Abstract: A capacitor is formed in nano channels in a conductive body. Embodiments include forming a source contact through a first inter layer dielectric (ILD), forming a conductive body on the first ILD, forming a second ILD on the conductive body, forming drain and gate contacts through the second ILD, conductive body, and first ILD, forming nano channels in the conductive body, forming an insulating layer in the channels, and metalizing the channels. An embodiment includes forming the nano channels by forming a mask on the second ILD, the mask having features with a pitch of 50 nanometers (nm) to 100 nm, etching the second ILD through the mask, etching the conductive body through the mask to a depth of 80% to 90% of the thickness of the conductive body, and removing the mask.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, an opening formed in a semiconductor substrate by using a mask and covering an inner side face of the opening with a sidewall protective film. The mask is removed, while a part of the sidewall protective film remains.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) backlight unit without a Printed Circuit board (PCB). The LED backlight unit includes a chassis, insulating resin layer, and one or more light source modules. The insulating resin layer is formed on the chassis. The circuit patterns are formed on the insulating resin layer. The light source modules are mounted on the insulating resin layer and are electrically connected to the circuit patterns. The insulating resin layer has a thickness of 200 ?m or less, and is formed by laminating solid film insulating resin on the chassis or by applying liquid insulating resin to the chassis using a molding method employing spin coating or blade coating. Furthermore, the circuit patterns are formed by filling the engraved circuit patterns of the insulating resin layer with metal material.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating interconnect structures containing various capping materials for electrical fuses and other related applications. The method includes forming a first interconnect structure having a first interfacial structure and forming a second interconnect structure adjacent to the first structure. The second interconnect structure is formed with a second interfacial structure different from the first interfacial structure of the first interconnect structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip and an inner interconnection structure. The semiconductor chip includes a front surface that exposes first connection terminals and a rear surface that is opposite to the front surface and exposes second connection terminals separated from the first connection terminals. The inner interconnection structure includes horizontal buried conductive lines and vertical connection lines disposed to pierce the semiconductor chip to connect the first connection terminals and the second connection terminals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flip chip substrates with guard rings. An embodiment comprises a substrate core with a die attach region for attaching an integrated circuit die; at least one dielectric layer overlying a die side surface of the substrate core; and at least one guard ring formed adjacent a corner of the substrate core, the at least one guard ring comprising: a first trace overlying the dielectric layer having rectangular portions extending in two directions from the corner of the substrate core and in parallel to the edges of the substrate core; a second trace underlying the dielectric layer; and at least one via extending through the dielectric layer and coupling the first and second traces; wherein the first trace, the at least one via, and the second trace form a vertical via stack. Methods for forming the flip chip substrates with the guard rings are disclosed.

Abstract: Fabrication methods for semiconductor device structures are provided. One method for fabricating a semiconductor device structure involves forming a first layer of a first dielectric material overlying a doped region formed in a semiconductor substrate, forming a first conductive contact electrically connected to the doped region within the first layer, forming a dielectric cap on the first conductive contact, forming a second layer of a second dielectric material overlying the dielectric cap and a gate structure overlying the semiconductor substrate, and forming a second conductive contact electrically connected to the gate structure within the second layer.

