Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor substrate having a first impurity region and a second impurity region, a first gate pattern formed on the first impurity region, and a second gate pattern formed on the second impurity region is disclosed. The first gate pattern comprises a first gate insulation layer pattern, a metal layer pattern having a first thickness, and a first polysilicon layer pattern. The second gate pattern comprises a second gate insulation layer pattern, a metal silicide layer pattern having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, and a second polysilicon layer pattern. The metal silicide layer pattern is formed from a material substantially the same as the material from which the metal layer pattern is formed. A method for manufacturing the semiconductor device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved tunneling barrier layer is formed for use in a MTJ device. This is accomplished by forming the tunneling barrier layer in two steps. First a layer of magnesium is deposited by DC sputtering and converted to magnesium oxide through radical oxidation. This is followed by a second, thinner, magnesium layer that is converted to magnesium oxide through normal oxidation. Optionally, there may also be a thin layer of magnesium on the two magnesium oxide layers.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make it possible to perform the embedding of a Cu diffusion preventing film and a Cu film to a fine pattern of a high aspect ratio by using a medium of a supercritical state in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device. The object of the invention is achieved by a substrate processing method comprising a first step of processing a substrate by supplying a first processing medium containing a first medium of a supercritical state onto the substrate, a second step of forming a Cu diffusion preventing film on the substrate by supplying a second processing medium containing a second medium of a supercritical state onto the substrate, and a third step of forming a Cu film on the substrate by supplying a third processing medium containing a third medium of a supercritical state onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method of printing an electrode component is disclosed. The method can include steps of electrostatically printing a polymer onto a substrate, where at least a portion of the printing occurs while the polymer is in a first conductive state, and altering the polymer to a second conductive state that is more conductive than the first conductive state, thereby forming the electronic component.

Abstract: A method for the pre-treatment of a wafer substrates with exposed metal surfaces is disclosed. The pre-treatment reduces oxidation of the exposed metal surfaces during subsequent supercritical cleaning processes.

Abstract: By forming a copper/silicon/nitrogen alloy in a surface portion of a copper-containing region on the basis of a precursor layer, highly controllable and reliable process conditions may be established. The precursor layer may be formed on the basis of a liquid precursor solution, which may exhibit a substantially self-aligned and self-limiting deposition behavior.

Abstract: The technology which can improve the performance of a MOS transistor in which all the regions of the gate electrode were silicided is offered. A gate insulating film and a gate electrode of an nMOS transistor are laminated and formed in this order on a semiconductor substrate. A source/drain region of the nMOS transistor is formed in the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate. The source/drain region is silicided after siliciding all the regions of the gate electrode. Thus, silicide does not cohere in the source/drain region by the heat treatment at the silicidation of the gate electrode by siliciding the source/drain region after the silicidation of the gate electrode. Therefore, the electric resistance of the source/drain region is reduced and junction leak can be reduced. As a result, the performance of the nMOS transistor improves.

Abstract: By forming a copper/silicon/nitrogen alloy in a surface portion of a copper-containing region on the basis of a precursor layer, highly controllable and reliable process conditions may be established. The precursor layer may be formed on the basis of a liquid precursor solution, which may exhibit a substantially self-aligned and self-limiting deposition behavior.

Abstract: A method of making a patterned metal oxide film includes jetting a sol-gel solution on a substrate. The sol-gel solution is dried to form a gel layer on the substrate. Portions of the gel layer are irradiated to pattern the gel layer and to form exposed portions. Irradiation causes the exposed portions of the gel layer to become at least one of substantially condensed to an oxide, substantially densified, substantially cured, and combinations thereof. The unexposed portions of the gel layer are removed, thereby forming the patterned metal oxide film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a metal interconnection line with use of a barrier metal layer formed in a low temperature. The method includes the steps of: forming an inter-layer insulation layer on a substrate; etching predetermined regions of the inter-layer insulation layer to form a plurality of contact openings; forming an ohmic metal layer on the contact openings and the etched inter-layer insulation layer; forming a seed layer on the ohmic metal layer; forming a metal layer on the seed layer and nitriding the metal layer in a repeated number of times to form a barrier metal layer; and forming a metal interconnection line on the barrier metal layer by burying the contact openings.

