Air Bridge Structure Patents (Class 438/619)
  • Patent number: 7737020
    Abstract: Fluid-based dielectric material is used to backfill multiple patterned metal layers of an IC on a wafer. The patterned metal layers are fabricated using conventional CMOS techniques, and are IMD layers in particular embodiments. The dielectric material(s) are etched out of the IC to form a metal network, and fluid dielectric material precursor, such as a polyarylene ether-based resin, is applied to the wafer to backfill the metal network with low-k fluid-based dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: XILINX, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Jung-Ching Ho, Hong-Tsz Pan
  • Patent number: 7732322
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method of manufacturing a dielectric material with a reduced dielectric constant is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) forming a dielectric material layer including a trench on a substrate; and (2) forming a cladding region in the dielectric material layer by forming a plurality of air gaps in the dielectric material layer along at least one of a sidewall and a bottom of the trench so as to reduce an effective dielectric constant of the dielectric material. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Lu-Chen Hsu, Jack Allan Mandelman, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 7727878
    Abstract: A method for forming a passivation layer is disclosed. In the method, a substrate containing a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface is first provided, wherein a plurality of conductive pads are disposed on the top surface thereof. Thereafter, a first passivation layer is formed on the top surface of the substrate, wherein the first passivation layer has a characteristic of photoresist. A first exposure/develop step is then performed to form a plurality of first openings in the first passivation layer, wherein the conductive pads are exposed through the first openings. Then, a second passivation layer is formed on the first passivation layer, wherein the second passivation layer has a characteristic of photoresist. A second exposure/develop step is then performed to form a plurality of second openings in the second passivation layer, wherein the conductive pads are exposed through the second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsueh Su, Hsing-Fu Lu, Tsung-Chieh Ho, Shyh-Ing Wu
  • Patent number: 7723226
    Abstract: A bilayer porous low dielectric constant (low-k) interconnect structure and methods of fabricating the same are presented. A preferred embodiment having an effective dielectric constant of about 2.2 comprises a bottom deposited dielectric layer and a top deposited dielectric layer in direct contact with the former. The bottom layer and the top layer have same atomic compositions, but a higher dielectric constant value k. The bottom dielectric layer serves as an etch stop layer for the top dielectric layer, and the top dielectric layer can act as CMP stop layer. One embodiment of making the structure includes forming a bottom dielectric layer having a first porogen content and a top dielectric layer having a higher porogen content. A curing process leaves lower pore density in the bottom dielectric layer than that left in the top dielectric layer, which leads to higher dielectric value k in the bottom dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Yung-Cheng Lu, Pei-Ren Jeng, Chia-Cheng Chou, Keng-Chu Lin, Chung-Chi Ko, Tien-I Bao, Shwang-Ming Jeng
  • Patent number: 7696531
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: an channel layer formed on a semiconductor substrate; a drain electrode and a source electrode both formed on the channel layer apart from each other; a surface passivation film formed on the channel layer so as to cover the channel layer except for the drain electrode and the source electrode; a gate electrode disposed between the drain electrode and the source electrode so as to penetrate the surface passivation film; a field plate electrode provided on the surface passivation film between the drain electrode and the gate electrode at a predetermined distance from the gate electrode; and a connecting plate having a bridge structure connecting the gate electrode to the field plate electrode. The bridge structure may be formed with at least one opening penetrating the connecting plate so as to face the surface passivation film with a predetermined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Akio Miyao
  • Patent number: 7692308
    Abstract: The circuit structure includes at least two generally parallel conductor structures, and a plurality of substantially horizontal layers of layer dielectric material interspersed with substantially horizontally extending relatively low dielectric constant (low-k) volumes. The substantially horizontal layers and the substantially horizontally extending volumes are generally interposed between the at least two generally parallel conductor structures. Also included are a plurality of substantially vertically extending relatively low-k volumes sealed within the substantially horizontal layers and the substantially horizontally extending volumes between the at least two generally parallel conductor structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Clevenger, Matthew E. Colburn, Louis C. Hsu, Wai-Kin Li
  • Patent number: 7682963
