At Least One Layer Forms A Diffusion Barrier Patents (Class 438/653)
  • Publication number: 20140361381
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device and a device manufactured using the same are provided. A substrate with plural metal gates formed thereon is provided, wherein the adjacent metal gates are separated by insulation. A sacrificial layer is formed for capping the metal gates and the insulation, and the sacrificial layer and the insulation are patterned to form at least an opening for exposing the substrate. A silicide is formed corresponding to the opening at the substrate, and a conductive contact is formed in the opening. The conductive contact has a top area with a second diameter CD2 for opening the insulation. A patterned dielectric layer, further formed on the metal gates, the insulation and the conductive contact, at least has a first M0 opening with a third diameter CD3 for exposing the conductive contact, wherein CD2>CD3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ching-Wen Hung, Chih-Sen Huang, Yi-Ching Wu
  • Publication number: 20140363971
    Abstract: A manganese oxide film as a barrier film is formed on a structure in which a lower copper wiring layer is formed on a substrate, a silicon-containing oxide film as an interlayer film is formed on the lower copper wiring layer, and a recess is formed in the silicon-containing oxide film to reach the lower copper wiring layer. Further, this manganese oxide film is formed by an ALD process, and is controlled to have a thickness by adjusting the repetition number of times such that the manganese oxide film has a predetermined barrier property on the silicon-containing oxide film and copper buried in the recess has a preset resistance value on the exposed lower copper wiring layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Kenji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8907493
    Abstract: A first through hole 16 and a second through hole 17 are formed which penetrate from a rear surface 10a side of an element formation surface 10b of a semiconductor substrate (silicon substrate 10) in which an element section Ra is formed, to the element formation surface. An outer circumference insulation film 12 is formed on the side wall of the bottom of the second through hole 17 to surround the outer circumference of the second through hole 17 having a larger opening diameter among these through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kengo Uchida, Kazuyuki Higashi
  • Publication number: 20140353829
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an insulating layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, the insulating layer including oxygen, a first wire formed in the insulating layer, and a second wire formed in the insulating layer over the first wire and containing manganese, oxygen, and copper, the second wire having a projection portion formed in the insulating layer and extending downwardly but spaced apart from the first wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Hirosato OCHIMIZU, Atsuhiro TSUKUNE, Hiroshi KUDO
  • Patent number: 8900991
    Abstract: In a film forming method for forming a Co film on a substrate provided in a processing chamber, gaseous Co4(CO)12 as a single film forming material is supplied into the processing chamber. Then, the gaseous Co4(CO)12 is thermally decomposed on the substrate to form the Co film on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shuji Azumo, Yasuhiko Kojima
  • Publication number: 20140346645
    Abstract: A through silicon via includes a substrate and a conductive plug. The substrate has a hole in a side. The conductive plug is disposed in the hole, and the conductive plug having an upper part protruding from the side, wherein the upper part has a top part and a bottom part, and the top part is finer than the bottom part. Moreover, a through silicon via process formed said through silicon via is also provided, which includes the following step. A hole is formed in a substrate from a side. A first conductive material is formed to cover the hole and the side. A patterned photoresist is formed to cover the side but exposing the hole. A second conductive material is formed on the exposed first conductive material. The patterned photoresist is removed. The first conductive material on the side is removed to form a conductive plug in the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chien-Li Kuo, Chun-Hung Chen, Ming-Tse Lin, Yung-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 8895432
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a self-aligned buried bit line in a structure which makes up a portion of a vertical channel DRAM. The materials and processes used enable self-alignment of elements of the buried bit line during the fabrication process. In addition, the materials and processes used enable for formation of individual DRAM cells which have a buried bit line width which is 16 nm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Chorng-Ping Chang, Bingxi Wood, Er-Xuan Ping
  • Patent number: 8895433
    Abstract: Interconnect structures including a graphene cap located on exposed surfaces of a copper structure are provided. In some embodiments, the graphene cap is located only atop the uppermost surface of the copper structure, while in other embodiments the graphene cap is located along vertical sidewalls and atop the uppermost surface of the copper structure. The copper structure is located within a dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Griselda Bonilla, Christos D. Dimitrakopoulos, Alfred Grill, James B. Hannon, Qinghuang Lin, Deborah A. Neumayer, Satoshi Oida, John A. Ott, Dirk Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20140342551