Abstract: Each gate structure formed on the substrate includes a gate dielectric, a gate conductor, a first etch stop layer, and a gate cap dielectric. A second etch stop layer is formed over the gate structures, gate spacers, and source and drain regions. A first contact-level dielectric layer and a second contact-level dielectric layer are formed over the second etch stop layer. Gate contact via holes extending at least to the top surface of the gate cap dielectrics are formed. Source/drain contact via holes extending to the interface between the first and second contact-level dielectric layers are subsequently formed. The various contact via holes are vertically extended by simultaneously etching exposed gate cap dielectrics and exposed portions of the first contact-level dielectric layer, then by simultaneously etching the first and second etch stop layers. Source/drain contact vias self-aligned to the outer surfaces gate spacers are thereby formed.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a back-end-of-line (BEOL) wiring structure, BEOL wiring structures, and design structures for a BEOL wiring structure. The BEOL wiring may be fabricated by forming a first wire in a dielectric layer and annealing the first wire in an oxygen-free atmosphere. After the first wire is annealed, a second wire is formed in vertical alignment with the first wire. A final passivation layer, which is comprised of an organic material such as polyimide, is formed that covers an entirety of a sidewall of the second wire.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a plurality of insulator layers (connected to each other) that form a laminated structure. Further included are via openings within each of the insulator layers, and conductive via material within the via openings. The conductive via material within corresponding via openings of adjacent insulator layers are electrically connected to form continuous electrical via paths through the insulator layers between the top surface and the bottom surface of the laminated structure. Within each of the continuous electrical via paths, the via openings are positioned relative to each other to form a diagonal structural path of the conductive via material through the laminated structure. The corresponding via openings of the adjacent insulator layers partially overlap each other. The diagonal structural paths are non-perpendicular to the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a metal layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of layers of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element on the metal layer, forming a carbon layer including a hole, wherein the hole penetrates through the carbon layer, forming a metal pattern in the hole of the carbon layer, removing the carbon layer; and patterning the plurality of layers of the MTJ element using the metal pattern as an etching mask.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and composition to limit crystalline defects introduced in a semiconductor device during ion implantation. A high-temperature low dosage implant is performed utilizing a tri-layer photoresist which maintains the crystalline structure of the semiconductor device while limiting defect formation within the semiconductor device. The tri-layer photoresist comprises a layer of spin-on carbon deposited onto a substrate, a layer of silicon containing hard-mask formed above the layer of spin-on carbon, and a layer of photoresist formed above the layer of silicon containing hard-mask. A pattern formed in the layer of photoresist is sequentially transferred to the silicon containing hard-mask, then to the spin-on carbon, and defines an area of the substrate to be selectively implanted with ions.

Abstract: A microelectronic substrate which includes a dielectric layer overlying a semiconductor region of a substrate, the dielectric layer having an exposed top surface; a plurality of metal lines of a first metal disposed within the dielectric layer, each metal line having edges and a surface exposed at the top surface of the dielectric layer; a dielectric cap layer having a first portion overlying the surfaces of the metal lines and a second portion overlying the dielectric layer between the metal lines, the first portion has a first height above the surface of the dielectric layer, and the second portion has a second height above the surface of the dielectric layer, the second height being greater than the first height; and an air gap disposed between the metal lines, the air gap underlying the second portion of the cap layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a base region of a second-conductivity-type formed in an upper portion of the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, first though third trenches penetrating through the base region and reaching to the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, the first through third trenches being linked to one another, a source interconnect layer buried in the first through third trenches, the source interconnect layer including a protruding portion, a gate electrode buried in the first trench and the third trench, and formed over the source interconnect layer, a source metal contacting the protruding portion of the source interconnect layer, and a gate metal contacting the gate electrode in the third trench. A contact face between the source metal and the protruding portion at the second trench is formed higher than a contact face between the gate metal and the gate electrode at the third trench.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming at least one TSV interconnect structure surrounded by at least one isolating trench-like structure having at least one airgap. The method comprises at least the steps of providing a substrate having a first main surface and producing simultaneous at least one a TSV hole and a trench-like structure surrounding the TSV hole and separated by remaining substrate material. The method also comprises thereafter depositing a dielectric liner in order to smoothen the sidewalls of the etched TSV hole and to pinch-off the opening of the trench-like structure at the first main surface of the substrate in order to create at least one airgap in said trench-like structure and depositing a conductive material in said TSV hole in order to create a TSV interconnect. A corresponding substrate is also provided.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes providing a mask layer which is used as an implantation mask when forming a doping region and which is used as an etching mask when forming an opening and a contact element formed in the opening. The contact element is in contact with the doping region.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed allowing detection of a connection state of a Through Silicon Via (TSV) at a wafer level. The semiconductor device includes a first line formed over a Through Silicon Via (TSV), a second line formed over the first line, and a first power line and a second power line formed over the same layer as the second line. Therefore, the semiconductor device can screen not only a chip-to-chip connection state after packaging completion, but also a connection state between the TSV and the chip at a wafer level, so that unnecessary costs and time encountered in packaging of a defective chip are reduced.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of parallel-trenches that are parallel to each other, a plurality of intersect-trenches that are parallel to each other, a plurality of active regions that are confined by the parallel-trenches and the intersect-trenches, a plurality of lower conductive lines that cross the active regions, a plurality of upper conductive lines that are parallel to each other, that cross the lower conductive lines, and that cross over the active regions, and data storage elements connected to the active regions. Each of the parallel-trenches and the intersect-trenches is a straight line. The parallel-trenches cross the upper conductive lines and form a first acute angle with the upper conductive lines. The intersect-trenches cross the parallel-trenches and form a second acute angle with the parallel-trenches.

