Abstract: A technique capable of promoting miniaturization of an RF power module used in a mobile phone etc. is provided. A directional coupler is formed inside a semiconductor chip in which an amplification part of the RF power module is formed. A sub-line of the directional coupler is formed in the same layer as a drain wire coupled to the drain region of an LDMOSFET, which will serve as the amplification part of the semiconductor chip. Due to this, the predetermined drain wire is used as a main line and the directional coupler is configured by a sub-line arranged in parallel to the main line via an insulating film, together with the main line.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first insulating film on the substrate, wiring lines including a metal in trenches in the first insulating film, and a second insulating film. The second insulating film covers the first insulating film and the wiring line. The trenches are arranged parallel to one another at predetermined intervals. The dielectric constant of the material of the second insulating film is higher than that of the first insulating film. The lower surface of the second insulating film in a region between the wiring lines locates above a surface that connects the peripheral edges of the upper surfaces of the wiring lines.

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention provide methods and apparatuses for connecting and/or disconnecting nodes in a semiconductor device. Embodiments of the apparatus may include a plurality of metal layers formed above a substrate and an interconnect structure formed between first and second nodes in the plurality of metal layers. The interconnect structure includes one or more metal lines formed in each of the metal layers. The metal lines are connected by a plurality of vias. Modifying one of the metal lines in any one of the metal layers changes an electrical connection between the first and second nodes.

Abstract: An interconnection substrate includes a plurality of electrically conductive elements of at least one wiring layer defining first and second lateral directions. Electrically conductive projections for bonding to electrically conductive contacts of at least one component external to the substrate, extend from the conductive elements above the at least one wiring layer. The conductive projections have end portions remote from the conductive elements and neck portions between the conductive elements and the end portions. The end portions have lower surfaces extending outwardly from the neck portions in at least one of the lateral directions. The substrate further includes a dielectric layer overlying the conductive elements and extending upwardly along the neck portions at least to the lower surfaces. At least portions of the dielectric layer between the conductive projections are recessed below a height of the lower surfaces.

Abstract: A method for making nickel silicide nano-wire, the method includes the following steps. Firstly, a silicon substrate and a growing device, and the growing device including a reacting room are provided. Secondly, a silicon dioxide layer is formed on a surface of the silicon substrate. Thirdly, a titanium layer is formed on the silicon dioxide layer. Fourthly, the silicon substrate is placed into the reacting room, and the reacting room is heated to a temperature of 500˜1000° C. Finally, a plurality of nickel cluster is formed onto the surface of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A plurality of nanowires is grown on a first substrate in a first direction perpendicular to the first substrate. An insulation layer covering the nanowires is formed on the first substrate to define a nanowire block including the nanowires and the insulation layer. The nanowire block is moved so that each of the nanowires is arranged in a second direction parallel to the first substrate. The insulation layer is partially removed to partially expose the nanowires. A gate line covering the exposed nanowires is formed. Impurities are implanted into portions of the nanowires adjacent to the gate line.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a first region and a second region, e.g., peripheral region. The method forms a stop layer overlying the first and second regions and a low k dielectric layer (e.g., k<2.9) overlying the stop layer in the first and second regions. The method forms a cap layer overlying the low k dielectric layer. In an embodiment, the method initiates formation of a plurality of via structures within a first portion of the low k dielectric layer overlying the first region and simultaneously initiates formation of an isolated via structure for in the second region of the semiconductor substrate, using one or more etching processes. The method includes ceasing formation of the plurality of via structures within the first portion and ceasing formation of the isolated via structure in the second region when one or more portions of stop layer have been exposed.

Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a first interconnect layer insulating film, first copper interconnects that are embedded in the first interconnect layer insulating film, and an interlayer insulating film that is formed on the first copper interconnects and the first interconnect layer insulating film. The semiconductor device includes a second interconnect layer insulating film that is formed on the interlayer insulating film and second copper interconnects that are embedded in the second interconnect layer insulating film. The first and second interconnect layer insulating films include first and second low dielectric constant films, respectively. The interlayer insulating film has higher mechanical strength than the first and second interconnect layer insulating films.

