Abstract: A gate dielectric can be formed by depositing a first silicon oxide material by a first atomic layer deposition process. The thickness of the first silicon oxide material is selected to correspond to at least 10 deposition cycles of the first atomic layer deposition process. The first silicon oxide material is converted into a first silicon oxynitride material by a first plasma nitridation process. A second silicon oxide material is subsequently deposited by a second atomic layer deposition process. The second silicon oxide material is converted into a second silicon oxynitride material by a second plasma nitridation process. Multiple repetitions of the atomic layer deposition process and the plasma nitridation process provides a silicon oxynitride material having a ratio of nitrogen atoms to oxygen atoms greater than 1/3, which can be advantageously employed to reduce the leakage current through a gate dielectric.

Abstract: Provided is an alignment mark having a plurality of sub-resolution elements. The sub-resolution elements each have a dimension that is less than a minimum resolution that can be detected by an alignment signal used in an alignment process. Also provided is a semiconductor wafer having first, second, and third patterns formed thereon. The first and second patterns extend in a first direction, and the third pattern extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second pattern is separated from the first pattern by a first distance measured in the second direction. The third pattern is separated from the first pattern by a second distance measured in the first direction. The third pattern is separated from the second pattern by a third distance measured in the first direction. The first distance is approximately equal to the third distance. The second distance is less than twice the first distance.

Abstract: Multilayer dielectric structures are provided having silicon nitride (SiN) and silicon oxynitride (SiNO) films for use as capping layers, liners, spacer barrier layers, and etch stop layers, and other components of semiconductor nano-devices. For example, a semiconductor structure includes a multilayer dielectric structure having multiple layers of dielectric material including one or more SiN layers and one or more SiNO layers. The layers of dielectric material in the multilayer dielectric structure have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 nanometers to about 3 nanometers.

Abstract: A dielectric stack and method of depositing the stack to a substrate using a single step deposition process. The dielectric stack includes a dense layer and a porous layer of the same elemental compound with different compositional atomic percentage, density, and porosity. The stack enhances mechanical modulus strength and enhances oxidation and copper diffusion barrier properties. The dielectric stack has inorganic or hybrid inorganic-organic random three-dimensional covalent bonding throughout the network, which contain different regions of different chemical compositions such as a cap component adjacent to a low-k component of the same type of material but with higher porosity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a memory device includes providing multiple coatings of nanodots on a tunnel dielectric layer to form a floating gate layer having a high nanodot density. The memory device may have a nanodot-containing floating gate layer with a density greater than 4×1012 dots/cm2. Further methods include forming an oxidation barrier layer, such as a silicon nitride shell, over a surface of the nanodots, and depositing a dielectric material over the nanodots to form a floating gate layer.

Abstract: A method for etching an etch layer is provided. A glue layer having metallizable terminations is formed over the etch layer. The glue layer is exposed to a patterned light, wherein the metallizable terminations of the glue layer illuminated by the patterned light become unmetallizable. A metal deposition layer is formed on the glue layer, wherein the metal deposition layer only deposits on areas of the glue layer with metallizable terminations of the glue layer. The etch layer is etched through portions of the glue layer without the metal deposition layer.

Abstract: Structures and methods for fabricating high speed digital, analog, and combined digital/analog systems using planarized relaxed SiGe as the materials platform. The relaxed SiGe allows for a plethora of strained Si layers that possess enhanced electronic properties. By allowing the MOSFET channel to be either at the surface or buried, one can create high-speed digital and/or analog circuits. The planarization before the device epitaxial layers are deposited ensures a flat surface for state-of-the-art lithography.