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for fabricating an integrated circuit. The method includes forming an energy removable film (ERF) on a substrate; forming a first dielectric layer on the ERF; patterning the ERF and first dielectric layer to form a trench in the ERF and the first dielectric layer; filling a conductive material in the trench; forming a ceiling layer on the first dielectric layer and conductive material filled in the trench; and applying energy to the ERF to form air gaps in the ERF after the forming of the ceiling layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Ching Chen, Sunil Kumar Singh, Tien-I Bao, Shau-Lin Shue, Chen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 7682977
    Abstract: This invention includes methods of forming trench isolation. In one implementation, isolation trenches are provided within a semiconductor substrate. A liquid is deposited and solidified within the isolation trenches to form a solidified dielectric within the isolation trenches. The dielectric comprises carbon and silicon, and can be considered as having an elevationally outer portion and an elevationally inner portion within the isolation trenches. At least one of carbon removal from and/or oxidation of the outer portion of the solidified dielectric occurs. After such, the dielectric outer portion is etched selective to and effective to expose the dielectric inner portion. After the etching, dielectric material is deposited over the dielectric inner portion to within the isolation trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Li Li
  • Patent number: 7678682
    Abstract: Processes for sealing porous low k dielectric film generally comprises exposing the porous surface of the porous low k dielectric film to ultraviolet (UV) radiation at intensities, times, wavelengths and in an atmosphere effective to seal the porous dielectric surface by means of carbonization, oxidation, and/or film densification. The surface of the surface of the porous low k material is sealed to a depth less than or equal to about 20 nanometers, wherein the surface is substantially free of pores after the UV exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo Waldfried, Orlando Escorcia, Ivan Berry
  • Patent number: 7678661
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to semiconductor device and a method of forming an insulating layer with a low dielectric constant in a semiconductor device. The method may include forming a plurality of metal patterns on a semiconductor substrate, depositing a first insulating layer on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate having the plurality of metal patterns, depositing an etch stop layer on the first insulating layer, depositing a second insulating layer on the etch stop layer, removing the second insulating layer until the etch stop layer formed above each of the plurality of metal patterns is exposed, etching the exposed etch stop layer, and depositing a third insulating layer on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7674705
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device. A first wiring level is formed on a top surface of a substrate. The first wiring level includes alternating layers of a first dielectric material and a second dielectric material. The layers of the first dielectric material includes at least two layers of the first dielectric material. The layers of the second dielectric material includes at least two layers of the second dielectric material. The first dielectric material includes an organic dielectric material. The second dielectric material includes an inorganic dielectric material. The substrate includes one or more dielectric materials. A first layer of the layers of the first dielectric material includes the organic dielectric material being in direct mechanical contact with the substrate. The layers of the first dielectric material and the layers of the second dielectric material are a same number of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony K. Stamper
  • Patent number: 7651939
    Abstract: An electronic device can include conductive regions. A void can extend between different portions of an insulating layer. Different openings can intersect the void. A liner layer can substantially block the void, substantially preventing subsequently forming an electrical leakage path along the void. In one aspect, a stressor layer can be deposited over the conductive regions prior to forming the insulating layer. The liner layer can be formed over the stressor layer within the different openings through the insulating layer. In another aspect, an etch-stop layer can be formed over a silicide layer prior to forming the insulating layer. After removing a portion of the liner layer, a portion of the etch-stop layer can be removed to expose the silicide layer within the different openings. In yet another aspect, a nitride layer can lie between a substrate and the insulating layer and include a section of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc
    Inventor: Yuk L. Tsang
  • Patent number: 7648921
    Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric layer is provided. A first dielectric layer is formed on a substrate having metal layers formed thereon. The first dielectric layer includes overhangs in the spaces between two neighboring metal layers and voids under the overhangs. The first dielectric layer is partially removed to cut off the overhangs and expose the voids and therefore openings are formed. A second dielectric layer is formed on the dielectric layer to fill up the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: MACRONIX International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsu-Sheng Yu, Shing-Ann Lo, Ta-Hung Yang
  • Patent number: 7648904