Abstract: A semiconductor process is provided. A mask layer is formed on a substrate and has a first opening exposing a portion of the substrate. Using the mask layer as a mask, a dry etching process is performed on the substrate to form a second opening therein. The second opening has a bottom portion and a side wall extending upwards and outwards from the bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion is exposed by the first opening and the side wall is covered by the mask layer. Using the mask layer as a mask, a vertical ion implantation process is performed on the bottom portion. A conversion process is performed, so as to form converting layers on the side wall and the bottom portion of the second opening, wherein a thickness of the converting layer on the side wall is larger than a thickness of the converting layer on the bottom portion.

Abstract: A method for forming an interconnect structure for a memory device. The method includes providing a partially fabricated device. The partially fabricated device includes a switching element overlying a first wiring structure. A thickness of dielectric material is deposited overlying the first wiring structure. The method deposits an adhesion material overlying the thickness of the dielectric material. A via opening is formed in a portion of the thickness of the dielectric material to expose a surface region of the switching element while the adhesion material is maintained overlying the dielectric material. A second wiring material is deposited overlying the thickness of the dielectric material and to fill at least part of the via opening and forming a thickness of second wiring material overlying the adhesion material. The adhesion material maintains the second wiring material to be adhered to the surface region of the thickness of the dielectric material.

Abstract: A semiconductor component, in particular in the form of a solar cell, comprises a two-dimensional semiconductor substrate with a first side, a second side which is arranged opposite thereto, a surface normal which is perpendicular to said first and second sides, and a plurality of recesses which are at least arranged on the second side and extend in the direction of the surface normal, at least one dielectric passivation layer which is arranged on the second side, an electrically conducting contact layer arranged on the passivation layer, a plurality of contact elements for electrically connecting the contact layer with the semiconductor substrate, which contact elements are electrically conductive, are in electrically conducting connection with both the semiconductor substrate and with the contact layer, fill at least 50%, in particular at least 90%, preferably 100% of in each case one of the recesses, project beyond the recesses with a projection in the direction perpendicular to the surface normal and are

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to an electrode having a transparent electrode layer, an opaque electrode layer formed on the transparent electrode layer and catalyst formed on an open surface on the transparent electrode layer, which open surface is not covered by the opaque electrode layer.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming contacts. A row of projections may be formed over a semiconductor substrate. The projections may include a plurality of repeating components of an array, and a terminal projection. The terminal projection may have a sacrificial material spaced from semiconductor material of the substrate by a dielectric structure. An electrically conductive line may be formed along the row. The line may wrap around an end of the terminal projection and bifurcate into two branches that are along opposing sides of the repeating components. The individual branches may have regions spaced from the sacrificial material by segments of gate dielectric. The sacrificial material may be removed, together with the segments of gate dielectric, to form a contact opening. An electrically conductive contact may be formed within the contact opening and directly against the regions of the branches.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating conductive structures on and/or in interposing devices and microfeature devices that are formed using such methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating interposer devices having substrates includes forming a plurality of conductive sections on a first substrate in a first pattern. The method continues by forming a plurality of conductive sections on a second substrate in a second pattern. The method further includes constructing a plurality of conductive lines in a common third pattern on both the first substrate and the second substrate. The conductive lines can be formed on the first and second substrates either before or after forming the first pattern of conductive sections on the first substrate and/or forming the second pattern of conductive sections on the second substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer has a first conductive layer formed over its active surface. A first insulating layer is formed over the substrate and first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed over the first conductive layer and first insulating layer. A UBM layer is formed around a bump formation area over the second conductive layer. The UBM layer can be two stacked metal layers or three stacked metal layers. The second conductive layer is exposed in the bump formation area. A second insulating layer is formed over the UBM layer and second conductive layer. A portion of the second insulating layer is removed over the bump formation area and a portion of the UBM layer. A bump is formed over the second conductive layer in the bump formation area. The bump contacts the UBM layer to seal a contact interface between the bump and second conductive layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor structure including a semiconductor substrate including an electronic circuit which is provided in a predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate; a wall which is formed to encircle the predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate; a wiring provided in a region of the semiconductor substrate outside of the predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate; an external connection electrode provided on the wiring; a sealing resin which seals the wiring, the sealing resin being filled in the region of the semiconductor substrate outside of the wall; and a transparent resin to seal the predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate, the transparent resin being filled inside of the wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention describe methods of processing a semiconductor substrate that include applying a zincating solution to the semiconductor substrate to form a zinc passivation layer on the titanium-containing layer, the zincating solution comprising a zinc salt, FeCl3, and a pH adjuster.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and apparatus for material removal using lasers in the fabrication of solar cells. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that removes portions of a dielectric layer deposited on a solar cell substrate according to a desired pattern. In certain embodiments, methods for removing a portion of a material via a laser without damaging the underlying substrate are provided. In one embodiment, the intensity profile of the beam is adjusted so that the difference between the maximum and minimum intensity within a spot formed on a substrate surface is reduced to an optimum range. In one example, the substrate is positioned such that the peak intensity at the center versus the periphery of the substrate is lowered. In one embodiment, the pulse energy is improved to provide thermal stress and physical lift-off of a desired portion of a dielectric layer.

Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The semiconductor structure includes an n-contact region and a p-contact region. A cross section of the n-contact region comprises a plurality of first regions wherein portions of the light emitting layer and p-type region are removed to expose the n-type region. The plurality of first regions are separated by a plurality of second regions wherein the light emitting layer and p-type region remain in the device. The device further includes a first metal contact formed over the semiconductor structure in the p-contact region and a second metal contact formed over the semiconductor structure in the n-contact region. The second metal contact is in electrical contact with at least one of the second regions in the n-contact region.

Abstract: Device fabrication is disclosed, including forming a first part of a device at a first fabrication facility as part of a front-end-of-the-line (FEOL) process, the first part of the device comprising a base wafer formed by FEOL processing, and subsequently performing one or more back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) processes at a second fabrication facility to form an IC, the one or more BEOL processes comprising finishing the forming of the device (e.g., an IC including memory) by depositing one or more memory layers on the base wafer. FEOL processing can be used to form active circuitry die (e.g., CMOS circuitry on a Si wafer) and BEOL processing can be used to form on top of each active circuitry die, one or more layers of cross-point memory arrays formed by thin film processing technologies that may or may not be compatible with or identical to some or all of the FEOL processes.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with reduced resistance of a buried bit line, and a method for fabricating the same. The method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a plurality of active regions which are separated from one another by trenches formed in between, forming a side contact on a sidewall of each active region, and forming metal bit lines, each filling a portion of a respective trench and connected to the side contact.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device for processing a signal includes providing a circuit board including an input signal line, providing a high performance resonant element connected to the input signal line, and providing an output signal line connected to the high performance resonant element. The high performance resonant element includes a via.

Abstract: A method includes: forming an device isolation region in a substrate to divide the device isolation region into a first and a second diffusion regions; forming a target film on the substrate; forming a hard mask layer and a first resist layer on the film; forming a first pattern on the first resist layer; etching the hard mask layer using the first pattern as a mask; forming a second resist layer on the hard mask layer; forming a second pattern including a first space on the second resist layer for isolating the first pattern; forming a third pattern including a second space shrunk from the first space on the hard mask layer by carrying out size conversion etching by using the second pattern formed on the second resist layer as a mask; and etching the film to be processed by using the third pattern formed on the hard mask layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an opto-electric device is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a substrate (10), overlying a first main side of the substrate with an electrically interconnected open shunting structure (20), embedding the electrically interconnected open shunting structure in a transparent layer (30), removing the substrate from the embedded electrically interconnected open shunting structure, depositing a functional layer structure (40) over a free surface (31) formed after removal of the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure including a copper-aluminum interconnect with a barrier layer including a titanium nitride layer and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The method for fabricating an integrated circuit structure including a copper-aluminum interconnect according to the present invention comprises the steps of providing a copper (Cu) layer; forming a barrier layer connected to the copper layer, wherein the barrier layer comprises a first layer including a tantalum layer and a tantalum nitride layer and a second layer including a titanium nitride layer, the first layer contacts the copper layer and is disposed between the copper layer and the second layer, and the barrier layer has a recess correspondingly above the copper layer; and forming an aluminum (Al) layer disposed in the recess.

