Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080225573 | STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY CELL WITH IMPROVED STABILITY - A memory cell comprises a wordline, a first digital inverter with a first input and a first output, and a second digital inverter with a second input and a second output. Moreover, the memory cell further comprises a first feedback connection connecting the first output to the second input, and a second feedback connection connecting the second output to the first input. The first feedback connection comprises a first resistive element and the second feedback connection comprises a second resistive element. What is more, each digital inverter has an associated capacitance. The memory cell is configured such that reading the memory cell includes applying a read voltage pulse to the wordline. In addition, the first and second resistive elements are configured such that the first and second feedback connections have resistance-capacitance induced delays longer than the applied read voltage pulse. | 09-18-2008 |
20080251284 | Electronics Structures Using a Sacrificial Multi-Layer Hardmask Scheme - An electronic structure including a substrate having a having a dielectric layer with at least one metallic interconnect structure within and a dielectric barrier layer above the dielectric layer, and a multi-layer hardmask stack coated with a self-assembled layer, where the self-assembled layer is a pattern of nanoscale and/or microscale voids which are generated into the dielectric barrier layer and into the dielectric layer next to the metallic interconnect structure to create columns in the dielectric barrier layer and dielectric layer therein. Electronics structures prepared with the process are useful to prepare electronics devices, such as computers and the like. | 10-16-2008 |
20080254630 | DEVICE AND METHODOLOGY FOR REDUCING EFFECTIVE DIELECTRIC CONSTANT IN SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device structure, including the steps of providing a structure having an insulator layer with at least one interconnect, forming a sub lithographic template mask over the insulator layer, and selectively etching the insulator layer through the sub lithographic template mask to form sub lithographic features spanning to a sidewall of the at least one interconnect. | 10-16-2008 |
20080265382 | Nonlithographic Method to Produce Self-Aligned Mask, Articles Produced by Same and Compositions for Same - A method for forming a self aligned pattern on an existing pattern on a substrate comprising applying a coating of a solution containing a masking material in a carrier, the masking material having an affinity for portions of the existing pattern; and allowing at least a portion of the masking material to preferentially assemble to the portions of the existing pattern. The pattern may be comprised of a first set of regions of the substrate having a first atomic composition and a second set of regions of the substrate having a second atomic composition different from the first composition. The first set of regions may include one or more metal elements and the second set of regions may include a dielectric. The first and second regions may be treated to have different surface properties. Structures made in accordance with the method. Compositions useful for practicing the method. | 10-30-2008 |
20080265415 | Nonlithographic Method to Produce Self-Aligned Mask, Articles Produced by Same and Compositions for Same - A method for forming a self aligned pattern on an existing pattern on a substrate comprising applying a coating of a solution containing a masking material in a carrier, the masking material having an affinity for portions of the existing pattern; and allowing at least a portion of the masking material to preferentially assemble to the portions of the existing pattern. The pattern may be comprised of a first set of regions of the substrate having a first atomic composition and a second set of regions of the substrate having a second atomic composition different from the first composition. The first set of regions may include one or more metal elements and the second set of regions may include a dielectric. The first and second regions may be treated to have different surface properties. Structures made in accordance with the method. Compositions useful for practicing the method. | 10-30-2008 |
20080277778 | Layer Transfer Process and Functionally Enhanced Integrated Circuits Products Thereby - A structure for a semiconductor components is provided having a device layer sandwiched on both sides by other active, passive, and interconnecting components. A wafer-level layer transfer process is used to create this planar (2D) IC structure with added functional enhancements. | 11-13-2008 |
20080280416 | Techniques for Layer Transfer Processing - Techniques for the fabrication of semiconductor devices are provided. In one aspect, a layer transfer structure is provided. The layer transfer structure comprises a carrier substrate having a porous region with a tuned porosity in combination with an implanted species defining a separation plane therein. In another aspect, a method of forming a layer transfer structure is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a three dimensional integrated structure is provided. | 11-13-2008 |
20080284039 | INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES WITH TERNARY PATTERNED FEATURES GENERATED FROM TWO LITHOGRAPHIC PROCESSES - A method for fabricating an interconnect structure for interconnecting a semiconductor substrate to have three distinct patterned structures such that the interconnect structure provides both a low k and high structural integrity. The method includes depositing an interlayer dielectric onto the semiconductor substrate, forming a first pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a first lithographic process that results in both via features and ternary features being formed in the interconnect structure. The method further includes forming a second pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a second lithographic process to form line features within the interconnect structure. Hence the method forms the three separate distinct patterned structures using only two lithographic processes for each interconnect level. | 11-20-2008 |
20090023284 | Integrated Wafer Processing System for Integration of Patternable Dielectric Materials - The present disclosure relates to an integrated wafer processing apparatus for fabricating semiconductor chips. This integrated wafer processing system combines the lithography patterning steps and irradiation curing steps of the patternable dielectric into one system. The patternable low-k material of the present disclosure also functions as a photoresist, i.e. is a photo-patternable low-k dielectric material. | 01-22-2009 |
