Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a nanostencil mask. The method involves irradiating a substrate to increase resistivity of a plurality of first portions of the substrate relative to one or more second portions of the substrate surrounding the plurality of first portions. The method also involves passing a current through the substrate, the current preferentially passing through and weakening the one or more second portions of the substrate. This preference is a result of the higher resistivity in the one or more first portions of the substrate causing the current to pass through the relatively lower resistivity second portion(s). The method also involves subjecting the substrate to a material removal process, the material removal process preferentially removing the weakened one or more second portions of the substrate and thereby forming a nanostencil mask comprising the plurality of first portions of the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of semiconductor chips in a stack structure and a through-silicon via suitable for passing through the chips and transfer a signal from or to one or more of the chips. Each of the chips includes a buffering block disposed in path of the through-silicon via, and suitable for buffering the signal, an internal circuit, and a delay compensation block suitable for applying delay corresponding to the buffering blocks of the chips to the signal, wherein the delay compensation blocks of the chips compensates for delay difference of the signal transferred to and from the internal circuit of the chip, due to operations of the buffering block, based on stack information for distinguishing the chips.

Abstract: A method of testing a device includes setting a potential of a cap terminal of the device to a first voltage, setting a potential of a self test plate of the device to a testing voltage, and detecting a first displacement of a proof mass of the device when the cap terminal is set to the first voltage and the self test plate is set to the testing voltage. The method includes setting a potential of the cap terminal of the device to a second voltage, detecting a second displacement of the proof mass of the device when the cap terminal is set to the second voltage and the self test plate is set to the testing voltage, and comparing the first displacement and the second displacement to evaluate an electrical connection between the cap terminal and a cap of the device.

Abstract: Memory devices, methods for fabricating, and methods for adjusting flatband voltages are disclosed. In one such memory device, a pair of source/drain regions are formed in a semiconductor. A dielectric material is formed on the semiconductor between the pair of source/drain regions. A control gate is formed on the dielectric material. A charged species is introduced into the dielectric material. The charged species, e.g., mobile ions, has an energy barrier in a range of greater than about 0.5 eV to about 3.0 eV. A flatband voltage of the memory device can be adjusted by moving the charged species to different levels within the dielectric material, thus programming different states into the device.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device patterns a first fin in a pFET region, and patterns a second fin in an nFET region. A plurality of conformal microlayers containing a straining material are deposited on the first and second fins. A protective cap material is formed on the first fin, and the conformal layers are selectively removed from the second fin. The straining material is then thermally diffused into the first fin. The protective cap material is removed from the first fin after the thermal annealing and after the conformal micro layers are selectively removed from the second fin.

Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein involves forming a layer of insulating material, forming a patterned layer of photoresist above the layer of insulating material, wherein the patterned layer of photoresist has an opening defined therein, forming an internal spacer within the opening in the patterned layer of photoresist, wherein the spacer defines a reduced-size opening, performing an etching process through the reduced-size opening on the layer of insulating material to define a trench/hole type feature in the layer of insulating material, and forming a conductive structure in the trench/hole type feature in the layer of insulating material.

Abstract: A MEMS device (20) with stress isolation includes elements (28, 30, 32) formed in a first structural layer (24) and elements (68, 70) formed in a second structural layer (26), with the layer (26) being spaced apart from the first structural layer (24). Fabrication methodology (80) entails forming (92, 94, 104) junctions (72, 74) between the layers (24, 26). The junctions (72, 74) connect corresponding elements (30, 32) of the first layer (24) with elements (68, 70) of the second layer (26). The fabrication methodology (80) further entails releasing the structural layers (24, 26) from an underlying substrate (22) so that all of the elements (30, 32, 68, 70) are suspended above the substrate (22) of the MEMS device (20), wherein attachment of the elements (30, 32, 68, 70) with the substrate (22) occurs only at a central area (46) of the substrate (22).

Abstract: Embodiments of a system with first means for forming a chamber adjacent to a component formed on a substrate and a single orifice between the chamber and a first surface of the first means that is opposite a second surface of the first means adjacent to the substrate and second means for enclosing the chamber on at least a portion of the first surface that encompasses the single orifice are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a through substrate via (TSV) structure, a TSV structure, and a control method of a TSV capacitance are provided. The method for manufacturing the TSV structure includes: providing a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; forming a trench in the first surface of the substrate; filling a low resistance material into the trench; forming an insulating layer on the first surface of the substrate; forming at least one opening in the first surface of the substrate, wherein the opening is located differently the trench; forming an oxide liner layer, a barrier layer and a conductive seed layer on a sidewall and a bottom of the opening and on the insulating layer of the first surface; and filling a conductive material into the opening, wherein the opening is used to form at least one via.