    Abstract: A metal line in a semiconductor device includes an insulation layer having trenches formed therein, a barrier metal layer formed over the insulation layer and the trenches, a metal layer formed over the barrier metal layer, wherein the metal layer fills the trenches, and an anti-galvanic corrosion layer formed on an interface between the metal layer and the barrier metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Soo Choi, Gyu-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7645694
    Abstract: Methods of developing or removing a select region of block copolymer films using a polar supercritical solvent to dissolve a select portion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polar supercritical solvent includes chlorodifluoromethane, which may be exposed to the block copolymer film using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a carrier or chlorodiflouromethane itself in supercritical form. The invention also includes a method of forming a nano-structure including exposing a polymeric film to a polar supercritical solvent to develop at least a portion of the polymeric film. The invention also includes a method of removing a poly(methyl methacrylate-b-styrene) (PMMA-b-S) based resist using a polar supercritical solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew E. Colburn, Dmitriy Shneyder, Shahab Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 7642114
    Abstract: To manufacture a micro structure and an electric circuit included in a micro electro mechanical device over the same insulating surface in the same step. In the micro electro mechanical device, an electric circuit including a transistor and a micro structure are integrated over a substrate having an insulating surface. The micro structure includes a structural layer having the same stacked-layer structure as a layered product of a gate insulating layer of the transistor and a semiconductor layer provided over the gate insulating layer. That is, the structural layer includes a layer formed of the same insulating film as the gate insulating layer and a layer formed of the same semiconductor film as the semiconductor layer of the transistor. Further, the micro structure is manufactured by using each of conductive layers used for a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode of the transistor as a sacrificial layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mayumi Yamaguchi, Konami Izumi
  • Publication number: 20090309230
    Abstract: Methods for patterning films and their resulting structures. In an embodiment, an amorphous carbon mask is formed over a substrate, such as a damascene layer. A spacer layer is deposited over the amorphous carbon mask and the spacer layer is etched to form a spacer and to expose the amorphous carbon mask. The amorphous carbon mask is removed selectively to the spacer to expose the substrate layer. A gap fill layer is deposited around the spacer to cover the substrate layer but expose the spacer. The spacer is removed selectively to form a gap fill mask over the substrate. The pattern of the gap fill mask is transferred, in one implementation, into a damascene layer to remove at least a portion of an IMD and form an air gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: ZHENJIANG CUI, Mehul Naik, Christopher D. Bencher, Kenneth MacWilliams
  • Publication number: 20090280638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing at least one air gap in a microstructure, which comprises: 1) the supply of a microstructure comprising at least one gap filled with a sacrificial material that decomposes starting from a temperature ?1, this gap being delimited over at least one part of its surface by a non-porous membrane, composed of a material that forms a matrix and of a pore-forming agent that decomposes at a temperature ?2<?1 by at least 20° C. and that is dispersed in this matrix; 2) the treatment of the microstructure at a temperature ??2 but <?1 in order to selectively decompose the pore-forming agent; then 3) the treatment of the microstructure at a temperature ??1 in order to decompose the sacrificial material. Applications: fabrication of air-gap interconnect structures for integrated circuits and of any other microstructure in the microelectronics and microtechnology industries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Aziz ZENASNI
  • Patent number: 7608534
    Abstract: Bridge structures provide a surface on which to form interconnections to components through through-hole vias. The bridge structures at least partially, and preferably fully, span the gap between two wafers, and, more specifically, between a through-hole via in one wafer and a corresponding component on the other wafer. Bridge structure may be formed on the wafer having the through-hole via and/or the wafer having the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Changhan Yun, Javier Villarreal, Maurice S. Karpman
  • Patent number: 7605073
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatuses and methods relating to air gap interconnect structures having interconnects protected by a sealant. In various embodiments, the sealant includes alumina or silicon nitride. In some embodiments, the interconnect structures include cobalt alloy liners and cobalt shunts to encase a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Adrien R. Lavoie, Arnel M. Fajardo, Vijayakumar S. Ramachandrarao
  • Patent number: 7601629
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of fabricating a semiconductive device [200]. In this embodiment, the method comprises depositing a hydrocarbon layer [294] over a semiconductive substrate, forming an interconnect structure [295, 297] within the hydrocarbon layer [294], and removing the hydrocarbon layer [294] by sublimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Deepak A. Ramappa, Richard L. Guldi, Asad Haider, Frank Poag