Abstract: It is provided a hetero epitaxial growth method, a hetero epitaxial crystal structure, a hetero epitaxial growth apparatus and a semiconductor device, the method includes forming a buffer layer formed with the orienting film of an oxide, or the orienting film of nitride on a heterogeneous substrate; and performing crystal growth of a zinc oxide based semiconductor layer on the buffer layer using a halogenated group II metal and an oxygen material. It is provided a homo epitaxial growth method, a homo epitaxial crystal structure, a homo epitaxial growth apparatus and a semiconductor device, the homo epitaxial growth method includes introducing reactant gas mixing zinc containing gas and oxygen containing gas on a zinc oxide substrate; and performing crystal growth of a zinc oxide based semiconductor layer on the zinc oxide substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes forming a first high-k insulating film on a processing target object; performing a crystallization heat-treatment process on the first high-k insulating film at a temperature equal to or higher than about 650° C. for a time less than about 60 seconds; and forming, on the first high-k insulating film, a second high-k insulating film containing a metal element having an ionic radius smaller than that of a metal element of the first high-k insulating film and having a relative permittivity higher than that of the first high-k insulating film.

Abstract: A semiconductor/dielectric interface having reduced interface trap density and a method of manufacturing the interface are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises receiving a substrate, the substrate containing a semiconductor; preparing a surface of the substrate; forming a termination layer bonded to the semiconductor at the surface of the substrate; and depositing a dielectric layer above the termination layer, the depositing configured to not disrupt the termination layer. The forming of the termination layer may be configured to produce the termination layer having a single layer of oxygen atoms between the substrate and the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a graphene laminated structure includes plasma-treating a surface of a hexagonal boron nitride sheet using a fluorine-based gas plasma, depositing the hexagonal boron nitride sheet on a graphene sheet, and forming an insulating layer on a surface of the surface-treated hexagonal boron nitride sheet.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device including: forming a silicon layer on an upper face of a nitride semiconductor layer including a channel layer of a FET; thermally treating the nitride semiconductor layer in the process of forming the silicon layer or after the process of forming the silicon layer; and forming an insulating layer on an upper face of the silicon layer after the process of forming the silicon layer.

Abstract: Methods of forming features are disclosed. One method comprises forming a resist over a pool of acidic or basic material on a substrate structure, selectively exposing the resist to an energy source to form exposed resist portions and non-exposed resist portions, and diffusing acid or base of the acidic or basic material from the pool into proximal portions of the resist. Another method comprises forming a plurality of recesses in a substrate structure. The plurality of recesses are filled with a pool material comprising acid or base. A resist is formed over the pool material and the substrate structure and acid or base is diffused into adjacent portions of the resist. The resist is patterned to form openings in the resist. The openings comprise wider portions distal to the substrate structure and narrower portions proximal to the substrate structure. Additional methods and semiconductor device structures including the features are disclosed.

Abstract: Back side illumination (BSI) sensors, manufacturing methods thereof, and semiconductor device manufacturing methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a workpiece having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. An integrated circuit is formed on the workpiece, and a first insulating material is formed on the back side of the workpiece. A second insulating material is formed over the first insulating material. The second insulating material is patterned to form a grid on the back side of the workpiece.

Abstract: A thin film that has a predetermined composition and containing predetermined elements is formed on a substrate by performing a cycle of steps a predetermined number of times, said cycle comprising: a step wherein a first layer containing the predetermined elements, nitrogen and carbon is formed on the substrate by alternately performing, a predetermined number of times, a process of supplying a first source gas containing a predetermined element and a halogen group to the substrate and a process of supplying a second source gas containing a predetermined element and an amino group to the substrate; a step wherein a second layer is formed by modifying the first layer by supplying an amine-based source gas to the substrate; and a step wherein a third layer is formed by modifying the second layer by supplying a reaction gas that is different from the source gases to the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor substructure with improved performance and a method of forming the same is described. The semiconductor substructure includes a dielectric film over a substrate, the dielectric film including at least one metal dielectric layer, at least one oxygen-donor layer, and at least one nitride-incorporation layer.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a workpiece, and forming a protective material over a bottom surface and edges of the workpiece. A top surface of the workpiece is processed. The protective material protects the edges and the bottom surface of the workpiece during the processing of the top surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques typically involve briefly exposing the surface of a substrate to a precursor within an atomic layer deposition chamber, and purging the chamber with a purge gas, such as nitrogen, before exposing the substrate to a second precursor. A series of such cycles results in the deposition of microscopically thin film layers on the substrate surface that are further processed to generate a semiconductor component. In order to reduce unintended oxygen deposition, the chamber is typically evacuated to a vacuum level of 10e?06 torr-liters/second, which is suitable for the related techniques of chemical vapor deposition. However, atomic layer deposition is demonstrably more sensitive to oxygen contamination, due to the exposure of each layer to residual oxygen within the chamber. Tighter process control is achievable by performing atomic layer deposition at a higher vacuum level, not exceeding approximately 10e?06 torr-liters/second, in order to reduce oxygen contamination.