    Abstract: In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, a first sacrificial layer, a first insulating layer, and a second sacrificial layer are successively provided on a substrate. The second sacrificial layer, the first insulating layer, and the first sacrificial layer are patterened to define an opening exposing a portion of the substrate and successively forming second sacrificial patterns, capping patterns, and first sacrificial patterns on the substrate. A second insulating layer is conformally formed at inner sidewalls and a bottom of the opening. The second insulating layer and the second sacrificial patterns are etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the first sacrificial patterns and to remove the second sacrificial patterns. A wiring pattern is provided to fill the opening in which the spacers are formed. The first sacrificial patterns are then vaporized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sangdon Nam
  • Publication number: 20140339700
    Abstract: Contacts for semiconductor devices are formed where a barrier layer comprising graphene is situated between a first layer comprising a conductor, and a second layer comprising a second conductor or a semiconductor. For example, a metal layer can be formed on a graphene layer residing on a semiconductor. The barrier layer can be directly formed on some second layers, for example, graphene can be transferred from an organic polymer/graphene bilayer structure and the organic polymer removed and replaced with a metal or other conductor that comprises the first layer of the contact. The bilayer can be formed by CVD deposition on a metallic second layer, or the graphene can be formed on a template layer, for example, a metal layer, and bound by a binding layer comprising an organic polymer to form an organic polymer/graphene/metal trilayer structure. The template layer can be removed to yield the bilayer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Fan Ren, Stephen John Pearton, Jihyun Kim, Hong-Yeol Kim
  • Publication number: 20140342552
    Abstract: A method for fabricating through-silicon vias (TSVs) for semiconductor devices is provided. Specifically, the method involves utilizing copper contact pads in a back-end-of-line wiring level, wherein the copper contact pads act as cathodes for performing an electroplating technique to fill TSVs with plated-conductive material (e.g., copper) from an electroplating solution. Moreover, the method provides a way to fill high aspect ratio TSVs with minimal additional semiconductor fabrication process steps, which can increase the silicon area that is available for forming additional electronic components on integrated circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Mukta G. Farooq, Troy L. Graves-Abe
  • Patent number: 8889544
    Abstract: The disclosure provides mechanisms of performing metal chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) without significant loss of copper and a dielectric film of damascene structures. The mechanisms use a metal CMP stop layer made of a low-k dielectric film with a porogen, which significantly reduces the removal rate of the metal CMP stop layer by metal CMP. The metal CMP stop layer is converted into a porous low-k dielectric film after a cure (or curing) to remove or convert the porogen. The low-k value, such as equal to or less than about 2.6, of the metal CMP stop layer makes the impact of using of the metal CMP stop layer on RC delay from minimum to none. Further the CMP stop layer protects the porous low-k dielectric film underneath from exposure to water, organic compounds, and mobile ions in the CMP slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsu Wu, Hsin-Hsien Lu, Tien-I Bao, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Patent number: 8889547
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for forming discreet multilayered structures. Each structure may be deposited by in situ deposition of multiple layers at one of multiple site isolation regions provided on the same substrate for use in combinatorial processing. Alignment of different layers within each structure is provided by using two or more differently sized openings in-between one or more sputtering targets and substrate. Specifically, deposition of a first layer is performed through the first opening that defines a first deposition area. A shutter having a second smaller opening is then positioned in-between the one or more targets and substrate. Sputtering of a second layer is then performed through this second opening that defines a second deposition area. This second deposition area may be located within the first deposition area based on sizing and alignment of the openings as well as alignment of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Barstow, Owen Ho Yin Fong
  • Publication number: 20140332961
    Abstract: In the present invention, the pure Cu film is deposited on the CuMn film and the Mn atoms are induced to diffuse within the dielectric layer. The barrier properties of this self-forming barrier are sensitive to the thickness, the annealing temperature, the annealing time and the impurity concentration of itself. The bi-layer structure reduces the resistance of the barrier and improves the surface morphology during the electroplating process because the Mn atoms will be more easily corroded and oxidized in sulfuric acid with respect to the Cu. After annealing, the thermal stability and the barrier properties of the Cu/CuMn films is better than either single Cu film or single CuMn film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Wen-His Lee, Chia-Yang WU
  • Publication number: 20140332959
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: a groove portion formation step of forming a groove portion in a base; a barrier layer formation step of forming a barrier layer that covers at least an inner wall surface of the groove portion; a seed layer formation step of forming a seed layer that covers the barrier layer; and a burial step of burying a conductive material in an inside region of the seed layer, wherein the seed layer is made of Cu, and the conductive material is made of Cu.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: ULVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Junichi Hamaguchi, Shuji Kodaira, Yuta Sakamoto, Akifumi Sano, Koukichi Kamada, Yoshiyuki Kadokura, Joji Hiroishi, Yukinobu Numata, Koji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140332962
