Abstract:
A composite barrier layer provides superior barrier qualities and superior adhesion properties to both dielectric materials and conductive materials as the composite barrier layer extends throughout the semiconductor device. The composite barrier layer may be formed in regions where it is disposed between two conductive layers and in regions where it is disposed between a conductive layer and a dielectric material. The composite barrier layer may consist of various pluralities of layers and the arrangement of layers that form the composite barrier layer may differ as the barrier layer extends throughout different sections of the device. Amorphous layers of the composite barrier layer are generally disposed to form boundaries with dielectric materials and crystalline layers are generally disposed to form boundaries with conductive materials such as interconnect materials.
Abstract:
It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved method of fabrication in the formation of an improved copper metal diffusion barrier layer having the structure, W/WSiN/WN, in single and dual damascene interconnect trench/contact via processing with 0.10 micron nodes for MOSFET and CMOS applications. The diffusion barrier is formed by depositing a tungsten nitride bottom layer, followed by an in situ SiH4/NH3 or SiH4/H2 soak forming a WSiN layer, and depositing a final top layer of tungsten. This invention is used to manufacture reliable metal interconnects and contact vias in the fabrication of MOSFET and CMOS devices for both logic and memory applications and the copper diffusion barrier formed, W/WSiN/WN, passes a stringent barrier thermal reliability test at 400° C. Pure single barrier layers, i.e., single layer WN, exhibit copper punch through or copper spiking during the stringent barrier thermal reliability test at 400° C.
Abstract:
A method of electrochemical deposition (ECD) provides a barrier and a seed layer on a substrate. The surfaces of the substrate are pre-treated before a metal layer is electrochemically deposited thereon in an electrochemical plating cell with a physical or a chemical surface treatment process. The electrochemical plating cell is covered by a cap to prevent evaporation of the electrolyte solution. The electrochemical plating cell includes a substrate holder assembly with a lift seal, e.g., with a contact angle θ less than 90° between the lift seal and the substrate. The substrate holder assembly includes a substrate chuck at the rear side of the substrate.
Abstract:
A loadlock. The loadlock for wafers includes a chamber, a pedestal, a retractable shaft, and a bellows. The chamber has a plurality of walls and a bottom surface. The pedestal supports a cassette and is disposed in the chamber. The retractable shaft has a top end and a bottom end. The top end is connected to the pedestal and the bottom end is connected to the bottom surface as a reference for positioning the pedestal. The bellows has a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed on the pedestal and the second end is sealed at the bottom end of the retractable shaft. Preferably, the retractable shaft is fully enclosed by the bellows.
Abstract:
A new method is provided is creating metal interconnect comprising copper. A first embodiment of the invention provides for the application of a doped layer of copper. A second embodiment of the invention provides for the deposition of a silicon nitride layer as an inter-barrier film over surfaces of an opening created in a layer of dielectric followed by removing the layer of silicon nitride from the bottom of the opening followed by depositing a doped copper-alloy seed layer over surfaces of the opening followed by plating a layer of copper over the copper-alloy seed layer.
Abstract:
A method is provided for selectively depositing a silicided metal diffusion barrier layer in a semiconductor structure to reduce an electrical contact resistance with respect to an underlying copper layer while maintaining a copper diffusion resistance along the semiconductor feature sidewalls including depositing a metal nitride layer over the feature under conditions according to a CVD process such that the metal nitride layer has a relatively higher deposition rate onto feature sidewalls for a period of time compared to a deposition rate over the copper underlayer; and, exposing the metal nitride layer to a silicon containing gaseous ambient under conditions such that silicon is incorporated into the metal nitride layer to form a silicided metal nitride layer having a thickness over the copper underlayer thinner by about 10 Angstroms to 60 Angstroms compared to the feature sidewall thickness.
Abstract:
A device includes a substrate, and a plurality of dielectric layers over the substrate. A plurality of metallization layers is formed in the plurality of dielectric layers, wherein at least one of the plurality of metallization layers comprises a metal pad. A through-substrate via (TSV) extends from the top level of the plurality of the dielectric layers to a bottom surface of the substrate. A deep conductive via extends from the top level of the plurality of dielectric layers to land on the metal pad. A metal line is formed over the top level of the plurality of dielectric layers and interconnecting the TSV and the deep conductive via.
Abstract:
A device and system for thin wafer cleaning is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a spin chuck having at least three holding clamps. A thin wafer with a wafer frame is mounted on the spin chuck through a tape layer. When the holding clamps are unlocked, there is no interference with the removal and placement of the wafer frame. On the other hand, when the holding clamps are locked, the holding clamps are brought into contact with the outer edge of the wafer frame so as to prevent the wafer frame from moving laterally. Furthermore, the shape of the holding clamps in a locked position is capable of preventing the wafer frame from moving vertically.
Abstract:
Methods of packaging semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging method for semiconductor devices includes providing a workpiece including a plurality of first dies, and coupling a plurality of second dies to the plurality of first dies. The plurality of second dies and the plurality of first dies are partially packaged and separated. Top surfaces of the second dies are coupled to a carrier, and the partially packaged plurality of second dies and plurality of first dies are fully packaged. The carrier is removed, and the fully packaged plurality of second dies and plurality of first dies are separated.
Abstract:
A system and method for conductive pillars is provided. An embodiment comprises a conductive pillar having trenches located around its outer edge. The trenches are used to channel conductive material such as solder when a conductive bump is formed onto the conductive pillar. The conductive pillar may then be electrically connected to another contact through the conductive material.