  • Patent number: 7598166
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and methods for forming the same. The structure includes (a) a substrate; (b) a first device and a second device each being on the substrate; (c) a device cap dielectric layer on the first and second devices and the substrate, wherein the device cap dielectric layer comprises a device cap dielectric material; (d) a first dielectric layer on top of the device cap dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer comprises a first dielectric material; (e) a second dielectric layer on top of the first dielectric layer; and (f) a first electrically conductive line and a second electrically conductive line each residing in the first and second dielectric layers. The first dielectric layer physically separates the first and second electrically conductive lines from the device cap dielectric layer. A dielectric constant of the first dielectric material is less than that of the device cap dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zhong-Xiang He, Ning Lu, Anthony Kendall Stamper
  • Patent number: 7589425
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having damascene structures with air gaps is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a substantially planar layer having a first metal layer, depositing a via level dielectric layer, patterning the via level dielectric layer, at least partly etching the via level dielectric layer, depositing a disposable layer on the at least partly etched via level dielectric layer, patterning the disposable layer, depositing a second metal layer, planarizing second metal layer, depositing permeable dielectric layer after planarizing the second metal layer, and removing the disposable layer through the permeable dielectric layer to form air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC)
    Inventors: Roel Daamen, Greja Johanna Adriana Maria Verheijden
  • Patent number: 7579278
    Abstract: A pattern having exceptionally small features is formed on a partially fabricated integrated circuit during integrated circuit fabrication. The pattern comprises features formed by self-organizing material, such as diblock copolymers. The organization of the copolymers is directed by spacers which have been formed by a pitch multiplication process in which spacers are formed at the sides of sacrificial mandrels, which are later removed to leave spaced-apart, free-standing spacers. Diblock copolymers, composed of two immiscible block species, are deposited over and in the space between the spacers. The copolymers are made to self-organize, with each block species aggregating with other block species of the same type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7575996
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. Embodiments may include forming a lower porous oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate having a conductive layer, forming a pyrolytic polymer layer on the lower porous oxide layer, forming an upper porous oxide layer on the pyrolytic polymer layer, forming a via hole by sequentially etching the upper porous oxide layer, the pyrolytic polymer layer, and the lower porous oxide layer, forming a trench having a width larger than a width of the via hole by sequentially etching the upper porous oxide layer and the pyrolytic polymer layer in such a manner that the trench is connected with the via hole, forming metal interconnections by filling the via hole and the trench with a metal thin film, and forming a vacuum between the upper and lower porous oxide layers by removing the pyrolytic polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20090200636
    Abstract: Sub-lithographic dimensioned air gap formation and related structure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a dielectric layer including interconnects on a substrate; depositing a cap layer on the dielectric layer; depositing a photoresist over the cap layer; patterning the photoresist to include a first trench pattern at most partially overlying the interconnects; forming a spacer within the first trench pattern to form a second trench pattern having a sub-lithographic dimension; transferring the second trench pattern into the cap layer and into the dielectric layer between the interconnects; and depositing another dielectric layer to form an air gap by pinching off the trench in the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel C. Edelstein, Nicholas C. M. Fuller, David V. Horak, Elbert E. Huang, Wai-Kin Li, Anthony D. Lisi, Satyanarayana V. Nitta, Shom Ponoth
  • Patent number: 7569465
    Abstract: A flash EEPROM or other type of memory cell array having adjacent charge storage elements is formed with a gas filled void between them in order to reduce the level of capacitive coupling between storage elements, thus reducing cross-coupling between charge storage elements and resulting errors occurring in the data read from the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Masaaki Higashitani
  • Patent number: 7560344
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same. A semiconductor device according to example embodiments may have reduced disturbances during reading operations and a reduced short channel effect. The semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate having a body and a pair of fins protruding from the body. Inner spacer insulating layers may be formed on an upper portion of an inner sidewall of the pair of fins so as to reduce the entrance to the region between the pair of fins. A gate electrode may cover a portion of the external sidewalls of the pair of fins and may extend across the inner spacer insulating layers so as to define a void between the pair of fins. Gate insulating layers may be interposed between the gate electrode and the pair of fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-pil Kim, Yoon-dong Park, Jong-jin Lee, Won-joo Kim, June-mo Koo, Seung-hwan Song