Abstract: Methods are described for eliminating void formation during the fabrication of and/or operation of memory cells/devices. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the methods to eliminate voids include formation of an opening on a semiconductor structure, formation of a diffusion barrier layer, deposition of a metal into the opening, preamorphization of the metal using preamorphization implants, and formation of a conductivity facilitating layer. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the methods to eliminate voids include formation of an opening on a semiconductor structure, formation of a diffusion barrier layer, deposition of a metal into the opening, preamorphization of the metal using a contact with a plasma, and formation of a conductivity facilitating layer.

Abstract: A method for easily forming a region with conductivity and high wettability without a step for removing a photocatalytic reaction layer, which is formed over a conductive layer, is proposed. The photocatalytic reaction layer is formed over a photocatalytic conductive layer, and the photocatalytic conductive layer is irradiated with ultraviolet light to form a region with conductivity and higher wettability than the photocatalytic reaction layer on a surface of the photocatalytic conductive layer which is irradiated with ultraviolet light. Note that for the photocatalytic conductive layer, a layer having a photocatalytic property of which resistivity is lower than or equal to 1×10?2 ? cm can be used.

Abstract: A conductive connection forming method includes forming a first layer comprising a first metal on a substrate and forming a second layer comprising a second metal different from the first metal on the first layer. At least a part of the first layer may be transformed to an alloy material comprising the first and second metals. A conductive connection may be formed to the alloy material. The alloy material may be less susceptible to formation of metal oxide compared to the first metal. By way of example, transforming the first layer may comprise annealing the first and second layer. An exemplary first metal comprises copper, and an exemplary second metal comprises aluminum, titanium, palladium, magnesium, or two or more such metals. The alloy material may be an intermetallic. A conductive connection may be formed to the alloy layer.

Abstract: Doping copper interconnects (100) with silicon (115) has been shown to improve Electromigration and Via Stress Migration reliability. After copper (118) is deposited by electrochemical deposition and chemically-mechanically polished back, doping is achieved by flowing SiH4 over the copper interconnect (100) for 0.5 to 5 seconds at a temperature of 325-425° C.

Abstract: A ruthenium (Ru) film is formed on a substrate as part of a two-stage methodology. During the first stage, the Ru film is formed on the substrate in a manner in which the Ru nucleation rate is greater than the Ru growth rate. During the second stage, the Ru film is formed on the substrate in a manner in which the Ru growth rate is greater than the Ru nucleation rate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of improved stress-migration resistance and reliability includes an insulating film having formed therein a lower interconnection consisting of a barrier metal film and a copper-silver alloy film, on which is then formed an interlayer insulating film. In the interlayer insulating film is formed an upper interconnection consisting of a barrier metal film and a copper-silver alloy film. The lower and the upper interconnections are made of a copper-silver alloy which contains silver in an amount more than a solid solution limit of silver to copper.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing integrated circuits containing at least one layer of elemental metal which during the processing of the integrated circuit is at least partly in the form of metal oxide, and the use of an organic compound containing certain functional groups for the reduction of a metal oxide layer formed during the production of an integrated circuit. According to the present process the metal oxide layer is at least partly reduced to elemental metal with a reducing agent selected from organic compounds containing one or more of the following functional groups: alcohol (—OH), aldehyde (—CHO), and carboxylic acid (—COOH).

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film of a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a TaN film on a semiconductor substrate by employing an atomic layer deposition method; and converting a part of the TaN film into a Ta by reacting the TaN film with NO2 to form a Ta film. The NO2 is formed by reacting NH3 with O2.

