Abstract: In some embodiments, a workpiece-surface-influencing device preferentially contacts the top surface of the workpiece, to chemically modify the surface at desired field areas of the workpiece without affecting the surfaces of cavities or recesses in the field areas. The device includes a substance which is chemically reactive with material forming the workpiece surface. The substance can be in the form of a thin film or coating which contacts the surface of the workpiece to chemically modify that surface. The workpiece-surface-influencing device can be in the form of a solid state applicator such as a roller or a semi-permeable membrane. In some other embodiments, the cavities are filled with material that prevents surface modification of the cavity surfaces while allowing modification of the field areas, or which encourages surface modification of the cavity surfaces while preventing modification of the field areas. The modified surface facilitates selective deposition of materials on the workpiece.

Abstract: A contact efuse structure includes a silicon layer and a contact contacting the silicon layer with one end. When a voltage is applied to the contact, a void is formed at the end of the contact, and thus the contact is open. Such structure may be utilized in an efuse device or a read only memory. A method of making a contact efuse device and a method of making a read only memory are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes forming a phase change material layer on a substrate using a deposition process that employs a process gas. The process gas includes a germanium source gas, and the germanium source gas includes at least one of the atomic groups “—N?C?O”, “—N?C?S”, “—N?C?Se”, “—N?C?Te”, “—N?C?Po” and “—C?N”.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a via includes forming an first opening in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first opening has a bottom and sidewalls, forming a sacrificial fill in the first opening, forming a dielectric layer over the sacrificial fill, forming a second opening in the dielectric layer, wherein the second opening is over the sacrificial fill, removing the sacrificial fill from the first opening after forming the second opening, and forming a conductive material in the first opening and second opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a reliable connection to an internal node from the backside of an integrated circuit using focused ion beam (“FIB”) milling are disclosed herein. In accordance with at least some embodiments, an integrated circuit includes an isolation region, an active region, a first contact, and a metal layer. The isolation region separates adjacent integrated circuit devices. The first contact is disposed between the isolation region and the metal layer. The first contact is electrically connected to the active region. A dummy structure is disposed between the isolation region and the first contact. A FIB via is milled through the isolation region and the dummy structure to the first contact to establish an electrical connection with active region through the via.

Abstract: A plurality of semiconductor devices having different thicknesses from each other and having respective electrode terminals are fixed on a surface of the support plate through a resin layer in such a manner that terminal surfaces of the electrode terminals are on the level with each other. An insulating layer covers terminal forming surfaces of the semiconductor devices. At least one tapered bump having a tip surface formed in a smaller area than an area of the terminal surface of the electrode terminal of the semiconductor device is formed on one of the terminal surfaces of the electrode terminals and penetrates the insulating layer in such a manner that the tip surface of the tapered bump is exposed to a surface of the insulating layer. A wiring pattern is formed on the surface of the insulating layer and connected to the tip surface of the tapered bump.

Abstract: Methods of patterning features, methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices, and semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of patterning a feature includes forming a first portion of the feature in a first material layer. A second portion of the feature is formed in the first material layer, and a third portion of the feature is formed in a second material layer.