    Abstract: A structure for an integrated circuit with reduced contact resistance is disclosed. The structure includes a substrate, a cap layer deposited on the substrate, a dielectric layer deposited on the cap layer, and a trench embedded in the dielectric layer. The trench includes a TaN layer deposited on a side wall of the trench wherein the TaN layer has a greater concentration of nitrogen than tantalum, a Ta layer deposited on the TaN layer, and a Cu deposited on the Ta layer. The structure further includes a via integrated into the trench at bottom of the filled trench. In an embodiment, both the TaN layer and the Ta layer are formed with physical vapor deposition (PVD) wherein the TaN layer is formed with plasma sputtering a Ta target with an N2 flow at least 20 sccm. The structure offers low contact resistance (Rc) and tight Rc distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ya-Lien Lee, Hung-Wen Su, Yu-Hung Lin, Kuei-Pin Lee, Yu-Min Chang
  • Patent number: 8883639
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first conductive layer over the substrate. A dielectric layer, having a first opening, is formed over the first conductive layer. A seed layer is deposited over the first dielectric layer and in the first opening. A layer is formed of conductive nanotubes from the seed layer over the first dielectric layer and over the first opening. A second dielectric is formed over the layer of conductive nanotubes. An opening is formed in the second dielectric layer over the first opening. Conductive material is deposited in the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Reber
  • Patent number: 8883632
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a device including: a first process in which a barrier film is formed on a substrate with a concave portion provided on one surface thereof so as to cover an inner wall surface of the concave portion; a second process in which a conductive film is formed so as to cover the barrier film; and a third process in which the conductive film is melted by a reflow method, wherein the method includes a process ? between the second process and the third process, in which the substrate with the barrier film and the conductive film laminated thereon in this order is exposed to an atmosphere under a pressure A for a time period B, and wherein in the process ?, control is carried out such that a product of the pressure A and the time period B is not greater than 6×10?4 [Pa·s].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ULVAC, Inc.
    Inventors: Youhei Endo, Shuji Kodaira, Yuta Sakamoto, Junichi Hamaguchi, Yohei Uchida, Yasushi Higuchi, Shinya Nakamura, Kazuyoshi Hashimoto, Yoshihiro Ikeda, Hiroaki Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 8884400
    Abstract: A device includes a metal pad and a passivation layer having a portion overlapping the metal pad. A capacitor includes a bottom capacitor electrode underlying the passivation layer, wherein the bottom capacitor includes the metal pad. The capacitor further includes a top capacitor electrode over the portion of the passivation layer; and a capacitor insulator including the portion of the passivation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hao-Yi Tsai, Hsien-Wei Chen, Hung-Yi Kuo, Tung-Liang Shao, Ying-Ju Chen, Tsung-Yuan Yu, Jie Chen
  • Publication number: 20140327139
    Abstract: Contact structures and methods of fabricating contact structures of semiconductor devices are provided. One method includes, for instance: obtaining a substrate including a dielectric layer over the substrate; patterning the dielectric layer with at least one contact opening; providing a contact liner within the at least one contact opening in the dielectric layer; and filling the contact liner with a conductive material. In enhanced aspects, providing the contact liner within the at least one contact opening includes: depositing a first layer within the at least one contact opening in the dielectric layer; depositing a second layer over the first layer within the at least one contact opening; depositing at least one intermediate layer over the second layer within the at least one contact opening; and depositing a top layer over the at least one intermediate layer within the at least one contact opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Jialin YU, Jilin XIA, Huang LIU, Wonwoo KIM, Changyong XIAO
  • Publication number: 20140327151
    Abstract: A structure includes a substrate, and an interconnect structure over the substrate. The structure further includes a through-substrate-via (TSV) extending through the interconnect structure and into the substrate, the TSV comprising a conductive material layer. The structure further includes a dielectric layer having a first portion over the interconnect structure and a second portion within the TSV, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise a same material. The conductive material layer includes a first section separated from substrate by the second portion of the dielectric layer. The conductive material layer further includes a second section over a top surface of the second portion of the dielectric layer. The conductive material layer further includes a third section over the second section, wherein the third section has a width greater than a width of the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Ku-Feng YANG, Tsang-Jiuh WU, Yi-Hsiu CHEN, Ebin LIAO, Yuan-Hung LIU, Wen-Chih CHIOU
  • Publication number: 20140327140
    Abstract: Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating integrated circuits includes providing a semiconductor substrate disposed with a device therein and/or thereon. A contact structure including a barrier layer and a plug metal overlying the barrier layer is formed in electrical contact with the device. A hardmask is formed overlying the contact structure. The method includes performing an etch to form a via opening through the hardmask and to expose the barrier layer and the plug metal. Further, the method removes a remaining portion of the hardmask with a wet etchant, while the contact structure is configured to inhibit the wet etchant from etching the barrier layer. In the method, the via opening is filled with a conductive material to form an interconnect to the contact structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.
