Having Viaholes Of Diverse Width Patents (Class 438/638)
  • Patent number: 8853073
    Abstract: Method for producing at least one via (200) in the thickness of a substrate and an electrically conducting line (280) connected to the via (200) and formed on a face (220) of the substrate, comprising: forming, from the face (220), a via cavity comprising a side wall and a bottom; forming an isolating layer (240) on the side wall and the bottom of the cavity; forming at least one line pattern on the face (220) of the substrate, with the line pattern opening into the via cavity; filling with an electrically conducting material the line pattern and the via cavity, a filling so configured as not to totally fill said cavity; Forming at least one line pattern comprises, after forming the isolating layer (240), the forming of a trench (244) in a portion of the isolating layer (240) positioned on the face (220).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Pascal Chausse
  • Patent number: 8853074
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to the following processes. A first hole is formed in an insulating film. A seed layer, which covers an upper surface of the insulating film and an inner surface of the first hole, is formed. A first plating film is formed over the seed layer at a first growth rate. A second plating film is formed over the first plating film at a second growth rate that is higher than the first growth rate. A third plating film is formed over the second plating film at a third growth rate that is higher than the second growth rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Tatsuya Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8853862
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a contact structure for transistor. The contact structure includes a first epitaxial-grown region between a first and a second gate of, respectively, a first and a second transistor; a second epitaxial-grown region directly on top of the first epitaxial-grown region with the second epitaxial-grown region having a width that is wider than that of the first epitaxial-grown region; and a silicide region formed on a top portion of the second epitaxial-grown region with the silicide region having an interface, with rest of the second epitaxial-grown region, that is wider than that of the first epitaxial-grown region. In one embodiment, the second epitaxial-grown region is at a level above a top surface of the first and second gates of the first and second transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emre Alptekin, Reinaldo Vega
  • Patent number: 8835305
    Abstract: The profile of a via can be controlled by forming a profile control liner within each via opening that is formed into a dielectric material prior to forming a line opening within the dielectric material. The presence of the profile control liner within each via opening during the formation of the line opening prevents rounding of the corners of a dielectric material portion that is present beneath the line opening and adjacent the via opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Shyng-Tsong Chen, Samuel S. Choi, Steven J. Holmes, David V. Horak, Charles W. Koburger, III, Wai-Kin Li, Christopher J. Penny, Shom Ponoth, Yunpeng Yin
  • Patent number: 8836141
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is prepared by an annealing process to interconnect at least two components of the device by a conductor line surrounded by an insulator material. The annealing process results in formation of residual stresses within the conductor line and the insulator material. A notch is designed in the layout on a selective portion of the mask for patterning conductor line. The existence of a shape of notch on the selective portion generates extra stress components within the conductor line than if without the existence of the notch. The position of the notch is selected so that the extra stress components substantially counteract the residual stresses, thereby causing a net reduction in the residual stresses. The reduction in the residual stresses results in a corresponding mechanical stress migration and therefore improvement in the reliability of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Hwa Chi, Tai-Chun Huang, Chih-Hsiang Yao
  • Patent number: 8828878
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a dual damascene structure first includes providing a substrate having at least a dielectric layer, a first hard mask layer, a first cap layer, a second hard mask layer, and a second cap layer sequentially formed thereon, performing a first double patterning process to form a plurality of first trench openings and second trench openings in the second cap layer and the second hard mask, and the first layer being exposed in bottoms of the first trench openings and the second trench openings, performing a second double patterning process to form a plurality of first via openings and second via openings in the first cap layer and the first hard mask layer, and transferring the first trench openings, the second trench openings, the first via openings, and the second via openings to the dielectric layer to form a plurality of dual damascene openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Duan Quan Liao, Yikun Chen, Xiao Zhong Zhu, Ching-Hwa Tey, Chen-Hua Tsai, Yu-Tsung Lai
  • Patent number: 8823174
    Abstract: In a conventional electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same, reduction in cost of the electronic device is hindered because resin used in an interconnect layer on the solder ball side is limited. The electronic device includes an interconnect layer (a first interconnect layer) and an interconnect layer (a second interconnect layer). The second interconnect layer is formed on the undersurface of the first interconnect layer. The second interconnect layer is larger in area seen from the top than the first interconnect layer and is extended to the outside from the first interconnect layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Kurita, Masaya Kawano, Koji Soejima
  • Publication number: 20140232013
