Abstract: Electronic apparatus and methods may include a hafnium tantalum oxynitride film on a substrate for use in a variety of electronic systems. The hafnium tantalum oxynitride film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The hafnium tantalum oxynitride film may be formed using atomic layer deposition. Metal electrodes may be disposed on a dielectric containing a hafnium tantalum oxynitride film.

Abstract: A method of fabricating metal-bearing structures in an integrated circuit such as metal-polysilicon capacitors using conductive metal compounds. Defects due to organometallic polymers formed during the etch of a hard mask material are minimized by using a process that includes a plasma etch for the hard mask that achieves a predominantly chemical character using a fluorine-based etch chemistry. Using a low-temperature liquid-phase strip of the hard mask photoresist instead of an ash prevents further cross-linking of polymers formed during the plasma etch. Etching the metal-bearing material using a hot fully-concentrated mixture of ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide allows short etch times that are particularly shortened for tantalum nitride films deposited with a nitrogen concentration of about 30 percent or greater.

Abstract: An integrated circuit with non-volatile memory cells shielded from ultraviolet light by a shielding structure compatible with chemical-mechanical processing. The disclosed shielding structure includes a roof structure with sides; along each side are spaced-apart contact posts, each with a width on the order of the wavelength of ultraviolet light to be shielded, and spaced apart by a distance that is also on the order of the wavelength of ultraviolet light to be shielded. The contact posts may be provided in multiple rows, and extending to a diffused region or to a polysilicon ring or both. The multiple rows may be aligned with one another or staggered relative to one another.

Abstract: Techniques to improve characteristics of processed semiconductor substrates are described, including cleaning a substrate using a preclean process, the substrate comprising a dielectric region and a conductive region, introducing a hydroquinone to the substrate after cleaning the substrate using the preclean operation, and forming a capping layer over the conductive region of the substrate after introducing the hydroquinone.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for forming a metal-containing thin film on a substrate. A reactor and at least one substrate in the reactor are provided. A metal-containing bis-?-diketiminate precursor is introduced into the reactor. The reactor is maintained at a set temperature and pressure, and the precursor is contacted with the substrate to form a metal-containing film on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass compositions useful in conductive pastes for silicon semiconductor devices and photovoltaic cells. The thick film conductor compositions include one or more electrically functional powders and one or more glass frits dispersed in an organic medium. The thick film compositions may also include one or more additive(s). Exemplary additives may include metals, metal oxides or any compounds that can generate these metal oxides during firing.

Abstract: There is provided a bump structure for a semiconductor device, comprising a metal post formed on and electrically connected to an electrode pad on a substrate, a solder post formed on the top surface of the metal post, said solder post having the same horizontal width as the metal post and the top surface of the solder post being substantially rounded, and an intermetallic compound layer disposed at the interface between the metal post and the solder post. An oxide layer formed on the solder post prevents solder post under reflow from being changed into a spherical shape. An intermetallic compound layer may be formed by an aging process at the interface between the metal post and the solder post. The bump structure can realize fine pitch semiconductor package without a short between neighboring bumps.

Abstract: Methods of forming conductive patterns include forming a conductive layer including a metal element on a substrate. The conductive layer is partially etched to generate a residue including an oxide of the metal element and to form a plurality of separately formed conductive layer patterns. A cleaning gas is inflowed onto the substrate including the conductive layer pattern. The metal compound is evaporated to remove the metal element contained in the residue and to form an insulating interface layer on the conductive layer pattern and a surface portion of the substrate through a reaction of a portion of the cleaning gas and oxygen. The residue may be removed from the conductive layer pattern to suppress generation of a leakage current.