Abstract: A low-k dielectric material for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, semiconductor structures using the low-k dielectric material, and methods of forming such dielectric materials and fabricating such structures. The low-k dielectric material comprises carbon nanostructures, like carbon nanotubes or carbon buckyballs, that are characterized by an insulating electronic state. The carbon nanostructures may be converted to the insulating electronic state either before or after a layer containing the carbon nanostructures is formed on a substrate. One approach for converting the carbon nanostructures to the insulating electronic state is fluorination.

Abstract: Methods of forming barrier layers and structures thereof are disclosed. A nitrogen rich region is formed at a top surface of a barrier layer by exposing the barrier layer to a nitridation treatment. The nitrogen rich region increases the oxidation resistance of the barrier layer. The barrier layers have improved diffusion barrier properties. A stack of barrier layers may be formed, with one or more of the barrier layers in the stack being exposed to a nitridation treatment.

Abstract: A novel interlevel contact via structure having low contact resistance and improved reliability, and method of forming the contact via. The method comprises steps of: etching an opening through an interlevel dielectric layer to expose an underlying metal (Copper) layer surface; and, performing a low energy ion implant of an inert gas (Nitrogen) into the exposed metal underneath; and, depositing a refractory liner into the walls and bottom via structure which will have a lower contact resistance due to the presence of the proceeding inert gas implantation. Preferably, the inert Nitrogen gas reacts with the underlying exposed Copper metal to form a thin layer of CuN.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor device, and a manufacturing method, comprising a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, and a source-drain diffusion layer. A silicide film is formed on the gate electrode and the source-drain diffusion layer. The silicide film is thicker on the gate electrode than on the source-drain diffusion layer. The manufacturing method comprises forming a gate electrode on a gate insulating film, followed by forming a source-drain diffusion layer. Then, atoms inhibiting a silicidation are selectively introduced into the source-drain diffusion layer, and a high melting point metal film is formed on the gate electrode and the source-drain diffusion layer. The high melting point metal film is converted into silicide films selectively on the gate electrode and the source-drain diffusion layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing silicide used to reduce a contact resistance at a contact of a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device with the silicide manufactured by the same method. The method comprises the steps of: (a) cleaning a semiconductor substrate with a transistor formed thereon, the transistor including a source electrode, a drain electrode and a gate electrode; (b) placing the cleaned semiconductor substrate into a sputter chamber in a deposition equipment, and forming silicide at the same time of depositing a metal film under a state where the semiconductor substrate is heated at a temperature of 450-600° C.; (c) removing residual metal film not used for the formation of silicide; and (d) annealing the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed in a method of forming a copper wiring in a semiconductor device. A copper layer buries a damascene pattern in which an interlayer insulating film of a low dielectric constant. The copper layer is polished by means of a chemical mechanical polishing process to form a copper wiring within a damascene pattern. At this time, the chemical mechanical polishing process is overly performed so that the top surface of the copper wiring is concaved and is lower than the surface of the interlayer insulating film of the low dielectric constant neighboring it. Furthermore, an annealing process is performed so that the top surface of the copper wiring is changed from the concaved shape to a convex shape while stabilizing the copper wiring. A copper anti-diffusion insulating film is then formed on the entire structure including the top surface of the copper wiring having the convex shape.

Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction device with a compositionally modulated electrode and a method of fabricating a magnetic tunnel junction device with a compositionally modulated electrode are disclosed. An electrode in electrical communication with a data layer of the magnetic tunnel junction device includes a high resistivity region that has a higher resistivity than the electrode. As a result, a current flowing through the electrode generates joule heating in the high resistivity region and that joule heating increases a temperature of the data layer and reduces a coercivity of the data layer. Consequently, a magnitude of a switching field required to rotate an alterable orientation of magnetization of the data layer is reduced. The high resistivity region can be fabricated using a plasma oxidation, a plasma nitridation, a plasma carburization, or an alloying process.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, method of forming a barrier layer 300 over a semiconductor substrate 110. The method comprises forming an opening 120 in an insulating layer 130 located over a substrate thereby uncovering an underlying copper layer 140. The method further comprises exposing the opening and the underlying copper layer to a plasma-free reducing atmosphere 200 in the presence of a thermal anneal. The also comprises depositing a barrier layer in the exposed opening and on the exposed underlying copper layer. Such methods and resulting conductive structures thereof may be advantageously used in methods to manufacture integrated circuits comprising copper interconnects.