Abstract: An electrical circuit component includes a first electrode, a plurality of second electrodes and a negative differential resistance (NDR) material. The first electrode and the plurality of second electrodes are connected to the NDR material and the NDR material is to electrically connect the first electrode to one of the plurality of second electrodes when a sufficient voltage is applied between the first electrode and the one of the plurality of second electrodes through the NDR material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductor wafer technology and, more particularly, to the use of conformal grounding for active charge screening on wafers during wafer processing and metrology. A first aspect of the invention provides a method of reducing an accumulated surface charge on a semiconductor wafer, the method comprising: grounding a layer of conductive material adjacent a substrate of the wafer; and allowing a mirrored charge substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the accumulated surface charge to be induced along the conductive material.

Abstract: An exemplary implementation of the present disclosure includes a programmable interposer having top and bottom interface electrodes and conductive particles interspersed within the programmable interposer. The conductive particles are capable of forming an aligned configuration between the top and bottom interface electrodes in response to application of an energy field to the programmable interposer so as to electrically connect the top and bottom interface electrodes. The conductive particles can have a conductive outer surface. Also, the conductive particles can be spherical. The conductive particles can be within a bulk material in an interface layer in the programmable interposer, and the bulk material can be cured to secure programmed paths between the top and bottom interface electrodes.

Abstract: The electronic properties (such as electron mobility, resistivity, etc.) of an electronic material in operation in an electronic device or electronic circuit can be modified/enhanced when subjected to dynamic or stationary magnetic fields with current flowing through the electronic material. Heating or cooling of the electronic material further enhances the electronic properties.

Abstract: A method for removing a metallic nanotube which is formed on a substrate in a first direction is disclosed. The method may comprise: forming a plurality of conductors in a second direction crossing the first direction, the conductors electrically contacting the metallic nanotube, respectively; forming at least two voltage-applying electrodes on the conductors, each of the voltage-applying electrodes electrically contacting at least one of the conductors; and applying voltages to at least some of the conductors through the voltage-applying electrodes, respectively, wherein among conductors to which the voltages are respectively applied, every two adjacent conductors have an electrical potential difference created therebetween, so as to burn out the metallic nanotube.

Abstract: An electrical fuse device is disclosed. A circuit apparatus can include the fuse device, a first circuit element and a second circuit element. The fuse includes a first contact that has a first electromigration resistance, a second contact that has a second electromigration resistance and a metal line, which is coupled to the first contact and to the second contact, that has a third electromigration resistance that is lower than the second electromigration resistance. The first circuit element is coupled to the first contact and the second circuit element coupled to the second contact. The fuse is configured to conduct a programming current from the first contact to the second contact through the metal line. Further, the programming current causes the metal line to electromigrate away from the second contact to electrically isolate the second circuit element from the first circuit element.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device patterns a first fin in a pFET region, and patterns a second fin in an nFET region. A plurality of conformal microlayers containing a straining material are deposited on the first and second fins. A protective cap material is formed on the first fin, and the conformal layers are selectively removed from the second fin. The straining material is then thermally diffused into the first fin. The protective cap material is removed from the first fin after the thermal annealing and after the conformal micro layers are selectively removed from the second fin.

Abstract: Actuating a semiconductor device includes providing a transistor that includes a substrate and a first electrically conductive material layer, including a reentrant profile, positioned on the substrate. An electrically insulating material layer is conformally positioned over the first electrically conductive material layer and at least a portion of the substrate. A semiconductor material layer conforms to and is in contact with the electrically insulating material layer. A second electrically conductive material layer and third electrically conductive material layer are nonconformally positioned over and in contact with a first portion of the semiconductor material layer and a second portion of the semiconductor material layer, respectively.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for programming the same are provided. The semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor substrate with an interconnect formed therein; a Through-Silicon Via (TSV) penetrating through the semiconductor substrate; and a programmable device which can be switched between on and off states, the TSV being connected to the interconnect by the programmable device. The present invention is beneficial in improving flexibility of TSV application.

