Having Refractory Group Metal (i.e., Titanium (ti), Zirconium (zr), Hafnium (hf), Vanadium (v), Niobium (nb), Tantalum (ta), Chromium (cr), Molybdenum (mo), Tungsten (w), Or Alloy Thereof) Patents (Class 438/648)
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Patent number: 8624397Abstract: This wiring layer structure includes: an underlying substrate of a semiconductor substrate or a glass substrate; an oxygen-containing Cu layer or an oxygen-containing Cu alloy layer which is formed on the underlying substrate; an oxide layer containing at least one of Al, Zr, and Ti which is formed on the oxygen-containing Cu layer or the oxygen-containing Cu alloy layer; and a Cu alloy layer containing at least one of Al, Zr, and Ti which is formed on the oxide layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignees: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Ulvac, Inc.Inventors: Kazunari Maki, Kenichi Yaguchi, Yosuke Nakasato
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Patent number: 8623759Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first Ti film, a titanium nitride (TiN) film, a second Ti film, a first aluminum (Al) film and a second Al film are formed sequentially in a contact hole formed in a second interlayer insulating film and on a Cu wire. The first titanium (Ti) film is formed so that a ratio of a thickness of a first portion of the first Ti film on a bottom face of the contact hole to a thickness of a second portion of the first Ti film on the second interlayer insulating film becomes equal to or smaller than 5/100. Moreover, the second Al film is formed using an aluminum reflow method, in which the second Ti film and the first Al film are alloyed with each other to form an Al—Ti alloy film.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: Takashi Kansaku
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Publication number: 20140004679Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a metal layer over a substrate, forming a capping layer over the metal layer, and densifying the metal layer through a heat treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Beom-Yong KIM, Yun-Hyuck Ji, Seung-Mi Lee
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Patent number: 8617984Abstract: A local interconnect structure is provided in which a tungsten region, i.e., tungsten stud, that is formed within a middle-of-the-line (MOL) dielectric material is not damaged and/or contaminated during a multiple interconnect patterning process. This is achieved in the present disclosure by forming a self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer within a topmost surface and upper sidewalls portions of the tungsten region that extend above a MOL dielectric material which includes a first interconnect pattern formed therein. During the formation of the self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer, a nitrogen enriched dielectric surface also forms within exposed surface of the MOL dielectric material. A second interconnect pattern is then formed adjacent to, but not connect with, the first interconnect pattern. Because of the presence of the self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer on the tungsten region, no damaging and/or contamination of the tungsten region can occur.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Daniel C. Edelstein
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Patent number: 8617985Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an improved process for depositing tungsten-containing materials. In one embodiment, the method for forming a tungsten-containing material on a substrate includes forming an adhesion layer containing titanium nitride on a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate, forming a tungsten nitride intermediate layer on the adhesion layer, wherein the tungsten nitride intermediate layer contains tungsten nitride and carbon. The method further includes forming a tungsten barrier layer (e.g., tungsten or tungsten-carbon material) from the tungsten nitride intermediate layer by thermal decomposition during a thermal annealing process (e.g., temperature from about 700° C. to less than 1,000° C.).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Collins, Murali K. Narasimhan, Jingjing Liu, Sang-Hyeob Lee, Kai Wu, Avgerinos V. Gelatos
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Publication number: 20130328201Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate prepared with a first dielectric layer formed thereon. The dielectric layer includes at least first, second and third contact regions. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the first dielectric layer. The device also includes at least first, second and third via contacts disposed in the second dielectric layer. The via contacts are coupled to the respective underlying contact regions and the via contacts do not extend beyond the underlying contact regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Zhehui WANG, Kwee Liang YEO, Hai CONG, Huang LIU, Wen Zhan ZHOU
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Patent number: 8603881Abstract: A contact via hole is formed through at least one dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. A semiconductor material is deposited at the bottom of the contact via hole and atop the at least one dielectric layer by ion cluster deposition. An angled oxygen cluster deposition is performed to convert portions of the semiconductor material on the top surface of the at least one dielectric layer into a semiconductor oxide, while oxygen is not implanted into the deposited semiconductor material at the bottom of the contact via hole. A metal semiconductor alloy is formed at the bottom of the contact hole by deposition of a metal and an anneal. The semiconductor oxide at the top of the at least one dielectric layer can be removed during a preclean before metal deposition, a postclean after metal semiconductor alloy formation, and/or during planarization for forming contact via structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emre Alptekin, Ahmet S. Ozcan, Viraj Y. Sardesai, Cung D. Tran