Abstract: A method for forming a titanium-containing layer on a substrate, the method comprising at least the steps of: a) providing a vapor comprising at least one precursor compound of the formula Ti(Me5Cp)(OR)3 (I), wherein R is selected in the group consisting in methyl, ethyl, isopropyl; or of the formula Ti(R1Cp)(OR2)3 (II), wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting in H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl and R2 is independently selected from the group consisting in methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or tert-butyl; b) reacting the vapor comprising the at least one compound of formula (I) or (II) with the substrate, according to an atomic layer deposition process, to form a layer of a tantalum-containing complex on at least one surface of said substrate.

Abstract: Alternative methods of constructing a vertically offset structure are disclosed. An embodiment includes forming a flexible layer having first and second end portions, an intermediate portion coupling the first and second portions, and upper and lower surfaces. The distance between the upper and lower surfaces at the intermediate portion is less than the distance between the upper and lower surfaces at the first and second end portions. The first end portion is bonded to a base member. The second end portion of the flexible layer is deflected until the second end portion contacts the base member. The second end portion is bonded to the base member.

Abstract: A kind of growth method of Fe3N, and the growth is in the MOCVD system, including following process: 1). the surface nitridation of sapphire substrate would be made; 2). pump in carrier gas N2, ammonia and organic gallium sources, and grow low temperature GaN buffer on substrate; 3). the temperature would be raised and grow the GaN supporting layer; 4). pump in FeCp2 as Fe sources, then grow Fe3N on the GaN supporting layer; the Fe3N granular films and the Fe3N single crystal films could be obtained. The invention realizes growing high quality Fe3N film. According to the problem of growing material with difficulty, the problems are solved by controlling and adjusting the conditions for the flux of organic gallium source and iron source, growth temperature, growth time, the flux of ammonia, and mole ratio of N and Ga. In the invention, the method is easy, the growth process could be controlled, and thus the growth method and the process control of growth technology have advancement.

Abstract: Provided is a placing table structure which is disposed in a processing container and has a subject to be processed thereon so as to form a thin film on the subject in the processing container by using raw material gas which generates thermal decomposition reaction having reversibility. The placing table structure is provided with a placing table for placing the subject to be processed on a placing surface, i.e., an upper surface of the placing table structure, and a decomposition restraint gas supply means which is arranged in the placing table for the purpose of supplying decomposition restraint gas, which restraints thermal decomposition of the raw material gas, toward a peripheral section of the subject placed on the placing surface of the placing table.

Abstract: Processes for enhancing solubility and the reaction rates in supercritical fluids are provided. In preferred embodiments, such processes provide for the uniform and precise deposition of metal-containing films on semiconductor substrates as well as the uniform and precise removal of materials from such substrates. In one embodiment, the process includes, providing a supercritical fluid containing at least one reactant, the supercritical fluid being maintained at above its critical point, exposing at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate to the supercritical fluid, applying acoustic energy, and reacting the at least one reactant to cause a change in at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal gate/high K dielectric gate stack includes the steps of: forming an interfacial layer of SiON or SiO2 on a silicon substrate; depositing a high K dielectric film on the interfacial layer; performing a rapid thermal anneal of the high K dielectric film; depositing a TaN metal gate electrode film on the high K dielectric film; depositing a polysilicon gate layer on the TaN metal gate electrode film, and then depositing a hard mask layer; patterning a photoresist mask, and performing an anisotropic etching of the hard mask layer; removing the photoresist mask, and etching the polysilicon by reactive ion etching with the hard mask as masking layer using a mixed gas of Cl2/HBr; and etching the TaN metal gate electrode/high K dielectric gate stack by reactive ion etching with the hard mask as masking layer using BCl3-based etchant gas.

Abstract: A method for fabricating bump structure without UBM undercut uses an electroless Cu plating process to selectively form a Cu UBM layer on a Ti UBM layer within an opening of a photoresist layer. After stripping the photoresist layer, there is no need to perform a wet etching process on the Cu UBM layer, and thereby the UBM structure has a non-undercut profile.