Abstract: A contact structure of a semiconductor includes a substrate, a conductive doping layer having an opposite polarity to that of the substrate, the conductive doping layer being formed in the substrate, a conductive layer formed on the conductive doping layer, and an insulation doping layer formed under the conductive doping layer in the substrate.

Abstract: The resist film is provided on the surface of the substrate having electrodes, and openings are provided in the resist film at positions of the electrodes on the substrate. The first metal is supplied into the openings. The first metal is then heated to melt and coagulate it. The second metal is then supplied into the openings on the first metal. The first metal and the second metal are heated to melt and coagulate them. The resist film is finally removed. By this method, excellent solder bumps can be formed on the substrate without remnants of the resist film being left on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit can include forming a barrier layer along lateral side walls and a bottom of a via aperture, forming a seed layer proximate and conformal to the barrier layer, and ion implanting elements into the seed layer. The via aperture is configured to receive a via material that electrically connects a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer.

Abstract: An electrode structure includes a first layer of conductive material and a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the first layer. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer to expose a portion of the surface of the first layer. A binding layer is formed on the dielectric layer and on the exposed portion of the surface of the first layer and a second layer of conductive material is formed on the conductive binding layer. The binding layer can be an oxide and the second layer a conductive material that is diffusible into an oxide. The electrode structure can be annealed to cause conductive material from the second layer to be chemisorbed into the binding layer to improve adhesion between the first and second layers. A programmable cell can be formed by forming a doped glass layer in the electrode structure.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for minimizing increases in via resistance by applying a nitrogen plasma after a titanium liner deposition. A via in a semiconductor device is formed by placing a metal layer on a substrate and placing a layer of anti-reflective coating (ARC) titanium nitride (TiN) over the metal layer. A layer of dielectric material is placed over the ARC TiN layer and a via passage is etched through the dielectric and partially through the ARC TiN layer. A titanium layer is then deposited and subjected to a nitrogen plasma process. The nitrogen plasma converts the titanium layer to a first layer of titanium nitride. The first layer of titanium nitride does not react with fluorine to form a high resistance compound. Therefore the electrical resistance of the first layer of titanium nitride does not significantly increase during subsequent thermal cycles.

Abstract: A copper filled semiconductor feature and method of forming the same having improved bulk properties the method including providing a semiconductor process wafer having a process surface including an opening for forming a semiconductor feature; depositing at least one metal dopant containing layer over the opening to form a thermally diffusive relationship to a subsequently deposited copper layer; depositing said copper layer to substantially fill the opening; and, thermally treating the semiconductor process wafer for a time period sufficient to distribute at least a portion of the metal dopants to collect along at least a portion of the periphery of said copper layer including a portion of said copper layer grain boundaries.

Abstract: The invention provides methods which can be used to structure even precious metal electrodes with conventional CMP steps, in particular with the aid of conventional slurries such as are already used to structure non-precious metals. Owing to the formation of an alloy, the chemically active components of the slurry are capable of attacking the additive to the precious metal in the alloy, as a result of which the surface of the alloy layer is roughened and the mechanical removal of the precious metal is increased.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating a semiconductor device are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary process includes forming an interface layer overlying the device substrate, forming a silver layer overlying the interface layer, annealing the substrate to form an intermetallic layer between the silver layer and the interface layer, the silver layer is in intimate contact with the intermetallic layer, and forming a protection layer overlying the silver layer. Other interconnect structures and processes are also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit having improved electromigration characteristics includes forming an aperture in an interlevel dielectric layer and providing a barrier layer in the aperture. The aperture is filled with a metal material and a barrier layer is provided above the metal material. An intermetallic region can be formed at an interface of the metal material and the barrier layer. The intermetallic material can be formed by implantation of species.