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Patent number: 8586485Abstract: Methods for sealing a porous dielectric are presented including: receiving a substrate, the substrate including the porous dielectric; exposing the substrate to an organosilane, where the organosilane includes a hydrolysable group for facilitating attachment with the porous dielectric, and where the organosilane does not include an alkyl group; and forming a layer as a result of the exposing to seal the porous dielectric. In some embodiments, methods are presented where the organosilane includes: alkynyl groups, aryl groups, flouroalkyl groups, heteroarlyl groups, alcohol groups, thiol groups, amine groups, thiocarbamate groups, ester groups, ether groups, sulfide groups, and nitrile groups. In some embodiments, method further include: removing contamination from the porous dielectric and a conductive region of the substrate prior to the exposing; and removing contamination from the conductive region after the forming.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.Inventors: David E. Lazovsky, Tony P. Chiang, Majid Keshavarz
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Patent number: 8581413Abstract: A method for easily manufacturing a semiconductor device in which variation in thickness or disconnection of a source electrode or a drain electrode is prevented is proposed. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer formed over an insulating substrate; a first insulating layer formed over the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed over the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer formed over the gate electrode; an opening which reaches the semiconductor layer and is formed at least in the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer; and a step portion formed at a side surface of the second insulating layer in the opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinya Sasagawa
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Patent number: 8564132Abstract: A local interconnect structure is provided in which a tungsten region, i.e., tungsten stud, that is formed within a middle-of-the-line (MOL) dielectric material is not damaged and/or contaminated during a multiple interconnect patterning process. This is achieved in the present disclosure by forming a self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer within a topmost surface and upper sidewalls portions of the tungsten region that extend above a MOL dielectric material which includes a first interconnect pattern formed therein. During the formation of the self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer, a nitrogen enriched dielectric surface also forms within exposed surface of the MOL dielectric material. A second interconnect pattern is then formed adjacent to, but not connect with, the first interconnect pattern. Because of the presence of the self-aligned tungsten nitride passivation layer on the tungsten region, no damaging and/or contamination of the tungsten region can occur.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Daniel C. Edelstein
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Patent number: 8513123Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor includes the steps of forming an anode element by sintering powders of a valve metal, washing the anode element with a first wash solution, forming a dielectric film on the anode element after the washing step, and forming a solid electrolytic layer on the dielectric film. The first wash solution is an aqueous solution containing ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Miyachi
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Publication number: 20130193489Abstract: Embodiments of a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit are provided. In one embodiment, a partially-fabricated integrated circuit is produced including a semiconductor substrate having source/drain regions, and a plurality of transistors including a plurality of gate conductors formed over the semiconductor substrate and between the source/drain regions. Device-level contacts are formed in ohmic contact with the gate conductors and with the source/drain regions. The device-level contacts terminate at substantially the same level above the semiconductor substrate. Copper interconnect lines are then formed in a level above the device-level contacts and in ohmic contact therewith to locally interconnect the plurality of transistors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.Inventors: Peter Baars, Erik P. Geiss
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Patent number: 8475872Abstract: Simplified patterning of layers of a thin film is disclosed. In some embodiments, the patterning can include patterning a first conductive layer using a patterned dielectric layer as a mask and patterning a second conductive layer using a patterned passivation layer as another mask. In other embodiments, the patterning can include patterning a first conductive layer using a removable photosensitive layer as a mask, patterning a black mask layer using a removable photo mask, and patterning a second conductive layer using a patterned passivation layer as another mask. In still other embodiments, the patterning can include patterning a first conductive layer using a patterned black mask layer as a mask and patterning a second conductive layer using a patterned passivation layer as another mask. An exemplary device utilizing the thin film so patterned can include a touch sensor panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Sunggu Kang, Lili Huang, Steven Porter Hotelling, John Z. Zhong
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Patent number: 8470707Abstract: A process for forming an integrated circuit with reduced sidewall spacers to enable improved silicide formation between minimum spaced transistor gates. A process for forming an integrated circuit with reduced sidewall spacers by first forming sidewall spacer by etching a sidewall dielectric and stopping on an etch stop layer, implanting source and drain dopants self aligned to the sidewall spacers, followed by removing a portion of the sidewall dielectric and removing the etch stop layer self aligned to the reduced sidewall spacers prior to forming silicide.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Weize Xiong, Deborah J. Riley