    Abstract: A wafer thinning system and method are disclosed that includes grinding away substrate material from a backside of a semiconductor device. A current change is detected in a grinding device responsive to exposure of a first set of device structures through the substrate material, where the grinding is stopped in response to the detected current change. Polishing repairs the surface and continues to remove an additional amount of the substrate material. Exposure of one or more additional sets of device structures through the substrate material is monitored to determine the additional amount of substrate material to remove, where the additional sets of device structures are located in the semiconductor device at a known depth different than the first set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Weng-Jin Wu, Ku-Feng Yang, Hung-Pin Chang, Wen-Chih Chiou, Chen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 8809185
    Abstract: A method for profiling a film stack includes receiving a film stack having an insulation layer, a dielectric hard mask layer, and a patterned metal hard mask layer. The pattern in the patterned metal hard mask layer is transferred to the dielectric hard mask layer using a first dry etching process. The pattern in the dielectric hard mask layer is then transferred to the insulation layer using a second dry etching process including one or more halogen-containing gases. The second etching process etches the insulation layer and removes a portion of the patterned metal hard mask layer, which exposes a corner of the underlying dielectric hard mask layer. Portions of the dielectric hard mask layer that overhang the insulation layer are removed using a third dry etching process including a process composition that is more selective to the dielectric hard mask layer relative to the insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yannick Feurprier
  • Patent number: 8802562
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first interconnect over the semiconductor substrate; forming an interlayer dielectric film over the first interconnect; forming a hole in the interlayer dielectric film such that the hole reaches the first interconnect; forming a trench in the interlayer dielectric film; and embedded a conductive film in the hole and the trench, thereby a via is formed in the hole and a second interconnect in the trench, wherein, in a planar view, the first interconnect extends in a first direction, wherein, in a planar view, the second interconnect extends in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein a maximum width of the via in the second direction is larger than a maximum width of the via in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Matsubara
  • Patent number: 8803322
    Abstract: The embodiments of forming a through substrate via (TSV) structure described enable reducing risk of damaging gate structures due to over polishing of an inter-level dielectric layer (ILD) layer. The TSV structure with a wider opening near one end also enables better gapfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ku-Feng Yang, Tsang-Jiuh Wu, Yi-Hsiu Chen, Ebin Liao, Yuan-Hung Liu, Wen-Chih Chiou
  • Patent number: 8796048
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and structures for measurement, control, and monitoring the thickness of thin film layers formed as part of a semiconductor manufacturing process. The methods and structures presented provide the capability to measure and monitor the thickness of the thin film using trench line structures. In certain embodiments, the thin film thickness measurement system can be integrated with thin film growth and control software, providing automated process control (APC) or statistical process control (SPC) capability by measuring and monitoring the thin film thickness during manufacturing. Methods for measuring the thickness of thin films can be important to the fabrication of integrated circuits because the thickness and uniformity of the thin film can determine electrical characteristics of the transistors being fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Suvolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Thompson, Pushkar Ranade, Lance Scudder, Charles Stager
  • Patent number: 8791575
    Abstract: A microelectronic unit, an interconnection substrate, and a method of fabricating a microelectronic unit are disclosed. A microelectronic unit can include a semiconductor element having a plurality of active semiconductor devices therein, the semiconductor element having a first opening extending from a rear surface partially through the semiconductor element towards a front surface and at least one second opening, and a dielectric region overlying a surface of the semiconductor element in the first opening. The microelectronic unit can include at least one conductive interconnect electrically connected to a respective conductive via and extending away therefrom within the aperture. In a particular embodiment, at least one conductive interconnect can extend within the first opening and at least one second opening, the conductive interconnect being electrically connected with a conductive pad having a top surface exposed at the front surface of the semiconductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventors: Vage Oganesian, Ilyas Mohammed, Craig Mitchell, Belgacem Haba, Piyush Savalia
  • Patent number: 8772154
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for fabricating integrated circuits are provided, as are embodiments of an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of depositing an interlayer dielectric (“ILD”) layer over a semiconductor device, depositing a barrier polish stop layer over the ILD layer, and patterning at least the barrier polish stop layer and the ILD layer to create a plurality of etch features therein. Copper is plated over the barrier polish stop layer and into the plurality of etch features to produce a copper overburden overlying the barrier polish stop layer and a plurality of conductive interconnect features in the ILD layer and barrier polish stop layer. The integrated circuit is polished to remove the copper overburden and expose the barrier polish stop layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries, Inc.