  • Patent number: 7560375
    Abstract: Methods of forming a gas dielectric structure for a semiconductor structure by using a sacrificial layer. In particular, one embodiment of the invention includes forming an opening for semiconductor structure in a dielectric layer on a substrate; depositing a sacrificial layer over the opening; performing a directional etch on the sacrificial layer to form a sacrificial layer sidewall on the opening; depositing a conductive liner over the opening; depositing a metal in the opening; planarizing the metal and the conductive liner; removing the sacrificial layer sidewall to form a void; and depositing a cap layer over the void to form the gas dielectric structure. The invention is easily implemented in damascene wire formation processes, and improves structural stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Filippi, Roy C. Iggulden, Edward W. Kiewra, Ping-Chuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20090166881
    Abstract: A spacer is adjacent to a conductive line. Vias that do not completely land on the conductive line land on the spacer and do not punch through into a volume below the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Sridhar Balakrishnan, Boyan Boyanov
  • Patent number: 7553739
    Abstract: An improved semiconductor device, integrated circuit, and integrated circuit fabrication method introduce highly controlled air cavities within high-speed copper interconnects. A polymer material is introduced on the edges of interconnect lines and vias within an interconnect stack. This incorporates and controls air cavities formation, thus enhancing the signal propagation performance of the semiconductor interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Corlles 2) SAS, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Joaquin Torres, Laurent-Georges Gosset
  • Patent number: 7550317
    Abstract: A structure for improving electrical performance and interconnection reliability of an integrated circuit in a Wafer Level Packaging (WLP) application comprises an air pad located under an interconnection metal solder pad. Using a low dielectric material such as air underlying the interconnection pad, pad capacitance is reduce, thereby improving the speed of associated electrical signal transitions. By configuring the structure to have interconnection pad supports at only a limited number of pad periphery points, a cured soldered connection can absorb mechanical stresses associated with divergent movement between a connecting wire and the interconnection pad. Such a structure can be manufactured using the steps of: 1) depositing a soluble base material in a cavity on an IC substrate, 2) depositing a metal pad layer on the soluble base layer, and 3) dissolving the soluble base layer, leaving an air gap under the metal pad layer which is supported by the periphery supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gu-Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 7544602
    Abstract: An integrated circuit design and a method of fabrication and, more particularly, a semiconductor structure having an ultra narrow crack stop for use in multilevel level devices and a method of making the same. The structure includes a first dielectric layer having a first connection connecting to an underlying interconnect and a second dielectric layer having a second connection connecting to the first connection. A stop gap structure extends through the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, and has a width of about less than 1 um.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Clevenger, Matthew E. Colburn, William F. Landers, Wai-Kin Li
  • Patent number: 7541277
    Abstract: A method for forming a dielectric cap layer over an interconnect layer formed by a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) interconnect process, the interconnect process including: lithography, reactive ion etching (RIE), metal filling of BEOL conductors, and chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), wherein a sacrificial material resides between conductors of the interconnect layer, and wherein the dielectric cap layer is made porous through an oxidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Shawn Petrarca, John Charles Petrus, Karl W. Barth, Kaushik A. Kumar
  • Patent number: 7538019
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a semiconductor package having a substrate with a first surface to support a semiconductor die. A second surface of the substrate includes compliant conductive pads to provide electrical connections to the semiconductor die. In this way, improved connection between the semiconductor package and a socket is provided. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Qing Zhou, Wei Shi, Daoqiang Lu, Jiangqi He
  • Patent number: 7534696
    Abstract: A multilevel air-gap-containing interconnect structure and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The multilevel air-gap-containing interconnect structure includes a collection of interspersed line levels and via levels, with via levels comprising conductive vias embedded in one or more dielectric layers in which the dielectric layers are solid underneath and above line features in adjacent levels, and perforated between line features. The line levels contain conductive lines and an air-gap-containing dielectric. A solid dielectric bridge layer, containing conductive contacts and formed by filling in a perforated dielectric layer, is disposed over the collection of interspersed line and via levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher V. Jahnes, Satyanarayana V. Nitta, Kevin S. Petrarca, Katherine L. Saenger