Abstract: A method for forming an interconnect structure includes forming a recess in a dielectric layer of a substrate. An adhesion barrier layer is formed to line the recess. A first stress level is present across a first interface between the adhesion barrier layer and the dielectric layer. A stress-reducing barrier layer is formed over the adhesion barrier layer. The stress-reducing barrier layer reduces the first stress level to provide a second stress level, less than the first stress level, across a second interface between the adhesion barrier layer, the stress-reducing barrier layer, and the dielectric layer. The recess is filled with a fill layer.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices include a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of trench isolation regions therein that define respective semiconductor active regions therebetween. A trench is provided in the semiconductor substrate. The trench has first and second opposing sidewalls that define opposing interfaces with a first trench isolation region and a first active region, respectively. A first electrical interconnect is provided at a bottom of the trench. An electrically insulating capping pattern is provided, which extends between the first electrical interconnect and a top of the trench. An interconnect insulating layer is also provided, which lines the first and second sidewalls and bottom of the trench. The interconnect insulating layer extends between the first electrical interconnect and the first active region. A recess is provided in the first active region. The recess has a sidewall that defines an interface with the interconnect insulating layer.

Abstract: A component can include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface remote therefrom, an opening extending in a direction between the first and second surfaces, and a conductive via extending within the opening. The substrate can have a CTE less than 10 ppm/° C. The conductive via can include a plurality of base particles each including a first region of a first metal substantially covered by a layer of a second metal different from the first metal. The base particles can be metallurgically joined together and the second metal layers of the particles can be at least partially diffused into the first regions. The conductive via can include voids interspersed between the joined base particles. The voids can occupy 10% or more of a volume of the conductive via.

Abstract: A method for forming an interconnect structure includes forming a recess in a dielectric layer of a substrate, forming a first transition metal layer in the recess on corner portions of the recess, and forming a second transition metal layer in the recess over the first transition metal layer to line the recess. The method further includes filling the recess with a fill layer and annealing the substrate so that the first transition metal layer and the second transition metal layer form an alloy portion proximate the corner portions during the annealing, the alloy portion having a reduced wettability for a material of the fill layer than the second transition metal. Additionally, the method includes polishing the substrate to remove portions of the fill layer extending above the recess.

Abstract: Method of forming a capture pad on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active side and an inactive side and having a plurality of unfilled TSVs extending between the active side and the inactive side; filling the TSVs with a metal such that the metal is recessed with respect to at least one of the active side and the inactive side and does not entirely fill the TSVs; defining capture pad areas on the at least one of the active side and inactive side adjacent to the recessed TSVs; filling the capture pad areas and recessed TSVs with the same metal to form a capture pad in direct contact with each of the TSVs, each of the capture pads having an all metal portion that follows an outline of each of the TSVs. Also disclosed is a semiconductor substrate having a capture pad.