20090033358 | PROGRAMMABLE VIA DEVICES IN BACK END OF LINE LEVEL - Programmable via devices and methods for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a programmable via device is provided. The programmable via device comprises a first dielectric layer; at least one isolation layer over the first dielectric layer; a heater within the isolation layer; a capping layer over a side of the isolation layer opposite the first dielectric layer; at least one programmable via extending through the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater, the programmable via comprising at least one phase change material; a conductive cap over the programmable via; a second dielectric layer over a side of the capping layer opposite the isolation layer; a first conductive via and a second conductive via, each extending through the second dielectric layer, the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater; and a third conductive via extending through the second dielectric layer and in contact with the conductive cap. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033360 | PROGRAMMABLE VIA DEVICES WITH AIR GAP ISOLATION - Programmable via devices and methods for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a programmable via device is provided. The programmable via device comprises a first dielectric layer; a heater over the first dielectric layer; an air gap separating at least a portion of the heater from the first dielectric layer; an isolation layer over the first dielectric layer covering at least a portion of the heater; a capping layer over a side of the isolation layer opposite the first dielectric layer; at least one programmable via extending through the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater, the programmable via comprising at least one phase change material; a conductive cap over the programmable via; a second dielectric layer over a side of the capping layer opposite the isolation layer; a first conductive via and a second conductive via, each extending through the second dielectric layer, the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater; and a third conductive via extending through the second dielectric layer and in contact with the conductive cap. | 02-05-2009 |
20090041989 | CORRUGATED INTERFACES FOR MULTILAYERED INTERCONNECTS - Dielectric composite structures comprising interfaces possessing nanometer scale corrugated interfaces in interconnect stack provide enhances adhesion strength and interfacial fracture toughness. Composite structures further comprising corrugated adhesion promoter layers to further increase intrinsic interfacial adhesion are also described. Methods to form the nanometer scale corrugated interfaces for enabling these structures using self assembling polymer systems and pattern transfer process are also described. | 02-12-2009 |
20090042338 | Capping Coating for 3D Integration Applications - A structure for a semiconductor component is provided having a bi-layer capping coating integrated and built on supporting layer to be transferred. The bi-layer capping protects the layer to be transferred from possible degradation resulting from the attachment and removal processes of the carrier assembly used for layer transfer. A wafer-level layer transfer process using this structure is enabled to create three-dimensional integrated circuits. | 02-12-2009 |
20090065761 | PROGRAMMABLE FUSE/NON-VOLATILE MEMORY STRUCTURES IN BEOL REGIONS USING EXTERNALLY HEATED PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL - A programmable phase change material (PCM) structure includes a heater element formed at a BEOL level of a semiconductor device, the BEOL level including a low-K dielectric material therein; a first via in electrical contact with a first end of the heater element and a second via in electrical contact with a second end of the heater element, thereby defining a programming current path which passes through the first via, the heater element, and the second via; a PCM element disposed above the heater element, the PCM element configured to be programmed between a lower resistance crystalline state and a higher resistance amorphous state through the use of programming currents through the heater element; and a third via in electrical contact with the PCM element, thereby defining a sense current path which passes through the third via, the PCM element, the heater element, and the second via. | 03-12-2009 |
20090072401 | METHODS TO MITIGATE PLASMA DAMAGE IN ORGANOSILICATE DIELECTRICS USING A PROTECTIVE SIDEWALL SPACER - Plasma damage in ultra low k dielectric materials during formation of a dual damascene metal interconnect structure is reduced by providing a protective spacer on sidewalls of a line trench. A densified trench bottom region may be additionally formed directly beneath an exposed horizontal surface of the line trench. The protective spacer and/or the densified trench bottom region protects an ultra low k intermetal dielectric layer from plasma damage during a plasma strip process that is used to remove a disposable via fill plug employed in the dual damascene metal interconnect structure. | 03-19-2009 |
20090075472 | METHODS TO MITIGATE PLASMA DAMAGE IN ORGANOSILICATE DIELECTRICS - Methods of minimizing or eliminating plasma damage to low k and ultra low k organosilicate intermetal dielectric layers are provided. The reduction of the plasma damage is effected by interrupting the etch and strip process flow at a suitable point to add an inventive treatment which protects the intermetal dielectric layer from plasma damage during the plasma strip process. Reduction or elimination of a plasma damaged region in this manner also enables reduction of the line bias between a line pattern in a photoresist and a metal line formed therefrom, and changes in the line width of the line trench due to a wet clean after the reactive ion etch employed for formation of the line trench and a via cavity. The reduced line bias has a beneficial effect on electrical yields of a metal interconnect structure. | 03-19-2009 |
20090081418 | SPIN-ON ANTIREFLECTIVE COATING FOR INTEGRATION OF PATTERNABLE DIELECTRIC MATERIALS AND INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES - The present invention provides a method of fabricating an interconnect structure in which a patternable low-k material replaces the need for utilizing a separate photoresist and a dielectric material. Specifically, this invention relates to a simplified method of fabricating single-damascene and dual-damascene low-k interconnect structures with at least one patternable low-k dielectric and at least one inorganic antireflective coating. In general terms, a method is provided that includes providing at least one patternable low-k material on a surface of an inorganic antireflective coating that is located atop a substrate. The inorganic ARC is liquid deposited and comprises a polymer that has at least one monomer unit comprising the formula M-R | 03-26-2009 |