    Inventors: Egon Ronny Pfützner, Carsten Peters, Jens Heinrich
  • Patent number: 8765604
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of fabricating an interconnection structure of an integrated circuit, comprising the steps of: forming a first conductive element within a first dielectric layer; depositing a first etch stop layer above the first conductive element and the first dielectric layer; forming an opening in the first etch stop layer above the first conductive element, to form a first connection area; depositing a second dielectric layer above the etch stop layer and above the first conductive element in the connection area; etching the second dielectric layer to form at least one hole which is at least partially aligned with the connection area; and filling the hole with a conductive material to form a second conductive element in electrical contact with the first conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS
    Inventor: Patrick Vannier
  • Patent number: 8759212
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a cap insulating film, including Si and C, on a substrate; forming an organic silica film, having a composition ratio of the number of carbon atoms to the number of silicon atoms higher than that of the cap insulating film, on the cap insulating film; and forming two or more concave portions, having different opening diameters, in the organic silica film, by plasma processing in which mixed gas including inert gas, N-containing gas, fluorocarbon gas and oxidant gas is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ippei Kume, Jun Kawahara, Naoya Furutake, Shinobu Saitou, Yoshihiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8759207
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a method of forming a semiconductor structure, comprising: providing a workpiece; forming a barrier layer over the workpiece; forming a seed layer over the barrier layer; forming an inhibitor layer over the seed layer; removing a portion of said inhibitor layer to expose a portion of the seed layer; and selectively depositing a fill layer on the exposed seed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Barth, Mathias Vaupel, Rainer Steiner, Werner Robl, Jens Pohl, Joem Plagmann, Gottfried Beer
  • Patent number: 8759983
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate provided with a semiconductor element; a connecting member formed above the semiconductor substrate configured to electrically connect upper and lower conductive members; a first insulating film formed in the same layer as the connecting member; a wiring formed on the connecting member, the wiring including a first region and a second region, the first region contacting with a portion of an upper surface of the connecting member, and the second region located on the first region and having a width greater than that of the first region; and a second insulating film formed on the first insulating film so as to contact with at least a portion of the first region of the wiring and with a bottom surface of the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Makoto Wada, Akihiro Kajita, Kazuyuki Higashi
  • Patent number: 8753974
    Abstract: Structures and methods for the dissipation of charge build-up during the formation of cavities in semiconductor substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Griffin, Russ Benson
  • Patent number: 8748314
    Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which includes forming a TiN film as a hard mask directly on a second p-SiCOH film formed on a substrate, forming an opening passing through the TiN film and the second p-SiCOH film by photolithography and etching, cleaning the inside of the opening, removing the TiN film after cleaning the inside, and forming a second metal film filling the opening directly on the second p-SiCOH film after removing the TiN film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Usami
  • Publication number: 20140151896
    Abstract: Methods and structures implement enhanced power supply distribution and decoupling utilizing Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) exclusion zone areas for contacting one or more metal wiring layers on a semiconductor chip. A first wiring level in the TSV exclusion zone area includes a first wiring shape having a first hole of a first diameter. A dielectric includes second hole of a second diameter larger than the first diameter is provided above the first wiring level concentric with the first hole. A via hole extends through the first and second holes and an etch is performed to expose a top surface portion of the first wiring shape. A thin oxide is grown over the entire bore of the hole; an anisotropic etch is provided to remove horizontal portions of the thin oxide, exposing wiring shapes. The via hole is filled with a selected material to make TSV electrical connection to the exposed wiring shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl R. Erickson, Phil C. Paone, David P. Paulsen, John E. Sheets, II, Gregory J. Uhlmann, Kelly L. Williams
  • Patent number: 8742586
    Abstract: A stacked multilayer structure according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a stacked layer part including a plurality of conducting layers and a plurality of insulating layers, said plurality of insulating layers being stacked alternately with each layer of said plurality of conducting layers, one of said plurality of insulating layers being a topmost layer among said plurality of conducting layers and said plurality of insulating layers; and a plurality of contacts, each contact of said plurality of contacts being formed from said topmost layer and each contact of said plurality of contacts being in contact with a respective conducting layer of said plurality of conducting layers, a side surface of each of said plurality of contacts being insulated from said plurality of conducting layers via an insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Makoto Mizukami, Takeshi Kamigaichi
