Memory devices and methods of forming memory devices are described. The memory devices comprise two work-function metal layers, where one work-function layer has a lower work-function than the other work-function layer. The low work-function layer may reduce gate-induced drain leakage current losses. Methods of forming memory devices are also described.

In the composition according to the embodiment, the content of an unreacted diisocyanate monomer in a urethane-based prepolymer may be controlled to control the physical properties thereof such as gelation time. Thus, since the micropore characteristics, polishing rate, and pad cut rate of a polishing pad obtained by curing the composition according to the embodiment may be controlled, it is possible to efficiently manufacture high-quality semiconductor devices using the polishing pad.

A method for fabricating a planarized planarization layer for an integrated circuit device is described. A barrier layer is deposited over a planarization layer. Next, a liner layer is deposited on the barrier layer. An overburden layer is deposited on the liner layer. A first chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed on the overburden layer. A surface conversion process is performed on uncovered portions of a top surface of the planarization layer which are not protected by the polished overburden layer. A first wet etch is performed of the planarization layer. In embodiments, the first wet etch is selective to metal overburden layer as compared to the planarization layer. A second wet etch is performed removing the liner layer, the diffusion barrier layer and the metal overburden layer. In embodiments, the second wet etch is selective to the planarization layer as compared to the overburden layer.

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing compositions, methods and systems are provided to reduce oxide trench dishing and improve over-polishing window stability. High and tunable silicon oxide removal rates, low silicon nitride removal rates, and tunable SiO.sub.2:SiN selectivity are also provided. The compositions use a unique combination of abrasives such as ceria coated silica particles and chemical additives such as maltitol, lactitol, maltotritol or combinations as oxide trench dishing reducing additives.

An intermediate raw material according to the present invention includes a charge control agent having a critical packing parameter of 0.6 or more and a dispersing medium and a pH of the intermediate raw material is less than 7.

Interconnect structures and methods and apparatuses for forming the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes supplying a process gas to a process chamber; igniting the process gas into a plasma in the process chamber; reducing a pressure of the process chamber to less than 0.3 mTorr; and after reducing the pressure of the process chamber, depositing a conductive layer on a substrate in the process chamber.

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes performing one or more grinding processes on a backside surface of a device wafer to thin the device wafer from a first thickness to a second thickness. A first chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process is performed on the backside surface of the device wafer to thin the device wafer from the second thickness to a third thickness. A second CMP process is performed on the backside surface of the device wafer to selectively remove device wafer material that is disposed over an active device area of the semiconductor device, where a removal rate of the device wafer material is a function of depth.

The invention provides compositions useful in the polishing of transition metal-containing surfaces typically found on microelectronic devices. In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising: a liquid carrier; titania abrasive particles, wherein the particles are at least partially coated with alumina or amorphous silica to provide coated titania abrasive particles; wherein the coated titania abrasive particles have an average diameter of about 50 nm to about 250 nm; and a corrosion inhibitor. The invention, the compositions are advantageously utilized to polish microelectronic device substrates having transition metal-containing surfaces thereon. In certain embodiments, the surfaces are chosen from molybdenum and ruthenium-containing films and show markedly improved selectivity relative to thermal oxide.

A semiconductor component includes a substrate having an opening. The semiconductor component further includes a first dielectric liner in the opening, wherein the first dielectric liner having a thickness T.sub.1 at a first end of the opening, and a thickness T.sub.2 at a second end of the opening, and R.sub.1 is a ratio of T.sub.1 to T.sub.2. The semiconductor component further includes a second dielectric liner over the first dielectric liner, wherein the second dielectric liner having a thickness T.sub.3 at the first end of the opening, a thickness T.sub.4 at the second end of the opening, R.sub.2 is a ratio of T.sub.3 to T.sub.4, and R.sub.1 is greater than R.sub.2.

A system and method for thinning an integrated circuit (IC) wafer. The system includes a support structure to hold the IC wafer and a mechanism to operate on the IC wafer. The support structure includes one or more inductive coils configured to transmit a power signal to the IC wafer and receive a feedback signal from the IC wafer. The system further includes a process controller to control the operation based at least in part on the feedback signal received from the IC wafer.