20090101882 | Programmable Via Devices - A device comprises a heater, a dielectric layer, a phase-change element, and a capping layer. The dielectric layer is disposed at least partially on the heater and defines an opening having a lower portion and an upper portion. The phase-change element occupies the lower portion of the opening and is in thermal contact with the heater. The capping layer overlies the phase-change element and occupies the upper portion of the opening. At least a fraction of the phase-change element is operative to change between lower and higher electrical resistance states in response to an application of an electrical signal to the heater. | 04-23-2009 |
20090111263 | Method of Forming Programmable Via Devices - A device is formed by providing a contact via in a dielectric layer, providing a capping layer overlying at least a portion of the contact via, and forming a conductive element in physical contact with the capping layer. The conductive element is formed using a masked deposition process. This process comprises forming a seed layer overlying the capping layer and at least a portion of an uppermost surface of the dielectric layer, forming a masking layer on the seed layer, the masking layer defining an opening exposing a portion of the seed layer that overlies the capping layer, and selectively depositing a conductive material onto the exposed portion of the seed layer. | 04-30-2009 |
20090184374 | ANISOTROPIC STRESS GENERATION BY STRESS-GENERATING LINERS HAVING A SUBLITHOGRAPHIC WIDTH - A protruding structure having a linear edge is formed on a substrate. The protruding structure may be a gate line of a field effect transistor. A stress-generating liner is deposited on the substrate. A non-photosensitive self-assembling block copolymer layer containing at least two immiscible polymeric block components is deposited on the stress-generating liner, and is annealed to allow phase separation of immiscible components. The polymeric resist is developed to remove at least one of the at least two polymeric block components, which formed a pattern of nested lines due to the linear edge of the protruding structure. Linear nanoscale stripes are formed in the polymeric resist which is self-aligning and self-assembled. The stress-generating layer is patterned into linear stress-generating stripes having a sublithographic width. The linear stress-generating stripes provide a predominantly uniaxial stress along their lengthwise direction, providing an anisotropic stress to an underlying semiconductor device. | 07-23-2009 |
20090233079 | Techniques for Layer Transfer Processing - Techniques for the fabrication of semiconductor devices are provided. In one aspect, a layer transfer structure is provided. The layer transfer structure comprises a carrier substrate having a porous region with a tuned porosity in combination with an implanted species defining a separation plane therein. In another aspect, a method of forming a layer transfer structure is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a three dimensional integrated structure is provided. | 09-17-2009 |
20090250815 | SURFACE TREATMENT FOR SELECTIVE METAL CAP APPLICATIONS - Interconnect structures in which a noble metal-containing cap layer is present directly on a non-recessed surface of a conductive material which is embedded within a low k dielectric material are provided. It has been determined that by forming a hydrophobic surface on a low k dielectric material prior to metal cap formation provides a means for controlling the selective formation of the metal cap directly on the non-recessed surface of a conductive material. That is, the selective formation of the metal cap directly on the non-recessed surface of a conductive material is enhanced since the formation rate of the metal cap on the non-recessed surface of a conductive material is greater than on the hydrophobic surface of the low k dielectric material. It is observed that the hydrophobic surface may be a result of treating a damaged surface of the dielectric material with a silylating agent prior to the selective formation of the noble metal cap or, as a result of forming a hydrophobic polymeric layer on the surface of the dielectric material prior to the selective deposition of the noble metal cap. The hydrophobic polymeric layer typically includes atoms of Si, C and O. | 10-08-2009 |
20090291389 | PHOTOPATTERNABLE DIELECTRIC MATERIALS FOR BEOL APPLICATIONS AND METHODS FOR USE - A method and a composition. The composition includes at least one carbosilane-substituted silsesquioxane polymer which crosslinks in the presence of an acid. The at least one carbosilane-substituted silsesquioxane polymer is soluble in aqueous base. The method includes forming a coating on a substrate. The coating includes one or more carbosilane-substituted silsesquioxane polymers. The carbosilane-substituted silsesquioxane polymer is soluble in aqueous base. The coating is exposed to radiation, resulting in generating a latent pattern in the coating. The exposed coating is baked at a first temperature less than about 150° C. The baked coating is developed, resulting in forming a latent image from the latent pattern in the baked coating. The latent image is cured at a second temperature less than about 500° C. | 11-26-2009 |
20090291546 | Programmable Via Devices - A device comprises a heater, a dielectric layer, a phase-change element, and a capping layer. The dielectric layer is disposed at least partially on the heater and defines an opening having a lower portion and an upper portion. The phase-change element occupies the lower portion of the opening and is in thermal contact with the heater. The capping layer overlies the phase-change element and occupies the upper portion of the opening. At least a fraction of the phase-change element is operative to change between lower and higher electrical resistance states in response to an application of an electrical signal to the heater. | 11-26-2009 |
20090294982 | INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES WITH TERNARY PATTERNED FEATURES GENERATED FROM TWO LITHOGRAPHIC PROCESSES - A method for fabricating an interconnect structure for interconnecting a semiconductor substrate to have three distinct patterned structures such that the interconnect structure provides both a low k and high structural integrity. The method includes depositing an interlayer dielectric onto the semiconductor substrate, forming a first pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a first lithographic process that results in both via features and ternary features being formed in the interconnect structure. The method further includes forming a second pattern within the interlayer dielectric material by a second lithographic process to form line features within the interconnect structure. Hence the method forms the three separate distinct patterned structures using only two lithographic processes for each interconnect level. | 12-03-2009 |