Abstract: An electrically reprogrammable fuse comprising an interconnect disposed in a dielectric material, a sensing wire disposed at a first end of the interconnect, a first programming wire disposed at a second end of the interconnect, and a second programming wire disposed at a second end of the interconnect, wherein the fuse is operative to form a surface void at the interface between the interconnect and the sensing wire when a first directional electron current is applied from the first programming wire through the interconnect to the second programming wire, and wherein, the fuse is further operative to heal the surface void between the interconnect and the sensing wire when a second directional electron current is applied from the second programming wire through the interconnect to the first programming wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a diffusion-barrier cap on a Cu-containing interconnect element that has crystallites of at least two different crystal orientations, comprises selectively incorporating Si into only a first set of crystallites with at least one first crystal orientation, employing first process conditions, and subsequently selectively forming a first adhesion-layer portion comprising CuSi and a first diffusion-barrier-layer portion only on the first set of crystallites, thus forming a first barrier-cap portion, and subsequently selectively incorporating Si into only the second set of crystallites, employing second process conditions that differ from the first process conditions, and forming a second barrier-cap portion comprising a Si-containing second diffusion-barrier layer portion on the second set of crystallites of the interconnect element.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming low k dielectric regions between electrically conductive lines. A construction may be formed to have a plurality of spaced apart electrically conductive lines, and to have sacrificial material between the electrically conductive lines. The sacrificial material may be removed. Subsequently, electrically insulative material may be deposited over and between the lines. The deposition of the insulative material may occur under conditions in which bread-loafing of the insulative material creates bridges of the insulative material across gas-filled gaps between the lines. The gas-filled gaps may be considered to correspond to low k dielectric regions between the electrically conductive lines. In some embodiments the sacrificial material may be carbon. In some embodiments, the deposited insulative material may be a low k dielectric material, and in other embodiments the deposited insulative material may not be a low k dielectric material.

Abstract: A spatial optical modulation array device includes regularly packed micro optical-electrical-mechanical pixels in a planner configuration on a semiconductor substrate, each pixel electrically actuated independently and thus operated optically in the binary modes, reflection and diffraction to incident illumination. Subject to the electrostatic contraction or compulsion driven by a pixel circuitry, the top metal reflector is placed accurately at the minimum or maximum spacing from the static bottom metal reflector in an odd or even integral multiple of a quarter wavelength within visual light spectrum, so that diffraction or reflection in destructive or constructive interference is achieved respectively and thus incident illumination modulated independently in closely binary modes at each micro optical-electrical-mechanical pixel.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first layer; a second layer above the first layer; first and second multi-layered structures; and a supporter. The first and second multi-layered structures extend from the first layer to connect to the second layer. The supporter extends from the first layer to connect to the second layer. The supporter is between the first and second multi-layered structures. The supporter is separated from the first and second multi-layered structures by empty space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate of a window ball grid array package and a method for making the same. The substrate includes a core layer, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, at least one window and at least one via. The window includes a first through hole and a third conductive layer. The first through hole penetrates the substrate and has a first sidewall. The third conductive layer is disposed on the first sidewall and connects the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The via includes a second through hole and a fourth conductive layer. The second through hole penetrates the substrate and has a second sidewall. The fourth conductive layer is disposed on the second sidewall and connects the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. As a result, the substrate has the effect of controlling the characteristic impedance and increasing the signal integrity.

Abstract: Methods for processing substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for processing substrates includes providing to a process chamber a substrate comprising an exposed dielectric layer having a feature formed therein. A mask layer comprising titanium nitride may be selectively deposited atop corners of the feature. A barrier layer may be selectively deposited atop the mask layer and into a bottom portion of the feature. The barrier layer deposited on the bottom portion of the feature may be etched to redistribute at least a portion of the barrier layer onto sidewalls of the feature.

Abstract: A method of forming a high aspect ratio via opening through multiple dielectric layers, a high aspect ratio electrically conductive via, methods of forming three-dimension integrated circuits, and three-dimensional integrated circuits. The methods include forming a stack of at least four dielectric layers and etching the first and third dielectric layers with processes selective to the second and fourth dielectric layers, etching the second and third dielectric layers with processes selective to the first and second dielectric layers. Advantageously the process used to etch the third dielectric layer is not substantially selective to the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: A wafer level semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a circuit part. A bonding pad group is disposed in the semiconductor chip and included in the bonding pad group is a power pad that is electrically connected to the circuit part. An internal circuit pattern is disposed at a side of the bonding pad group. An additional power pad is disposed at a side of the bonding pad group, and the additional power pad is electrically connected to the circuit part. An insulation layer pattern is disposed over the semiconductor chip, and the insulation layer includes openings that expose the power pad, the internal circuit pattern, and the additional power pad. A redistribution is disposed over the insulation layer pattern, and the redistribution is electrically connected to at least two of the power pad, the internal circuit pattern, and the additional power pad.