  • Patent number: 8741768
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes forming conductive or semiconductive features above a first dielectric material, depositing a second dielectric material above the conductive or semiconductive features, etching a void in the second dielectric material, wherein the etch stops on the first dielectric material, and exposing a portion of the conductive or semiconductive features. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SanDisk 3D LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Petti
  • Patent number: 8742588
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a via hole (9), or a via (7), from a lower side (5) of a substrate (3) for electronic devices towards an upper side (4) of a substrate (3) at least partly through the substrate (3). The method comprises the steps of: etching a first lengthwise portion (11) of the via hole (9) and etching a second lengthwise portion (12) of the via hole (9); whereby the first lengthwise portion (11) and the second lengthwise portion (12) substantially form the via hole (9) and a constriction (23) is formed in the via hole (9). The constriction (23) defines an aperture (24) of the via hole (9) and the method further comprises the step of opening the via hole (9) by etching, with the constriction (23) functioning as an etch mask. A via is formed by at least partly filling the via hole with conductive material. A substrate for electronic devices comprising a via is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ÅAC Microtec AB
    Inventors: Peter Nilsson, Jürgen Leib, Robert Thorslund
  • Patent number: 8722471
    Abstract: A method for forming a via connecting a first upper level layer to a second lower level layer, both layers being surrounded with an insulating material, the method including the steps of: a) forming an opening to reach an edge of the first layer, the opening laterally continuing beyond said edge; b) forming a layer of a protection material on said edge only; c) deepening said opening by selectively etching the insulating material to reach the second lower level layer; and d) filling the opening with at least one conductive contact material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.A., Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives
    Inventors: Perrine Batude, Yves Morand
  • Patent number: 8709936
    Abstract: A method, and the resulting structure, to make a thinned substrate with backside redistribution wiring connected to through silicon vias of varying height. The method includes thinning a backside of a substrate to expose through silicon vias. Then a thick insulator stack, including an etch stop layer, is deposited and planarized. With a planar insulating surface in place, openings in the insulator stack can be formed by etching. The etch stop layer in the dielectric stack accommodates the differing heights vias. The etch stop is removed and a conductor having a liner is formed in the opening. The method gives a unique structure in which a liner around the bottom of the through silicon via remains in tact. Thus, the liner of the via and a liner of the conductor meet to form a double liner at the via/conductor junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Volant, Mukta G. Farooq
  • Patent number: 8709937
    Abstract: According to example embodiments, a method of forming micropatterns includes forming dummy patterns having first widths on a dummy region of a substrate, and forming cell patterns having second widths on an active line region of the substrate. The active line region may be adjacent to the dummy region and the second widths may be less than the first widths. The method may further include forming damascene metallization by forming a seed layer on the active line region and the dummy region, forming a conductive material layer on a whole surface of the substrate, and planarizing the conductive material layer to form metal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-sun Park, Gil-heyun Choi, Ji-soon Park, Jong-myeong Lee, Jong-won Hong, Hei-seung Kim
  • Patent number: 8709942
    Abstract: In a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a substrate is provided including an interlayer dielectric layer and first and second hard mask patterns sequentially stacked thereon. A first trench is provided in the interlayer dielectric layer through the second hard mask pattern and the first hard mask pattern. A filler material is provided on the interlayer dielectric layer and the second hard mask pattern to fill the first trench. An upper portion of the second hard mask pattern is exposed by partially removing the filler material. The second hard mask pattern is removed, and remaining filler material is removed from the first trench. A wiring is formed by filling the first trench with a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Jine Park, Kee-Sang Kwon, Doo-Sung Yun, Bo-Un Yoon, Il-Young Yoon, Jeong-Nam Han
  • Patent number: 8703604
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of creating vias and trenches with different length. The method includes depositing a plurality of dielectric layers on top of a semiconductor structure with the plurality of dielectric layers being separated by at least one etch-stop layer; creating multiple openings from a top surface of the plurality of dielectric layers down into the plurality of dielectric layers by a non-selective etching process, wherein at least one of the multiple openings has a depth below the etch-step layer; and continuing etching the multiple openings by a selective etching process until one or more openings of the multiple openings that are above the etch-stop layer reach and expose the etch-stop layer. Semiconductor structures made thereby are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shom Ponoth, David V. Horak, Takeshi Nogami, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Patent number: 8703605