    Inventors: Xunyuan Zhang, Xuan Lin, Vimal Kamineni
  • Patent number: 8877635
    Abstract: A method for fabricating metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate having a silicide thereon; performing a first rapid thermal process to drive-in platinum from a surface of the silicide into the silicide; and removing un-reacted platinum in the first rapid thermal process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih Lai, Nien-Ting Ho, Shu Min Huang, Bor-Shyang Liao, Chia Chang Hsu
  • Patent number: 8877633
    Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, forming a barrier system comprised of at least one barrier material and at least two metallic elements, and performing a heating process to form a metal alloy comprised of the at least two metallic elements in the barrier system. Also disclosed is a device that comprises a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, a barrier system positioned in the trench/via, wherein the barrier system comprises at least one barrier material and a metal alloy comprised of at least two metallic elements that are comprised of materials other than the at least one barrier material, and a conductive structure positioned in the trench/via above the barrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Xunyuan Zhang, Hoon Kim, Vivian W. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140319686
    Abstract: An object is to use an electrode made of a less expensive material than gold (Au). A semiconductor device comprises: a first titanium layer that is formed to cover at least part of a semiconductor layer and is made of titanium; an aluminum layer that is formed on the first titanium layer on opposite side of the semiconductor layer and mainly consists of aluminum; a titanium nitride layer that is formed on the aluminum layer on opposite side of the first titanium layer and is made of titanium nitride; and an electrode layer that is formed on the titanium nitride layer on opposite side of the aluminum layer and is made of silver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriaki Murakami, Toru Oka
  • Publication number: 20140319685
    Abstract: Hybrid metal-graphene interconnect structures and methods of forming the same. The structure may include a first end metal, a second end metal, a conductive line including one or more graphene portions extending from the first end metal to the second end metal, and one or more line barrier layers partially surrounding each of the one or more graphene portions. The conductive line may further include one or more intermediate metals separating each of the one or more graphene portions. Methods of forming said interconnect structures may include forming a plurality of metals including a first end metal and a second end metal in a dielectric layer, forming one or more line trenches between each of the plurality of metals, forming a line barrier layer in each of the one or more line trenches, and filling the one or more line trenches with graphene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Junjing Bao, Griselda Bonilla, Samuel S. Choi, Ronald G. Filippi, Naftali E. Lustig, Andrew H. Simon
  • Patent number: 8871601
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include diffusion barriers, methods for forming the barriers, and semiconductor devices utilizing the barriers. The diffusion barrier comprises a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a semiconductor substrate, where one surface of the SAM is disposed in contact with and covalently bonded to the semiconductor substrate, and one surface of the monolayer is disposed in contact with and covalently bonded to a metal layer. In some embodiments, the barrier comprises an assembly of one or more monomeric subunits of the following structure: Si—(CnHy)-(LM)m where n is from 1 to 20, y is from 2n?2 to 2n, m is 1 to 3, L is a Group VI element, and M is a metal, such as copper. In some embodiments, (CnHy) can be branched, crosslinked, or cyclic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuena Zhang, Mankoo Lee, Dipankar Pramanik
  • Patent number: 8872341
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relate to a method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising: forming a structure, the structure including at least a first element and a second element; and forming a passivation layer over the structure, the passivation layer including at least the first element and the second element, the first element and the second element of the passivation layer coming from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Gerald Dallmann, Heike Rosslau, Norbert Urbansky, Scott Wallace
  • Patent number: 8872345
    Abstract: A method of forming an interposer includes providing a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface; forming one or more through-silicon vias (TSVs) extending from the front surface into the semiconductor substrate; forming an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer overlying the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and the one or more TSVs; and forming an interconnect structure in the ILD layer, the interconnect structure electrically connecting the one or more TSVs to the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chun Hsieh, Wei-Cheng Wu, Hsiao-Tsung Yen, Hsien-Pin Hu, Shang-Yun Hou, Shin-Puu Jeng
  • Publication number: 20140315382