Abstract: In order to form an aluminum system wiring that does not peel off on an insulating film containing fluorine and to improve the reliability thereof, a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes an insulating film (14) containing fluorine formed on a substrate (11), a titanium aluminum alloy film (17a) formed on the insulating film (14) containing fluorine, and a metallic film (17b) comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy formed on the titanium aluminum alloy film (17a).

Abstract: Methods of forming a metal wiring layer on an integrated circuit include forming an insulating pattern including a recess region on an integrated circuit substrate. A metal layer is formed in the recess region and on a top surface of the insulting pattern. The metal layer is removed from the top surface of the insulating pattern adjacent the recess region and from an upper portion of the recess region. An aluminum film is formed on the metal layer at a process temperature less than a reflow temperature of the metal layer to substantially fill the upper portion of the recess region after removing the metal layer. A metal film is formed on the aluminum film at a process temperature less than the reflow temperature of the etched metal layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an FeRAM capacitor is employed to enhance an adhesive property between a dielectric layer and a first bottom electrode of iridium. The method including the steps of: preparing an active matrix including a semiconductor substrate, a transistor, a bit line, a first ILD, a second ILD and a storage node; forming a first bottom electrode on the second ILD and the storage node; forming a third ILD on exposed surfaces of the first bottom electrode and the second ILD; planarizing the third ILD till a top face of the first bottom electrode is exposed; forming a second bottom electrode on the top face of the bottom electrode; forming conductive oxides on exposed sidewalls of the first bottom electrode by carrying out an oxidation process; forming a dielectric layer on exposed surfaces of the first bottom electrodes, the second bottom electrode and the second ILD; and forming a top electrode on the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor component includes: deposition of a polysilicon layer on a substrate, deposition of a precursor layer on the polysilicon layer, and deposition of a protective layer on the precursor layer. A crystalline transformation occurs in the precursor layer at a first temperature to form an electrode layer. The layers are patterned to form an electrode stack, and the polysilicon layer is oxidized at a second temperature such that no crystalline transformation occurs in the electrode layer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method to reduce light induced corrosion and re-deposition of a metal, 8, (such as copper) that is used to make the interconnect wiring during the semiconductor manufacturing process. The light induced corrosion and re-deposition is caused by the exposure of a P-N junction to light, causing a photovoltaic effect. A photon-blocking layer, 13, is used in the invention to reduce the amount of exposure of the P-N junction to light. The photon blocking layer, 13, of the invention may be a direct band-gap material with a band-gap energy that is less than the lower edge of the energy spectrum of a typical light source used in the semiconductor manufacturing facility (typically less than 1.7 eV).

Abstract: Impurities are added to a conductor layer in a semiconductor process to prevent formation of void spaces and encourage complete filling of contacts. The impurities reduce the melting point and surface tension of a conductor layer, thereby improving filling characteristics during a reflow step. The impurities may be added at any time during the process, including during conductor deposition and/or reflow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which is capable of reducing variations in the rate of occurrence of failures at individual connecting portions in the semiconductor device. According to the semiconductor device manufacturing method, a Cu-containing TiN layer, which serves as a cap layer (130 (310)), is formed using a Cu-containing Ti target. Cu contained in the Cu-containing TiN layer is diffused into an Al—Cu wiring (120 (320)) located in a portion electrically connected to an interlayer wiring (200) by heat treatment.

Abstract: A process for fabricating ohmic contacts in a field-effect transistor includes the steps of: thinning a semiconductor layer forming recessed portions in the semiconductor layer; depositing ohmic contact over the recessed portions; and heating the deposited ohmic contacts. The field-effect transistor comprises a layered semiconductor structure which includes a first group III nitride compound semiconductor layer doped with a charge carrier, and a second group III nitride compound semiconductor layer positioned below the first layer, to generate an electron gas in the structure. After the heating step the ohmic contacts communicate with the electron gas. As a result, an excellent ohmic contact to the channel of the transistor is obtained.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device which comprises (a) depositing a first insulating film over a wafer, (b) forming an interconnect opening in the first insulating film, (c) forming, in the interconnect opening, an interconnect having a conductor film comprised mainly of copper, (d) forming a taper at a corner of said conductor film on the opening side of the interconnect opening, and (e) depositing a second insulating film over the first insulating film and interconnect. The present invention makes it possible to improve dielectric breakdown strength between interconnects each having a main conductor film comprised mainly of copper.

