. At least one imprint depth corresponds to trenches for forming memory lines and at least one depth corresponds to holes for forming vias. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for reducing a minimum line width in a spacer-defined double patterning process of the present invention. In the method, the silicon nitride spacers can be converted into trenches in the interlayer dielectric layer by using a silicon dioxide film as a mask and by means of a chemically mechanical polishing process and an etching process, so that the minimum line width of the trenches can be determined by the width of the silicon nitride spacers, and thus a smaller line width can be achieved and the process can be simple and easy to control.

Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including: forming a thin film different from a silicon oxide film on a substrate by supplying a processing gas into a processing vessel in which the substrate is housed; removing a deposit including the thin film adhered to an inside of the processing vessel by supplying a fluorine-containing gas into the processing vessel after executing forming the thin film prescribed number of times; and forming a silicon oxide film having a prescribed film thickness on the inside of the processing vessel by alternately supplying a silicon-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas and a hydrogen-containing gas into the heated processing vessel in which a pressure is set to be less than an atmospheric pressure after removing the deposit.

Abstract: The present method of forming a nitride semiconductor epitaxial layer includes the steps of growing at least one layer of nitride semiconductor epitaxial layer on a nitride semiconductor substrate having a dislocation density lower than or equal to 1×107 cm?2 with a chemical decomposition layer interposed therebetween, the chemical decomposition layer being chemically decomposed at least with either a gas or an electrolytic solution, and decomposing the chemical decomposition layer at least with either the gas or the electrolytic solution at least either during or after the step of growing the nitride semiconductor epitaxial layer, thereby separating the nitride semiconductor epitaxial layer from the nitride semiconductor substrate. A high-quality nitride semiconductor epitaxial layer suffering less damage when separated from the nitride semiconductor substrate is thereby formed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing gate leakage current and positive bias temperature instability drift are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a p-channel field effect transistor (PFET) device on a semiconductor substrate, and a high voltage transistor on the substrate. The system also comprises a plurality of silicides formed in the substrate, the plurality of silicides formed proximate to the PFET device and the high voltage transistor. Further, the system comprises a buffer oxide layer formed over the substrate, the PFET device, and the high voltage transistor and a moisture barrier formed over the buffer layer, the moisture barrier comprised of silicon oxynitride. Additionally, the system comprises an interlayer dielectric device formed over the moisture barrier and a plurality of electrical contacts extending through the interlayer dielectric, the moisture barrier, and the buffer oxide layer, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts are electrically connected to the plurality of silicides.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device manufacturing method, the formation of a sacrificial oxide film and removal thereof by wet etching and/or the formation of a silicon dioxide film and removal thereof by wet etching are performed. In the process for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the formation of the sacrificial oxide film and/or the silicon dioxide film is performed within a processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus using a plasma in which O(1D2) radicals produced using a processing gas that contains oxygen are dominant.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a semiconductor device, treating a SiN film formed on a wafer with phosphoric acid solution, including a processing bath to store phosphoric acid solution provided for treatment of the wafer, a control unit for calculating integrated SiN etching amount of the phosphoric acid solution, determining necessity of quality adjustment of the phosphoric acid solution, based on correlation between the integrated SiN etching amount calculated and etching selectivity to oxide film, and calculating a quality adjustment amount of the phosphoric acid solution as needed, and also including a mechanism to adjust the quality of the phosphoric acid solution based on the quality adjustment amount calculated.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a textured single crystal including depositing pads made of metal on a surface of a single crystal. A protective layer is deposited on the pads and on the single crystal between the pads; and etching the surface with a first compound that etches the metal more rapidly than the protective layer is carried out. Processing continues with etching the surface with a second compound that etches the single crystal more rapidly than the protective layer; and etching the surface with a third compound that etches the protective layer more rapidly than the single crystal. The textured substrate may be used for the epitaxial growth of GaN, AlN or III-N compounds (i.e. a nitride of a metal the positive ion of which carries a +3 positive charge) in the context of the fabrication of LEDs, electronic components or solar cells.

