Abstract:
Planarizing and spin-on-carbon (SOC) compositions that fill vias and/or trenches on a substrate while planarizing the surface in a single thin layer coating process are provided. The compositions can planarize wide ranges of substrates with vias or trenches of from about 20 nm to about 220 nm wide, and up to about 700 nm deep. These extraordinary properties come from the low molecular weight of the polymers used in the materials, thermally-labile protecting groups on the polymers, and a delayed crosslinking reaction.
Abstract:
Aspects of the disclosure pertain to methods of forming planar amorphous carbon layers on patterned substrates. Layers formed according to embodiments outlined herein have may improve manufacturing yield by making the top surface of an amorphous carbon layer more planar despite underlying topography or stoichiometric variations. The amorphous carbon layers may comprise carbon and hydrogen, may consist of carbon and hydrogen or may comprise or consist of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in embodiments. Methods described herein may comprise introducing a hydrogen-containing precursor at a relatively high ratio relative to a hydrocarbon into a substrate processing region and concurrently applying a local plasma power capacitively to the substrate processing region to form the planar layer. Alternatively an atomic flow ratio of hydrogen:carbon may begin low and increase discretely or smoothly during formation of the amorphous carbon layer.
Abstract:
Patterning methods for creating sub-resolution trenches, contact openings, lines, and other structures at smaller dimensions as compared to using conventional self-aligned multiple patterning and sequential litho-etch deposition patterning approaches. Techniques herein include patterning using a grafting polymer material that has been modified to provide little or no etch resistance (fast etching). The grafting polymer material is deposited as spacer material on a substrate having mandrels. The spacer material selectively adheres to mandrel surfaces without adhering to exposed portions of an underlying layer. The spacer material also adheres up to a specific length so that sidewall spacers are formed. Openings between spacers are filled with a filler material, and then the sidewall spacers, made of the grafting material, are etched thereby creating antispacers. Etch transfer to a memorization layer and/or using additional relief patterns can be incorporated for creating various features.
Abstract:
Interconnect structures having alternating dielectric caps and an etchstop liner for semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing such devices are described. According to an embodiment, an interconnect structure may include an interlayer dielectric (ILD) with a first hardmask layer over a top surface of the ILD. The interconnect structure may also include one or more first interconnect lines in the ILD. A first dielectric cap may be positioned above a top surface of each of the first interconnect lines. Additional embodiments include one or more second interconnect lines in the ILD that are arranged in an alternating pattern with the first interconnect lines. A second dielectric cap may be formed above a top surface of each of the second interconnect lines. Embodiments may also include an etchstop liner that is formed over top surfaces of the first dielectric caps.
Abstract:
Techniques herein include use of a spacer processes for patterning flows during microfabrication for creating hardmasks, features, contact openings, etc. Techniques herein include using a sidewall spacer to define a hard border between features to be patterned. Such a spacer is positioned underneath an overlying relief pattern so that a portion of the spacer is exposed and protecting an underlying layer. Techniques herein can be used for metallization, and, in particular, metallization of a first metal layer above electronic device contacts. More broadly, techniques herein can be used for any type of critical placement where one structure is extremely close to another structure, such as with sub-resolution dimensions.
Abstract:
Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods for device patterning. In various embodiments, a plurality of protrusions and gaps are formed on a substrate, and each gap is formed between adjacent protrusions. Each protrusion includes a first line, a second line and a third line. The first and third lines include a first material, and the second lines include a second material that is different from the first material. A fourth line is deposited in each gap and the fourth line includes a third material that is different than the first and second materials. Because the first, second and third materials are different, one or more lines can be removed by selective etching while adjacent lines that are made of a different material may not be covered by a mask. The critical dimensions (CD) and the edge displacement errors (EPE) of the mask are increased.
Abstract:
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits involves applying an adhesive layer to a front side of the semiconductor wafer. A mask layer is laminated onto the front side of the semiconductor wafer, the mask layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The adhesive layer adheres the mask layer to the front side of the semiconductor wafer. The mask layer is patterned with a laser scribing process to provide gaps in the mask layer, the gaps exposing regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer is plasma etched through the gaps in the mask layer to singulate the integrated circuits.
Abstract:
To provide a curable composition for nanoimprinting that can form a cured product that has a sufficiently cured surface and is less prone to a pattern collapse defect even when the curable composition is cured by a photo-nanoimprint method at a low exposure dose. To provide a nanoimprint method for forming such a cured product. To provide a cured product that is less prone to a pattern collapse defect even when cured at a low exposure dose, a method for producing such a cured product, a method for manufacturing an optical component, a method for manufacturing a circuit board, and a method for manufacturing an electronic component. A curable composition that satisfies the formula (1) in a cured state: Er 1 /Er 2 ≧ 1.10 (1) wherein Er 1 denotes the surface reduced modulus (GPa) of a cured product of the curable composition, and Er 2 denotes the internal reduced modulus (GPa) of the cured product.