Abstract: Methods of forming a contact pad include forming a copper pattern on a semiconductor substrate and forming a passivation layer on the copper pattern. The passivation layer is defined to have an opening therein that exposes at least a portion of an upper surface of the copper pattern. A diffusion barrier layer is formed in the opening by electroless plating the diffusion barrier layer onto the exposed portion of the upper surface of the copper pattern. This diffusion barrier layer operates as a barrier to copper out-diffusion from the copper pattern. These methods further include conformally depositing an underbump metallization layer onto at least a sidewall of the opening in the passivation layer and onto an upper surface of the diffusion barrier layer. A step is then performed to plate a contact bump (e.g., solder bump) onto a portion of the underbump metallization layer extending opposite the diffusion barrier layer.

Abstract: A method includes forming an insulating layer over a substrate, forming a masking layer over the insulating layer, forming a developable bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) over the masking layer, forming a first photo resist layer over the developable BARC, exposing and developing portions of both the first photo resist layer and the developable BARC to form a first set of openings in the developable BARC, forming a second photo resist layer over the first set of openings and the developable BARC, exposing and developing portions of both the second photo resist layer and the developable BARC to form a second set of openings in the developable BARC, and extending each opening in the first and second set of openings through the masking layer and the insulating layer.

Abstract: A through substrate via (TSV) process is provided. A substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side is provided. A plurality of holes is formed in the substrate at the first side. A first dielectric layer is formed on a sidewall and a bottom of the holes. A second dielectric layer is formed in the holes, wherein a material of the second dielectric layer is different from that of the first dielectric layer. A semiconductor device and an interconnect are formed on the substrate at the first side. At least a portion of the substrate at the second side is removed to expose the second dielectric layer in the holes. The second dielectric layer is removed. A conductive layer is formed in the holes.

Abstract: A pressure device of flexible electronics capable for sensing a large area includes flexible films, electrodes, sensing blocks, and bumps. The flexible films are disposed with intervals and define two spaces. The electrodes and the sensing blocks are disposed on the flexible films and are in a space. The bumps are disposed on the flexible films and are in another space. The air in the spaces maintains a buffer distance of each two adjacent flexible films with the electrodes and the sensing blocks. When the pressure device of flexible electronics is deformed, it is capable of avoiding erroneous signals caused by contact of the sensing block and the electrode or the two sensing blocks disposed on the different flexible films respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the preparation of a semiconductor substrate, and metallization of a contact area on the substrate to produce a contact in a semiconductor device. The method includes pre-treating the substrate by ultra fast laser treatment of a contact area, and depositing an interconnect metal layer on the contact area to create a contact. The process may include depositing a layer of dielectric-forming material on the substrate and removing a portion of the dielectric material from the substrate to reveal a contact area, prior to laser treating and metallization.

Abstract: Interconnect structures and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interconnect structure includes a via extendable through a workpiece from a first side of the workpiece to a second side of the workpiece. The via is partially filled with a conductive material and has sidewalls. The interconnect structure includes a contact coupled to the conductive material in the via proximate the first side of the workpiece. The conductive material in the via comprises a recessed region comprising a landing zone proximate the second side of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an SIP semiconductor device is provided. In this method, a first Organic Solderability Preservative (OSP) is coated over an upper surface of a semiconductor device including a plurality of elements and a first through electrode. An electrochemical plate (ECP) process is then performed on the semiconductor device. A second OSP is then coated over a lower surface of the semiconductor device, the lower surface including a Cu plug that has been formed over the first through electrode through the ECP process. The upper and lower (first and second) OSPs are used to prevent the Cu plug from being easily oxidized when exposed to the air.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a semiconductor device comprising a workpiece, the workpiece including a first region and a second region proximate the first region. A first material is disposed in the first region, and at least one region of a second material is disposed within the first material in the first region, the second material comprising a different material than the first material. The at least one region of the second material increases a first stress of the first region.