  • Patent number: 7531444
    Abstract: A method of forming airgaps is provided where a blocking mask is applied to a substrate to shield a portion of the substrate from a beam of energy. After irradiation, the blocking mask is removed and a capping material is applied to the substrate. Alternatively, the capping material may be applied before irradiation. The capping material is perforated to allow an etchant to pass therethrough to the substrate below the capping material. The exposed portions of the substrate are removed from underneath the capping material by etching. The capping material is then sealed leaving sealed airgaps within the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christos D. Dimitrakopoulos, Daniel C. Edelstein, Vincent J. McGahay, Satyanarayana V. Nittta, Kevin S. Petrarca, Shom Ponoth, Shahab Siddiqui
  • Publication number: 20090108417
    Abstract: A multi-layered integrated circuit chip package comprises a void layer that includes at least one void. The multi-layered integrated circuit chip package also includes an insulation layer that electrically insulates the void layer from a trace layer. At least one trace resides in the trace layer. The trace having a length in which a first section thereof is located an overlying relation to the at least one void, wherein the first section overlying the void has a width different from an adjacent section of the trace located on at least one opposing side of the void such that impedance mismatches and signal reflections along the trace are mitigated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Chikara Azuma
  • Patent number: 7524734
    Abstract: A wiring substrate includes a substrate, a first film, and a second film formed between the substrate and the first film, and an empty space is formed between at least a part of the second film and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Ichio Yudasaka
  • Patent number: 7521276
    Abstract: A method of making chip assemblies includes providing an in-process assembly including a semiconductor wafer, a wafer compliant structure overlying a front surface of the wafer and cavities, and terminals carried on the compliant structure adjacent the cavities and electrically connected to the wafer, the cavities being substantially sealed. The method includes subdividing the in-process assembly to form individual chip assemblies, each including one or more chip regions of the wafer, a portion of the compliant structure and the terminals carried on the portion, and opening vents communicating with said cavities after said providing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Nystrom, Belgacem Haba, Giles Humpston
  • Patent number: 7517794
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for fabricating a nanoscale shift register. In a described embodiment, a nanoimprinting-resist layer applied above a silicon-on-insulator substrate is nanoimprinted to form troughs and trough segments. The silicon layer exposed at the bottom of the troughs and trough segments is then etched, and a conductive material is deposited into the troughs to form nanowires and into the trough segments to form nanowire segments. The exposed surfaces of nanowires are coated with a protective coating, and the conductive material of the nanowire segments is then removed to produce trough segments etched through the nanoimprinting resist and the silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Snider, Phillip J. Kuekes
  • Patent number: 7510959
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having damascene structures with air gaps is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of depositing and patterning a disposable layer, depositing a first barrier layer on top of the patterned disposable layer, depositing a metal layer, planarizing the metal layer, depositing a second barrier layer, planarizing the second barrier layer until substantially no barrier layer material is present on top of the disposable layer, depositing a permeable layer, removing the disposable layer through the permeable layer to form air gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (IMEC), Koninklikje Phillips Electronics
    Inventors: Roel Daamen, Viet Nguyen Hoang
  • Patent number: 7507656
    Abstract: An integrated circuit interconnect structure. The structure includes a substrate and a layer of transistor elements overlying the substrate. A first interlayer dielectric layer is formed overlying the layer of transistor elements. An etch stop layer is formed overlying the first interlayer dielectric layer. A contact structure including metallization is within the first interlayer dielectric layer and a metal layer is coupled to the contact structure. A passivation layer is formed overlying the metal layer. Preferably, an air gap layer is coupled between the passivation layer and the metal layer, the air gap layer allowing a portion of the metal layer to be free standing. Depending upon the embodiment, a portion of the air gap layer may be filled with silicon bearing nanoparticles, which may be oxidized at low temperatures. This oxidized layer provides mechanical support and low k dielectric characteristics. Preferably, a portion of the air gap layer is filled with a low k dielectric material as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventor: Guoqing Chen
  • Patent number: 7504699