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Patent number: 8435886Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for reducing halide-based contamination within deposited titanium-based thin films. Halide adsorbing materials are utilized within the deposition chamber to remove halides, such as chlorine and chlorides, during the deposition process so that contamination of the titanium-based film is minimized. A method for regenerating the halide adsorbing material is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Garo J. Derderian, Cem Basceri, Donald L. Westmoreland
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Patent number: 8431472Abstract: Methods is provided for forming a CMOS device. The method includes providing a substrate and depositing a gate stack on the substrate. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric and a dummy gate including polycrystalline silicon (polySi). The method also includes depositing a dielectric layer on the substrate after depositing the gate stack on the substrate. The method further includes substituting the dummy gate with a metal without first removing the dummy gate.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Globalfoundries, Inc.Inventor: Chang Seo Park
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Patent number: 8409985Abstract: The present invention addresses this need by providing methods for depositing low resistivity tungsten films in small features and features having high aspect ratios. The methods involve depositing very thin tungsten nucleation layers by pulsed nucleation layer (PNL) processes and then using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to deposit a tungsten layer to fill the feature. Depositing the tungsten nucleation layer involves exposing the substrate to alternating pulses of a boron-containing reducing agent and a tungsten-containing precursor without using any hydrogen gas, e.g., as a carrier or background gas. Using this process, a conformal tungsten nucleation layer can be deposited to a thickness as small as about 10 Angstroms. The feature may then be wholly or partially filled with tungsten by a hydrogen reduction chemical vapor deposition process. Resistivities of about 14 ??-cm for a 500 Angstrom film may be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lana Hiului Chan, Kaihan Ashtiani, Joshua Collins
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Patent number: 8395266Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a titanium layer and a titanium nitride layer formed on a substrate, a thin layer formed on the titanium nitride layer, and a metal layer formed on the thin layer, wherein the thin layer increases a grain size of the metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Kwan-Yong Lim, Min-Gyu Sung, Heung-Jae Cho
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Publication number: 20130049074Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming connections to a memory array and a periphery of the array. The methods include forming stacks of conductive materials on the array and the periphery and forming a step between the periphery stack and the array stack. The step is removed during subsequent processing, and connections are formed from the conductive materials remaining on the array and the periphery. In some embodiments, the step is removed before any photolithographic processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shyam Surthi, Hung-Ming Tsai
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Publication number: 20130037956Abstract: Disclosed is a package that includes a wafer substrate and a metal stack seed layer. The metal stack seed layer includes a titanium thin film outer layer. A resist layer is provided in contact with the titanium thin film outer layer of the metal stack seed layer, the resist layer forming circuitry. A method for manufacturing a package is further disclosed. A metal stack seed layer having a titanium thin film outer layer is formed. A resist layer is formed so as to be in contact with the titanium thin film outer layer of the metal stack seed layer, and circuitry is formed from the resist layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: FlipChip International, LLCInventors: Robert Forcier, Douglas Scott
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Patent number: 8372746Abstract: An electrode of a semiconductor device includes a TiCN layer and a TiN layer. A method for fabricating an electrode of a semiconductor device includes preparing a substrate, forming a TiCN layer, and forming a TiN layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Kwan-Woo Do, Kee-Jeung Lee, Kyung-Woong Park, Jeong-Yeop Lee
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Patent number: 8367546Abstract: Novel low-resistivity tungsten film stack schemes and methods for depositing them are provided. The film stacks include a mixed tungsten/tungsten-containing compound (e.g., WC) layer as a base for deposition of tungsten nucleation and/or bulk layers. According to various embodiments, these tungsten rich layers may be used as barrier and/or adhesion layers in tungsten contact metallization and bitlines. Deposition of the tungsten-rich layers involves exposing the substrate to a halogen-free organometallic tungsten precursor. The mixed tungsten/tungsten carbide layer is a thin, low resistivity film with excellent adhesion and a good base for subsequent tungsten plug or line formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Raashina Humayun, Kaihan Ashtiani, Karl B. Levy