Abstract: The metallic bump is directly formed on a semiconductor wafer's I/O pad without UBM. First, a zinc layer is formed on the I/O pad or an anti-oxidation layer of the I/O pad is selectively etched off. Then, an isolative layer and a copper foil are arranged sequentially in this order above the I/O pad. The isolative layer is originally in a liquid state or in a temporarily solid state and later permanently solidified. Then, a via above the I/O pad is formed by removing part of the isolative layer and the cooper foil. Subsequently, A thin metallic layer connecting the copper foil and the I/O pad is formed in the via and a plating resist on the copper foil is formed. Then, a metallic bump is formed from the via whose height is controlled by the plating resist. Finally, the plating resist and the copper foil are removed.

Abstract: Vertical device structures incorporating at least one nanotube and methods for fabricating such device structures by chemical vapor deposition. Each nanotube is grown by chemical vapor deposition catalyzed by a catalyst pad and encased in a coating of a dielectric material. Vertical field effect transistors may be fashioned by forming a gate electrode about the encased nanotubes such that the encased nanotubes extend vertically through the thickness of the gate electrode. Capacitors may be fashioned in which the encased nanotubes and the corresponding catalyst pad bearing the encased nanotubes forms one capacitor plate.

Abstract: Structures of a system on chip and methods of forming a system on chip are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system on a chip includes an RF component disposed on a first part of a substrate, a semiconductor component disposed on a second part of the substrate, the semiconductor component and the RF component sharing a common boundary. The system on chip further includes through substrate conductors disposed in the substrate, the through substrate conductors coupled to a ground potential node, the through substrate conductors disposed around the RF component forming a fence around the RF circuit.

Abstract: A system on chip comprising a RF shield is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system on chip includes a RF component disposed on a chip, first redistribution lines disposed above the system on chip, the first redistribution lines coupled to I/O connection nodes. The system on chip further includes second redistribution lines disposed above the RF component, the second redistribution lines coupled to ground potential nodes. The second redistribution lines include a first set of parallel metal lines coupled together by a second set of parallel metal lines.

Abstract: Structures of a system on chip and methods of forming a system on chip are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating the system on chip includes forming a through substrate opening from a back surface of a substrate, the through substrate opening disposed between a first and a second region, the first region comprising devices for RF circuitry and the second region comprising devices for other circuitry. The method further includes forming patterns for redistribution lines on a photo resist layer, the photo resist layer disposed under the back surface, and filling the through substrate opening and the patterns for redistribution lines with a conductive material.

Abstract: A semiconductor fabrication process and apparatus are provided for forming passive devices, such as a fuse (93) or resistor (95), in an active substrate region (103) by using heavy ion implantation (30) and annealing (40) to selectively form polycrystalline structures (42, 44) from a monocrystalline active layer (103), while retaining the single crystalline regions in the active layer (103) for use in forming active devices, such as NMOS and/or PMOS transistors (94). As disclosed, fuse structures (93) may be fabricated by forming silicide (90) in an upper region of the polycrystalline structure (42), while resistor structures (95) may be simultaneously formed from polycrystalline structure (44) which is selectively masked during silicide formation.

Abstract: An effective method for forming through-base wafer vias in the fabrication of stacked devices is described. The base wafer can be a silicon wafer in which case the method relates to TSV (through-silicon via) technology. The method affords high removal rates of both silicon and metal (e.g., copper) under appropriate conditions and is tuneable with respect to base wafer material to metal selectivity.

Abstract: A metal-insulator diode is disclosed. In one aspect, the metal-insulator diode comprises first and second electrode and first and second insulators arraigned as follows. An insulating region has a trench formed therein. The trench has a bottom and side walls. The first electrode, which comprises a first metal, is on the side walls and over the bottom of the trench. A first insulator has a first interface with the first electrode. At least a portion of the first insulator is within the trench. A second insulator has a second interface with the first insulator. At least a portion of the second insulator is within the trench. The second electrode, which comprises a second metal, is in contact with the second insulator. The second electrode at least partially fills the trench.

