Abstract:
Methods of fabricating a multi-layer semiconductor device such as a multi-layer damascene or inverted multi-layer damascene structure using only a single or reduced number of exposure steps. The method may include etching a precursor structure formed of materials with differential removal rates for a given removal condition. The method may include removing material from a multi-layer structure under different removal conditions. Further disclosed are multi-layer damascene structures having multiple cavities of different sizes. The cavities may have smooth inner wall surfaces. The layers of the structure may be in direct contact. The cavities may be filled with a conducting metal or an insulator. Multi-layer semiconductor devices using the methods and structures are further disclosed.
Abstract:
A wire structure, which may be configured for a semiconductor device, is disclosed. The wire may include an elongate flexible core formed of a conductor material and a cladding layer covering an outer surface of the core. The cladding layer may be a conductor. In various aspects the cladding layer and core have a different grain sizes. An average grain size of the core material may several orders of magnitude greater than an average grain size of the cladding layer material. The cladding layer may be an alloy having a varying concentration of a minor component across its thickness. Methods of forming a wire structure are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A component can include a substrate having a front surface and a rear surface remote therefrom, an opening extending from the rear surface towards the front surface, and a conductive via extending within the opening. The substrate can have a CTE less than 10 ppm/° C. The opening can define an inner surface between the front and rear surfaces. The conductive via can include a first metal layer overlying the inner surface and a second metal region overlying the first metal layer and electrically coupled to the first metal layer. The second metal region can have a CTE greater than a CTE of the first metal layer. The conductive via can have an effective CTE across a diameter of the conductive via that is less than 80% of the CTE of the second metal region.
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating a multi-layer semiconductor device such as a multi-layer damascene or inverted multi-layer damascene structure using only a single or reduced number of exposure steps. The method may include etching a precursor structure formed of materials with differential removal rates for a given removal condition. The method may include removing material from a multi-layer structure under different removal conditions. Further disclosed are multi-layer damascene structures having multiple cavities of different sizes. The cavities may have smooth inner wall surfaces. The layers of the structure may be in direct contact. The cavities may be filled with a conducting metal or an insulator. Multi-layer semiconductor devices using the methods and structures are further disclosed.
Abstract:
Substantially uniform deposition of conductive material on a surface of a substrate, which substrate includes a semiconductor wafer, from an electrolyte containing the conductive material can be provided by way of a particular device which includes first and second conductive elements. The first conductive element can have multiple electrical contacts, of identical or different configurations, or may be in the form of a conductive pad, and can contact or otherwise electrically interconnect with the substrate surface over substantially all of the substrate surface. Upon application of a potential between the first and second conductive elements while the electrolyte makes physical contact with the substrate surface and the second conductive element, the conductive material is deposited on the substrate surface. It is possible to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied between the anode and the cathode so that electro-etching of deposited conductive material can be performed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for forming a planar conductive surface on a wafer. In one aspect, the present invention uses a no-contact process with electrochemical deposition, followed by a contact process with electrochemical mechanical deposition.
Abstract:
An apparatus for processing a material on a wafer surface includes a cavity defined by a peripheral wall and configured to direct a process solution and direct it to the surface to to a first wafer surface region without being directed to a second wafer surface region, a head configured to hold the wafer so that the surface of the wafer faces the cavity, and an electrical contact member positioned outside the cavity peripheral wall and configured to contact the second wafer surface region extending beyond the cavity, when the wafer is moved relative to the contact member. Advantages of the invention include substantially full surface treatment of the wafer.
Abstract:
A system for optionally depositing or etching a layer of a wafer includes mask plate opposed to the wafer with the mask plate having a plurality of openings that transport a solution to the wafer. An electrode assembly has a first electrode member and a second electrode member having channels that operatively interface a peripheral and center part of the wafer. The channels transport the solution to the mask.
Abstract:
The present invention applies an electrochemical etching solution to a material layer, preferably a metal layer, disposed on a workpiece, in the presence of a current. This electrochemical etching solution supplies to the material on the substrate surface the species to form an intermediate compound on the surface that can be more easily mechanically removed as intermediate compound fragments than the material. By removing the intermediate compound fragments, the process allows more efficient use of the supplied current to form another layer of intermediate compound that can also be mechanically removed, rather than using the current to result in another compound on the surface of the material that eventually dissolves into the solution. In another aspect of the invention, such intermediate compound particulates are externally generated and used to mechanically remove the surface layer of the material. Such intermediate particulates do not contaminate, and thus allow for more efficient material removal, as well as plating to occur within the same chamber, if desired.
Abstract:
A particular anode assembly can be used to supply a solution for any of a plating operation, a planarization operation, and a plating and planarization operation to be performed on a semiconductor wafer. The anode assembly includes a rotatable shaft disposed within a chamber in which the operation is performed, an anode housing connected to the shaft, and a porous pad support plate attached to the anode housing. The support plate has a top surface adapted to support a pad which is to face the wafer, and, together with the anode housing, defines an anode cavity. A consumable anode may be provided in the anode cavity to provide plating material to the solution. A solution delivery structure by which the solution can be delivered to said anode cavity is also provided. The solution delivery structure may be contained within the chamber in which the operation is performed. A shield can also be mounted between the shaft and an associated spindle to prevent leakage of the solution from the chamber.