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Patent number: 8357611Abstract: A semiconductor device having good TFT characteristics is realized. By using a high purity target as a target, using a single gas, argon (Ar), as a sputtering gas, setting the substrate temperature equal to or less than 300° C., and setting the sputtering gas pressure from 1.0 Pa to 3.0 Pa, the film stress of a film is made from ?1×1010 dyn/cm2 to 1×1010 dyn/cm2. By thus using a conducting film in which the amount of sodium contained within the film is equal to or less than 0.3 ppm, preferably equal to or less than 0.1 ppm, and having a low electrical resistivity (equal to or less than 40 ??·cm), as a gate wiring material and a material for other wirings of a TFT, the operating performance and the reliability of a semiconductor device provided with the TFT can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takayama, Keiji Sato, Shunpei Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20120329270Abstract: A method is provided which includes providing a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 4.0 or less and at least one conductive material embedded therein, the at least one conductive material has an upper surface that is coplanar with an upper surface of the dielectric material and the upper surface of the at least one conductive material has hollow-metal related defects that extend inward into the at least one conductive material; and filling the hollow-metal related defects with a surface repair material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Chih-Chao Yang, Conal E. Murray
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Publication number: 20120319282Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a semiconductor device are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a method of forming an interconnect structure that results in the interconnect structure having a top surface and portions of the side walls of the interconnect structure covered in a dissimilar material. In some embodiments, the dissimilar material can be a conductive material or a nano-alloy. The interconnect structure can be formed by removing a portion of the interconnect structure, and covering the interconnect structure with the dissimilar material. The interconnect structure can comprise a damascene structure, such as a single or dual damascene structure, or alternatively, can comprise a silicon-through via (TSV) structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Tessera, Inc.Inventors: Cyprian Uzoh, Belgacem Haba, Craig Mitchell
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Patent number: 8334206Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing metallic interconnect lines on the surface of a substrate comprising: an etching step for defining trenches within said substrate; a step for filling said trenches using electrodeposition of a metal exhibiting a crystalline lattice, further comprising the production of a so-called metal invasion layer, on top of said trenches filled with grains of metal so as to define said interconnect lines, characterized in that it also comprises the following steps: determination of a first direction (D1) of orientation of grains along a trench and of a second direction (D2) of orientation of grains in a direction perpendicular to a trench; determination of a third direction (D3) of ion channelling in the crystalline lattice of said metal; determination of at least one direction of orientation (Di1, Di2, Di3) of an ion implantation beam in said metal invasion layer, by performing the scalar products: of a first vector relative to said first direction (D1, <110>) anType: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Vincent Carreau
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Patent number: 8319341Abstract: A gate structure of a semiconductor device includes an intermediate structure, wherein the intermediate structure includes a titanium layer and a tungsten silicide layer. A method for forming a gate structure of a semiconductor device includes forming a polysilicon-based electrode. An intermediate structure, which includes a titanium layer and a tungsten silicide layer, is formed over the polysilicon-based electrode. A metal electrode is formed over the intermediate structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Min-Gyu Sung, Hong-Seon Yang, Heung-Jae Cho, Yong-Soo Kim, Kwan-Yong Lim
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Patent number: 8314021Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming a thin film over trenches by using a first source gas and a first reaction gas; performing a first post-treatment on the thin film by using a second reaction gas; and performing a second post-treatment on the thin film by using a second source gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Jik-Ho Cho, Seung-Jin Yeom, Seung-Hee Hong, Nam-Yeal Lee
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Patent number: 8304319Abstract: Methods for fabricating a semiconductor device are disclosed. A metal-rich silicide and/or a mono-silicide is formed on source/drain (S/D) regions. A millisecond anneal is provided to the metal-rich silicide and/or the mono-silicide to form a di-silicide with limited spikes at the interface between the silicide and substrate. The di-silicide has an additive which can lower the electron Schottky barrier height.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Wen Nieh, Hung-Chang Hsu, Wen-Chi Tsai, Mei-Yun Wang, Chii-Ming Wu, Wei-Jung Lin, Chih-Wei Chang
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Patent number: 8288273Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a patterned thick metallization atop a semiconductor chip wafer. The method includes fabricating a nearly complete semiconductor chip wafer ready for metallization; depositing a bottom metal layer of sub-thickness TK1 together with its built-in alignment mark using a hot metal process; depositing a top metal layer of sub-thickness TK2 using a cold metal process thus forming a stacked thick metallization of total thickness TK=TK1+TK2; then, use the built-in alignment mark as reference, patterning the stacked thick metallization. A patterned thick metallization is thus formed with the advantages of better metal step coverage owing to the superior step coverage nature of the hot metal process as compared to the cold metal process; and lower alignment error rate owing to the lower alignment signal noise nature of the cold metal process as compared to the hot metal process.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Inc.Inventor: Il Kwan Lee