Abstract: An exemplary method of etching an oxide layer and a nitride layer is provided. In particular, a substrate is provided. A surface of the substrate has an isolating structure projecting therefrom. A first oxide layer, a nitride layer and a second oxide layer are sequentially provided on the surface of the substrate, wherein the first oxide layer is uncovered on the isolating structure, the nitride layer is formed overlying the first oxide layer, and the second oxide layer is formed overlying the nitride layer. An isotropic etching process is performed by using an etching mask unmasking the isolating structure, and thereby removing the unmasked portion of the second oxide layer and the unmasked portion of the nitride layer and further exposing sidewalls of the isolating structure. The unmasked portion of the first oxide layer generally is partially removed due to over-etching.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, accurate and easily controlled sloped walls may be formed using AlN and preferably a heated TMAH for such purpose as the fabrication of MEMS devices, wafer level packaging and fabrication of fluidic devices. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for fabricating a nanoscale thermoelectric device, which comprises steps: providing at least one template having a group of nanoscale pores; forming a substrate on the bottom of the template; injecting a molten semiconductor material into the nanoscale pores to form a group of semiconductor nanoscale wires; removing the substrate to obtain a semiconductor nanoscale wire array; and using metallic conductors to cascade at least two semiconductor nanoscale wire arrays to form a thermoelectric device having a higher thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit structure includes the steps of forming a second dielectric layer on a substrate including a first conductive layer and a first dielectric layer, forming the second dielectric layer on the first conductive layer and the first dielectric layer, forming a hole exposing the first conductive layer in the second dielectric layer, forming a barrier layer inside the hole, and forming a second conductive layer on the barrier layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the forming of the barrier layer comprises the steps of forming a metal layer in the hole, and performing a treating process in an atmosphere including a plasma formed from a gas including oxidant to form a metal oxide layer on the metal layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device has polishing a film, and cleaning a polished surface by carrying out a first exposing the polished surface to an acidic first cleaning fluid having an effect of etching at least a partial region of the polished surface, and a second exposing the polished surface to an alkaline second cleaning fluid after the first exposing.

Abstract: This describes a starting structure and method for forming a micro-mechanical device. These devices have several uses in both government and commercial applications. The starting structure can be sold or supplied to others who will then make a final product, or it can be used directly to make a final product. An appropriate use of this starting structure is to make deformable devices useful in an inkjet printing device.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device comprising an etching process using an etching solution having ozone dissolved by 10 ppm or more into a liquid containing H2SO4 by 86 wt % to 97.9 wt %, HF by 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %, and H2O by 2 wt % to 4 wt %.

Abstract: An integration approach to improve electromigration resistance in a semiconductor device is described. A via hole is formed in a stack that includes an upper dielectric layer, a middle TiN ARC, and a lower first metal layer and is filled with a conformal diffusion barrier layer and a second metal layer. A key feature is that the etch process can be selected to vary the shape and location of the via bottom. A round or partially rounded bottom is formed in the first metal layer to reduce mechanical stress near the diffusion barrier layer. On the other hand, a flat bottom which stops on or in the TiN ARC is selected when exposure of the first metal layer to subsequent processing steps is a primary concern. Electromigration resistance is found to be lower than for a via structure with a flat bottom formed in a first metal layer.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate comprises depositing silicon oxycarbide on the substrate and removing the silicon oxycarbide from the substrate. The silicon oxycarbide on the substrate is decarbonized by exposure to an energized oxygen-containing gas that heats the substrate and converts the layer of silicon oxycarbide into a layer of silicon oxide. The silicon oxide is removed by exposure to a plasma of fluorine-containing process gas. Alternatively, the remaining silicon oxide can be removed by a fluorine-containing acidic bath. In yet another version, a plasma of a fluorine-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas is energized to remove the silicon oxycarbide from the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing self-assembling quantum nanostructures by nanoheating a substrate with one or more laser interference patterns.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a semiconductor FIN structure with smooth sidewalls and rounded top corners and edges is disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of semiconductor FIN structures. A sacrificial oxide layer is formed on the top surface and the sidewall surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor FIN structures for rounding the corners and edges between the top surfaces and the sidewall surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor FIN structures. The sacrificial oxide layer is removed with a high selectivity oxide etchant. The plurality of semiconductor FIN structures are annealed in a hydrogen environment. A tunnel oxide is formed over the plurality of semiconductor FIN structures.

Abstract: A method of forming a dual damascene semiconductor interconnection and an etchant composition specially adapted for stripping a sacrificial layer in a dual damascene fabrication process without profile damage to a dual damascene pattern are provided. The method includes sequentially forming a first etch stop layer, a first intermetal dielectric, a second intermetal dielectric, and a capping layer on a surface of a semiconductor substrate on which a lower metal wiring is formed; etching the first intermetal dielectric, the second intermetal dielectric, and the capping layer to form a via; forming a sacrificial layer within the via; etching the sacrificial layer, the second intermetal dielectric, and the capping layer to form a trench; removing the sacrificial layer remaining around the via using an etchant composition including NH4F, HF, H2O and a surfactant; and forming an upper metal wiring within the thus formed dual damascene pattern including the via and the trench.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus, and methods for forming three dimensional memory arrays using a multi-depth imprint lithography mask and a damascene process. An imprint lithography mask for manufacturing a memory layer in a three dimensional memory is described. The mask includes a translucent material formed with features for making an imprint in a transfer material to be used in a damascene process, the mask having a plurality of imprint depths. At least one imprint depth corresponds to trenches for forming memory lines and at least one depth corresponds to holes for forming vias. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.