A method for electrically characterizing a layer disposed on a substrate and electrically insulated from the substrate is disclosed. The method can include forming a test pattern, contacting the test pattern with electrical contact elements at contact regions, and measuring an electrical parameter of the layer by passing a first set of test currents between contact regions. The test pattern can be formed by pushing a pattern forming head against a top surface of the layer, introducing a first fluid into the cavity, and converting the sacrificial portion of the layer into an insulator using the first fluid and forming the test pattern under the test-pattern-shaped inner seal.

A method for electrically characterizing a layer disposed on a substrate and electrically insulated from the substrate is disclosed. The method can include forming a test pattern, contacting the test pattern with electrical contact elements at contact regions, and measuring an electrical parameter of the layer by passing a first set of test currents between contact regions. The test pattern can be formed by pushing a pattern forming head against a top surface of the layer, introducing a first fluid into the cavity, and converting the sacrificial portion of the layer into an insulator using the first fluid and forming the test pattern under the test-pattern-shaped inner seal.

An electrical fuse device is disclosed. A circuit apparatus can include the fuse device, a first circuit element and a second circuit element. The fuse includes a first contact that has a first electromigration resistance, a second contact that has a second electromigration resistance and a metal line, which is coupled to the first contact and to the second contact, that has a third electromigration resistance that is lower than the second electromigration resistance. The first circuit element is coupled to the first contact and the second circuit element coupled to the second contact. The fuse is configured to conduct a programming current from the first contact to the second contact through the metal line. Further, the programming current causes the metal line to electromigrate away from the second contact to electrically isolate the second circuit element from the first circuit element.

An electrical fuse device is disclosed. A circuit apparatus can include the fuse device, a first circuit element and a second circuit element. The fuse includes a first contact that has a first electromigration resistance, a second contact that has a second electromigration resistance and a metal line, which is coupled to the first contact and to the second contact, that has a third electromigration resistance that is lower than the second electromigration resistance. The first circuit element is coupled to the first contact and the second circuit element coupled to the second contact. The fuse is configured to conduct a programming current from the first contact to the second contact through the metal line. Further, the programming current causes the metal line to electromigrate away from the second contact to electrically isolate the second circuit element from the first circuit element.

A system for processing semiconductor wafers, the system including: a processing chamber; a heat source; a substrate holder configured to expose a semiconductor wafer to the heat source; a first electrode configured to be detachably coupled to a first major surface of a semiconductor wafer; and a second electrode coupled to the substrate holder, the first electrode and the second electrode together configured to apply an electric field in the semiconductor wafer.

A system for processing semiconductor wafers, the system including: a processing chamber; a heat source; a substrate holder configured to expose a semiconductor wafer to the heat source; a first electrode configured to be detachably coupled to a first major surface of a semiconductor wafer; and a second electrode coupled to the substrate holder, the first electrode and the second electrode together configured to apply an electric field in the semiconductor wafer.

A gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer over a semiconductor workpiece. The gate structure further includes a work function layer over the gate dielectric layer, wherein the work function layer has a U-shape profile. The gate structure further includes an adhesion layer over the work function layer, wherein a surface of the adhesion layer farthest from the work function layer is substantially free of oxygen atoms. The gate structure further includes a conductive layer over the adhesion layer, wherein the conductive layer has an I-shape profile.

A gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer over a semiconductor workpiece. The gate structure further includes a work function layer over the gate dielectric layer, wherein the work function layer has a U-shape profile. The gate structure further includes an adhesion layer over the work function layer, wherein a surface of the adhesion layer farthest from the work function layer is substantially free of oxygen atoms. The gate structure further includes a conductive layer over the adhesion layer, wherein the conductive layer has an I-shape profile.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an integrated circuit (IC) structure, including: a p-type substrate, a p-well region within the p-type substrate, and an n-type barrier region between the p-type substrate and the p-well region. The n-type barrier region physically isolates the p-type substrate from the p-well region. A field effect transistor (FET) is positioned above the p-well region, and a buried insulator layer on the upper surface of the p-well region separates the transistor from the p-well region. A first voltage source electrically coupled to the p-well region induces a P-N-P junction across the p-well region, the n-type barrier region, and the p-type substrate.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an integrated circuit (IC) structure, including: a p-type substrate, a p-well region within the p-type substrate, and an n-type barrier region between the p-type substrate and the p-well region. The n-type barrier region physically isolates the p-type substrate from the p-well region. A field effect transistor (FET) is positioned above the p-well region, and a buried insulator layer on the upper surface of the p-well region separates the transistor from the p-well region. A first voltage source electrically coupled to the p-well region induces a P-N-P junction across the p-well region, the n-type barrier region, and the p-type substrate.