    Abstract: A method for forming a contact opening, such as a via hole, is provided. In the method, a sacrificial layer is deposited over a damascene feature prior to exposing a conductor formed in a substrate at a bottom of the opening. The sacrificial layer is provided to prevent damage or contamination of materials used. Even after the conductor has been exposed once or more times, the sacrificial layer can be deposited over the damascene feature to protect it from further damage or contamination by a subsequent process that will further expose the conductor at the contact opening bottom. The exposing step may form a recess in the conductor. By further forming a trench feature over the contact opening, a dual damascene feature can be fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Byung Chun Yang
  • Patent number: 8703603
    Abstract: Provided are methods of forming sealed via structures. One method involves: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; (b) forming a layer on the first surface of the substrate; (c) etching a via hole through the substrate from the second surface to the layer, the via hole having a first perimeter at the first surface; (d) forming an aperture in the layer, wherein the aperture has a second perimeter within the first perimeter; and (e) providing a conductive structure for sealing the via structure. Also provided are sealed via structures, methods of detecting leakage in a sealed device package, sealed device packages, device packages having cooling structures, and methods of bonding a first component to a second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nuvotronics, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Sherrer, Larry J. Rasnake, John J. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8692288
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures and methods of manufacture semiconductors are provided which relate to heterojunction bipolar transistors. The structure includes two devices connected by metal wires on a same wiring level. The metal wire of a first of the two devices is formed by selectively forming a metal cap layer on copper wiring structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Dunn, Alvin J. Joseph, Anthony K. Stamper
  • Publication number: 20140091476
    Abstract: A method of an aspect includes forming an interconnect line etch opening in a hardmask layer. The hardmask layer is over a dielectric layer that has an interconnect line disposed therein. The interconnect line etch opening is formed aligned over the interconnect line. A block copolymer is introduced into the interconnect line etch opening. The block copolymer is assembled to form a plurality of assembled structures that are spaced along a length of the interconnect line etch opening. An assembled structure is directly aligned over the interconnect line that is disposed within the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Paul A. Nyhus, Swaninathan Sivakumar
  • Patent number: 8685853
    Abstract: A method for creating a dual damascene structure while using only one lithography and masking step. Conventional dual damascene structures utilize two lithography steps: one to mask and expose the via, and a second step to mask and expose the trench interconnection. The novel method for creating a dual damascene structure allows for a smaller number of processing steps, thus reducing the processing time needed to complete the dual damascene structure. In addition, a lower number of masks may be needed. The exemplary mask or reticle used within the process incorporates different regions possessing different transmission rates. During the exposing step, light from an exposing source passes through the mask to expose a portion of the photoresist layer on top of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventors: Fan Chung Tseng, Chi Hsi Wu, Wei Ting Chien
  • Patent number: 8673772
    Abstract: A method of forming a biosensor chip enables a bond pad and detector electrode to be formed of different materials (one is formed of a connection layer such as copper and the other is formed of a diffusion barrier layer such as tantalum or tantalum nitride). A single planarizing operation is used for both the bond pad and the detector electrode. By using the same processing, resist patterning on an already-planarized surface is avoided, and the cleanliness of both the bond pad and detector electrode is ensured. Self-aligned nanoelectrodes and bond pads are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Frans Widdershoven
  • Patent number: 8669175
    Abstract: A semiconductor device. In one embodiment the device includes a carrier. A first material is deposited on the carrier. The first material has an elastic modulus of less than 100 MPa. A semiconductor chip is placed over the first material. A second material is deposited on the semiconductor chip, the second material being electrically insulating. A metal layer is placed over the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Georg Meyer-Berg
  • Patent number: 8664108
    Abstract: A stacked multilayer structure according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a stacked layer part including a plurality of conducting layers and a plurality of insulating layers, said plurality of insulating layers being stacked alternately with each layer of said plurality of conducting layers, one of said plurality of insulating layers being a topmost layer among said plurality of conducting layers and said plurality of insulating layers; and a plurality of contacts, each contact of said plurality of contacts being formed from said topmost layer and each contact of said plurality of contacts being in contact with a respective conducting layer of said plurality of conducting layers, a side surface of each of said plurality of contacts being insulated from said plurality of conducting layers via an insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Makoto Mizukami, Takeshi Kamigaichi