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of substantially equal-spaced first spacers having a first pitch over a substrate and forming first metal interconnecting wires utilizing the first spacers. The method also includes forming a plurality of substantially equal-spaced second spacers in such a way to abut, respectively, the plurality of first metal interconnecting wires and define a plurality of substantially equal-spaced trenches. A plurality of second metal interconnecting wires are disposed, respectively, within the trenches and the second spacers are removed, thereby defining a plurality of substantially equal-spaced channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Sunil Kumar Singh, Hsin-Chieh Yao, Chung-Ju Lee, Hsiang-Huan Lee
  • Patent number: 8865594
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a film stack on a substrate, comprising performing a silicon containing gas soak process to form a silicon containing layer over the substrate, reacting with the silicon containing layer to form a tungsten silicide layer on the substrate, depositing a tungsten nitride layer on the substrate, subjecting the substrate to a nitridation treatment using active nitrogen species from a remote plasma, and depositing a conductive bulk layer directly on the tungsten nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyeob Lee, Sang Ho Yu, Kai Wu
  • Publication number: 20140308810
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes sequentially forming an etch stop film and an insulating film on a substrate including a lower pattern forming a conductive mask pattern including a first opening on the insulating film, forming a via-hole in the insulating film using the conductive mask pattern as an etch mask, the via-hole exposing the etch stop film, removing the conductive mask pattern, and forming a passivation film along a side wall of the via-hole after removing the conductive mask pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Whan KO, Jong-Sam KIM, Hong-Jae SHIN, Seung-Il BOK, Sae-Il SON, Woo-Jin JANG
  • Publication number: 20140308766
    Abstract: A contact to a semiconductor including sequential layers of Cr, Ti, and Al is provided, which can result in a contact with one or more advantages over Ti/Al-based and Cr/Al-based contacts. For example, the contact can: reduce a contact resistance; provide an improved surface morphology; provide a better contact linearity; and/or require a lower annealing temperature, as compared to the prior art Ti/Al-based contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Remigijus Gaska, Xuhong Hu, Michael Shur
  • Publication number: 20140306351
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device formed by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SK hynix inc.
    Inventor: Myung-Ok KIM
  • Publication number: 20140308794
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming an insulation layer over a substrate; forming an open portion in the insulation layer; forming a sacrificial spacer over sidewalls of the open portion; forming, over the sacrificial spacer, a first conductive pattern in a lower section of the open portion; forming an ohmic contact layer over the first conductive pattern; forming an air gap by removing the sacrificial spacer; capping the air gap by forming a barrier layer over the ohmic contact layer; and forming a second conductive pattern over the barrier layer to fill an upper section of the open portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Hyo-Seok LEE, Seung-Jin YEOM, Sung-Won LIM, Seung-Hee HONG, Nam-Yeal LEE
  • Publication number: 20140306322
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure, method of manufacturing the same and design structure thereof are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a substrate including a semiconductor layer and a plurality of TSVs embedded therein. At least one TSV has a TSV tip extending from a backside surface of the substrate. The semiconductor structure further includes a multilayer metal contact structure positioned on the backside surface of the substrate. The multilayer metal contact structure includes at least a conductive layer covering the backside surface of the substrate and covering protruding surfaces of the TSV tip. The conductive layer has a non-planar first surface and a substantially planar second surface opposite of the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Edwards, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Charles F. Musante, Ping-Chuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20140306344
    Abstract: There is provided with a wiring structure. The wiring stracture has a damascene wiring structure including a metal wiring. The metal wiring is provided in direct contact with an upper surface of a barrier film (SiC(O, N) film) containing silicon (Si), carbon (C), and at least one of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) as constituent components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Tohoku University
    Inventors: Shigetoshi Sugawa, Akinobu Teramoto, Rihito Kuroda, Gu Xun
  • Patent number: 8859422
    Abstract: A method of forming a Cu wiring in a trench or hole formed in a substrate is provided. The method includes forming a barrier film on the surface of the trench or hole, forming a Ru film on the barrier film, and embedding Cu in the trench or hole by forming a Cu film on the Ru film using PVD while annealing the substrate such that migration of copper into the trench or hole occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ishizaka, Atsushi Gomi, Takara Kato, Osamu Yokoyama, Takashi Sakuma, Chiaki Yasumuro, Hiroyuki Toshima, Tatsuo Hatano, Yasushi Mizusawa, Masamichi Hara, Kenzi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8859421