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Patent number: 8278218Abstract: An electrical conductor having a multilayer diffusion barrier of use in a resultant semiconductor device is presented. The electrical conductor line includes an insulation layer, a diffusion barrier, and a metal line. The insulation layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate and having a metal line forming region. The diffusion barrier is formed on a surface of the metal line forming region of the insulation layer and has a multi-layered structure made of TaN layer, an MoxOy layer and an Mo layer. The metal line is formed on the diffusion barrier to fill the metal line forming region of the insulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Joon Seok Oh, Seung Jin Yeom, Baek Mann Kim, Dong Ha Jung, Jeong Tae Kim, Nam Yeal Lee, Jae Hong Kim
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Patent number: 8278199Abstract: Reliability of a semiconductor element and its product yield are improved by reducing variations in the electrical characteristic of a metal silicide layer. After forming a nickel-platinum alloy film over a semiconductor substrate, by carrying out a first thermal treatment at a thermal treatment temperature of 210 to 310° C. using a heater heating device, the technique causes the nickel-platinum alloy film and silicon to react with each other to form a platinum-added nickel silicide layer in a (PtNi)2Si phase. After removing unreacted nickel-platinum alloy film, the technique carries out a second thermal treatment having the thermal treatment temperature higher than that of the first thermal treatment to form the platinum-added nickel silicide layer in a PtNiSi phase. The temperature rise rate of each thermal treatment is set to 10° C./s or more.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Shigenari Okada, Takuya Futase, Yutaka Inaba
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Patent number: 8273655Abstract: A GaN layer and an n-type AlGaN layer are formed over an insulating substrate, and thereafter, a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed on them. Next, an opening reaching at least a surface of the insulating substrate is formed in the source electrode, the GaN layer and the n-type AlGaN layer. Then, a nickel (Ni) layer is formed in the opening. Thereafter, by conducting dry etching from the back side while making the nickel (Ni) layer serve as an etching stopper, a via hole reaching the nickel (Ni) layer is formed in the insulating substrate. Then, a via wiring is formed extending from an inside the via hole to the back surface of the insulating substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Naoya Okamoto
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Publication number: 20120235106Abstract: Methods of forming conductive elements, such as interconnects and electrodes, for semiconductor structures and memory cells. The methods include forming a first conductive material and a second conductive material comprising silver in a portion of at least one opening and performing a polishing process to fill the at least one opening with at least one of the first and second conductive materials. An annealing process may be performed to form a mixture or an alloy of the silver and the material. The methods enable formation of silver containing conductive elements having reduced dimensions (e.g., less than about 20 nm). The resulting conductive elements have a desirable resistivity. The methods may be used, for example, to form interconnects for electrically connecting active devices and to form electrodes for memory cells. A semiconductor structure and a memory cell including such a conductive structure are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Scott E. Sills, Whitney L. West, Rob B. Goodwin, Nishant Sinha
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Patent number: 8242017Abstract: A method for forming an integrated circuit device including an interconnect structure, e.g., copper dual damascene. The method includes providing a substrate and forming an interlayer dielectric layer overlying the substrate. The method also includes patterning the interlayer dielectric layer to form a contact structure and forming a barrier metal layer overlying the contact structure. The method includes forming a seed layer comprising copper bearing species overlying the barrier metal layer and applying an oxygen bearing species to treat the seed layer to cause an oxide layer of predetermined thickness to form on the seed layer. The method protects the seed layer from contamination using the oxide layer while the substrate is transferred from the step of applying the seed layer and contacts a copper bearing material in liquid form overlying the oxide layer to dissolve the oxide layer while forming a thickness of copper bearing material using a plating process to begin filling the contact structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) CorporationInventors: Yang Hui Xiang, Qing Tang Jiang
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Patent number: 8236682Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a contact structure. The method includes forming a conductive pattern on a substrate. An interlayer insulating layer covering the conductive pattern is formed. The interlayer insulating layer is patterned to form an opening partially exposing the conductive pattern. An oxide layer is formed on substantially the entire surface of the substrate on which the opening is formed. A reduction process is performed to reduce the oxide layer. Here, the oxide layer on a bottom region of the opening is reduced to a catalyst layer, and the oxide layer on a region other than the bottom region of the opening is reduced to a non-catalyst layer. A nano material is grown from the catalyst layer, so that a contact plug is formed in the opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung-Rae Byun, Suk-Ho Joo, Min-Joon Park