  • Patent number: 8664759
    Abstract: An integrated circuit die includes a substrate having an upper surface, at least one active device formed in a first area of the upper surface of the substrate, and a plurality of layers formed on the upper surface of the substrate above the at least one active device. A first stacked heat conducting structure is provided, spanning from a point proximate the first area of the upper surface of the substrate through the plurality of layers. A lateral heat conducting structure is formed above the uppermost layer of the plurality of layers and in thermal contact with the first stacked heat conducting structure. The invention advantageously facilitates the dissipation of heat from the integrated circuit die, particularly from high-power sources or other localized hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Agere Systems LLC
    Inventor: Vivian Ryan
  • Patent number: 8647991
    Abstract: A method for forming a dual damascene opening includes the following steps. Firstly, a first hard mask layer with a trench pattern is formed over a material layer. Then, a dielectric layer is formed over the first hard mask layer and filled into an opening of the trench pattern. Then, a second hard mask layer with a via opening pattern is formed over the first hard mask layer and the dielectric layer. Then, a first etching process is performed, so that a via opening is at least formed in the dielectric layer. After the second hard mask layer is removed, a second etching process is performed. Consequently, a trench opening is formed in the material layer and the via opening is further extended into the material layer, wherein the via opening is located within the trench opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yu-Heng Liu, Seng-Wah Liau
  • Patent number: 8640072
    Abstract: A method includes forming a connection between a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The second metal layer is over the first metal layer. A via location for a first via between the first metal layer and the second metal layer is identified. Additional locations for first additional vias are determined. The first additional vias are determined to be necessary for stress migration issues. Additional locations necessary for second additional vias are determined. The second additional vias are determined to be necessary for electromigration issues. The first via and the one of the group consisting of (i) the first additional vias and second additional vias (ii) the first additional vias plus a number of vias sufficient for electromigration issues taking into account that the first additional vias, after taking into account the stress migration issues, still have an effective via number greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Reber, Mehul D. Shroff, Edward O. Travis
  • Patent number: 8633113
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a bottom oxide layer in a trench (102) is disclosed. The method comprises forming the trench (102) in a semiconductor substrate (100), depositing an oxide layer to partially fill a field area (104) and the trench (102), wherein said oxide layer has oxide overhang portions (106) and removing the oxide overhang portions (106) of the deposited oxide layer. Thereafter, the method comprises forming a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) layer (108) to cover the oxide layer in the field area (104) and the trench (102), removing the BARC layer (110) from the field area (104), while retaining a predetermined thickness of the BARC layer (112) in the trench (102), removing the oxide layer from the field area (104) and removing the BARC layer and oxide layer in the trench (102) to obtain a predetermined thickness of the bottom oxide layer (114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Silterra Malaysia Sdn Bhd
    Inventors: Charlie Tay, Venkatesh Madhaven, Arjun K. Kantimahanti
  • Patent number: 8629058
    Abstract: Methods for forming a via structure are provided. The method includes depositing a first-layer conductive line over a semiconductor substrate, forming a dielectric layer over the first-layer conductive line, forming a via opening in the dielectric layer and exposing the first-layer conductive line in the via opening, forming a recess portion in the first-layer conductive line, and filling the via opening to form a via extending through the dielectric layer to the first-layer conductive line. The via has a substantially tapered profile and substantially extends into the recess in the first-layer conductive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shau-Lin Shue, Cheng-Lin Huang, Ching-Hua Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8629057
    Abstract: Semiconductor substrates with unitary vias and via terminals, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes forming a blind via in a semiconductor substrate, applying a protective layer to a sidewall surface of the via, and forming a terminal opening by selectively removing substrate material from an end surface of the via, while protecting from removal substrate material against which the protective coating is applied. The method can further include disposing a conductive material in both the via and the terminal opening to form an electrically conductive terminal that is unitary with conductive material in the via. Substrate material adjacent to the terminal can then be removed to expose the terminal, which can then be connected to a conductive structure external to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle K. Kirby, Kunal R. Parekh
  • Patent number: 8617983