20090302454 | Technology for fabrication of packaging interface substrate wafers with fully metallized vias through the substrate wafer - The invention is the technology of providing a packaging intermediate product that can serve as an interface substrate that is to be positioned between different circuitry types where the dimensions are approaching the sub 100 micrometer range. The invention involves a dielectric wafer structure where the first and second area surfaces of the wafer are separated by a distance that is of the order of the electrical via design length, and an array of spaced vias through the wafer arranged with each via filled with metal surrounded by a chemical metal deposition promoting layer with each via terminating flush with a wafer surface. The wafer structure is achieved by forming an array of blind via openings through the first surface of the dielectric wafer to a depth approaching the via design length, lining the walls for adhesion enhancement, filling the blind via openings completely with a chemically deposited metal, removing material at the first wafer surface thereby planarizing the filled vias, and removing material at the second wafer surface thereby exposing the vias at the design length. | 12-10-2009 |
20090305460 | Programmable Via Devices with Air Gap Isolation - Programmable via devices and methods for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a programmable via device is provided. The programmable via device comprises a first dielectric layer; a heater over the first dielectric layer; an air gap separating at least a portion of the heater from the first dielectric layer; an isolation layer over the first dielectric layer covering at least a portion of the heater; a capping layer over a side of the isolation layer opposite the first dielectric layer; at least one programmable via extending through the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater, the programmable via comprising at least one phase change material; a conductive cap over the programmable via; a second dielectric layer over a side of the capping layer opposite the isolation layer; a first conductive via and a second conductive via, each extending through the second dielectric layer, the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater; and a third conductive via extending through the second dielectric layer and in contact with the conductive cap. | 12-10-2009 |
20090311859 | METHOD FOR ENABLING HARD MASK FREE INTEGRATION OF ULTRA LOW-K MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES PRODUCED THEREBY - A method of fabricating an interconnect structure on a substrate includes steps of: providing a dielectric with at least one etched opening; filling the at least one etched opening with at least one conductive material; planarizing the conductive material to provide a planarized structure; subjecting the planarized structure to a plasma preclean process; and exposing the planarized structure to a silylating repair agent which is a silane derivative; and forming a dielectric cap layer on the planarized structure. | 12-17-2009 |
20100006972 | WAFER SCALE MEMBRANE FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE FABRICATION - An fabrication of three-dimensional integrated devices and three-dimensional integrated devices fabricated therefrom are described. A device side of a donor wafer is coated with a polymer film and exposure of a substrate side to an oxidizing plasma creates a continuous SiO | 01-14-2010 |
20100041227 | METHODS FOR INCORPORATING HIGH DIELECTRIC MATERIALS FOR ENHANCED SRAM OPERATION AND STRUCTURES PRODUCED THEREBY - Methods for fabricating a hybrid interconnect structure that possesses a higher interconnect capacitance in one set of regions than in other regions on the same microelectronic chip. Several methods to fabricate such a structure are provided. Circuit implementations of such hybrid interconnect structures are described that enable increased static noise margin and reduce the leakage in SRAM cells and common power supply voltages for SRAM and logic in such a chip. Methods that enable combining these circuit benefits with higher interconnect performance speed and superior mechanical robustness in such chips are also taught. | 02-18-2010 |
20100044826 | 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE FABRICATION WITH PRECISELY CONTROLLABLE SUBSTRATE REMOVAL - A method is provided for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure. According to the method, a first active circuitry layer wafer is provided. The first active circuitry layer wafer comprises a P+ portion covered by a P− layer, and the P− layer includes active circuitry. The first active circuitry layer wafer is bonded face down to an interface wafer that includes a first wiring layer, and then the P+ portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is selectively removed with respect to the P− layer of the first active circuitry layer wafer. Next, a wiring layer is fabricated on the backside of the P− layer. Also provided are a tangible computer readable medium encoded with a program for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure, and a 3D integrated circuit structure. | 02-25-2010 |
20100047964 | 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE FABRICATION USING INTERFACE WAFER AS PERMANENT CARRIER - A method is provided for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure. Provided are an interface wafer including a first wiring layer and through-silicon vias, and a first active circuitry layer wafer including active circuitry. The first active circuitry layer wafer is bonded to the interface wafer. Then, a first portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is removed such that a second portion remains attached to the interface wafer. A stack structure including the interface wafer and the second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is bonded to a base wafer. Next, the interface wafer is thinned so as to form an interface layer, and metallizations coupled through the through-silicon vias in the interface layer to the first wiring layer are formed on the interface layer. Also provided is a tangible computer readable medium encoded with a program that comprises instructions for performing such a method. | 02-25-2010 |
20100055442 | METHOD OF PE-ALD OF SiNxCy AND INTEGRATION OF LINER MATERIALS ON POROUS LOW K SUBSTRATES - A method of depositing a SiN | 03-04-2010 |