Abstract: An integrated circuit with a rectifier element. One embodiment provides a signal source, an electronic circuit and a rectifier element with a copper layer and a cuprous oxide layer adjacent to and in direct contact with the copper layer. The signal source is configured to drive a signal on a signal output terminal that is electrically coupled to the copper layer. The electronic circuit is electrically coupled to the cuprous oxide layer. The rectifier element may be formed between wiring layers of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: An electrically conductive interconnect is provided through an opening in a dielectric layer, electrically connecting two conductive layers. In one embodiment, the interconnect is formed by ruthenium entirely filling the opening in the dielectric layer. In another embodiment, an adhesion layer of titanium is provided in the opening prior to providing the ruthenium. In using this approach, an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of the length of the interconnect to the width thereof) of 20:1 or greater is achievable.

Abstract: Forming a metal-insulator diode and carbon memory element in a single damascene process is disclosed. A trench having a bottom and a sidewall is formed in an insulator. A first diode electrode is formed in the trench during a single damascene process. A first insulating region comprising a first insulating material is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. A second insulating region comprising a second insulating material is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. A second diode electrode is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. The first insulating region and the second insulating region reside between the first diode electrode and the second diode electrode to form a metal-insulator-insulator-metal (MIIM) diode. A region of carbon is formed in the trench during the single damascene process. At least a portion of the carbon is electrically in series with the MIIM diode.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a manufacturing method of a transparent conductive film of the present invention, a grid having a magnet is placed between a target and a substrate, and a pattern shaped transparent conductive film comprising the target material is formed over the substrate through a mask by a sputtering method. In other embodiment of a manufacturing method of a transparent conductive film of the present invention, a mask is placed on a substrate, a pattern shaped transparent conductive layer comprising a target material is formed on the substrate by a sputtering method, and a trap electrode having a magnet pin is installed between the target and the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include methods of forming metal silicide layers using a diffusionless annealing process. In one embodiment a method for forming a metal silicide material on a substrate is provided. The method comprises depositing a metal material over a silicon containing surface of a substrate, depositing a metal nitride material over the metal material, depositing a metallic contact material over the metal nitride material, and exposing the substrate to a diffusionless annealing process to form a metal silicide material. The short time-frame of the diffusionless annealing process reduces the time for the diffusion of nitrogen to the silicon containing interface to form silicon nitride thus minimizing the interfacial resistance.

Abstract: A method of selectively plating without plating lines is provided. The method employs a loading plate having a metalized temporary conductive layer. The loading plate and the temporary conductive layer are adapted for transmitting a plating current. A patterning photoresist layer is accorded for selectively and sequentially plating a separating metal layer, a plating protection layer, and a connection pad layer on to the temporary conductive layer. Then, the loading plate is further used for supplying current to form other circuit layers by a pressing lamination process. And when the plate process is completed or it is not need to plate, the loading plate and the temporary conductive layer can be removed, for further completing for example the solder mask process, and thus achieving the objective of plating without plating lines.

Abstract: An electrically programmable fuse (eFuse) comprises a semiconductor layer, a silicide layer overlying the semiconductor layer, and first and second contact structures electrically coupled to the silicide layer. The first contact structure is configured to function as an anode and the second contact structure is configured to function as a cathode. The eFuse further comprises a back-gate structure disposed underneath the semiconductor layer in a back-gate structure region proximate the second contact structure, the back-gate structure region excluding a region proximate the first contact structure.