Abstract: Field Side Sub-bitline NOR-type (FSNOR) flash array and the methods of fabrication are disclosed. The field side sub-bitlines of the invention formed with the same impurity type as the memory cells' source/drain electrodes along the two sides of field trench oxide link all the source electrodes together and all the drain electrodes together, respectively, for a string of semiconductor Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) cells in a NOR-type flash array of the invention. Each field side sub-bitline is connected to a main metal bitline through a contact at its twisted point in the middle. Because there are no contacts in between the linked NVM cells' electrodes in the NOR-type flash array of the invention, the wordline pitch and the bitline pitch can be applied to the minimum geometrical feature of a specific technology node. The NOR-type flash array of the invention provides at least as high as those in the conventional NAND flash array in cell area density.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that includes a first metal layer component formed over a substrate. The semiconductor device includes a via formed over the first metal layer component. The via has a recessed shape. The semiconductor device includes a second metal layer component formed over the via. The semiconductor device includes a first dielectric layer component formed over the substrate. The first dielectric layer component is located adjacent to, and partially over, the first metal layer component. The first dielectric layer component contains fluorine. The semiconductor device includes a second dielectric layer component formed over the first dielectric layer component. The first dielectric layer component and the second dielectric layer component are each located adjacent to the via. The second dielectric layer component is free of fluorine.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit device includes forming an under-bump metallurgy (UBM) layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. Next, a first photoresist film is formed on the UBM layer where the first photoresist film has a first photosensitivity and a first thickness. Additionally, the method includes forming a second photoresist film on the first photoresist film. Next, the method includes performing an exposure process on the second photoresist film and the first photoresist film. The method further includes removing an exposed portion of the second photoresist film to form a first opening. The method further also includes removing an exposed portion of the first photoresist film to expose a portion of the UBM layer. Furthermore, the method includes forming a copper layer in the first opening. The method also includes removing the second photoresist film and the first photoresist film where the copper layer forms a copper post.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor structure incorporating a contact sidewall spacer with a self-aligned airgap and a method of forming the semiconductor structure. The structure comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., a two-terminal device, such as a PN junction diode or Schottky diode, or a three-terminal device, such as a field effect transistor (FET), a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), etc.) and a dielectric layer that covers the semiconductor device. A contact extends vertically through the dielectric layer to a terminal of the semiconductor device (e.g., in the case of a FET, to a source/drain region of the FET). A contact sidewall spacer is positioned on the contact sidewall and incorporates an airgap. Since air has a lower dielectric constant than other typically used dielectric spacer or interlayer dielectric materials, the contact size can be increased for reduced parasitic resistance while minimizing corresponding increases in parasitic capacitance or the probability of shorts.

Abstract: Through substrate via barrier structures and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first substrate including an active device region disposed within isolation regions. A through substrate via is disposed adjacent to the active device region and within the first substrate. A buffer layer is disposed around at least a portion of the through substrate via, wherein the buffer layer is disposed between the isolation regions and the through substrate via.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including providing a substrate having a front surface and a back surface. A masking element is formed on the front surface of the substrate. The masking element includes a first layer having a first opening and a second layer having a second opening of a greater width than the first opening. The second opening is a tapered opening. The method further includes etching a tapered profile via extending from the front surface to the back surface of the substrate using the formed masking element.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact includes forming an inter-layer dielectric layer to cover a gate formed on a semiconductor substrate; and forming a first hole which passes through the inter-layer dielectric layer to expose the gate, a second hole which exposes an active region of the semiconductor substrate, and a third hole which exposes the semiconductor substrate at a preset depth. Further, the method includes forming a shielding layer on the semiconductor substrate including the bottom and sidewalls of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole; and removing the shielding layer at the bottom of the first hole and the second hole to expose the gate and the active region. Furthermore, the method includes filling the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole with a conductive material.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a conductive area, a first pattern formed on the substrate and having a contact hole through which the conductive area is exposed, and a contact plug in the contact hole. The contact plug includes first and second silicon layers. The first silicon layer, formed from a first compound including at least two silicon atoms, is formed in the contact hole to contact a top surface of the conductive area and a side wall of the first pattern. The second silicon layer, formed from a second compound including a number of silicon atoms less than the number of the silicon atoms of the first compound, is formed on the first silicon layer and fills a remaining space of the contact hole, the second silicon layer being spaced apart from the first pattern at an entrance of the contact hole.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes: a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of conducting pads located under the lower surface of the substrate; a dielectric layer located between the conducting pads; a trench extending from the upper surface towards the lower surface of the substrate; a hole extending from a bottom of the trench towards the lower surface of the substrate, wherein a sidewall of the hole is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the substrate, and the sidewall or a bottom of the hole exposes a portion of the conducting pads; and a conducting layer located in the hole and electrically connected to at least one of the conducting pads.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a contact formation technique that incorporates a preventative etch step to reduce interlayer dielectric material flaking (e.g., borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) flaking) and, thereby to reduce surface defects. Specifically, contact openings, which extend through a dielectric layer to semiconductor devices in and/or on a center portion of a substrate, can be filled with a conductor layer deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of the conductor layer can be performed to complete the contact structures. However, before the CMP process is performed (e.g., either before the contact openings are ever formed or before the contact openings are filled), a preventative etch process can be performed to remove any dielectric material from above the edge portion of the substrate. Removing the dielectric material from above the edge portion of the substrate prior to CMP reduces the occurrence of surface defects caused by dielectric material flaking.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer detects voltage applied across electrodes, and judges whether voltage value falls within set voltage range. When the detected voltage value is lower than minimum value of set voltage range, the analyzer calculates the deficient amount of base solution based on the detected voltage value, controls a valve to supply the deficient amount of base solution, then, performs operation control of the valve so as to keep the prescribed amount of plating solution in plating solution tank, and discharges plating solution. When the detected voltage value is higher than maximum value of set voltage range, the analyzer calculates the excess amount of base solution based on the detected voltage value, controls a valve, and supplies pure water into the tank so that the base solution concentration falls within prescribed range to dilute plating solution, then controls a valve, and discharges plating solution so as to keep prescribed amount.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a chip package is provided. The chip package includes: a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of conducting pads located under the lower surface of the substrate; a dielectric layer located between the conducting pads; a trench extending from the upper surface towards the lower surface of the substrate; a hole extending from a bottom of the trench towards the lower surface of the substrate, wherein an upper sidewall of the hole inclines to the lower surface of the substrate, and a lower sidewall or a bottom of the hole exposes a portion of the conducting pads; and a conducting layer located in the hole and electrically connected to at least one of the conducting pads.