Abstract: A method for forming the gate insulator of a MOS transistor, including the steps of: a) forming a thin silicon oxide layer at the surface of a semiconductor substrate; b) incorporating nitrogen atoms into the silicon oxide layer by plasma nitridation at a temperature lower than 200° C., to transform this layer into a silicon oxynitride layer; and c) coating the silicon oxynitride layer with a layer of a material of high dielectric constant, wherein steps b) and c) follow each other with no intermediate anneal step.

Abstract: Methods for producing RRAM resistive switching elements having reduced forming voltage include doping to create oxygen deficiencies in the dielectric film. Oxygen deficiencies in a dielectric film promote formation of conductive pathways.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for direct writing of passive structures having a tolerance of 5% or less in one or more physical, electrical, chemical, or optical properties. The present apparatus is capable of extended deposition times. The apparatus may be configured for unassisted operation and uses sensors and feedback loops to detect physical characteristics of the system to identify and maintain optimum process parameters.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate device includes a plurality of memory elements formed on the top surface of a semiconductor substrate, interlayer insulating films buried between the adjacent memory elements, a protection film formed on sides of each of the memory elements and the top surface of the semiconductor substrate between the adjacent memory elements, and contacts formed in the interlayer insulating films. The protection film includes a first protection film formed on the sides of each of the memory elements and the top surface of the semiconductor substrate between the adjacent memory elements and a second protection film formed on the first protection film. The first protection film is made of a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, or a silicon oxynitride film, and the second protection film is made of a boron film or a boron nitride film.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate, supplying a first liquid including a terpene to a surface of the substrate, supplying a second liquid including a silicon-containing compound to the surface of the substrate, and converting the silicon-containing compound to a silicon oxide compound.

Abstract: A film forming method for forming a thin film composed of a SiOCN layer containing at least silicon (Si), oxygen (O), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) on a surface of a workpiece within an evacuable processing vessel optionally using a silane-based gas, a hydrocarbon gas, a nitriding gas or an oxidizing gas includes forming a first film including at least Si, C and N, and forming a second film including at least Si, C and O. The forming a first film and the forming a second film are set as a cycle and the cycle is performed once or more.

Abstract: In the present invention, a masking solution is supplied to an edge portion of a front surface of a substrate rotated around a vertical axis to form a masking film at the edge portion of the substrate, a hard mask solution is supplied to the front surface of the substrate to form a hard mask film on the front surface of the substrate, a hard mask film removing solution dissolving the hard mask film is supplied to the hard mask film formed at the edge portion of the substrate to remove the hard mask film formed at the edge portion of the substrate, and a masking film removing solution dissolving the masking film is supplied to the masking film to remove the masking film at the edge portion of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reducing or eliminating charge buildup during scanning electron microscopy (SEM) metrology of a critical dimension (CD) in a structure produced by lithography. An under layer is utilized that comprises silicon in the construction of the structure. When the lithography structure comprising the silicon-comprising under layer is scanned for CDs using SEM, the under layer reduces or eliminates charge buildup during SEM metrological observations.