20100078770 | Lock and Key Through-Via Method for Wafer Level 3 D Integration and Structures Produced - A three dimensional device stack structure comprises two or more active device and interconnect layers further connected together using through substrate vias. Methods of forming the three dimensional device stack structure comprise alignment, bonding by lamination, thinning and post thinning processing. The via features enable the retention of alignment through the lamination process and any subsequent process steps thus achieving a mechanically more robust stack structure compared to the prior art. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081232 | LAYER TRANSFER PROCESS AND FUNCTIONALLY ENHANCED INTEGRATED CIRCUITS PRODUCED THEREBY - A structure for a semiconductor components is provided having a device layer sandwiched on both sides by other active, passive, and interconnecting components. A wafer-level layer transfer process is used to create this planar (2D) IC structure with added functional enhancements. | 04-01-2010 |
20100151638 | ANISOTROPIC STRESS GENERATION BY STRESS-GENERATING LINERS HAVING A SUBLITHOGRAPHIC WIDTH - A protruding structure having a linear edge is formed on a substrate. The protruding structure may be a gate line of a field effect transistor. A stress-generating liner is deposited on the substrate. A non-photosensitive self-assembling block copolymer layer containing at least two immiscible polymeric block components is deposited on the stress-generating liner, and is annealed to allow phase separation of immiscible components. The polymeric resist is developed to remove at least one of the at least two polymeric block components, which formed a pattern of nested lines due to the linear edge of the protruding structure. Linear nanoscale stripes are formed in the polymeric resist which is self-aligning and self-assembled. The stress-generating layer is patterned into linear stress-generating stripes having a sublithographic width. The linear stress-generating stripes provide a predominantly uniaxial stress along their lengthwise direction, providing an anisotropic stress to an underlying semiconductor device. | 06-17-2010 |
20100207276 | SPIN-ON ANTIREFLECTIVE COATING FOR INTEGRATION OF PATTERNABLE DIELECTRIC MATERIALS AND INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES - The present invention provides a method of fabricating an interconnect structure in which a patternable low-k material replaces the need for utilizing a separate photoresist and a dielectric material. Specifically, this invention relates to a simplified method of fabricating single-damascene and dual-damascene low-k interconnect structures with at least one patternable low-k dielectric and at least one inorganic antireflective coating. In general terms, a method is provided that includes providing at least one patternable low-k material on a surface of an inorganic antireflective coating that is located atop a substrate. The inorganic ARC is liquid deposited and comprises a polymer that has at least one monomer unit comprising the formula M-R | 08-19-2010 |
20100255262 | BONDING OF SUBSTRATES INCLUDING METAL-DIELECTRIC PATTERNS WITH METAL RAISED ABOVE DIELECTRIC - Bonding of substrates including metal-dielectric patterns on a surface with the metal raised above the dielectric is disclosed. One method includes providing a first substrate having a metal-dielectric pattern on a surface thereof; providing a second substrate having a metal-dielectric pattern on a surface thereof; performing a process resulting in the metal being raised above the dielectric; cleaning the metal; and bonding the first substrate to the second substrate. A related structure is also disclosed. The bonding of raised metal provides a strong bonding medium, and good electrical and thermal connections enabling creation of three dimensional integrated structures with enhanced functionality. | 10-07-2010 |
20100314711 | 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE HAVING LOWER-COST ACTIVE CIRCUITRY LAYERS STACKED BEFORE HIGHER-COST ACTIVE CIRCUITRY LAYER - A method is provided for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure. According to the method, a first active circuitry layer wafer that includes active circuitry is provided, and a first portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is removed such that a second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer remains. Another wafer that includes active circuitry is provided, and the other wafer is bonded to the second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer. The first active circuitry layer wafer is lower-cost than the other wafer. Also provided are a tangible computer readable medium encoded with a program for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure, and a 3D integrated circuit structure. | 12-16-2010 |
20100314767 | SELF-ALIGNED DUAL DAMASCENE BEOL STRUCTURES WITH PATTERNABLE LOW- K MATERIAL AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - A self-aligned interconnect structure is provided that includes a first patterned and cured low-k material located on a surface of a substrate, wherein the first patterned and cured low-k material includes at least one first interconnect pattern (via or trench pattern) therein. A second patterned and cured low-k material having at least one second interconnect pattern that is different from the first interconnect pattern is located atop the first patterned and cured low k material. A portion of the second patterned and cured low-k material partially fills the at least one first interconnect within the first patterned and cured low-k material. A conductive material fills the at least one first interconnect pattern and the at least one second interconnect pattern. A method of forming such a self-aligned interconnect structure is also provided. | 12-16-2010 |
20100320617 | METHODS TO MITIGATE PLASMA DAMAGE IN ORGANOSILICATE DIELECTRICS USING A PROTECTIVE SIDEWALL SPACER - Plasma damage in ultra low k dielectric materials during formation of a dual damascene metal interconnect structure is reduced by providing a protective spacer on sidewalls of a line trench. A densified trench bottom region may be additionally formed directly beneath an exposed horizontal surface of the line trench. The protective spacer and/or the densified trench bottom region protects an ultra low k intermetal dielectric layer from plasma damage during a plasma strip process that is used to remove a disposable via fill plug employed in the dual damascene metal interconnect structure. | 12-23-2010 |
20110003402 | RECOVERY OF HYDROPHOBICITY OF LOW-K AND ULTRA LOW-K ORGANOSILICATE FILMS USED AS INTER METAL DIELECTRICS - Often used to reduce the RC delay in integrated circuits are dielectric films of porous organosilicates which have a silica like backbone with alkyl or aryl groups (to add hydrophobicity to the materials and create free volume) attached directly to the Si atoms in the network. Si—R bonds rarely survive an exposure to plasmas or chemical treatments commonly used in processing; this is especially the case in materials with an open cell pore structure. When Si—R bonds are broken, the materials lose hydrophobicity, due to formation of hydrophilic silanols and low dielectric constant is compromised. A method by which the hydrophobicity of the materials is recovered using a novel class of silylation agents which may have the general formula (R | 01-06-2011 |
