Abstract:
An integrated circuit structure and methods for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; an opening in the dielectric layer; a conductive line in the opening; a metal alloy layer overlying the conductive line; a first metal silicide layer overlying the metal alloy layer; and a second metal silicide layer different from the first metal silicide layer on the first metal silicide layer. The metal alloy layer and the first and the second metal silicide layers are substantially vertically aligned to the conductive line.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes providing a substrate, forming a low-k dielectric layer over the substrate, etching the low-k dielectric layer to form an opening in the low-k dielectric layer wherein an underlying metal is exposed through the opening, performing a remote plasma treatment to the substrate wherein a plasma used for the remote plasma treatment is generated from a plasma generator separated from a chamber in which the substrate is located, forming a diffusion barrier layer in the opening, and filling the opening with a conductive material. The method preferably includes an in-situ plasma treatment in a same chamber as the step of etching the low-k dielectric layer.
Abstract:
A semiconductor interconnect structure having reduced hillock formation and a method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor interconnect structure includes a conductor formed in a dielectric layer. The conductor includes at least three sub-layers, wherein the ratio of the impurity concentrations in neighboring sub-layers is preferably greater than about two.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit structure having improved resistivity and a method for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a dielectric layer, an opening in the dielectric layer, and a damascene structure in the opening. The damascene structure includes a metallic barrier layer in the opening and in physical contact with the dielectric layer, a conductive material filling the remaining part of the opening, and an interlayer between and adjoining the metallic barrier layer and the conductive material. The interlayer is preferably a metal compound layer.
Abstract:
A fully silicided gate with a selectable work function includes; a gate dielectric over the substrate; and a first metal silicide layer over the gate dielectric, and a second metal silicide layer wherein the first metal silicide has a different phase then the second metal silicide layer. The metal silicide layers comprises at least one alloy element. The concentration of the alloy element on the interface between the gate dielectric and the metal silicide layers influence the work function of the gate.
Abstract:
A semiconductor structure includes a first conductive layer coupled to a transistor. A first dielectric layer is over the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is within the first dielectric layer, contacting a portion of a top surface of the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer includes a cap portion extending above a top surface of the first dielectric layer. A first dielectric spacer is between the first dielectric layer and the second conductive layer. A phase change material layer is above a top surface of the second conductive layer. A third conductive layer is over the phase change material layer. A second dielectric layer is over the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric spacer is on a sidewall of the cap portion, wherein a thermal conductivity of the second dielectric spacer is less than that of the first dielectric layer or that of the second dielectric layer.
Abstract:
A method for forming nickel silicide includes degassing a semiconductor substrate that includes a silicon surface. After the degassing operation, the substrate is cooled prior to a metal deposition process, during a metal deposition process, or both. The cooling suppresses the temperature of the substrate to a temperature less than the temperature required for the formation of nickel silicide. Nickel diffusion is minimized during the deposition process. After deposition, an annealing process is used to urge the formation of a uniform silicide film. In various embodiments, the metal film may include a binary phase alloy containing nickel and a further element.
Abstract:
A method of forming a silicided gate on a substrate having active regions, comprising the steps of: forming a first silicide in the active regions from a first material; and forming a second silicide in the gate from a second material, wherein the first silicide forms a barrier against the second material forming a silicide in the active regions during the second silicide forming step, wherein said second silicide is thicker than said first silicide.
Abstract:
An integrated circuit structure having improved resistivity and a method for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a dielectric layer, an opening in the dielectric layer, and a damascene structure in the opening. The damascene structure includes a metallic barrier layer in the opening and in physical contact with the dielectric layer, a conductive material filling the remaining part of the opening, and an interlayer between and adjoining the metallic barrier layer and the conductive material. The interlayer is preferably a metal compound layer.
Abstract:
A semiconductor device having a nonconductive cap layer comprising a first metal element. The nonconductive cap layer comprises a first metal nitride, a first metal oxide, or a first metal oxynitride over conductive lines and an insulating material between the conductive lines. An interface region may be formed over the top surface of the conductive lines, the interface region including the metal element of the cap layer. The cap layer prevents the conductive material in the conductive lines from migrating or diffusing into adjacent subsequently formed insulating material layers. The cap layer may also function as an etch stop layer.