Abstract: A film-forming method includes forming a tungsten film or a tungsten oxide film on an object to be processed, heating the object on which the tungsten film or the tungsten oxide film is formed, forming a seed layer on the tungsten film or the tungsten oxide film by supplying an aminosilane-based gas to a surface of the tungsten film or the tungsten oxide film, and forming a silicon oxide film on the seed layer by simultaneously supplying a silicon material gas including silicon and a gas including an oxidizing agent for oxidizing silicon.

Abstract: Provided is a method for creating a mask blank that includes a stop layer. The stop layer is optically compatible and process compatible with other layers included as part of the mask blanks. Such blanks may include EUV, phase-shifting, or OMOG masks. The stop layer includes molybdenum, silicon, and nitride in a proportion that allows for compatibility and aids in detection by a residual gas analyzer. Provided is also a method for the patterning of mask blanks with a stop layer, particularly the method for removing semi-transparent residue defects that may occur due to problems in prior mask creation steps. The method involves the detection of included materials with a residual gas analyzer. Provided is also a mask blank structure which incorporates the compatible stop layer.

Abstract: Epitaxial films are grown by alternately exposed to precursor dosing regions, inert gas plasma regions, hydrogen-containing plasma regions, chlorine-containing plasma and metrology regions, or regions where an atomic hydrogen source is located. Alternately, laser irradiation techniques may be substituted for the plasma energy in some of the processing regions. The film growth process can be implemented at substrate temperatures between about 25 C and about 600 C, together with optional exposures to laser irradiation to cause the surface of the film to melt or to experience a near-melt condition.

Abstract: A device having three evaporation sources and a unit for moving the respective evaporation sources in one chamber is used, whereby it becomes possible to increase efficiency of use of an evaporation material. Consequently, manufacturing cost can be reduced, and a uniform thickness can be obtained over an entire surface of a substrate even in the case in which a large area substrate is used.

Abstract: A film deposition method includes an adsorption step of adsorbing a first reaction gas onto a substrate by supplying the first reaction gas from a first gas supplying portion for a predetermined period without supplying a reaction gas from a second gas supplying portion while separating a first process area and a second process area by supplying a separation gas from a separation gas supplying portion and rotating a turntable; and a reaction step of having the first reaction gas adsorbed onto the substrate react with a second reaction gas by supplying the second reaction gas from the second gas supplying portion for a predetermined period without supplying a reaction gas from the first gas supplying portion while separating the first process area and the second process area by supplying the separation gas from the separation gas supplying portion and rotating the turntable.

Abstract: A matrix with at least one embedded array of nanowires and method thereof. The matrix includes nanowires and one or more fill materials located between the nanowires. Each of the nanowires including a first end and a second end. The nanowires are substantially parallel to each other and are fixed in position relative to each other by the one or more fill materials. Each of the one or more fill materials is associated with a thermal conductivity less than 50 Watts per meter per degree Kelvin. And, the matrix is associated with at least a sublimation temperature and a melting temperature, the sublimation temperature and the melting temperature each being above 350° C.

Abstract: By depositing the lower portion of a silicon dioxide interlayer dielectric by means of SACVD or HDP-CVD techniques, the generation of voids may be reliably avoided even for devices having spaces between closely spaced lines on the order of 200 nm or less. Moreover, the bulk silicon dioxide material is deposited by well-established plasma enhanced CVD techniques, thereby providing the potential for using well-established process recipes for the subsequent CMP process, so that production yield and cost of ownership may be maintained at a low level.

Abstract: Provided is a method including providing a substrate and forming a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) on the substrate. The BARC includes a first portion overlying a second portion, which has a different composition than the first portion. The different composition may provide a different dissolution property of the BARC in a developer. A photoresist layer is formed on the first portion of the BARC. The photoresist layer is then irradiated and developed. The developing includes using a developer to remove a region of the photoresist layer and a region of the first and second portions of the BARC.