Abstract: A silicon structure is fabricated determining a pattern for wire trenches and air gaps. The wire trenches are created, and certain trenches are used as air gaps. The remaining wire trenches are used for metallization of inter connecting wires.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a MOS device with memory function is provided, which includes: providing a semiconductor substrate, a surface of the semiconductor substrate being covered by a first dielectric layer, a metal interconnect structure being formed in the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer overlying a surface of the first dielectric layer and the metal interconnect structure; forming an opening in the second dielectric layer, a bottom of the opening revealing the metal interconnect structure; forming an alloy layer at the bottom of the opening, material of the alloy layer containing copper and other metal; and performing a thermal treatment to the alloy layer and the metal interconnect structure to form, on the surface of the metal interconnect structure, a compound layer containing oxygen element. The compound layer containing oxygen element and the MOS device formed in the semiconductor substrate constitute a MOS device with memory function.

Abstract: An approach for providing cross-coupling-based designs using diffusion contact structures is disclosed. Embodiments include providing first and second gate structures over a substrate; providing a gate cut region across the first gate structure, the second gate structure, or a combination thereof; providing a first gate contact over the first gate structure; providing a second gate contact over the second gate structure; and providing a diffusion contact structure coupling the first gate contact to the second gate contact, the diffusion contact structure having vertices within the gate cut region.

Abstract: An embodiment integrated circuit includes a first device supporting a first back end of line layer, the first back end of line layer including a first alignment marker, and a second device including a spin-on glass via and supporting a second back end of line layer, the second back end of line layer including a second alignment marker, the spin-on glass via permitting the second alignment marker to be aligned with the first alignment marker using ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A tungsten film forming method for forming a tungsten film on a surface of a substrate while heating the substrate in a depressurized atmosphere in a processing chamber includes forming an initial tungsten film for tungsten nucleation on the surface of the substrate by alternately repeating a supply of WF6 gas which is raw material of tungsten and a supply of H2 gas which is a reducing gas in the processing chamber while performing a purge in the processing chamber between the supplies of the WF6 gas and the H2 gas and adsorbing a gas containing a material for nucleation onto a surface of the initial tungsten film. The film forming method further includes depositing a crystallinity blocking tungsten film for blocking crystallinity of the initial tungsten film by supplying the WF6 gas and the H2 gas into the processing chamber.