Abstract: In a metallization system of a sophisticated semiconductor device, metal pillars may be provided so as to exhibit an increased efficiency in distributing any mechanical stress exerted thereon. This may be accomplished by significantly increasing the surface area of the final passivation layer that is in tight mechanical contact with the metal pillar.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die with a plurality of bumps formed over contact pads on a surface of the semiconductor die. The bumps can have a fusible portion and non-fusible portion. A plurality of conductive traces is formed over a substrate with interconnect sites having a width greater than 20% and less than 80% of a width of a contact interface between the bumps and contact pads. The bumps are bonded to the interconnect sites so that the bumps cover a top surface and side surface of the interconnect sites. An encapsulant is deposited around the bumps between the semiconductor die and substrate. The conductive traces have a pitch as determined by minimum spacing between adjacent conductive traces that can be placed on the substrate and the width of the interconnect site provides a routing density equal to the pitch of the conductive traces.

Abstract: A method for forming a tantalum-containing layer on a substrate, the method comprising at least the steps of: a) providing a vapor comprising at least one precursor compound of the formula Cp(R1)mTa(NR22)2(?NR3) (I): wherein: R1 is an organic ligand, each one independently selected in the group consisting of H, linear or branched hydrocarbyl radical comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 is an organic ligand, each one independently selected in the group consisting of H, linear or branched hydrocarbyl radical comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R3 is an organic ligand selected in the group consisting of H, linear or branched hydrocarbyl radical comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; b) reacting the vapor comprising the at least one compound of formula (I) with the substrate, according to an atomic layer deposition process, to form a layer of a tantalum-containing complex on at least one surface of said substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a blocking structure between a metal layer and at least one underlying layer. The blocking structure has a first layer configured for preventing diffusion of metal from the metal layer into the at least one underlying layer, and a second layer configured for enhancing electrical performance of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having a cross point structure includes a plurality of upper electrodes arranged to extend in one direction, and a plurality of lower electrodes arranged to extend in another direction at a right angle to the one direction of the upper electrodes. Memory materials are provided between the upper electrodes and the lower electrodes for storage of data. The memory materials are made of a perovskite material and arranged at the lower electrodes side of the corresponding upper electrode extending along the corresponding upper electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting evaporation conditions in an evaporator for evaporating metal onto semiconductor wafers, such as GaAs wafers, are disclosed. One such apparatus can include a crystal monitor sensor configured to detect metal vapor associated with a metal source prior to metal deposition onto a semiconductor wafer. This apparatus can also include a shutter configured to remain in a closed position when the crystal monitor sensor detects an undesired condition, so as to prevent metal deposition onto the semiconductor wafer. In some implementations, the undesired condition can be indicative of a composition of a metal source, a deposition rate of a metal source, impurities of a metal source, position of a metal source, position of an electron beam, and/or intensity of an electron beam.

Abstract: A film forming method includes arranging a target substrate to be processed in a chamber; supplying a processing gas including a chlorine containing gas through a supply path to the chamber in which the target substrate is arranged; and arranging a Ti containing unit in the supply path of the processing gas and making a reaction between the chlorine containing gas of the processing gas and Ti of the Ti containing unit by bringing the chlorine containing gas into contact with the Ti containing unit, when the processing gas is supplied to the chamber. The method further includes depositing Ti on a surface of the target substrate by a thermal reaction by supplying to the target substrate a Ti precursor gas produced by the reaction between the chlorine containing gas and Ti of the Ti containing unit while heating the target substrate provided in the chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a metal semiconductor alloy that includes providing a deposition apparatus that includes a platinum source and a nickel source, wherein the platinum source is separate from the nickel source; positioning a substrate having a semiconductor surface in the deposition apparatus; forming a metal alloy on the semiconductor surface, wherein forming the metal alloy comprises a deposition stage in which the platinum source deposits platinum to the semiconductor surface at an initial rate at an initial period that is greater than a final rate at a final period of the deposition stage, and the nickel source deposits nickel to the semiconductor surface; and annealing the metal alloy to react the nickel and platinum with the semiconductor substrate to provide a nickel platinum semiconductor alloy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for evaporating metal onto semiconductor wafers are disclosed. One such apparatus can include an evaporation chamber that includes a wafer holder, such as a dome, and a test wafer holder that is separate and spaced apart from the wafer holder. In certain implementations, the test wafer can be coupled to a cross beam supporting at least one shaper. A metal can be evaporated onto production wafers positioned in the wafer holder while metal is evaporated on a test wafer positioned in a test wafer holder. In some instances, the production wafers can be GaAs wafers. The test wafer can be used to make a quality assessment about the production wafers.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming a field effect transistor with reduced contact resistance are provided. The reduced contact resistance is manifested by a reduced metal semiconductor alloy contact resistance and a reduced conductively filled via contact-to-metal semiconductor alloy contact resistance. The reduced contact resistance is achieved in this disclosure by texturing the surface of the transistor's source region and/or the transistor's drain region. Typically, both the source region and the drain region are textured in the present disclosure. The textured source region and/or the textured drain region have an increased area as compared to a conventional transistor that includes a flat source region and/or a flat drain region. A metal semiconductor alloy, e.g., a silicide, is formed on the textured surface of the source region and/or the textured surface of the drain region. A conductively filled via contact is formed atop the metal semiconductor alloy.