Abstract: An oxide film is formed on an inner surface of a via hole in which a through electrode is to be formed, and thereafter a Cu film is embedded in the via hole. When an excess Cu film formed on a first interlayer insulating film is removed by a CMP method, the oxide film is also polished and reduced in thickness. Using the oxide film reduced in thickness as a hard mask, a wiring trench is formed in the first interlayer insulating film. At this time, the oxide film is further reduced in thickness. After a conductive material is embedded in the wiring trench, an excess conductive material is removed by polishing. At this time, the remaining oxide film is removed entirely by the polishing.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices are formed with a Cu or Cu alloy interconnect encapsulated by a substantially uniform MnO or Al2O3 layer. Embodiments include forming an opening having side surfaces and a bottom surface in a dielectric layer, forming a barrier layer on the side surfaces and the bottom surface of the opening and on an upper surface of the dielectric layer, treating the barrier layer with an oxygen plasma to form dangling oxygen atoms on the barrier layer, depositing a seed layer on the barrier layer, and filling the opening with Cu or a Cu alloy.

Abstract: Interconnect structures that include a passive element, such as a thin film resistor or a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor, methods for fabricating an interconnect structure that includes a passive element, and design structures embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit, such as a radiofrequency integrated circuit. A top surface of a dielectric layer is recessed relative to a top surface of a conductive feature in the dielectric layer. The passive element is formed on the recessed top surface of the dielectric layer and includes a layer of a conductive material that is coplanar with, or below, the top surface of the conductive feature.

Abstract: A routing layer for a semiconductor die is disclosed. The routing layer includes pads for attaching solder bumps; bond-pads bonded to bump-pads of a die having an integrated circuit, and traces interconnecting bond-pads to pads. The routing layer is formed on a layer of dielectric material. The routing layer includes conductive traces at least partially surrounding some pads so as to absorb stress from solder bumps attached to the pads. Parts of the traces that surround pads protect parts of the underlying dielectric material proximate the solder bumps, from the stress.

Abstract: An integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with T-shaped contacts in the inverters, in which drain connecting segments may extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than 10 percent of a separation distance between ends of opposite drain connecting segments. The drain connecting segments may also extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than one-third of the width of the gate connecting segments. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with T-shaped contacts in which drain connecting segments may extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than 10 percent of a separation distance between ends of opposite drain connecting segments. A process may also form the drain connecting segments to extend beyond gate connecting segments by greater than one-third of the width of the gate connecting segments.

Abstract: The semiconductor device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a semiconductor substrate; and a first area and a second area which are respectively provided on the semiconductor substrate. The first area includes: a first metal wiring formed in a first wiring layer above the semiconductor substrate and having a certain first width; a second metal wiring formed in a second wiring layer located in an upper layer of the first wiring layer and having the first width; and a first contact connecting the first metal wiring and the second metal wiring and having a second width equal to or less than the first width. The second area includes a third metal wiring having a film thickness from the first wiring layer to the second wiring layer and having a certain third width.

Abstract: A bridging arrangement for coupling a first terminal to a second terminal includes a plurality of particles of a first type forming at least one path between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein the particles of the first type are attached to each other; a plurality of particles of a second type arranged in a vicinity of a contact region between a first particle of the first type and a second particle of the first type, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of particles of the second type is attached to the first particle of the first type and the second particle of the first type.

Abstract: An integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with T-shaped contacts in the inverters, in which drain connecting segments may extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than 10 percent of a separation distance between ends of opposite drain connecting segments. The drain connecting segments may also extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than one-third of the width of the gate connecting segments. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with T-shaped contacts in which drain connecting segments may extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than 10 percent of a separation distance between ends of opposite drain connecting segments. A process may also form the drain connecting segments to extend beyond gate connecting segments by greater than one-third of the width of the gate connecting segments.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a substrate, a die, and a package body. The substrate includes: (a) a core including a resin reinforced with fibers; (b) a plurality of openings extending through the core; (c) a dielectric layer; and (d) a single conductive layer disposed between the dielectric layer and the core. Portions of a lower surface of the single conductive layer cover the plurality of openings to form a plurality of first contact pads for electrical connection external to the semiconductor package. Exposed portions of an upper surface of the single conductive layer form a plurality of second contact pads. The die is electrically connected to the plurality of second contact pads, and the package body encapsulates the die.

