Dennis J. Yost

Bio: Dennis J. Yost is an academic researcher from Texas Instruments. The author has contributed to research in topics: Etching (microfabrication) & Dielectric. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 7 publications receiving 427 citations. Previous affiliations of Dennis J. Yost include Applied Materials.

Integrated low k dielectrics and etch stops

Abstract: A method of depositing and etching dielectric layers having low dielectric constants and etch rates that vary by at least 3:1 for formation of horizontal interconnects The amount of carbon or hydrogen in the dielectric layer is varied by changes in deposition conditions to provide low k dielectric layers that can replace etch stop layers or conventional dielectric layers in damascene applications A dual damascene structure having two or more dielectric layers with dielectric constants lower than about 4 can be deposited in a single reactor and then etched to form vertical and horizontal interconnects by varying the concentration of a carbon:oxygen gas such as carbon monoxide The etch gases for forming vertical interconnects preferably comprises CO and a fluorocarbon, and CO is preferably excluded from etch gases for forming horizontal interconnects

Metallization process for a semiconductor device

Abstract: A contact for a semiconductor device has a via extending through a dielectric and collimated titanium in the via. Depositing titanium by collimation places sufficient metal into high aspect ratio contacts to make good electrical connection. The collimated titanium may be reacted in a nitrogen containing ambient to form a titanium silicide layer at the bottom of the contact and a titanium nitride layer over the titanium silicide layer. The titanium silicide layer provides good electrical contact to a device in a silicon semiconductor substrate and lowers contact resistance. Tungsten may be deposited over the colliminated titanium to form a conductor layer. The titanium nitride layer provides a sticking layer for the tungsten. The contact structure and the method are useful in high aspect ratio contacts present in VLSI multilevel interconnected devices such as dynamic random access memories.

Global planarization process using patterned oxide

Abstract: A method for planarizing the surface of a layer in a semiconductor device includes forming conductor regions 24, 26, and 28 on a layer of the semiconductor device; forming first insulator regions 30, 32, and 34 in gaps between the conductor regions 24, 26, and 28; and forming an insulator layer 40 over the first insulator regions 30, 32, and 34, and over the conductor regions 24, 26, and 28 such that a surface of the insulator layer 40 will be substantially planar.

Method of depositing and etching dielectric layers

Abstract: A method of depositing and etching dielectric layers having low dielectric constants and etch rates that vary by at least 3:1 for formation of horizontal interconnects. The amount of carbon or hydrogen in the dielectric layer is varied by changes in deposition conditions to provide low k dielectric layers that can replace etch stop layers or conventional dielectric layers in damascene applications. A dual damascene structure having two or more dielectric layers with dielectric constants lower than about 4 can be deposited in a single reactor and then etched to form vertical and horizontal interconnects by varying the concentration of a carbon:oxygen gas such as carbon monoxide. The etch gases for forming vertical interconnects preferably comprises CO and a fluorocarbon, and CO is preferably excluded from etch gases for forming horizontal interconnects.

Global planarization using a polyimide block

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes conductor regions 24 and 26 on a layer of the semiconductor device; a first insulator layer 28 over and between the conductor regions 24 and 26; polyimide regions 30, 32, and 34 over the first insulator layer 28 in gaps between the conductor regions 24 and 26; and a second insulator layer 38 over the first insulator layer 28 and over the polyimide regions 30, 32, and 34. A surface of the second insulator layer 38 is substantially planar.

Semiconductor device, and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract: An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.

Plasma processes for depositing low dielectric constant films

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a low dielectric constant film by reaction of an organosilicon compound and an oxidizing gas comprising carbon at a constant RF power level. Dissociation of the oxidizing gas can be increased prior to mixing with the organosilicon compound, preferably within a separate microwave chamber, to assist in controlling the carbon content of the deposited film. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film has good barrier properties for use as a liner or cap layer adjacent other dielectric layers. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film may also be used as an etch stop and an intermetal dielectric layer for fabricating dual damascene structures. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane films also provide excellent adhesion between different dielectric layers.

Dual gas faceplate for a showerhead in a semiconductor wafer processing system

Abstract: A faceplate for a showerhead of a semiconductor wafer processing system is provided. The faceplate has a plurality of gas passageways to provide a plurality of gases to the process region without commingling those gases before they reach the processing region within a reaction chamber. The showerhead includes a faceplate and a gas distribution manifold assembly. The faceplate defines a plurality of first gas holes that carry a first gas from the manifold assembly through the faceplate to the process region, and a plurality of channels that couple a plurality of second gas holes to a radial plenum that receives the second gas from the manifold assembly. The faceplate and the manifold assembly are each fabricated from a substantially solid nickel material.

Process for modifying offset voltage characteristics of an interferometric modulator

Abstract: An interferometric modulator manufactured according to a particular set of processing parameters may have a non-zero offset voltage. A process has been developed for modifying the processing parameters to shift the non-zero offset voltage closer to zero. For example, the process may involve identifying a set of processing parameters for manufacturing an interferometric modulator that results in a non-zero offset voltage for the interferometric modulator. The set of processing parameters may then be modified to shift the non-zero offset voltage closer to zero. For example, modifying the set of processing parameters may involve modifying one or more deposition parameters used to make the interferometric modulator, applying a current (e.g., a counteracting current) to the interferometric modulator, and/or annealing the interferometric modulator. Interferometric modulators made according to the set of modified processing parameters may have improved performance and/or simpler drive schemes.

Method of depositing a low k dielectric with organo silane

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a low dielectric constant film by reaction of an organo silane compound and an oxidizing gas. The oxidized organo silane film has excellent barrier properties for use as a liner or cap layer adjacent other dielectric layers. The oxidized organo silane film can also be used as an etch stop or an intermetal dielectric layer for fabricating dual damascene structures. The oxidized organo silane films also provide excellent adhesion between different dielectric layers. A preferred oxidized organo silane film is produced by reaction of methyl silane, CH3SiH3, and N2O.