Abstract: Methods of filling deep trenches in substrates are described. A method includes providing a substrate with a deep trench formed therein. The method also includes forming a dielectric layer conformal with the substrate and the deep trench. The method also includes, with the entire portion of the dielectric layer conformal with the deep trench exposed, removing at least a portion, but not all, of the dielectric layer at the top of the deep trench with a relatively low bias plasma etch process.

Abstract: A method for bonding a semiconductor device onto a substrate is provided which comprises the steps of picking up a solder ball with a pick head, placing the solder ball onto the substrate and melting the solder ball on the substrate and placing the semiconductor device on the molten solder ball. The molten solder ball is then allowed to cool to form a solder joint which bonds the semiconductor device to the substrate.

Abstract: A gate electrode is formed by forming a first conductive layer containing aluminum as its main component over a substrate, forming a second conductive layer made from a material different from that used for forming the first conductive layer over the first conductive layer; and patterning the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. Further, the first conductive layer includes one or more selected from carbon, chromium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, silicon, and nickel. And the second conductive layer includes one or more selected from chromium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, silicon, and nickel, or nitride of these materials.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive laser lift-off of GaN from sapphire substrates utilizing a solid-state laser is disclosed in the present invention, wherein, a solid-state laser is used as the laser source, and a small laser-spot with a circumference of 3 to 1000 micrometers and a distance of two farthest corners or a longest diameter of no more than 400 micrometers is used for laser scanning point-by-point and line-by-line, wherein the energy in the small laser-spot is distributed such that the energy in the center of the laser-spot is the strongest and is gradually reduced toward the periphery. According to the present invention, a nondestructive laser lift-off with a small laser-spot is achieved, and a scanning mode of the laser lift-off is improved, thereby a lift-off method without the need of aiming is achieved.

Abstract: Compound of the formula Cp(R1)mM(NR22)2(?NR3) (I): Wherein: M is a metal independently selected from Vanadium (V) or Niobium (Nb) and m?5; R1 is an organic ligand, each one independently selected in the group consisting of H, linear or branched hydrocarbyl radical comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atom; R2 is an organic ligand, each one independently selected in the group consisting of H, linear or branched hydrocarbyl radical comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atom; R3 is an organic ligand selected in the group consisting of H, linear or branched hydrocarbyl radical comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atom.