Abstract: The production method for the oxidized carbon thin film of the present disclosure includes: a first step of preparing a carbon thin film and iron oxide that is in contact with the carbon thin film and contains Fe2O3; and a second step of forming an oxidized carbon thin film having an oxidized portion composed of oxidized carbon by applying a voltage or current between the carbon thin film and the iron oxide with the carbon thin film side being positive and thereby oxidizing a contact portion of the carbon thin film with the iron oxide to change it into the oxidized portion. This production method allows a pattern of nanometer order to be formed on a carbon thin film represented by graphene. The method causes less damage to the formed pattern and has high affinity with a semiconductor process, thereby enabling a wide range of applications as a process technique for producing an electronic device.

Abstract: An electrochemical process comprising: providing a 125 mm or larger semiconductor wafer in electrical contact with a conducting surface, wherein at least a portion of the semiconductor wafer is in contact with an electrolytic solution, said semiconductor wafer functioning as a first electrode; providing a second electrode in the electrolytic solution, the first and second electrode connected to opposite ends of an electric power source; and irradiating a surface of the semiconductor wafer with a light source as an electric current is applied across the first and the second electrodes. The invention is also directed to an apparatus including a light source and electrochemical components to conduct the electrochemical process.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device using a Joule heating-induced crystallization method. The method includes: forming a first conductive pattern on a substrate; forming a photoelectric conversion layer on the substrate having the first conductive pattern; and crystallizing at least part of the photoelectric conversion layer by applying an electric field to the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the photoelectric conversion layer includes a first amorphous semiconductor layer containing first impurities, a second intrinsic, amorphous semiconductor layer, and a third amorphous semiconductor layer containing second impurities.

Abstract: A programmable passive device comprising a first node and a second node. A plurality of passive device elements electrically coupled to the first node. A plurality of switches are electrically coupled to at least the second node and selectively coupled to a number of the plurality of passive device elements to provide the programmable passive device with a pre-determined value.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses involving salt-based compounds and related doping are provided. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a salt-based material is introduced to a semiconductor material, is heated to generate a neutral compound that dopes the semiconductor material. Other embodiments are directed to semiconductor materials with such a neutral compound as an impurity that affects electrical characteristics therein.

Abstract: A method for controlling the electrical conduction between two electrically conductive portions may include placing of an at least partially ionic crystal between the two electrically conductive portions. The crystal may include at least one surface region coupled to the two electrically conductive portions. The surface region is insulating under the application of an electrical field to the surface region, and electrically conductive in the absence of the electrical field. An application or not of an electrical field to the at least one surface region reduces or establishes the electrical conduction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of doping a substrate may include forming a dopant region on a substrate by implanting one or more dopant elements into the dopant region of the substrate using a plasma doping process; forming a cap layer atop the dopant region; annealing the dopant region after forming the cap layer; and removing the cap layer after annealing the dopant region.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a silicon nanowire array comprising (a) preparing a porous metal film; (b) placing the porous metal film in contact with a silicon substrate; and (c) etching the silicon substrate with a silicon etching solution. The present invention allows manufacturing vertically aligned large-area silicon nanowires by using the porous metal film as a catalyst and manufacturing nanowires having a porous structure, a porous nodular structure, an inclined structure and a zig-zag structure, which are distinguishable from nanowires of the prior art in their shape and crystallographic orientation, by adjusting etching conditions such as the composition of the silicon etching solution and the etching temperature in the step in which the silicon substrate is subjected to wet etching.

Abstract: A method of forming a microball grid array includes adhering a microball precursor material to a transfer medium under conditions to reflect a selective charge pattern. The method includes transferring the microball precursor material from the transfer medium across a gap and to an integrated circuit substrate under conditions to reflect the selective charge pattern. The method includes achieving the microball grid array without the aid of a mask.

Abstract: An electrical circuit component includes a first electrode, a plurality of second electrodes and a negative differential resistance (NDR) material. The first electrode and the plurality of second electrodes are connected to the NDR material and the NDR material is to electrically connect the first electrode to one of the plurality of second electrodes when a sufficient voltage is applied between the first electrode and the one of the plurality of second electrodes through the NDR material.

Abstract: An antifuse having a link including a region of unsilicided semiconductor material may be programmed at reduced voltage and current and with reduced generation of heat by electromigration of metal or silicide from a cathode into the region of unsilicided semiconductor material to form an alloy having reduced bulk resistance. The cathode and anode are preferably shaped to control regions from which and to which material is electrically migrated. After programming, additional electromigration of material can return the antifuse to a high resistance state. The process by which the antifuse is fabricated is completely compatible with fabrication of field effect transistors and the antifuse may be advantageously formed on isolation structures.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a semiconductor structure, a substrate having a front surface and a back surface is provided. The front surface has a device layer thereon and conductive plugs electrically connected to the device layer. A thinning process is performed on the back surface of the substrate, such that the back surface of the substrate and surfaces of the conductive plugs have a distance therebetween. Holes are formed in the substrate from the back surface to the conductive plugs, so as to form a porous film. An oxidization process is performed, such that the porous film correspondingly is reacted to form an oxide material layer. A polishing process is performed on the oxide material layer to expose the surfaces of the conductive plugs.

