Provided are a three-dimensional integrated circuit (3DIC) and a method of manufacturing the same. The 3DIC includes a first wafer, a second wafer, and a hybrid bonding structure. The second wafer is bonded to the first wafer by the hybrid bonding structure. The hybrid bonding structure includes a blocking layer between a hybrid bonding dielectric layer and a hybrid bonding metal layer.

Devices and methods that can facilitate hybrid sidewall barrier and low resistance interconnect components are provided. According to an embodiment, a device can comprise a first interconnect material layer that can have a first opening that can comprise a first discontinuous barrier liner coupled to first sidewalls of the first opening and a first continuous barrier layer coupled to the first discontinuous barrier liner and the first sidewalls. The device can further comprise a second interconnect material layer coupled to the first interconnect material layer, the second interconnect material layer can have a second opening that can comprise a second discontinuous barrier liner coupled to second sidewalls of the second opening, a second continuous barrier layer coupled to the second discontinuous barrier liner and the second sidewalls.

Three-dimensional integrated circuit (3DIC) structures are disclosed. A 3DIC structure includes a first die and a second die bonded to the first die. The first die includes a first integrated circuit region and a first seal ring region around the first integrated circuit region, and has a first alignment mark within the first integrated circuit region. The second die includes a second integrated circuit region and a second seal ring region around the second integrated circuit region, and has a second alignment mark within the second seal ring region and corresponding to the first alignment mark.

[Object] To enable reliability to be further improved in a semiconductor device.

[Solution] Provided is a semiconductor device including a plurality of substrates that is stacked, each of the substrates including a semiconductor substrate and a multi-layered wiring layer stacked on the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate having a circuit with a predetermined function formed thereon. Bonding surfaces between at least two substrates among the plurality of substrates have an electrode junction structure in which electrodes formed on the respective bonding surfaces are joined in direct contact with each other, the electrode junction structure being a structure for electrical connection between the two substrates. In at least one of the two substrates, at least one of the electrode constituting the electrode junction structure or a via for connection of the electrode to a wiring line in the multi-layered wiring layer has a structure in which a protective film for prevention of diffusion of an electrically-conductive material constituting the electrode and the via is embedded inside the electrically-conductive material.

Three-dimensional integrated circuit structures are disclosed. A three-dimensional integrated circuit structure includes a first die, a second die and a device-free die. The first die includes a first device. The second die includes a second device and is bonded to the first die. The device-free die is located aside the second die and is bonded to the first die. The device-free die includes a conductive feature electrically connected to the first die and the second die.

Three-dimensional integrated circuit structures are disclosed. A three-dimensional integrated circuit structure includes a first die, a second die and a device-free die. The first die includes a first device. The second die includes a second device and is bonded to the first die. The device-free die is located aside the second die and is bonded to the first die. The device-free die includes a conductive feature electrically connected to the first die and the second die.

Three-dimensional integrated circuit (3DIC) structures are disclosed. A 3DIC structure includes a first die and a second die bonded to the first die. The first die includes a first integrated circuit region and a first seal ring region around the first integrated circuit region, and has a first alignment mark within the first integrated circuit region. The second die includes a second integrated circuit region and a second seal ring region around the second integrated circuit region, and has a second alignment mark within the second seal ring region and corresponding to the first alignment mark.

Three-dimensional integrated circuit (3DIC) structures are disclosed. A 3DIC structure includes a first die and a second die bonded to the first die. The first die includes a first integrated circuit region and a first seal ring region around the first integrated circuit region, and has a first alignment mark within the first integrated circuit region. The second die includes a second integrated circuit region and a second seal ring region around the second integrated circuit region, and has a second alignment mark within the second seal ring region and corresponding to the first alignment mark.

Devices and techniques include process steps for preparing various microelectronic components for bonding, such as for direct bonding without adhesive. The processes include providing a first bonding surface on a first surface of the microelectronic components, bonding a handle to the prepared first bonding surface, and processing a second surface of the microelectronic components while the microelectronic components are gripped at the handle. In some embodiments, the processes include removing the handle from the first bonding surface, and directly bonding the microelectronic components at the first bonding surface to other microelectronic components.

A microelectronic device includes a die with input/output (I/O) terminals, and a dielectric layer on the die. The microelectronic device includes electrically conductive pillars which are electrically coupled to the I/O terminals, and extend through the dielectric layer to an exterior of the microelectronic device. Each pillar includes a column electrically coupled to one of the I/O terminals, and a head contacting the column at an opposite end of the column from the I/O terminal. The head extends laterally past the column in at least one lateral direction. Methods of forming the pillars and the dielectric layer are disclosed.