Abstract:
A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having transistor devices and a plurality of copper interconnect metallization lines and conductive vias. The plurality of copper interconnect metallization lines and conductive vias are defined in each of a plurality of interconnect levels of the semiconductor device such that the plurality of copper interconnect metallization lines and conductive vias are isolated from each other by an air dielectric. The semiconductor device further includes a plurality of supporting stubs each of which is configured to form a supporting column that extends through the plurality of interconnect levels of the semiconductor device.
Abstract:
A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) system (200) is provided. A carrier (206) has a top surface and a bottom region. The top surface of the carrier is designed to hold and rotate a wafer (202) having a one or more formed layers to be prepared. A preparation head (208) is also included and is designed to be applied to at least a portion of the wafer (202) that is less than an entire portion of the surface of the wafer (202). Preferably, the preparation head (208) and the carrier (206) are configured to rotate in opposite directions. In addition, the preparation (208) head is further configured to oscillate while linearly moving from one of the direction of a center of the wafer (202) to an edge of the wafer (202) and from the edge of the wafer (202) to the center of the wafer(202). A support head (212) to support the top face of the wafer is also included, as well as a conditioning head (210).
Abstract:
A method for minimizing measuring spot size and noise during film thickness measurement is provided. The method initiates with locating a first eddy current sensor directed toward a first surface associated with a conductive film. The method includes locating . a second eddy current sensor directed toward a second surface associated with the conductive film. The first and second eddy current sensors may share a common axis or be offset from each other. The method further includes alternating power supplied to the first eddy current sensor and the second eddy current sensor. In one aspect of the invention, a delay time is incorporated between switching power between the first eddy current sensor and the second eddy current sensor. The method also includes calculating the film thickness measurement based on a combination of signals from the first eddy current sensor and the second eddy current sensor. An apparatus and a system are also provided.
Abstract:
An apparatus for use in a chemical mechanical planarization system (100) is provided. The apparatus includes a fluid displacing device and a fluid delivery device. The fluid displacing device is capable of being positioned at a proximate location over a polishing pad (101), the fluid displacing device configured to displace at least part of a first fluid from a region of the polishing pad (101). The fluid delivery device (103) is capable of replacing the displaced first fluid with a second fluid at the region of the polishing pad, the second fluid being different than the first fluid. A method of controlling properties of a film present over a polishing pad (101) surface is also provided. Further provided is an apparatus that is capable of delivering a fluid over the polishing pad, where the delivery is at a proximate location over the polishing pad surface. The apparatus should further be capable of removing at least part of the fluid from over the polishing pad surface. The removing is configured to occur at a proximate location over the polishing pad surface and adjacent to the delivery of the fluid.
Abstract:
Chemical mechanical polishing systems and methods are disclosed. The system includes a polishing pad (304) that is configured to move from a first point to a second point. A carrier (308) is also included and is configured to hold a substrate (301) to be polished over the polishing pad. The carrier is designed to apply the substrate to the polishing pad in a polish location that is between the first point and the second point. A first sensor (310a) is located at the first point and oriented so as to sense an IN temperature of the polishing pad, and a second sensor (310b) is located at the second point and oriented so as to sense an OUT temperature of the polishing pad. The sensing of the IN and OUT temperatures is configured to produce a temperature differential that allows monitoring the process state and the state of the water surface for purposes of switching the process steps while processing wafers by chemical mechanical planarization.
Abstract:
Etch selectivity enhancement during electron beam activated chemical etch (EBACE), methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of structures on an integrated circuit wafer using EBACE, a method for modifying a surface of a substrate (or a portion there of), methods and apparatus for imaging a structure and an associated processor-readable medium are disclosed. A target or portion thereof may be exposed to a gas composition of a type that etches the target when the gas composition and/or target are exposed to an electron beam. By directing an electron beam toward the target in the vicinity of the gas composition, an interaction between the electron beam and the gas composition etches a portion of the target exposed to both the gas composition and the electron beam.
Abstract:
A chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system is provided. The CMP system includes a wafer carrier (154) configured to support a wafer (148) during a planarization process, the wafer carrier including a sensor (144) configured to detect a signal indicating a stress being experienced by the wafer during planarization. A computing device (140) in communication with the sensor (144) is included. The computing device (140) is configured to translate the signal to generate a stress map for analysis. A stress relief device responsive to a signal received from the computing device (140) is included. The stress relief device is configured to relieve the stress being experienced by the wafer.
Abstract:
A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having transistor devices and a plurality of copper interconnect metallization lines and conductive vias. The plurality of copper interconnect metallization lines and conductive vias are defined in each of a plurality of interconnect levels of the semiconductor device such that the plurality of copper interconnect metallization lines and conductive vias are isolated from each other by an air dielectric. The semiconductor device further includes a plurality of supporting stubs each of which is configured to form a supporting column that extends through the plurality of interconnect levels of the semiconductor device.
Abstract:
One embodiment relates to a dynamic pattern generator (112) for reflection electron beam lithography which includes conductive pixel pads (902), an insulative border (906) surrounding each conductive pixel pad so as to electrically isolate the conductive pixel pads from each other, and conductive elements (908) coupled to the conductive pixel pads for controllably applying voltages to the conductive pixel pads. The conductive pixel pads are advantageously cup shaped with a bottom portion, a sidewall portion, and an open cavity (904). Another embodiment relates to a pattern generating apparatus which includes a well structure with sidewalls and a cavity configured above each conductive pixel pad (1210). The sidewalls may include alternating layers of conductive (1212, 1214, 1216) and insulative (1202, 1204, 1206) materials. Other embodiments, aspects and feature are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Etch selectivity enhancement during electron beam activated chemical etch (EBACE), methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of structures on an integrated circuit wafer using EBACE, a method for modifying a surface of a substrate (or a portion there of), methods and apparatus for imaging a structure and an associated processor-readable medium are disclosed. A target or portion thereof may be exposed to a gas composition of a type that etches the target when the gas composition and/or target are exposed to an electron beam. By directing an electron beam toward the target in the vicinity of the gas composition, an interaction between the electron beam and the gas composition etches a portion of the target exposed to both the gas composition and the electron beam.