20110111560 | Lock and Key Through-Via Method for Wafer Level 3D Integration and Structures Produced Thereby - A three dimensional device stack structure comprises two or more active device and interconnect layers further connected together using through substrate vias. Methods of forming the three dimensional device stack structure comprise alignment, bonding by lamination, thinning and post thinning processing. The via features enable the retention of alignment through the lamination process and any subsequent process steps thus achieving a mechanically more robust stack structure compared to the prior art. | 05-12-2011 |
20110111590 | DEVICE AND METHODOLOGY FOR REDUCING EFFECTIVE DIELECTRIC CONSTANT IN SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Method of manufacturing a structure which includes the steps of providing a structure having an insulator layer with at least one interconnect, forming a sub lithographic template mask over the insulator layer, and selectively etching the insulator layer through the sub lithographic template mask to form sub lithographic features spanning to a sidewall of the plurality of interconnects. | 05-12-2011 |
20110163446 | METHOD TO GENERATE AIRGAPS WITH A TEMPLATE FIRST SCHEME AND A SELF ALIGNED BLOCKOUT MASK AND STRUCTURE - A structure and method to produce an airgap on a substrate having a dielectric layer and copper interconnects with sublithographic perforations therein which are ordered throughout the wafer structure in a macro level and a micro level with no change in order orientation and the top layer of the copper interconnects are not exposed. | 07-07-2011 |
20110183525 | Homogeneous Porous Low Dielectric Constant Materials - In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: providing a structure having a first layer overlying a substrate, where the first layer includes a dielectric material having a plurality of pores; applying a filling material to an exposed surface of the first layer; heating the structure to a first temperature to enable the filling material to homogeneously fill the plurality of pores; after filling the plurality of pores, performing at least one process on the structure; and after performing the at least one process, removing the filling material from the plurality of pores by heating the structure to a second temperature to decompose the filling material. | 07-28-2011 |
20110217836 | Programmable Via Devices in Back End of Line Level - Programmable via devices and methods for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a programmable via device is provided. The programmable via device comprises a first dielectric layer; at least one isolation layer over the first dielectric layer; a heater within the isolation layer; a capping layer over a side of the isolation layer opposite the first dielectric layer; at least one programmable via extending through the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater, the programmable via comprising at least one phase change material; a conductive cap over the programmable via; a second dielectric layer over a side of the capping layer opposite the isolation layer; a first conductive via and a second conductive via, each extending through the second dielectric layer, the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater; and a third conductive via extending through the second dielectric layer and in contact with the conductive cap. | 09-08-2011 |
20120153429 | 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE FABRICATION WITH PRECISELY CONTROLLABLE SUBSTRATE REMOVAL - A method is provided for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure. According to the method, a first active circuitry layer wafer is provided. The first active circuitry layer wafer comprises a P+ portion covered by a P− layer, and the P− layer includes active circuitry. The first active circuitry layer wafer is bonded face down to an interface wafer that includes a first wiring layer, and then the P+ portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is selectively removed with respect to the P− layer of the first active circuitry layer wafer. Next, a wiring layer is fabricated on the backside of the P− layer. Also provided are a tangible computer readable medium encoded with a program for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure, and a 3D integrated circuit structure. | 06-21-2012 |
20120231622 | SELF-ALIGNED DUAL DAMASCENE BEOL STRUCTURES WITH PATTERNABLE LOW- K MATERIAL AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - A self-aligned interconnect structure is provided that includes a first patterned and cured low-k material located on a surface of a substrate, wherein the first patterned and cured low-k material includes at least one first interconnect pattern (via or trench pattern) therein. A second patterned and cured low-k material having at least one second interconnect pattern that is different from the first interconnect pattern is located atop the first patterned and cured low k material. A portion of the second patterned and cured low-k material partially fills the at least one first interconnect within the first patterned and cured low-k material. A conductive material fills the at least one first interconnect pattern and the at least one second interconnect pattern. A method of forming such a self-aligned interconnect structure is also provided. | 09-13-2012 |
20120233510 | HIGH MEMORY DENSITY, HIGH INPUT/OUTPUT BANDWIDTH LOGIC-MEMORY STRUCTURE AND ARCHITECTURE - A chip stack structure includes a logic chip having an active device surface, and memory slices of a memory unit vertically aligned such that a surface of the memory slices is oriented perpendicular to the active device surface of the logic chip. The chip stack structure also includes wiring patterned on an upper surface of the memory slices, the wiring electrically connecting memory leads of the memory slices to logic grids corresponding to logic grid connections of the logic chip. | 09-13-2012 |
20120261823 | INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES WITH ENGINEERED DIELECTRICS WITH NANOCOLUMNAR POROSITY - A method for forming an interconnect structure with nanocolumnar intermetal dielectric is described involving the construction of an interconnect structure using a solid dielectric, and introducing a regular array of vertically aligned nanoscale pores through stencil formation and etching to form a hole array and subsequently pinching off the tops of the hole array with a cap dielectric. Variations of the method and means to construct a multilevel nanocolumnar interconnect structure are also described. | 10-18-2012 |