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming an interconnect in a semiconductor memory device. The method includes forming a pair of source select transistors on a substrate. A source region is formed in the substrate between the pair of source select transistors. A first inter-layer dielectric is formed between the pair of source select transistors. A mask layer is deposited over the pair of source select transistors and the inter-layer dielectric, where the mask layer defines a local interconnect area between the pair of source select transistors having a width less than a distance between the pair of source select transistors. The semiconductor memory device is etched to remove a portion of the first inter-layer dielectric in the local interconnect area, thereby exposing the source region. A metal contact is formed in the local interconnect area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventor: Simon S. Chan
  • Patent number: 8610275
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor substrate, a local interconnect structure connected to the semiconductor substrate, and at least one via stack structure electrically connected to the local interconnect structure, wherein the at least one via stack structure comprises a via having an upper via and a lower via, the width of the upper via being greater than that of the lower via; a via spacer formed closely adjacent to the inner walls of the lower via; an insulation layer covering the surfaces of the via and the via spacer; a conductive plug formed within the space surrounded by the insulation layer, and electrically connected to the local interconnect structure. The present invention is applicable to manufacture of a via stack in the filed of manufacturing semiconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Huilong Zhu, Haizhou Yin, Zhijiong Luo
  • Publication number: 20130321680
    Abstract: A step of forming a connecting member configured to electrically connect a first conductive line and a second conductive line includes a phase of perforating a laminate from a first semiconductor wafer to form a plurality of connection holes that reach the second conductive line and a phase of filling the plurality of penetrating connection holes with a conductive material to form conductive sections in contact with the second conductive line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Hideomi Kumano
  • Patent number: 8592297
    Abstract: A wafer including a substrate, a dielectric layer over the substrate, and a conductive layer over the dielectric layer is disclosed. The substrate has a main portion. A periphery of the dielectric layer and the periphery of the main portion of the substrate are separated by a first distance. A periphery of the conductive layer and the periphery of the main portion of the substrate are separated by a second distance. The second distance ranges from about a value that is 0.5% of a diameter of the substrate less than the first distance to about a value that is 0.5% of the diameter greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung-Ti Yeh, Wu-Chang Lin, Chung-Yi Huang, Ya Wen Wu, Hui-Mei Jao, Ting-Chun Wang, Chia-Hung Chung
  • Patent number: 8592691
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board includes forming a metal film on a surface of an insulative board, a plating resist on the metal film, and a plated-metal film on the metal film exposed from the plating resist, covering a portion of the plated-metal film with an etching resist, etching to reduce thickness of the plated-metal film exposed from the etching resist, removing the etching and plating resists, and forming a wiring having a pad for wire-bonding an electrode of an electronic component and a conductive circuit thinner than the pad by removing the metal film exposed after the plating resist is removed, a solder-resist layer on the surface of the board and wiring, an opening in the layer exposing the pad and a portion of the circuit contiguous to the pad, and a metal coating on the pad and portion of the circuit exposed through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Furuta, Kotaro Takagi, Michio Ido, Akihiro Miyata, Fumitaka Takagi
  • Patent number: 8592990
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first porous layer that is formed over a substrate and includes a SiO2 skeleton; a second porous layer that is formed immediately above the first porous layer and includes a SiO2 skeleton; a via wiring that is provided in the first porous layer; and a trench wiring that is buried in the second porous layer. The first porous layer has a pore density x1 of 40% or below and the second porous layer has a pore density x2 of (x1+5) % or above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Renesas Electronics Corporation, ULVAC, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Chikaki, Takahiro Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8592979
    Abstract: A conductive pattern structure includes a first insulating interlayer on a substrate, metal wiring on the first insulating interlayer, a second insulating interlayer on the metal wiring, and first and second metal contacts extending through the second insulating interlayer. The first metal contacts contact the metal wiring in a cell region and the second metal contact contacts the metal wiring in a peripheral region. A third insulating interlayer is disposed on the second insulating interlayer. Conductive segments extend through the third insulating interlayer in the cell region and contact the first metal contacts. Another conductive segment extends through the third insulating interlayer in the peripheral region and contacts the second metal contact. The structure facilitates the forming of uniformly thick wiring in the cell region using an electroplating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hei-Seung Kim, Gil-Heyun Choi, Ji-Soon Park, Jong-Myeong Lee