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

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises: immersing a semiconductor substrates in a Pd activating solution containing Pd ions and adhering a Pd catalyst to a surface of the semiconductor substrate; and immersing the semiconductor substrate, to which the Pd catalyst is adhered, in a Pd electroless plating solution and forming an electroless-plated Pd film on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The described embodiments of methods of bottom-up metal deposition to fill interconnect and replacement gate structures enable gap-filling of fine features with high aspect ratios without voids and provide metal films with good film quality. In-situ pretreatment of metal film(s) deposited by gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) allows removal of surface impurities and surface oxide to improve adhesion between an underlying layer with the deposited metal film(s). Metal films deposited by photo-induced chemical vapor deposition (PI-CVD) using high energy of low-frequency light source(s) at relatively low temperature exhibit liquid-like nature, which allows the metal films to fill fine feature from bottom up. The post deposition annealing of metal film(s) deposited by PI-CVD densifies the metal film(s) and removes residual gaseous species from the metal film(s). For advanced manufacturing, such bottom-up metal deposition methods address the challenges of gap-filling of fine features with high aspect ratios.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate processing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which are able to form a conductive film, which is dense, includes a low concentration of source-derived impurities and has low resistivity, at a higher film-forming rate. The substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber configured to stack and accommodate a plurality of substrates; a first processing gas supply system configured to supply a first processing gas into the processing chamber; a second processing gas supply system configured to supply a second processing gas into the processing chamber; and a control unit configured to control the first processing gas supply system and the second processing gas supply system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a substrate processing apparatus capable of providing a TiN film that is higher in quality than a TiN film formed by a conventional CVD method at a higher film-forming rate, that is, with a higher productivity than a TiN film formed by an ALD method.

Abstract: A microstructure manufacturing method includes forming a first insulating film on an Si substrate, exposing an Si surface by removing a part of the first insulating film, forming a recessed portion by etching the Si substrate from the exposed Si surface, forming a second insulating film on a sidewall and a bottom of the recessed portion, forming an Si exposed surface by removing at least a part of the second insulating film formed on the bottom of the recessed portion, and filling the recessed portion with a metal from the Si exposed surface by electrolytic plating.

Abstract: A method and resulting device for maintaining non-porous nickel layer at a nickel/passivation interface of a semiconductor device in a nickel/gold electroless plating process. The method can include determining a thickness of a gold layer of the semiconductor device; determining an electroless plating rate and plating time of the gold layer to reach the determined thickness; determining a thickness of nickel under the gold layer to maintain the non-porous nickel layer at the nickel/passivation interface at a termination of an electroless gold plating process; and following the determinations, sequentially electroless plating of each of the nickel layer and gold layer on the device layer to the determined thicknesses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of forming features on a substrate using a self-aligned double patterning (SADP) process. A conformal layer of non-sacrificial material is formed over features of sacrificial structural material patterned near the optical resolution of a photolithography system using a high-resolution photomask. An anisotropic etch of the non-sacrificial layer leaves non-sacrificial ribs above a substrate. A gapfill layer deposited thereon may be etched or polished back to form alternating fill and non-sacrificial features. No hard mask is needed to form the non-sacrificial ribs, reducing the number of processing steps involved.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and a fabrication method thereof, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the liquid crystal display device includes gate lines on a substrate; data lines on the substrate; common lines disposed substantially in parallel to the gate lines; TFTs formed at intersections between the gate and data lines, each of the TFTs including a gate electrode extending from the corresponding gate line, a gate insulation layer, an active layer, an ohmic contact layer, a source electrode extending from the corresponding data line and a drain electrode spaced apart from the source electrode; passivation layers, each formed on the TFT and having a contact hole for exposing a part of the corresponding drain electrode; and pixel electrodes, each composed of a conductive layer and an insulation layer formed on the corresponding passivation layer and electrically connected to the corresponding drain electrode via the corresponding contact hole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of minimally preventing the property deterioration caused by the oxidation of a metal film, and a substrate processing apparatus are provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device is disclosed. An exemplary integrated circuit device includes a first copper layer, a second copper layer, and an interface between the first and second copper layers. The interface includes a flat zone interface region and an intergrowth interface region, wherein the flat zone interface region is less than or equal to 50% of the interface.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming charge storage transistor gates and standard FET gates in which common processing is utilized for fabrication of at least some portions of the different types of gates. FET and charge storage transistor gate stacks may be formed. The gate stacks may each include a gate material, an insulative material, and a sacrificial material. The sacrificial material is removed from the FET and charge storage transistor gate stacks. The insulative material of the FET gate stacks is etched through. A conductive material is formed over the FET gate stacks and over the charge storage transistor gate stacks. The conductive material physically contacts the gate material of the FET gate stacks, and is separated from the gate material of the charge storage transistor gate stacks by the insulative material remaining in the charge storage transistor gate stacks. Some embodiments include gate structures.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a copper-containing seed layer on a wafer, and performing a descum step on an exposed surface of the copper-containing seed layer. The descum step is performed using a process gas including fluorine and oxygen. A reduction/purge step is then performed on the exposed surface of the copper-containing seed layer using a nitrogen-containing gas. A copper-containing layer is plated on the copper-containing seed layer.