    Abstract: There is provided a manganese oxide film forming method capable of forming a manganese oxide film having high adhesivity to Cu. In the manganese oxide film forming method, a manganese oxide film is formed on an oxide by supplying a manganese-containing gas onto the oxide. A film forming temperature for forming the manganese oxide film is set to be equal to or higher than about 100° C. and lower than about 400° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Tohoku University
    Inventors: Koji Neishi, Junichi Koike, Kenji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8859419
    Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, forming a barrier layer in the trench/via, forming a copper-based seed layer on the barrier layer, converting at least a portion of the copper-based seed layer into a copper-based nitride layer, depositing a bulk copper-based material on the copper-based nitride layer so as to overfill the trench/via and performing at least one chemical mechanical polishing process to remove excess materials positioned outside of the trench/via to thereby define a copper-based conductive structure. A device disclosed herein includes a layer of insulating material, a copper-based conductive structure positioned in a trench/via within the layer of insulating material and a copper-based silicon or germanium nitride layer positioned between the copper-based conductive structure and the layer of insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Xunyuan Zhang, Larry Zhao, Ming He, Sean Lin, John Iacoponi, Errol Todd Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140302671
    Abstract: Wet-etch solutions for conductive metals (e.g., copper) and metal nitrides (e.g., tantalum nitride) can be tuned to differentially etch the conductive metals and metal nitrides while having very little effect on nearby oxides (e.g., silicon dioxide hard mask materials), and etching refractory metals (e.g. tantalum) at an intermediate rate. The solutions are aqueous base solutions (e.g., ammonia-peroxide mixture or TMAH-peroxide mixture) with just enough hydrofluoric acid (HF) added to make the solution's pH about 8-10. Applications include metallization of sub-micron logic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Intermolecular Inc.
    Inventors: Anh Duong, Errol Todd Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140291847
    Abstract: One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, forming a barrier system comprised of at least one barrier material and at least two metallic elements, and performing a heating process to form a metal alloy comprised of the at least two metallic elements in the barrier system. Also disclosed is a device that comprises a trench/via in a layer of insulating material, a barrier system positioned in the trench/via, wherein the barrier system comprises at least one barrier material and a metal alloy comprised of at least two metallic elements that are comprised of materials other than the at least one barrier material, and a conductive structure positioned in the trench/via above the barrier system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Xunyuan Zhang, Hoon Kim, Vivian W. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140295663
    Abstract: An aluminum interconnection apparatus comprises a metal structure formed over a substrate, wherein the metal structure is formed of a copper and aluminum alloy, a first alloy layer formed underneath the metal structure and a first barrier layer formed underneath the first alloy layer, wherein the first barrier layer is generated by a reaction between the first alloy layer and an adjacent dielectric layer during a thermal process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ching-Fu Yeh, Hsiang-Huan Lee
  • Patent number: 8846451
    Abstract: Methods for depositing metal in high aspect ratio features formed on a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes applying first RF power at VHF frequency to target comprising metal disposed above substrate to form plasma, applying DC power to target to direct plasma towards target, sputtering metal atoms from target using plasma while maintaining pressure in PVD chamber sufficient to ionize predominant portion of metal atoms, depositing first plurality of metal atoms on bottom surface of opening and on first surface of substrate, applying second RF power to redistribute at least some of first plurality from bottom surface to lower portion of sidewalls of the opening, and depositing second plurality of metal atoms on upper portion of sidewalls by reducing amount of ionized metal atoms in PVD chamber, wherein first and second pluralities form a first layer deposited on substantially all surfaces of opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Ritchie, Karl Brown, John Pipitone
  • Publication number: 20140287581