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Patent number: 8227340Abstract: A method for producing an electrically conductive connection between a first surface of a semiconductor substrate and a second surface of the semiconductor substrate includes producing a hole, forming an electrically conductive layer that includes tungsten, removing the electrically conductive layer from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, filling the hole with copper and thinning the semiconductor substrate. The hole is produced from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate. The electrically conductive layer is removed from the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the electrically conductive layer remains at least with reduced thickness in the hole. The semiconductor substrate is thinned starting from a surface, which is an opposite surface of the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, to obtain the second surface of the semiconductor substrate with the hole being uncovered at the second surface of the semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Uwe Seidel, Thorsten Obernhuber, Albert Birner, Georg Ehrentraut
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Patent number: 8227708Abstract: A system of via structures disposed in a substrate. The system includes a first via structure that comprises an outer conductive layer, an inner insulating layer, and an inner conductive layer disposed in the substrate. The outer conductive layer separates the inner insulating layer and the substrate and the inner insulating layer separates the inner conductive layer and the outer conductive layer. A first signal of a first complementary pair passes through the inner conductive layer and a second signal of the first complementary pair passes through the outer conductive layer. In different embodiments, a method of forming a via structure in an electronic substrate is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Xia Li, Wei Zhao, Yu Cao, Shiqun Gu, Seung H. Kang, Ming-Chu King
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Patent number: 8227333Abstract: A structure and a method of manufacturing a Pb-free Controlled Collapse Chip Connection (C4) with a Ball Limiting Metallurgy (BLM) structure for semiconductor chip packaging that reduce chip-level cracking during the Back End of Line (BEOL) processes of chip-join cool-down. An edge of the BLM structure that is subject to tensile stress during chip-join cool down is protected from undercut of a metal seed layer, caused by wet etch of the chip to remove metal layers from the chip's surface and solder reflow, by an electroplated barrier layer, which covers a corresponding edge of the metal seed layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Christopher D. Muzzy, Wolfgang Sauter
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Patent number: 8216377Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for reducing halide-based contamination within deposited titanium-based thin films. Halide adsorbing materials are utilized within the deposition chamber to remove halides, such as chlorine and chlorides, during the deposition process so that contamination of the titanium-based film is minimized. A method for regenerating the halide adsorbing material is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Garo J. Derderian, Cem Basceri, Donald L. Westmoreland
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Patent number: 8207062Abstract: Methods of improving the adhesion of low resistivity tungsten/tungsten nitride layers are provided. Low resistivity tungsten/tungsten nitride layers with good adhesion are formed by treating a tungsten or tungsten nitride layer before depositing low resistivity tungsten. Treatments include a plasma treatment and a temperature treatment. According to various embodiments, the treatment methods involve different gaseous atmospheres and plasma conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Juwen Gao, Wei Lei, Michal Danek, Erich Klawuhn, Sean Chang, Ron Powell
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Patent number: 8198730Abstract: A semiconductor device has a multilayer interconnection including a copper interconnection film formed in a predetermined area within an insulating film, a liner film, and a high-melting-point metal film. The copper interconnection film is polycrystalline, and crystal grains occupying 40% or more of an area of a unit interconnection surface among crystal grains forming the polycrystal are oriented to (111) in a substrate thickness direction. The copper interconnection film has crystal conformity with the noble metal liner film. In a case where the high-melting-point metal film is formed of Ti and the noble metal liner film is a Ru film, the high-melting-point metal of Ti dissolves into Ru in a solid state to form the noble metal liner. Thus, a copper interconnection is formed with both of Cu diffusion barrier characteristics and Cu crystal conformity.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Masayoshi Tagami, Yoshihiro Hayashi, Munehiro Tada, Takahiro Onodera, Naoya Furutake, Makoto Ueki, Mari Amano
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Patent number: 8178446Abstract: A method for forming a strained metal nitride film and a semiconductor device containing the strained metal nitride film. The method includes exposing a substrate to a gas containing a metal precursor, exposing the substrate to a gas containing a first nitrogen precursor configured to react with the metal precursor with a first reactivity characteristic, and exposing the substrate to a gas pulse containing a second nitrogen precursor configured to react with the metal precursor with a second reactivity characteristic different than the first reactivity characteristic such that a property of the metal nitride film formed on the substrate changes to provide a strained metal nitride film.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Robert D. Clark
