| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080254600 | METHODS FOR FORMING INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES - A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate. A first dielectric layer is formed over the sacrificial layer. A plurality of conductive structures are formed within the sacrificial layer and the first dielectric layer. The sacrificial layer is treated through the first dielectric layer, at least partially removing the sacrificial layer and forming at least one air gap between two of the conductive structures. A surface of the first dielectric layer is treated, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, after the formation of the air gap. A third dielectric layer is formed over the second dielectric layer. At least one opening is formed within the third dielectric layer such that the second dielectric layer substantially protects the first dielectric layer from damage by the step of forming the opening. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20100084718 | ADVANCED METAL GATE METHOD AND DEVICE - The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device that includes forming a high-k dielectric over a substrate, forming a first metal layer over the high-k dielectric, forming a second metal layer over the first metal layer, forming a first silicon layer over the second metal layer, implanting a plurality of ions into the first silicon layer and the second metal layer overlying a first region of the substrate, forming a second silicon layer over the first silicon layer, patterning a first gate structure over the first region and a second gate structure over a second region, performing an annealing process that causes the second metal layer to react with the first silicon layer to form a silicide layer in the first and second gate structures, respectively, and driving the ions toward an interface of the first metal layer and the high-k dielectric in the first gate structure. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20110003474 | Germanium-Containing Dielectric Barrier for Low-K Process - A semiconductor structure and methods of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a first dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; a conductive wiring in the first dielectric layer; and a copper germanide nitride layer over the conductive wiring. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110049705 | SELF-ALIGNED PROTECTION LAYER FOR COPPER POST STRUCTURE - A copper post is formed in a passivation layer to electrically connect an underlying bond pad region, and extends to protrude from the passivation layer. A protection layer is formed on a sidewall surface or a top surface of the copper post in a self-aligned manner. The protection layer is a manganese-containing oxide layer, a manganese-containing nitride layer or a manganese-containing oxynitride layer. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110062580 | PROTECTION LAYER FOR PREVENTING UBM LAYER FROM CHEMICAL ATTACK AND OXIDATION - A protection layer formed of a CuGe | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110074038 | METHODS FOR FORMING INTERCONNECT STRUCTURES THAT INCLUDE FORMING AIR GAPS BETWEEN CONDUCTIVE STRUCTURES - A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate. A first dielectric layer is formed over the sacrificial layer. A plurality of conductive structures are formed within the sacrificial layer and the first dielectric layer. The sacrificial layer is treated through the first dielectric layer, at least partially removing the sacrificial layer and forming at least one air gap between two of the conductive structures. A surface of the first dielectric layer is treated, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, after the formation of the air gap. A third dielectric layer is formed over the second dielectric layer. At least one opening is formed within the third dielectric layer such that the second dielectric layer substantially protects the first dielectric layer from damage by the step of forming the opening. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110092064 | Preventing UBM Oxidation in Bump Formation Processes - A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a copper-containing seed layer on a wafer, and performing a descum step on an exposed surface of the copper-containing seed layer. The descum step is performed using a process gas including fluorine and oxygen. A reduction/purge step is then performed on the exposed surface of the copper-containing seed layer using a nitrogen-containing gas. A copper-containing layer is plated on the copper-containing seed layer. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110101527 | MECHANISMS FOR FORMING COPPER PILLAR BUMPS - The mechanism of forming a metal bump structure described above resolves the delamination issues between a conductive layer on a substrate and a metal bump connected to the conductive layer. The conductive layer can be a metal pad, a post passivation interconnect (PPI) layer, or a top metal layer. By performing an in-situ deposition of a protective conductive layer over the conductive layer (or base conductive layer), the under bump metallurgy (UBM) layer of the metal bump adheres better to the conductive layer and reduces the occurrence of interfacial delamination. In some embodiments, a copper diffusion barrier sub-layer in the UBM layer can be removed. In some other embodiments, the UBM layer is not needed if the metal bump is deposited by a non-plating process and the metal bump is not made of copper. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110133331 | INTERFACE STRUCTURE FOR COPPER-COPPER PEELING INTEGRITY - An integrated circuit device is disclosed. An exemplary integrated circuit device includes a first copper layer, a second copper layer, and an interface between the first and second copper layers. The interface includes a flat zone interface region and an intergrowth interface region, wherein the flat zone interface region is less than or equal to 50% of the interface. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110151635 | HIGH TEMPERATURE GATE REPLACEMENT PROCESS - A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device is disclosed. An exemplary method comprises performing a gate replacement process to form a gate structure, wherein the gate replacement process includes an annealing process; after the annealing process, removing portions of a dielectric material layer to form a contact opening, wherein a portion of the substrate is exposed; forming a silicide feature on the exposed portion of the substrate through the contact opening; and filling the contact opening to form a contact to the exposed portion of the substrate. | 06-23-2011 |