Abstract: This patent disclosure presents circuits, system, and method to produce an ideal memory cell and a method to produce a perfect PN junction without undesirable junction voltage and leakage current. These new inventions finally perfect the art to produce PN junction diode sixty years after PN junction diode was invented and the technology to produce an indestructible nonvolatile memory cell that is fast and small.

Abstract: The present invention relates to e-fuse devices, and more particularly to a device and method of forming an e-fuse device, the method comprising providing a first conductive layer connected to a second conductive layer, the first and second conductive layers separated by a barrier layer having a first diffusivity different than a second diffusivity of the first conductive layer. A void is created in the first conductive layer by driving an electrical current through the e-fuse device.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of pre-migrating metal ions is disclosed. A metal in a semiconductor configuration is exposed to water and oxygen to yield metal ions. The metal couples a conductor to another material. The metal and the conductor are exposed to an electrical field in such a manner that one or both of the metal and the conductor becomes an anode to a corresponding cathode. The metal ions are then allowed to migrate from the anode to the cathode to form a migrated metal. Finally, a migration inhibitor is applied on top of the migrated metal to prevent further migration.

Abstract: Transistors are described, along with methods and systems that include them. In one such transistor, a field plate is capacitively coupled between a first terminal and a second terminal. A potential in the field plate modulates dopant in a diffusion region in a semiconductor material of the transistor. Additional embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate and a semiconductor layer located over the substrate. The optical path includes a semiconductor layer that further includes a waveguide core region. The core region includes a first semiconductor region with a morphology of a first type and a first refractive index. The first semiconductor region is located adjacent a second semiconductor region that has a morphology of a second type and a second refractive index that is different from the first refractive index.

Abstract: Systems and methods for single lithography step interconnection metallization using a stop-etch layer are described. A method that includes depositing a stop-etch layer over a semiconductor device, depositing an interconnect metallization material over the stop-etch layer, performing a single lithography step to pattern a mask over the interconnect metallization material, etching the interconnect metallization material in non-masked areas, and removing the stop-etch layer. A system comprises a stop-etch layer material for deposit into a stop-etch layer over a wafer, an interconnect metallization material for deposit over the chrome layer, a lithography operation for patterning a mask over the interconnect metallization material, a first etching compound for etching the interconnect metallization material, where the etching stops at the stop-etch layer, and a second etching compound for removing the stop-etch layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for functionalizing a conductive or semiconductor material (M) by covalent grafting of receptor molecules (R) to its surface, said method comprising the following steps: (i) applying, across the terminals of a source electrode and a drain electrode located on either side of the material (M), sufficient potential difference to thermally activate the material (M) with respect to the grafting reaction of the molecules (R); and (ii) placing the material (M) thus activated in contact with a liquid or gaseous medium containing receptor molecules (R), thereby obtaining a material (M) functionalized by covalently grafted receptor molecules (R).

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to fuse structures, methods of forming and programming the same, and more particularly to fuse structures having crack stop voids. The fuse structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a dielectric layer thereon and a crack stop void. The dielectric layer includes at least one fuse therein and the crack stop void is adjacent to two opposite sides of the fuse, and extends lower than a bottom surface and above a top surface of the fuse. The disclosure also relates to a design structure of the aforementioned.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device and methodology are provided for protecting semiconductor devices against electrostatic discharge events by temporarily forming during normal (non-ESD) operation two more inversion layers (112, 113) in a first well region (104) that is disposed between anode and cathode regions (105, 106) in response to one or more bias voltages (G1, G2) that are close to Vdd in order to reduce leakage current and capacitance during normal operation (non-ESD) condition. During an electrostatic discharge event, the bias voltages can be removed (e.g., decoupled or set to 0V) to eliminate the inversion layers, thereby forming a semiconductor resistor for shunting the ESD current.

