Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to smooth sidewall structures and methods of manufacture. The method includes: forming a plurality of mandrel structures; forming a first spacer material on each of the plurality of mandrel structures; forming a second spacer material over the first spacer material; and removing the first spacer material and the plurality of mandrel structures to form a sidewall structure having a sidewall smoothness greater than the plurality of mandrel structures.
Abstract:
A starting metallization structure for electrically coupling one or more underlying semiconductor devices, the structure including a bottom layer of dielectric material with metal-filled via(s) situated therein, a protective layer over the bottom layer, and a top layer of dielectric material over the protective layer. A sacrificial layer of amorphous silicon is formed over the top layer of dielectric material, a protective layer is formed over the sacrificial layer and via(s) through each layer above the metal-filled via(s) to expose the metal of the metal-filled via(s). The protective layer is then selectively removed, as well as the sacrificial layer of amorphous silicon.
Abstract:
Reducing liner corrosion during metallization of semiconductor devices at BEOL includes providing a starting metallization structure, the structure including a bottom layer of dielectric material with a via therein, a liner lining the via and extending over upper edges thereof, the lined via over filled with a conductive material, recessing the conductive material down to the liner, further selectively recessing the conductive material below the upper edges of the via without damaging the liner, and forming a cap of the liner material on the conductive material.
Abstract:
Methods for fabricating a layered circuit structure are provided, which include, for instance: depositing a first material layer above a substrate, the first material layer having an oxidized upper surface; providing a second material layer over the oxidized upper surface of the first material layer; and inhibiting diffusion of one or more elements from the oxidized upper surface of the first material layer into either the first material layer or the second material layer during the providing of the second material layer over the oxidized upper surface of the first material layer. The inhibiting may include one or more of modifying a characteristic(s) of the first material layer, forming a protective layer over the oxidized upper surface of the first material layer, or altering at least one process parameter employed in providing the second material layer.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to a cobalt plated via integration scheme and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a via structure composed of cobalt material; and a wiring structure above the via structure. The wiring structure is lined with a barrier liner and the cobalt material and filled with conductive material.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to airgaps which isolate metal lines and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: a plurality of metal lines formed on an insulator layer; and a dielectric material completely filling a space having a first dimension between metal lines of the plurality of metal lines and providing a uniform airgap with a space having a second dimension between metal lines of the plurality of metal lines. The first dimension is larger than the second dimension.
Abstract:
Methods of facilitating fabrication of defect-free semiconductor structures are provided which include, for instance: providing a dielectric layer, the dielectric layer comprising at least one consumable material; selectively removing a portion of the dielectric layer, wherein the selectively removing consumes, in part, a remaining portion of the at least one consumable material, leaving, within the remaining portion of the dielectric layer, a depleted region; and subjecting the depleted region of the dielectric layer to a treatment process, to restore the depleted region with at least one replacement consumable material, thereby facilitating fabrication of a defect-free semiconductor structure.
Abstract:
Semiconductor structures and fabrication methods are provided having a bridging film which facilitates adherence of both an underlying layer of dielectric material and an overlying stress-inducing layer. The method includes, for instance, providing a layer of dielectric material, with at least one gate structure disposed therein, over a semiconductor substrate; providing a bridging film over the layer of dielectric material with the at least one gate structure; and providing a stress-inducing layer over the bridging film. The bridging film is selected to facilitate adherence of both the underlying layer of dielectric material and the overlying stress-inducing layer by, in part, forming a chemical bond with the layer of dielectric material, without forming a chemical bond with the stress-inducing layer.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for forming semiconductor devices with a protection layer for a dielectric mask layer are provided. One method includes, for instance; obtaining a substrate having at least one of a dielectric layer and a metal layer; forming a first SiCN dielectric mask layer on a top surface of at least one of the dielectric layer and a metal layer; and forming a silicon nitride (SiNx) cap layer on a top surface of the first SiCN dielectric mask layer. One intermediate semiconductor device includes, for instance: a substrate having at least one of a dielectric layer and a metal layer; a first SiCN dielectric mask layer on a top surface of at least one of the dielectric layer and a metal layer; and a silicon nitride (SiNx) cap layer on a top surface of the first SiCN dielectric mask layer.
Abstract:
Methods of facilitating fabrication of defect-free semiconductor structures are provided which include, for instance: providing a dielectric layer, the dielectric layer comprising at least one consumable material; selectively removing a portion of the dielectric layer, wherein the selectively removing consumes, in part, a remaining portion of the at least one consumable material, leaving, within the remaining portion of the dielectric layer, a depleted region; and subjecting the depleted region of the dielectric layer to a treatment process, to restore the depleted region with at least one replacement consumable material, thereby facilitating fabrication of a defect-free semiconductor structure.