Abstract: A step of forming a through hole in a semiconductor substrate, or a step of polishing the semiconductor substrate from its back surface requires a very long time and causes decrease of productivity. In addition, when semiconductor substrates are stacked, a semiconductor integrated circuit which is formed of the stack is thick and has poor mechanical flexibility. A release layer is formed over each of a plurality of substrates, layers each having a semiconductor element and an opening for forming a through wiring are formed over each of the release layers. Then, layers each having the semiconductor element are peeled off from the substrates, and then overlapped and stacked, a conductive layer is formed in the opening, and the through wiring is formed; thus, a semiconductor integrated circuit is formed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with T-shaped contacts in the inverters, in which drain connecting segments may extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than 10 percent of a separation distance between ends of opposite drain connecting segments. The drain connecting segments may also extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than one-third of the width of the gate connecting segments. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with T-shaped contacts in which drain connecting segments may extend beyond gate connecting segments by a distance greater than 10 percent of a separation distance between ends of opposite drain connecting segments. A process may also form the drain connecting segments to extend beyond gate connecting segments by greater than one-third of the width of the gate connecting segments.

Abstract: A method and layout for forming word line decoder devices and other devices having word line decoder cells provides for forming metal interconnect layers using non-DPL photolithography operations and provides for stitching distally disposed transistors using a lower or intermediate metal layer or a subjacent conductive material. The transistors may be disposed in or adjacent longitudinally arranged word line decoder or other cells and the conductive coupling using the metal or conductive material lowers gate resistance between transistors and avoids RC signal delays.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a fan-out design, a method of forming the fan-out design and a liquid crystal display adopting the fan-out design. The fan-out design has at least two metallic layers. The metallic layers, serving as conducting wires, are connected to different chip pins for transmitting signals. The two metallic layers are not overlapped near the chip pins and are overlapped away from the chip pins. The two metallic layers are separated from each other with an insulating layer. The two metallic layers are not overlapped near the chip pins, so the thickness of the chip pins is thinner. This can avoid the thickness of the fan-out design from being too thick. Besides, the two metallic layers are overlapped away from the chip pins, so the gap between every two conducting wires is greater. It makes the design and the manufacturing process easier and improves yield rate as well.

Abstract: A method for making a power semiconductor module and a module produced by that method, wherein the module includes a substrate, a connection device and load terminal elements, wherein power semiconductor components are arranged on a conductor track of the substrate and connected to one of the load terminal element by the connection device. The power semiconductor module has auxiliary contact pads which can be connected to an external printed circuit board. The primary production step in this case is cohesively connecting respective first contact areas of the first conductor tracks to at least one second contact area of a power semiconductor component and at least one third contact area of a load terminal element; afterwards, the assemblage composed of at least one power semiconductor component of a connection device and load terminal elements is arranged to form a housing of the power semiconductor module.

Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate having a seal ring region and a circuit region, forming a seal ring structure over the seal ring region, forming a first frontside passivation layer above the seal ring structure, etching a frontside aperture in the first frontside passivation layer adjacent to an exterior portion of the seal ring structure, forming a frontside metal pad in the frontside aperture to couple the frontside metal pad to the exterior portion of the seal ring structure, forming a first backside passivation layer below the seal ring structure, etching a backside aperture in the first backside passivation layer adjacent to the exterior portion of the seal ring structure, and forming a backside metal pad in the backside aperture to couple the backside metal pad to the exterior portion of the seal ring structure. Semiconductor devices fabricated by such a method are also provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a first contact plug and a second contact plug on the semiconductor substrate; a first bit line being in contact with the first contact plug; and a second bit line on the second contact plug, wherein the first contact plug is in contact with a top surface of the first bit line and is electrically insulated from the second bit line, and a bottom surface of the second bit line is higher in height than the top surface of the first bit line.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding structure for integrated circuit (IC) substrate includes a plurality of conductive contacts, a covering layer, and a sputtered layer. The conductive contacts are formed at the perimeter of a chip area on the IC substrate. The covering layer is formed on the conductive contacts and covers the chip area. A groove is formed on the covering layer for exposing the conductive contacts. The sputtered layer is formed on the covering layer and connected to the conductive contacts. The EMI shielding structure can restrain the interference in the chip area.