20120282784 | HOMOGENEOUS POROUS LOW DIELECTRIC CONSTANT MATERIALS - In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: providing a structure having a first layer overlying a substrate, where the first layer includes a dielectric material having a plurality of pores; applying a filling material to an exposed surface of the first layer; heating the structure to a first temperature to enable the filling material to homogeneously fill the plurality of pores; after filling the plurality of pores, performing at least one process on the structure; and after performing the at least one process, removing the filling material from the plurality of pores by heating the structure to a second temperature to decompose the filling material. | 11-08-2012 |
20120299145 | APPARATUS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE FABRICATION INCLUDING WAFER SCALE MEMBRANE - Apparatus configured for the fabrication of three-dimensional integrated devices and three-dimensional integrated devices fabricated therefrom are described. A device side of a donor wafer is coated with a polymer film and exposure of a substrate side to an oxidizing plasma creates a continuous SiO | 11-29-2012 |
20120299200 | 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE HAVING LOWER-COST ACTIVE CIRCUITRY LAYERS STACKED BEFORE HIGHER-COST ACTIVE CIRCUITRY LAYER - A 3D integrated circuit structure is provided. The 3D integrated circuit structure includes an interface wafer including a first wiring layer, a first active circuitry layer including active circuitry, and a wafer including active circuitry. The first active circuitry layer is bonded face down to the interface wafer, and the wafer is bonded face down to the first active circuitry layer. The first active circuitry layer is lower-cost than the wafer. | 11-29-2012 |
20120301706 | METHOD OF PE-ALD OF SiNxCy AND INTEGRATION OF LINER MATERIALS ON POROUS LOW K SUBSTRATES - A method of depositing a SiN | 11-29-2012 |
20120302040 | METHOD OF FABRICATION OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE USING A WAFER SCALE MEMBRANE - Methods of fabrication of three-dimensional integrated devices and three-dimensional integrated devices fabricated therefrom are described. A device side of a donor wafer is coated with a polymer film and exposure of a substrate side to an oxidizing plasma creates a continuous SiO | 11-29-2012 |
20120309127 | METHOD FOR FABRICATING 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE USING INTERFACE WAFER AS PERMANENT CARRIER - A computer readable medium is provided that is encoded with a program comprising instructions for performing a method for fabricating a | 12-06-2012 |
20120329244 | Capping Coating for 3D Integration Applications - A structure for a semiconductor component is provided having a bi-layer capping coating integrated and built on supporting layer to be transferred. The bi-layer capping protects the layer to be transferred from possible degradation resulting from the attachment and removal processes of the carrier assembly used for layer transfer. A wafer-level layer transfer process using this structure is enabled to create three-dimensional integrated circuits. | 12-27-2012 |
20120329269 | METHODS TO MITIGATE PLASMA DAMAGE IN ORGANOSILICATE DIELECTRICS - Methods of minimizing or eliminating plasma damage to low k and ultra low k organosilicate intermetal dielectric layers are provided. The reduction of the plasma damage is effected by interrupting the etch and strip process flow at a suitable point to add an inventive treatment which protects the intermetal dielectric layer from plasma damage during the plasma strip process. Reduction or elimination of a plasma damaged region in this manner also enables reduction of the line bias between a line pattern in a photoresist and a metal line formed therefrom, and changes in the line width of the line trench due to a wet clean after the reactive ion etch employed for formation of the line trench and a via cavity. The reduced line bias has a beneficial effect on electrical yields of a metal interconnect structure. | 12-27-2012 |
20120329273 | HOMOGENEOUS POROUS LOW DIELECTRIC CONSTANT MATERIALS - In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes: providing a structure having a first layer overlying a substrate, where the first layer includes a dielectric material having a plurality of pores; applying a filling material to an exposed surface of the first layer; heating the structure to a first temperature to enable the filling material to homogeneously fill the plurality of pores; after filling the plurality of pores, performing at least one first process on the structure; after performing the at least one first process, removing the filling material from the plurality of pores by heating the structure to a second temperature to decompose the filling material; and after removing the filling material from the plurality of pores, performing at least one second process on the structure, where the at least one second process is performed at a third temperature that is greater than the second temperature. | 12-27-2012 |
20130009315 | INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES WITH ENGINEERED DIELECTRICS WITH NANOCOLUMNAR POROSITY - A method for forming an interconnect structure with nanocolumnar intermetal dielectric is described involving the construction of an interconnect structure using a solid dielectric, and introducing a regular array of vertically aligned nanoscale pores through stencil formation and etching to form a hole array and subsequently pinching off the tops of the hole array with a cap dielectric. Variations of the method and means to construct a multilevel nanocolumnar interconnect structure are also described. | 01-10-2013 |
20130056874 | Protection of intermetal dielectric layers in multilevel wiring structures - A semiconductor device is accepted at a stage of its fabrication, at which stage the device includes a diffusion-barrier cap-material (DBCM) layer and an intermetal dielectric layer covering the DBCM layer. The DBCM layer is exposed and it is suitable for removal by an etching procedure in a portion of a pattern contained in the intermetal dielectric layer. A silylation treatment is performed on the semiconductor device prior to the etching procedure for removing the DBCM layer. The intermetal dielectric layer of the completed device has surfaces in contact with metal interconnects and metal vias, and it may have an excess of carbon content near at least a portion of the these surfaces. | 03-07-2013 |