Abstract: Memory devices, methods for fabricating, and methods for adjusting flatband voltages are disclosed. In one such memory device, a pair of source/drain regions are formed in a semiconductor. A dielectric material is formed on the semiconductor between the pair of source/drain regions. A control gate is formed on the dielectric material. A charged species is introduced into the dielectric material. The charged species, e.g., mobile ions, has an energy barrier in a range of greater than about 0.5 eV to about 3.0 eV. A flatband voltage of the memory device can be adjusted by moving the charged species to different levels within the dielectric material, thus programming different states into the device.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The non-volatile memory cell includes an anode; a cathode having a surface facing the anode; a specific structure disposed on the surface; and an ion conductor disposed among the anode, the cathode and the specific structure, wherein the specific structure is one of a bulging area on the surface of the cathode and an insulating layer with an opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the production of micro-structured substrates and their application in natural sciences and technology, in particular in semiconductor, microfluidic and analysis devices. It concerns a method of introducing a structure, such as a hole or cavity or channel or well or recess or a structural change by providing a controlled electrical discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a capacitance change non-volatile memory device. The apparatus may include a substrate, a source region in the substrate, a drain region in the substrate, a tunnel oxide layer on the substrate substantially between the source region and the drain region, a floating gate layer on the tunnel oxide layer, a resistance changing material layer on the floating gate layer, and a control gate on the resistance changing material layer.

Abstract: An object is to provide a single crystal semiconductor layer with extremely favorable characteristics without performing CMP treatment or heat treatment at high temperature. Further, an object is to provide a semiconductor substrate (or an SOI substrate) having the above single crystal semiconductor layer. A first single crystal semiconductor layer is formed by a vapor-phase epitaxial growth method on a surface of a second single crystal semiconductor layer over a substrate; the first single crystal semiconductor layer and a base substrate are bonded to each other with an insulating layer interposed therebetween; and the first single crystal semiconductor layer and the second single crystal semiconductor layer are separated from each other at an interface therebetween so as to provide the first single crystal semiconductor layer over the base substrate with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. Thus, an SOI substrate can be manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrical devices. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical devices including dendritic metal electrodes. One aspect of the present invention is an electrical device comprising a first electrode comprising at least one dendritic metal structure; a second electrode; and an electrically active structure disposed between the dendritic metal structure and the second electrode.

Abstract: Microelectronic devices may be fabricated while being protected from damage by electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, a shorting circuit is connected to elements of the microelectronic device, where the microelectronic device is part of a chip-on-glass system. In one aspect of this embodiment, a portion of the shorting circuit is in an area of a substrate where a microchip is bonded. In another embodiment, shorting links of the shorting circuit are comprised of a fusible material, where the fusible material may be disabled by an electrical current capable of fusing the shorting links.

Abstract: Fabricating single-walled carbon nanotube transistor devices includes removing undesirable types of nanotubes. These undesirable types of nanotubes may include nonsemiconducting nanotubes, multiwalled nanotubes, and others. The undesirable nanotubes may be removed electrically using voltage or current, or a combination of these. This approach to removing undesirable nanotubes is sometimes referred to as “burn-off.” The undesirable nanotubes may be removed chemically or using radiation. The undesirable nanotubes of an integrated circuit may be removed in sections or one transistor (or a group of transistors) at a time in order to reduce the electrical current used or prevent damage to the integrated circuit during burn-off.

Abstract: A method for reducing leakage current of a semiconductor device includes supplying a substantially constant and non-zero bulk bias to a relatively low threshold voltage semiconductor device during formation of a conductive channel of the semiconductor device and during the formation of a non-conductive channel of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a nano-array electrode with a controlled nano-structure by filling a compound having an electron-accepting structure or an electron donating structure into the fine pores of an anodic-oxide porous alumina film obtained by anodically oxidizing aluminum in electrolyte. The spaces defined between the nano-arrays formed of the compound by removing the alumina film are filled with a compound having an electron-donating structure if the nano-arrays have an electron-accepting structure and a compound having an electron-accepting structure if the nano-arrays have an electron-donating structure. A high-performance, high-efficiency photoelectric converting device comprising a nano-array electrode manufactured by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An RF switch to controllably withstand an applied RF voltage Vsw, or a method of fabricating such a switch, which includes a string of series-connected constituent FETs with a node of the string between each pair of adjacent FETs. The method includes controlling capacitances between different nodes of the string to effectively tune the string capacitively, which will reduce the variance in the RF switch voltage distributed across each constituent FET, thereby enhancing switch breakdown voltage. Capacitances are controlled, for example, by disposing capacitive features between nodes of the string, and/or by varying design parameters of different constituent FETs. For each node, a sum of products of each significant capacitor by a proportion of Vsw appearing across it may be controlled to approximately zero.