Abstract: A contact structure is provided incorporating an amorphous titanium nitride barrier layer formed via low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) utilizing tetrakis-dialkylamido-titanium, Ti(NMe2)4, as the precursor. The contact structure is fabricated by etching a contact opening through a dielectric layer down to a diffusion region to which electrical contact is to be made. Titanium metal is deposited over the surface of the wafer so that the exposed surface of the diffusion region is completely covered by a layer of the metal. At least a portion of the titanium metal layer is eventually converted to titanium silicide, thus providing an excellent conductive interface at the surface of the diffusion region. A titanium nitride barrier layer is then deposited using the LPCVD process, coating the walls and floor of the contact opening. Chemical vapor deposition of polycrystalline silicon or of a metal follows.

Abstract: The adhesion properties of a metal interconnect structure are enhanced by selectively depositing a barrier layer component having good adhesion to an underlying metal on the bottom surface of a via. Then, a further barrier layer having superior adhesion characteristics for the dielectric is formed on the dielectric sidewalls of the via, so that excellent adhesion to the dielectric and the underlying metal is achieved. The selectivity of the deposition may be accomplished by exploiting the capabilities of modem IPVD tools.

Abstract: A method of implanting copper barrier material to improve electrical performance in an integrated circuit fabrication process can include providing a copper layer over an integrated circuit substrate, providing a barrier material at a bottom and sides of a via positioned over the copper layer to form a barrier material layer separating the via from the copper layer, implanting a metal species into the barrier material layer, and providing a conductive layer over the via such that the via electrically connects the conductive layer to the copper layer. The implanted metal species can make the barrier material layer more resistant to copper diffusion from the copper layer.

Abstract: A method for joining a semiconductor integrated circuit chip in a flip chip configuration, via solder balls, to solderable metal contact pads, leads or circuit lines on the circuitized surface of an organic chip carrier substrate, as well as the resulting chip package, are disclosed. The inventive method does not require the use of a solder mask, does not require the melting of the bulk of any of the solder balls and does not require the use of a fluxing agent.

Abstract: The electromigration resistance of capped Cu or Cu alloy interconnects is significantly improved and hillock formation is significantly reduced by sequentially and contiguously treating the exposed planarized surface of in-laid Cu with a plasma containing NH3 and N2, ramping up the introduction of trimethylsilane and then initiating deposition of a silicon carbide capping layer. Embodiments include treating the exposed surface of in-laid Cu with a soft NH3 plasma diluted with N2, shutting off the power, discontinuing the N2 flow and introducing He, then ramping up the introduction of trimethylsilane in three stages, and then initiating plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of a silicon carbide capping layer, while maintaining substantially the same temperature of 335° C. throughout plasma treatment and silicon carbide capping layer deposition. Embodiments also include forming Cu dual damascene structures formed in dielectric material having a dielectric constant (k) less than 3.9.

Abstract: An enhanced-surface-area conductive layer compatible with high-dielectric constant materials is created by forming a film or layer having at least two phases, at least one of which is electrically conductive. The film may be formed in any convenient manner, such as by chemical vapor deposition techniques, which may be followed by an anneal to better define and/or crystallize the at least two phases. The film may be formed over an underlying conductive layer. At least one of the at least two phases is selectively removed from the film, such as by an etch process that preferentially etches at least one of the at least two phases so as to leave at least a portion of the electrically conductive phase. Ruthenium and ruthenium oxide, both conductive, may be used for the two or more phases. Iridium and its oxide, rhodium and its oxide, and platinum and platinum-rhodium may also be used. A wet etchant comprising ceric ammonium nitrate and acetic acid may be used.