20130189813 | COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM ENCODED WITH A PROGRAM FOR FABRICATING A 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT STRUCTURE - A computer readable medium encoded with a program for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure is provided. The program includes instructions for performing the following process. A first active circuitry layer wafer that includes active circuitry is provided, and a first portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is removed such that a second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer remains. Another wafer that includes active circuitry is provided, and the other wafer is bonded to the second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer. | 07-25-2013 |
20130270224 | CORRUGATED INTERFACES FOR MULTILAYERED INTERCONNECTS - Dielectric composite structures comprising interfaces possessing nanometer scale corrugated interfaces in interconnect stack provide enhances adhesion strength and interfacial fracture toughness. Composite structures further comprising corrugated adhesion promoter layers to further increase intrinsic interfacial adhesion are also described. Methods to form the nanometer scale corrugated interfaces for enabling these structures using self assembling polymer systems and pattern transfer process are also described. | 10-17-2013 |
20130273325 | CORRUGATED INTERFACES FOR MULTILAYERED INTERCONNECTS - Dielectric composite structures comprising interfaces possessing nanometer scale corrugated interfaces in interconnect stack provide enhances adhesion strength and interfacial fracture toughness. Composite structures further comprising corrugated adhesion promoter layers to further increase intrinsic interfacial adhesion are also described. Methods to form the nanometer scale corrugated interfaces for enabling these structures using self assembling polymer systems and pattern transfer process are also described. | 10-17-2013 |
20130307139 | BONDING OF SUBSTRATES INCLUDING METAL-DIELECTRIC PATTERNS WITH METAL RAISED ABOVE DIELECTRIC AND STRUCTURES SO FORMED - Bonding of substrates including metal-dielectric patterns on a surface with the metal raised above the dielectric, as well as related structures, are disclosed. One method includes providing a first substrate having a metal-dielectric pattern on a surface thereof; providing a second substrate having a metal-dielectric pattern on a surface thereof; performing a process resulting in the metal being raised above the dielectric; cleaning the metal; and bonding the first substrate to the second substrate. A related structure is also disclosed. The bonding of raised metal provides a strong bonding medium, and good electrical and thermal connections enabling creation of three dimensional integrated structures with enhanced functionality. | 11-21-2013 |
20140021616 | SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE - A semiconductor structure is provided and includes a substrate having an edge surface and a device surface with a central area, a crack stop structure disposed on the device surface and a circuit structure including components disposed on the device surface in the central area and interconnects electrically coupled to the components. The interconnects are configured to extend from the central area to the edge surface while bridging over the crack stop structure. | 01-23-2014 |
20140024146 | SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE - A semiconductor structure is provided and includes a substrate having an edge surface and a device surface with a central area, a crack stop structure disposed on the device surface and a circuit structure including components disposed on the device surface in the central area and interconnects electrically coupled to the components. The interconnects are configured to extend from the central area to the edge surface while bridging over the crack stop structure. | 01-23-2014 |
20140077330 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE USING A WAFER SCALE MEMBRANE - A donor wafer containing integrated semiconductor device. The donor wafer has a donor wafer membrane portion that has a device layer and a buried insulating layer. The donor wafer membrane portion has a number of integrated semiconductor devices where each integrated semiconductor device within the plurality of semiconductor devices corresponds to a die formed on the donor wafer. The donor wafer membrane portion has a diameter of at least 200 mm. The donor wafer has a crystalline substrate that is substantially removed from an area of the donor wafer membrane portion such that the device layer and the buried insulating layer of the donor wafer membrane in the area is configured to conform to a pattern specific topology on an acceptor surface. The donor wafer further has a support structure attached to regions of the donor wafer that are outside of the donor wafer membrane portion. | 03-20-2014 |
20140097543 | BONDING OF SUBSTRATES INCLUDING METAL-DIELECTRIC PATTERNS WITH METAL RAISED ABOVE DIELECTRIC AND STRUCTURES SO FORMED - Bonding of substrates including metal-dielectric patterns on a surface with the metal raised above the dielectric, as well as related structures, are disclosed. One structure includes: a first substrate having a metal-dielectric pattern on a surface thereof, the metal-dielectric pattern including: a metal having a concave upper surface; and a dielectric having a substantially uniform upper surface, wherein the metal on the first substrate is raised above the dielectric on the first substrate; and a second substrate bonded with the first substrate, the second substrate including: a dielectric; and a metal positioned substantially below the dielectric of the second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are bonded only at the metal from the first substrate and the metal from the second substrate. | 04-10-2014 |
20150024548 | COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM ENCODED WITH A PROGRAM FOR FABRICATING 3D INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DEVICE USING INTERFACE WAFER AS PERMANENT CARRIER - A computer readable medium is provided that is encoded with a program comprising instructions for performing a method for fabricating a 3D integrated circuit structure. Provided are an interface wafer including a first wiring layer and through-silicon vias, and a first active circuitry layer wafer including active circuitry. The first active circuitry layer wafer is bonded to the interface wafer. Then, a first portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is removed such that a second portion remains attached to the interface wafer. A stack structure including the interface wafer and the second portion of the first active circuitry layer wafer is bonded to a base wafer. Next, the interface wafer is thinned so as to form an interface layer, and metallizations coupled through the through-silicon vias in the interface layer to the first wiring layer are formed on the interface layer. | 01-22-2015 |