    Abstract: A method of forming an air gap or gaps within solid structures and specifically semiconductor structures to reduce capacitive coupling between electrical elements such as metal lines, wherein a norbornene-type polymer is used as a sacrificial material to occupy a closed interior volume in a semiconductor structure. The sacrificial material is caused to decompose into one or more gaseous decomposition products which are removed, preferably by diffusion, through an overcoat layer. The decomposition of the sacrificial material leaves an air gap or gaps at the closed interior volume previously occupied by the norbornene-type polymer. The air gaps may be disposed between electrical leads to minimize capacitive coupling therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: George Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Kohl, Qiang Zhao, Sue Ann Bidstrup Allen
  • Patent number: 7501354
    Abstract: Nano-porous low dielectric constant films are deposited utilizing materials having reactive by-products readily removed from a processing chamber by plasma cleaning. In accordance with one embodiment, an oxidizable silicon containing compound is reacted with an oxidizable non-silicon component having thermally labile groups, in a reactive oxygen ambient and in the presence of a plasma. The deposited silicon oxide film is annealed to form dispersed microscopic voids or pores that remain in the nano-porous silicon. Oxidizable non-silicon components with thermally labile groups that leave by-products readily removed from the chamber, include but are not limited to, limonene, carene, cymene, fenchone, vinyl acetate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl vinyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, furan, 2,5 Norbornadiene, cyclopentene, cyclopentene oxide, methyl cyclopentene, 2-cyclopentene-1-one, and 1-butene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin W. Ho, Derek R. Witty, Helen R. Armer, Hichem M'Saad
  • Patent number: 7498256
    Abstract: Contact via structures using a hybrid barrier layer, are disclosed. One contact via structure includes: an opening through a dielectric to a silicide region; a first layer in the opening in direct contact with the silicide region, wherein the first layer is selected from the group consisting of: titanium (Ti) and tungsten nitride (WN); at least one second layer over the first layer, the at least one second layer selected from the group consisting of: tantalum nitride (TaN), titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum (Ta), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt) and cobalt (Co); a seed layer for copper (Cu); and copper (Cu) filling a remaining portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph F. Knarr, Christopher D. Sheraw, Andrew H. Simon, Anna Topol, Yun-Yu Wang, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
  • Patent number: 7491578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a robust crack-absorbing integrated circuit chip comprising a crack trapping structure containing two metal plates and a via-bar structure sandwiched between said plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M Shaw, Michael W Lane, Xio Hu Liu, Griselda Bonilla, James P Doyle, Howard S Landis, Eric G Liniger
  • Publication number: 20090042383
    Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric layer having an air gap to isolate adjacent wirings or a gate stack of the semiconductor device is provided. A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate on which a plurality of wirings are formed adjacent to one another and forming a dielectric layer filling an upper portion of a space between the adjacent wirings to form air gaps by a thermal chemical vapor deposition method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: JIN GYUN KIM, Bon-young Koo, Ki-hyun Hwang
  • Patent number: 7485567
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microelectronic circuit includes the steps of providing a first wiring level comprising first wiring level conductors separated by a first wiring level dielectric material; forming a plurality of alternating layers of layer dielectric material and sacrificial material over the first wiring level; and forming a plurality of interconnect openings and a plurality of gap openings in the alternating layers of layer dielectric material and sacrificial material. The interconnect openings are formed over the first wiring level conductors. The method further includes forming (i) metallic conductors comprising second wiring level conductors, and (ii) interconnects, at the interconnect openings; and removing the layers of the sacrificial material through the gap openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Clevenger, Matthew E. Colburn, Louis C. Hsu, Wai-Kin Li
  • Patent number: 7482261
    Abstract: A semiconductor interconnect structure is provided that includes a new capping layer/dielectric material interface which is embedded inside the dielectric material. In particular, the new interface is an air gap that is located in the upper surface of a dielectric material that is adjacent to a conductive region or feature. The air gap may be unfilled, partially filled or completely filled with either a dielectric capping layer or an upper dielectric material. The presence of the air gap in the upper surface of the dielectric material that is adjacent to the conductive region or feature provides a new interface that has a high mechanical strength and thus the resultant structure is highly reliable. Moreover, the new interface provided in the present invention has a high dielectric breakdown resistance which is important for future technology extendibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Chao Yang