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Patent number: 8164194Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a data line structure in a lead region of a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). The data line structure in the lead region comprises a substrate and a gate layer data line segment, a dielectric layer, a data line lead, and a passivation layer, which are formed sequentially in the lead region on the substrate. The gate layer data line segment extends corresponding to the data line lead; the data line lead is formed with a via hole therein; a portion of the gate insulating layer and a portion of the passivation layer in a position corresponding to the via hole are removed so as to form a connection hole together with the via hole; a connection line segment is formed in the connection hole, and the gate layer data line segment and the data line lead are connected by the connection line segment in the connection hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Beijing Boe Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wei Qin, Wei Wang
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Patent number: 8153487Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer provided on the first insulating film, a second insulating film comprising a plurality of insulating films provided on the charge storage layer and comprising a nitride film as an uppermost layer, and a single-layer control gate electrode provided on the second insulating film and comprising metal silicide.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Wakako Takeuchi, Hiroshi Akahori, Murato Kawai
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Patent number: 8153520Abstract: Methods of processing partially manufactured semiconductor substrates with one or more through silicon vias to partially remove a tungsten layer formed on the field region during filling the through silicon vias are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods produce substrates with reduced bowing than the bowing present after through silicon vias filling. Substrates with reduced bowing are easier to handle and may expedite subsequent processes.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anand Chandrashekar, Raashina Humayun, Michal Danek
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Publication number: 20120068265Abstract: This wiring layer structure includes: an underlying substrate of a semiconductor substrate or a glass substrate; an oxygen-containing Cu layer or an oxygen-containing Cu alloy layer which is formed on the underlying substrate; an oxide layer containing at least one of Al, Zr, and Ti which is formed on the oxygen-containing Cu layer or the oxygen-containing Cu alloy layer; and a Cu alloy layer containing at least one of Al, Zr, and Ti which is formed on the oxide layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicants: ULVAC, INC., MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATIONInventors: Kazunari Maki, Kenichi Yaguchi, Yosuke Nakasato
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Patent number: 8138056Abstract: A memory cell structure and method for forming the same. The method includes forming a pore within a dielectric layer. The pore is formed over the center of an electrically conducting bottom electrode. The method includes depositing a thermally insulating layer along at least one sidewall of the pore. The thermally insulating layer isolates heat from phase change current to the volume of the pore. In one embodiment phase change material is deposited within the pore and the volume of the thermally insulating layer. In another embodiment a pore electrode is formed within the pore and the volume of the thermally insulating layer, with the phase change material being deposited above the pore electrode. The method also includes forming an electrically conducting top electrode above the phase change material.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Matthew J. Breitwisch, Roger W. Cheek, Eric A. Joseph, Chung H. Lam, Bipin Rajendran, Alejandro G. Schrott, Yu Zhu
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Publication number: 20120038050Abstract: A sputtering target consists of high purity Nb of which Ta content is 3000 ppm or less and oxygen content is 200 ppm or less. Dispersion of the Ta content in all the sputtering target is within ±30% as a whole target. Dispersion of the oxygen content is within ±80% as a whole target. According to such sputtering target, an interconnection film of low resistivity can be realized. In addition, each grain of Nb in the sputtering target has a grain diameter in the range of 0.1 to 10 times an average grain diameter and ratios of grain sizes of adjacent grains are in the range of 0.1 to 10. According to such sputtering target, giant dust can be largely suppressed from occurring. The sputtering target is suitable for forming a Nb film as liner material of an Al interconnection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Koichi WATANABE, Yasuo Kohsaka, Takashi Watanabe, Takashi Ishigami, Yukinobu Suzuki, Naomi Fujioka
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Patent number: 8097517Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device which is capable of simultaneously improving a short channel effect of a PMOS and the current of an NMOS and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device includes first and second gates formed over first and second areas of a semiconductor substrate, respectively; and first and second junction areas formed in a portion of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to both sides of the first gate and a portion of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to both sides of the second gate, and including a projection, respectively, wherein the projection of the first junction area has a height higher than the height of the projection of the second junction area, and the second junction area is formed such that it has a depth from the surface of the semiconductor substrate deeper than the depth of the first junction area.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventor: Min Jung Shin