Abstract:
A method of forming pluralities of gate sidewall spacers each plurality comprising different associated gate sidewall spacer widths including providing a first plurality of gate structures; blanket depositing a first dielectric layer over the first plurality of gate structures; blanket depositing a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; etching back through a thickness of the first and second dielectric layers; blanket depositing a first photoresist layer to cover the first plurality and patterning to selectively expose at least a second plurality of gate structures; isotropically etching the at least a second plurality of gate structures for a predetermined time period to selectively etch away a predetermined portion of the first dielectric layer; and, selectively etching away the second dielectric layer to leave gate structures comprising a plurality of associated sidewall spacer widths.
Abstract:
In a method of forming an integrated circuit, a sacrificial layer is formed over a substrate. The sacrificial layer has a gate trench formed therein and a first layer of a first material formed over the substrate in the gate trench. A second layer of a second material is formed over the first layer in the gate trench. The first and second layers are processed to form a layer of a high-K dielectric material.
Abstract:
Black diamond films, deposited using PECVD at low substrate temperatures, have been effectively stabilized by immersing them in de-ionized water at a temperature of about 90° C. for about 20 minutes or in a hydrogen peroxide solution (typically at a concentration of 10%) for about 60 minutes. Since it has been observed that the dielectric constant of the stabilized film increases with both immersion time and/or peroxide concentration, this effect may be used as a means for adjusting the dielectric constant of a black diamond film. Standard analytical techniques confirm that these low temperature stabilized films have electrical properties that are at least as good as those of films stabilized using high temperature heat treatments.
Abstract:
Among other things, one or more techniques for conditional cell placement are provided herein. In an embodiment, a conditional boundary is created for a first cell. For example, the conditional boundary enables the first cell to be placed relative to a second cell based on a conditional placement rule. In an embodiment, the first cell is placed in a first manner relative to the second cell based in a first scenario. In a second scenario, different than the first scenario, the first cell is placed in a second manner relative to the second cell. In this manner, conditional cell placement is provided, thus providing flexibility and improved layout efficiency with regard to semiconductor fabrication, for example.
Abstract:
A method of forming a device includes providing a substrate, and forming a solder bump over the substrate. A minor element is introduced to a region adjacent a top surface of the solder bump. A re-flow process is then performed to the solder bump to drive the minor element into the solder bump.
Abstract:
A Cu damascene structure is formed where Cu diffusion barrier is formed by treating the top surface of the surrounding low-k interlayer dielectric with nitrogen or carbon containing medium to form a silicon nitride or silicon carbide diffusion barrier rather than capping the top surface of the Cu with metal diffusion barrier as is conventionally done.
Abstract:
Apparatus for forming a semiconductor structure comprising a first layer on top of a substrate wherein the first layer defines conductive regions such as copper interconnect lines and non-conductive regions such as dielectric materials. The conductive regions are covered by a second layer of a material different than the first layer such as for example nickel and then the structure is heat treated such that the interconnect lines and second metal, such as a copper interconnect line and a nickel second layer, interact with each other to form an alloy layer. The alloy layer has superior qualities for adhering to both the copper interconnect lines and a subsequently deposited dielectric material.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for forming a semiconductor structure comprising a first layer on top of a substrate wherein the first layer defines conductive regions such as copper interconnect lines and non-conductive regions such as dielectric materials. The conductive regions are covered by a second layer of a material different than the first layer such as for example nickel and then the structure is heat treated such that the interconnect lines and second metal, such as a copper interconnect line and a nickel second layer, interact with each other to form an alloy layer. The alloy layer has superior qualities for adhering to both the copper interconnect lines and a subsequently deposited dielectric material.
Abstract:
A Cu damascene structure is formed where Cu diffusion barrier is formed by treating the top surface of the surrounding low-k interlayer dielectric with nitrogen or carbon containing medium to form a silicon nitride or silicon carbide diffusion barrier rather than capping the top surface of the Cu with metal diffusion barrier as is conventionally done.