Abstract: Methods of forming a microelectronic structure are described. Embodiments of those methods include forming an identification mark on a portion of a backside of an individual die of a wafer by utilizing laser assisted CVD, wherein the formation of the identification mark is localized to a focal spot of the laser.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one porous layer on a substrate, whereby a suspension, which contains particles from a layer-forming material or molecular precursors of the layer-forming material, as well as at least one organic component, is applied to the substrate, the precursors of the layer-forming material are subsequently reacted to produce the layer-forming material following application to the substrate, in a next step, the particles from the layer-forming material are sintered, and the at least one organic component is subsequently removed. Also, a field-effect transistor having at least one gate electrode, the gate electrode having an electrically conductive, porous coating which was applied in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A resistive memory device includes an insulation layer over a substrate, a nanowire penetrating the insulation layer, a resistive layer formed over the insulation layer and contacting with the nanowire, and an upper electrode formed over the resistive layer.

Abstract: A copper interconnection structure includes an insulating layer, an interconnection body including copper and a barrier layer surrounding the interconnection body. The barrier layer includes a first barrier layer formed between a first portion of the interconnection body and the insulating layer. The first portion of the interconnection body is part of the interconnection body that faces the insulating layer. The barrier layer also includes a second barrier layer formed on a second portion of the interconnection body. The second portion of the interconnection body is part of the interconnection body not facing the insulating layer. Each of the first and the second barrier layers is formed of an oxide layer including manganese, and each of the first and the second barrier layers has a position where the atomic concentration of manganese is maximized in their thickness direction of the first and the second barrier layers.

Abstract: An apparatus to perform semiconductor processing includes a process chamber; a plasma generator for generating a plasma in the process chamber; and a helical ribbon electrode coupled to the output of the plasma generator.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for forming enhanced contacts using sandwiched metal structures are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A salicide heater structure for use in thermo-optic and other heat-influenced semiconductor devices is disclosed. In one example embodiment, a system is provided that includes a silicon substrate, and a salicide heating element formed on the substrate, for delivering heat radiation to a heat-influenced semiconductor device. Another example embodiment is a salicide semiconductor system that includes a silicon substrate and a salicide structure formed on the substrate, wherein the salicide structure is for delivering heat radiation to a heat-influenced semiconductor device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bump structure and a method for fabricating the same. The bump structure of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of connection pads; a passivation layer covering the substrate and having openings each corresponding to one connection pad, wherein the openings reveal a portion of each connection pad to form a plurality of electrical-connection areas; an elastic layer formed on the passivation layer; and a plurality of bumps each formed corresponding to one electric-connection area and extending to the elastic layer, whereby the elasticity and deformability of the bumps is enhanced. The present invention uses a larger-texture (?20 ?m) patterning process to fabricate an appropriate patterned elastic layer (having parallel lines, strips, or saw teeth) to enhance the elasticity and deformability of the bumps, whereby the bump structure of the present invention can apply to a fine-pitch IC.

Abstract: Methods of forming microelectronic device structures are described. Those methods may include forming a passivation layer on a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises an array of conductive structures, forming a first via in the passivation layer, forming a second via in the passivation layer that exposes at least one of the conductive structures in the array, and wherein the second via is formed within the first via space to form a step via, and forming a conductive material in the step via, wherein a round dimple is formed in the conductive material.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device is presented. A substrate prepared with a dielectric layer formed thereon is provided. A first upper etch stop layer is formed on the dielectric layer. The first upper etch stop layer includes a first dielectric material. The dielectric layer and first upper etch stop layer are patterned to form an interconnect opening. The interconnect opening is filled with a conductive material to form an interconnect. The interconnect and first upper etch stop layer have coplanar top surfaces. A second upper etch stop layer is formed over the coplanar top surfaces. The second upper etch stop layer includes a second material having sufficient adhesion with the first material to reduce diffusion of the conductive material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is provided. A substrate having thereon a first conductive wire and a second conductive wire is provided. A liner is formed on the first conductive wire and second conductive wire. An ashable material layer is filled into a gap between the first conductive wire and second conductive wire. The ashable material layer is then polished to expose a portion of the liner. A cap layer is formed on the ashable material layer and on the exposed liner. A through hole is etched into the cap layer to expose a portion of the ashable material layer. Thereafter, the ashable material layer is removed by way of the through hole.