Abstract: Methods of forming a high K dielectric semiconductor stack are described. A semiconductor substrate is provided, in which the native oxide layer is removed. A transition metal aluminate layer is deposited onto the semiconductor substrate across discrete multiple regions in a combinatorial manner. A high K dielectric layer is deposited onto the transition metal aluminate layer across the discrete multiple regions in a combinatorial manner. The transition metal aluminate layer and the high K dielectric layer are patterned to form a plurality of high K dielectric semiconductor stacks across discrete multiple regions. A three-five semiconductor substrate or a germanium substrate can be used in methods of forming a high K dielectric semiconductor stack.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming patterns of openings. The methods may include forming spaced features over a substrate. The features may have tops and may have sidewalls extending downwardly from the tops. A first material may be formed along the tops and sidewalls of the features. The first material may be formed by spin-casting a conformal layer of the first material across the features, or by selective deposition along the features relative to the substrate. After the first material is formed, fill material may be provided between the features while leaving regions of the first material exposed. The exposed regions of the first material may then be selectively removed relative to both the fill material and the features to create the pattern of openings.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a cap insulating film, including Si and C, on a substrate; forming an organic silica film, having a composition ratio of the number of carbon atoms to the number of silicon atoms higher than that of the cap insulating film, on the cap insulating film; and forming two or more concave portions, having different opening diameters, in the organic silica film, by plasma processing in which mixed gas including inert gas, N-containing gas, fluorocarbon gas and oxidant gas is used.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides manufacturing techniques and semiconductor devices in which performance of P-channel transistors may be enhanced on the basis of a stress mechanism that involves the deposition of a dielectric bi-layer system. Contrary to conventional strategies, an additional pre-treatment may be performed prior to the deposition of an adhesion layer in a plasma-free process atmosphere, thereby enabling a reduced thickness of the adhesion layer and a higher internal stress level of the subsequent top layer.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for manufacturing a light-emitting device having high internal quantum efficiency, consuming less power, having high luminance, and having high reliability. The techniques include forming a conductive light-transmitting oxide layer comprising a conductive light-transmitting oxide material and silicon oxide, forming a barrier layer in which density of the silicon oxide is higher than that in the conductive light-transmitting oxide layer over the conductive light-transmitting oxide layer, forming an anode having the conductive light-transmitting oxide layer and the barrier layer, heating the anode under a vacuum atmosphere, forming an electroluminescent layer over the heated anode, and forming a cathode over the electroluminescent layer. According to the techniques, the barrier layer is formed between the electroluminescent layer and the conductive light-transmitting oxide layer.

Abstract: Embodiments related to methods for forming a film stack on a substrate are provided. One example method comprises exposing the substrate to an activated oxygen species and converting an exposed surface of the substrate into a continuous monolayer of a first dielectric material. The example method also includes forming a second dielectric material on the continuous monolayer of the first dielectric material without exposing the substrate to an air break.

Abstract: A high-k capacitor insulating film stable at a higher temperature is formed. There is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method comprises: forming a first amorphous insulating film comprising a first element on a substrate; adding a second element different from the first element to the first amorphous insulating film so as to form a second amorphous insulating film on the substrate; and annealing the second amorphous insulating film at a predetermined annealing temperature so as to form a third insulating film by changing a phase of the second amorphous insulating film. The concentration of the second element added to the first amorphous insulating film is controlled according to the annealing temperature.

Abstract: Nanocrystal structures formed using atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes are useful in the formation of integrated circuits such as memory devices. Rather than continuing the ALD process until a continuous layer is formed, the ALD process is halted prematurely to leave a discontinuous formation of nanocrystals which are then capped by a different material, thus forming a layer with a discontinuous portion and a bulk portion. Such nanocrystals can serve as charge-storage sites within the bulk portion, and the resulting structure can serve as a floating gate of a floating-gate memory cell. A floating gate may contain one or more layers of such nanocrystal structures.