Abstract: In a method of forming a semiconductor structure, a through-silicon-via (TSV) opening is formed in a substrate. A dielectric layer is formed to continuously extend over the substrate and into the TSV opening. At least one conductive material is formed over the dielectric layer and in the TSV opening. A portion of the at least one conductive material that is over the dielectric layer is removed to form a TSV structure in the substrate. A metallic line is formed in the dielectric layer. A portion of the substrate is removed, such that the TSV structure continuously extends through the substrate and the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A structure of connecting at least two integrated circuits in a 3D arrangement by a metal-filled through silicon via which simultaneously connects a connection pad in a first integrated circuit and a connection pad in a second integrated circuit.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming a pattern. First lines are formed over a first material, and second lines are formed over the first lines. The first and second lines form a crosshatch pattern. The first openings are extended through the first material. Portions of the first lines that are not covered by the second lines are removed to pattern the first lines into segments. The second lines are removed to uncover the segments. Masking material is formed between the segments. The segments are removed to form second openings that extend through the masking material to the first material. The second openings are extended through the first material. The masking material is removed to leave a patterned mask comprising the first material having the first and second openings therein. In some embodiments, spacers may be formed along the first and second lines to narrow the openings in the crosshatch pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a layer arrangement in accordance with various embodiments may include: providing a first layer having a side; forming one or more nanoholes in the first layer that are open towards the side of the first layer; depositing a second layer over the side of the first layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming an electromechanical device are disclosed. In some embodiments, an electromechanical device includes a first substrate; a second substrate; a rotor movably disposed in the first and second substrates and having a plurality of first turbine blades disposed on a first side of the rotor and a plurality of permanent magnets disposed on a second side of the rotor, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets are arranged about a central axis of the rotor, wherein adjacent permanent magnets have opposing magnetic poles; a channel disposed between the first and second substrates and a peripheral edge of the rotor; a plurality of microballs disposed in the channel to provide a bearing for the rotor; a third substrate disposed proximate the second side of the rotor and having a plurality of coils disposed therein such that rotation of the rotor induces current the plurality of coils.

Abstract: A silicon photomultiplier maintains the photon detection efficiency high while increasing a dynamic range, by reducing the degradation of an effective fill factor that follows the increase of cell number density intended for a dynamic range enhancement.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an image sensor includes at least one of: (1) Forming a gate on a semiconductor substrate; (2) Forming spacers on both side walls of the gate and forming a dummy pattern on an upper portion of the semiconductor substrate; and (3) Forming a metal pad for an electrical connection on an upper portion of the dummy pattern. The method may include at least one of: (1) Forming an interlayer dielectric layer covering the entire semiconductor substrate, (2) Etching portions of the interlayer dielectric layer and the semiconductor substrate to form a super-contact hole; and (3) forming an insulation film on the entire surface of the interlayer dielectric layer. The method may include forming normal contact holes such that a portion of an upper portion of the gate and a partial region of the metal pad for an electrical connection are exposed and filling up the normal contact holes with a conductive material to form normal contacts.

Abstract: Methods and structures provide horizontal conductive lines of fine pitch and self-aligned contacts extending from them, where the contacts have at least one dimension with a more relaxed pitch. Buried hard mask materials permit self-alignment of the lines and contacts without a critical mask, such as for word-line electrode lines and word-line contacts in a memory device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various methods of forming a metal cap layer on copper-based conductive structures on integrated circuit devices, and integrated circuit devices having such a structure. In one example, the method includes the steps of forming a conductive feature comprised of copper in a layer of insulating material, performing a metal removal process to remove a portion of the conductive feature and thereby define a recess above a residual portion of the copper feature, and performing a selective deposition process to form a cap layer comprised of cobalt, manganese, CoWP or NiWP within the recess.

Abstract: A through silicon via process includes the following steps. A substrate having a front side and a back side is provided. A passivation layer is formed on the back side of the substrate. An oxide layer is formed on the passivation layer.