Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for making a metallization layered stack over an oxide layer of a semiconductor substrate, and a metallization layered stack that assists in providing superior deep UV photolithography resolution. The method includes forming a bottom titanium nitride layer over the oxide layer, and forming an aluminum metallization layer over the bottom titanium nitride layer. The method further includes forming a top titanium nitride layer over the aluminum metallization layer, such that the forming of the top titanium nitride layer includes: (a) placing the semiconductor substrate in an ionized metal plasma chamber having an RF powered coil and a titanium target; (b) introducing an argon gas and a nitrogen gas into the ionized metal plasma chamber; (c) pressuring up the ionized metal plasma chamber to a pressure of between about 10 mTorr and about 50 mTorr, whereby the top titanium nitride layer is formed as a dense titanium nitride film.
Abstract:
A process and system for connecting a semiconductor chip to a substrate is provided. The process includes providing the substrate that is configured to receive the semiconductor chip that has a bonding pad. The substrate has a first side that is suited to be connected to the semiconductor chip and a second side that is opposite the first side. The process then includes designing a metallization bonding structure on the first side of the substrate. The metallization bonding structure has a first end, a second end, and a bend defined between the first end and the second end. Then, an oxide passivation layer is defined over the first side that includes the metallization bonding structure. A bonding via is then defined through the passivation layer. The bonding via is configured to be aligned with the bend of the metallization bonding structure. The semiconductor chip is then joined to the oxide passivation layer, such that the bonding pad is aligned with the bonding via and the bend of the metallization bonding structure. The process further includes the application of a current between the first end and the second end of the metallization bonding structure. The applied current is configured to cause a flow of electrons in an opposite direction of the current and a flow of metallization atoms in the metallization bonding structure toward the bend and into the bonding via. A reliable conductive bond between the substrate and the bonding pad of the semiconductor chip is thus established without the need for wire bonds or solder bumps.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for making a programmable structure on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structure has a first dielectric layer. The method includes plasma patterning a first metallization layer over the first dielectric layer. Forming a second dielectric layer over the first metallization layer and the first dielectric layer. Forming a plurality of tungsten plugs in the second dielectric layer. Each of the plurality of tungsten plugs are in electrical contact with the first metallization layer. Plasma patterning a second metallization layer over the second dielectric layer and the plurality of tungsten plugs, such that at least a gap over each of the tungsten plugs is not covered by the second metallization layer. Applying a programming electron dose to a portion of the second metallization layer. The method further includes submersing the semiconductor substrate into a basic solution to remove each of the plurality of tungsten plugs except for a tungsten plug that is in electrical contact with the portion of the second metallization layer that received the applied programming electron dose.
Abstract:
A pressure sensing structure for measuring a local pressure on a surface of a wafer and a wafer carrier for communicating with the wafer is disclosed. The pressure sensing structure includes a conductive via extending through the wafer, a pressure transducer electrically connected to a first side of the conductive via, and a connector arranged in electrical contact with a second side of the conductive via. Further, a wafer incorporating multiple such pressure sensing structures is disclosed. In addition, a pressure sensing structure further including integrated circuitry in electrical contact with the pressure transducer and a conductive via is disclosed. The pressure sensing structure is well suited for use in sensing pressure variations throughout the surface of the wafer when a selected wafer layer is undergoing a chemical mechanical polishing operation.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for making reliable interconnect structures on a semiconductor substrate having a first dielectric layer. The method includes plasma patterning a first metallization layer that lies over the first dielectric layer. Forming a second dielectric layer over the first metallization layer and the first dielectric layer. Forming a plurality of tungsten plugs in the second dielectric layer, such that each of the plurality of tungsten plugs are in electrical contact with the first metallization layer. Plasma patterning a second metallization layer over the second dielectric layer and the plurality of tungsten plugs, such that at least a gap over at least one of the tungsten plugs is not covered by the second metallization layer and a positive charge is built-up on at least part of the second metallization layer. The method further includes contacting the second metallization layer with a conductive liquid that is electrically grounded. In this manner, the positive charge that is built-up on the at least part of the second metallization layer is neutralized to prevent tungsten plug erosion.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a semiconductor diode structure, and method for making semiconductor diode structures for suppressing transistor gate oxide plasma charging damage. The semiconductor diode structure includes a shallow trench isolation region that is configured to isolate an active region of a semiconductor substrate. A doped polysilicon electrode having a first end and a second end. The doped polysilicon electrode is defined in the shallow trench isolation region and the first end is configured to be in electrical contact with the semiconductor substrate. The diode structure further includes a polysilicon gate that has an underlying gate oxide. The polysilicon gate is defined over the active region and extends over part of the shallow trench isolation region so as to make electrical interconnection between the polysilicon gate and the second end of the doped polysilicon electrode.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an aluminum filled via hole for use in a semiconductor interconnect structure. The aluminum filled via hole of the semiconductor interconnect structure includes a first patterned metallization layer lying over a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer overlying the first patterned metallization layer and the first dielectric layer. An aluminum filled via hole defined through the second dielectric layer and in contact with the first patterned metallization layer. The aluminum filled via hole has an electromigration barrier cap over a topmost portion of the aluminum filled via hole that is substantially level with the second dielectric layer. The electromigration barrier cap having a thickness of between about 500 angstroms and about 2,500 angstroms.
Abstract:
A method of producing deep submicron vias is described in which a metal blanket layer is formed on a premetal dielectric and patterned to form line elements. An intermetal dielectric is then deposited over the patterned metal and chemically mechanically polished down to the top of the line elements. A second metal blanket layer is then deposited and patterned to form via studs. An intermetal dielectric is also deposited over the patterned metal via studs and polished down to the tops of the studs. The process is repeated until a multilevel integrated circuit is formed.
Abstract:
A resistive load structure and method for making a resistive load structure for an integrated circuit includes the use of an amorphous silicon "antifuse" material. The resistive load structure can be used in an SRAM cell to provide a load to counteract charge leakage at the drains of two pull-down transistors and two pass transistors of the SRAM cell. The resistive load structure is advantageously formed by depositing an amorphous silicon pad over a conductive via, and the resistance of the resistive load structure is controlled by adjusting the thickness of the amorphous silicon pad and varying the diameter of the underlying conductive via.
Abstract:
A photo alignment structure integral with a substrate enables the alignment apparatus to receive a reflected light signature of the surface topography of the alignment structure. As the circuit is constructed, the alignment target may be built in tandem with the process. The alignment structure is constructed so that its surface will retain sufficient topography to enable the alignment apparatus to properly align.