Abstract: A combination of deposition processes can be used to evaluate layer properties using a combinatorial workflow. The processes can include a base ALD process and another process, such as a PVD process. The high productivity combinatorial technique can provide an evaluation of the material properties for given ALD base layer and PVD additional elements. An ALD process can then be developed to provide the desired layers, replacing the ALD and PVD combination.

Abstract: Embodiments related to methods for forming a film stack on a substrate are provided. One example method comprises exposing the substrate to an activated oxygen species and converting an exposed surface of the substrate into a continuous monolayer of a first dielectric material. The example method also includes forming a second dielectric material on the continuous monolayer of the first dielectric material without exposing the substrate to an air break.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multi-gate transistor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a patterned semiconductor layer, a gate dielectric layer and a gate layer sequentially formed thereon, forming a multiple insulating layer sequentially having a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer and covering the patterned semiconductor layer and the gate layer, removing a portion of the multiple insulating layer to simultaneously form a first spacer around the gate layer and a second spacer around the patterned semiconductor layer, removing the second spacer to expose a portion of the first insulating layer covering the patterned semiconductor layer and simultaneously removing a portion of the first spacer to form a third spacer around the gate layer, and removing the exposed first insulating layer to expose the patterned semiconductor layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor chip stack package and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly, to a semiconductor chip stack package and a manufacturing method thereof in which a plurality of chips can be rapidly arranged and bonded without a precise device or operation so as to improve productivity.

Abstract: A silicon carbide semiconductor device (90), includes: 1) a silicon carbide substrate (1); 2) a gate electrode (7) made of polycrystalline silicon; and 3) an ONO insulating film (9) sandwiched between the silicon carbide substrate (1) and the gate electrode (7) to thereby form a gate structure, the ONO insulating film (9) including the followings formed sequentially from the silicon carbide substrate (1): a) a first oxide silicon film (O) (10), b) an SiN film (N) (11), and c) an SiN thermally-oxidized film (O) (12, 12a, 12b). Nitrogen is included in at least one of the following places: i) in the first oxide silicon film (O) (10) and in a vicinity of the silicon carbide substrate (1), and ii) in an interface between the silicon carbide substrate (1) and the first oxide silicon film (O) (10).

Abstract: Methods of improving charge trapping are disclosed. One such method includes forming an oxide-nitride-oxide tunnel stack and a silicon nitride layer on the oxide-nitride-oxide tunnel stack. This silicon nitride layer is implanted with ions. These ions may function as electron traps or as fields. The silicon nitride layer may be part of a flash memory device.

Abstract: A silicon carbide semiconductor device (90), includes: 1) a silicon carbide substrate (1); 2) a gate electrode (7) made of polycrystalline silicon; and 3) an ONO insulating film (9) sandwiched between the silicon carbide substrate (1) and the gate electrode (7) to thereby form a gate structure, the ONO insulating film (9) including the followings formed sequentially from the silicon carbide substrate (1): a) a first oxide silicon film (O) (10), b) an SiN film (N) (11), and c) an SiN thermally-oxidized film (O) (12, 12a, 12b). Nitrogen is included in at least one of the following places: i) in the first oxide silicon film (O) (10) and in a vicinity of the silicon carbide substrate (1), and ii) in an interface between the silicon carbide substrate (1) and the first oxide silicon film (O) (10).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for forming crack-free dielectric films on a substrate. The process comprises the application of a dielectric precursor layer of a thickness from about 0.3 ?m to about 1.0 ?m to a substrate. The deposition is followed by low temperature heat pretreatment, prepyrolysis, pyrolysis and crystallization step for each layer. The deposition, heat pretreatment, prepyrolysis, pyrolysis and crystallization are repeated until the dielectric film forms an overall thickness of from about 1.5 ?m to about 20.0 ?m and providing a final crystallization treatment to form a thick dielectric film. The process provides a thick crack-free dielectric film on a substrate, the dielectric forming a dense thick crack-free dielectric having an overall dielectric thickness of from about 1.5 ?m to about 20.0 ?m.