Abstract: A gate electrode, a gate insulation film and an inorganic oxide film are formed in this order on a substrate, and a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed to partially cover the inorganic oxide film. Then, oxidation treatment is applied to reduce the carrier density at a region of the inorganic oxide film which is not covered by the electrodes and is used as a channel region of a semiconductor device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for printing under bump metallization (UBM) features on chips/wafers are provided. A wafer is received that has a surface defined by a plurality of integrated circuit regions. Each integrated circuit region has a passivation layer and a plurality of terminals on the surface of the wafer accessible through openings in the passivation layer. A plurality of UBM features are formed on the surface of the wafer in the form of an ink such that each UBM feature is formed electrically coupled with a corresponding terminal of the plurality of terminals. An ink jet printer may be used to print the ink in the form of the UBM feature. A UBM feature may be formed directly on a corresponding terminal, or on routing that is coupled to the corresponding terminal. A bump interconnect may be formed on the UBM feature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor apparatus including: a first semiconductor part including a first wiring; a second semiconductor part which is adhered to the first semiconductor part and which includes a second wiring electrically connected to the first wiring; and a metallic oxide formed by a reaction between oxygen and a metallic material which reacts with oxygen more easily than hydrogen does, the metallic oxide having been diffused into a region which includes a joint interface between the first wiring and the second wiring and the inside of at least one of the first wiring and the second wiring.

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

Abstract: A semiconductor contact structure and method provide contact structures that extend through a dielectric material and provide contact to multiple different subjacent materials including a silicide material and a non-silicide material such as doped silicon. The contact structures includes a lower composite layer formed using a multi-step ionized metal plasma (IMP) deposition operation. A lower IMP film is formed at a high AC bias power followed by the formation of an upper IMP film at a lower AC bias power. The composite layer may be formed of titanium. A further layer is formed as a liner over the composite layer and the liner layer may advantageously be formed using CVD and may be TiN. A conductive plug material such as tungsten or copper fills the contact openings.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided, which includes a substrate, an insulator film formed over the substrate, and plural metal wirings with different widths containing copper as a main component and an impurity which is different from copper. The plural metal wirings includes a first metal wiring having a concentration profile where the concentration of the impurity metal increases from the center part of the stacking direction to the surface and the second metal wiring having a concentration profile where the concentration of the impurity metal decreases from the bottom surface of the stacking direction to the surface. Moreover, the width of the second metal wiring may be larger than the width of the first metal wiring.

Abstract: A self-aligned interconnect structure is provided that includes a first patterned and cured low-k material located on a surface of a substrate, wherein the first patterned and cured low-k material includes at least one first interconnect pattern (via or trench pattern) therein. A second patterned and cured low-k material having at least one second interconnect pattern that is different from the first interconnect pattern is located atop the first patterned and cured low k material. A portion of the second patterned and cured low-k material partially fills the at least one first interconnect within the first patterned and cured low-k material. A conductive material fills the at least one first interconnect pattern and the at least one second interconnect pattern. A method of forming such a self-aligned interconnect structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating MOS transistor includes the steps of: overlapping a second stress layer on an etching stop layer and a first stress layer at a boundary region of the substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the first stress layer and the second stress layer; performing a first etching process to partially remove the dielectric layer for exposing a portion of the second stress layer at the boundary region; performing a second etching process to partially remove the exposed portion of the second stress layer for exposing the etching stop layer; performing a third etching process to partially remove the exposed portion of the etching stop layer for exposing the first stress layer at the boundary region; and performing a fourth etching process partially remove the exposed portion of the first stress layer.