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a through silicon via (TSV) with a barrier pad deposited below the top surface of the TSV, the top surface having reduced topographic variations. A bottom TSV pad is deposited into a via and then polished so the top surface is below the substrate top surface. A barrier pad is then deposited in the via, and a top TSV pad deposited on the barrier pad. The top TSV barrier pad is polished to bring the top surface of the top TSV pad about level with the substrate. The barrier pad may be less than about 1 microns thick, and the top TSV pad may be less than about 6 microns thick. The barrier pad may be a dissimilar metal from the top and bottom TSV pads, and may be selected from a group comprising titanium, tantalum, cobalt, nickel and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yung-Chi Lin, Sylvia Lo, Jing-Cheng Lin, Yen-Hung Chen, Wen-Chih Chiou
  • Publication number: 20140287580
    Abstract: A method can form a conductive structure, which is useful for three-dimensional packaging with via plugs, in a shorter time by shortening the conventional long plating time that is an impediment to the practical use of electroplating. The method includes forming a conductive film on an entire surface, including interior surfaces of via holes, of a substrate having the via holes formed in the surface; forming a resist pattern at a predetermined position on the conductive film; carrying out first electroplating under first plating conditions, using the conductive film as a feeding layer, thereby filling a first plated film into the via holes; and carrying out second electroplating under second plating conditions, using the conductive film and the first plated film as a feeding layer, thereby allowing a second plated film to grow on the conductive film and the first plated film, both exposed in the resist openings of the resist pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Mizuki NAGAI, Nobutoshi SAITO, Fumio KURIYAMA, Akira FUKUNAGA
  • Patent number: 8841769
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer on a substrate; a first contact hole passing through the first insulating layer and exposing an upper surface of the substrate; a first barrier metal layer disposed on a sidewall and at a bottom of the first contact hole and a first metal plug disposed on the first barrier metal layer and in the first contact hole. A recess region is between the first insulating layer and the first metal plug. A gap-fill layer fills the recess region; and a second insulating layer is on the gap-fill layer. A second contact hole passes through the second insulating layer and exposes the upper surface of the first metal plug. A second barrier metal layer is on a sidewall and at the bottom of the second contact hole; and a second metal plug is on the second barrier metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sangjine Park, Boun Yoon, Jeongnam Han, Kee-Sang Kwon, Wonsang Choi
  • Patent number: 8841212
    Abstract: A method patterns at least one opening in a low-K insulator layer of a multi-level integrated circuit structure, such that a copper conductor is exposed at the bottom of the opening. The method then lines the sidewalls and the bottom of the opening with a first Tantalum Nitride layer in a first chamber and forms a Tantalum layer on the first Tantalum Nitride layer in the first chamber. Next, sputter etching on the opening is performed in the first chamber, so as to expose the conductor at the bottom of the opening. A second Tantalum Nitride layer is formed on the conductor, the Tantalum layer, and the first Tantalum Nitride layer, again in the first chamber. After the second Tantalum Nitride layer is formed, the methods herein form a flash layer comprising a Platinum group metal on the second Tantalum Nitride layer in a second, different chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Nogami, Thomas M. Shaw, Andrew H. Simon, Jean E. Wynne, Chih-Chao Yang
  • Publication number: 20140264871
    Abstract: Methods to increase metal interconnect reliability are provided. Methods include forming a conformal barrier layer within an opening in a semiconductor device structure and forming a copper alloy material above the conformal barrier layer. Next, removing the copper alloy material that extends beyond the opening. Removing native oxide from a top surface of the copper alloy material. Further, annealing or applying a plasma treatment to the copper alloy material. Finally, forming a capping layer above the copper alloy material. Notably, near the top of the copper alloy material, smaller copper grain growth may be present. Furthermore, more non-copper alloy atoms are present near the top of the copper alloy material than the bulk of the copper alloy material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Mankoo Lee
  • Publication number: 20140273435
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a through-silicon via comprises the following steps. Provide a substrate. Form a through silicon hole in the substrate having a diameter of at least 1 ?m and a depth of at least 5 ?m. Perform a first chemical vapor deposition process with a first etching/deposition ratio to form a dielectric layer lining the bottom and sidewall of the through silicon hole and the top surface of the substrate. Perform a shape redressing treatment with a second etching/deposition ratio to change the profile of the dielectric layer. Repeat the first chemical vapor deposition process and the shape redressing treatment at least once until the thickness of the dielectric layer reaches to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: IPEnval Consultant Inc.
    Inventors: Chao-Yuan Huang, Yueh-Feng Ho, Ming-Sheng Yang, Hwi-Huang Chen