Abstract: Provided are a three dimensional semiconductor memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The method includes forming a stepwise structure by using mask patterns and a sacrificial mask pattern formed on the mask patterns as a consumable etch mask.

Abstract: A method of producing a semiconductor device is provided, the semiconductor device including a substrate, a semiconductor layer and at least one metallization layer adjacent to at least one element chosen from the substrate and the semiconductor layer, the method including forming at least one metallization layer which, adjacent to at least one element chosen from the substrate and the semiconductor layer, includes oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for film formation, characterized by comprising allowing a treatment gas stream containing a metal carbonyl-containing treatment gas and a carbon monoxide-containing carrier gas to flow into a region on the upper outside of the outer periphery of a substrate to be treated in a diameter direction of the substrate while avoiding the surface of the substrate and diffusing the metal carbonyl from the treatment gas stream into the surface of the substrate to form a metal film on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a CMOS integrated circuit (IC) includes providing a semiconductor including wafer having a topside semiconductor surface, a bevel semiconductor surface, and a backside semiconductor surface. A gate dielectric layer is formed on at least the topside semiconductor surface. A metal including gate electrode material including at least a first metal is deposited on the gate dielectric layer on the topside semiconductor surface and on at least a portion of the bevel semiconductor surface and at least a portion of the backside semiconductor surface. The metal including gate electrode material on the bevel semiconductor surface and the backside semiconductor surface are selectively removed to form substantially first metal free bevel and backside surfaces while protecting the metal gate electrode material on the topside semiconductor surface.

Abstract: A method for making semiconductor electrodes includes provided a wafer. The wafer includes at least one conductive unit, a plurality of first connective units connected to the conductive unit, a plurality of first metal layers connected to the first connective units and a plurality of second connective units connected to the first metal layers. Photo-resist is provided on the first and second connective units. A second metal layer is provided on each of the first metal layers via using an electroplating device. The wafer is cut through the photo-resist, thus forming semiconductor electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stress buffer structure intended to be disposed adjacent a face of a semiconductor substrate. The stress buffer structure includes at least one polymer layer formed on the face of the semiconductor substrate and a plurality of metal plates disposed over the polymer layer, wherein the metal plates is physically and electrically isolated from the bond pads of the semiconductor substrate. The disclosed stress buffer structure provides protection to semiconductor components that are sensitive to stress. Also disclosed are semiconductor packages having the disclosed stress buffer structure and the methods of making the semiconductor packages.

Abstract: As a semiconductor device, specifically, a pixel portion included in a semiconductor device is made to have higher precision and higher aperture ratio, it is required to form a smaller wiring in width. In the case of forming a wiring by using an ink-jet method, a dot spreads on a wiring formation surface, and it is difficult to narrow width of a wiring. In the present invention, a photocatalytic substance typified by TiO2 is formed on a wiring formation surface, and a wiring is formed by utilizing photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic substance. According to the present invention, a narrower wiring, that is, a smaller wiring in width than a diameter of a dot formed by an ink-jet method can be formed.