A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming first to third preliminary active patterns on a substrate to have different intervals therebetween, forming first and second field insulating layers between the first and second preliminary active patterns and between the second and third preliminary active patterns, respectively, and forming first to third gate electrodes respectively on first to third active patterns formed based on the first to third preliminary active patterns, separated by first and second gate isolation structures.

Disclosed are approaches for forming a semiconductor device. In some embodiments, a method may include providing a plurality of patterning structures over a device layer, each of the plurality of patterning structures including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an upper surface, and forming a mask by depositing a masking material at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to a perpendicular to a plane defined by a top surface of the device layer. The mask may be formed over the plurality of patterning structures without being formed along the second sidewall. The method may further include selectively forming a metal layer along the second sidewall of each of the plurality of patterning structures.

The present disclosure provides methods for forming conductive features in a dielectric layer without using adhesion layers or barrier layers and devices formed thereby. In some embodiments, a structure comprising a dielectric layer over a substrate, and a conductive feature disposed through the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a lower surface near the substrate and a top surface distal from the substrate. The conductive feature is in direct contact with the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer comprises an implant species. A concentration of the implant species in the dielectric layer has a peak concentration proximate the top surface of the dielectric layer, and the concentration of the implant species decreases from the peak concentration in a direction towards the lower surface of the dielectric layer.

Embodiments are for using adaptive fill techniques to avoid electromigration, thereby resulting in electromigration signoff. A wire segment failing to meet an electromigration current limit is determined on an integrated circuit (IC). Fill shapes are connected adjacent to the wire segment to cause the wire segment to meet the electromigration current limit. The fill shapes are non-functional shapes on the IC.

The present disclosure describes a semiconductor device with a nitrided capping layer and methods for forming the same. One method includes forming a first conductive structure in a first dielectric layer on a substrate, depositing a second dielectric layer on the first conductive structure and the first dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the second dielectric layer to expose the first conductive structure and a portion of the first dielectric layer. The method further includes forming a nitrided layer on a top portion of the first conductive structure, a top portion of the portion of the first dielectric layer, sidewalls of the opening, and a top portion of the second dielectric layer, and forming a second conductive structure in the opening, where the second conductive structure is in contact with the nitrided layer.

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor part; first and second electrodes, the semiconductor part being provided between the first and second electrodes; a control electrode selectively provided between the semiconductor part and the second electrode; and a contacting part electrically connecting the semiconductor part and the second electrode. The semiconductor part includes a first layer of a first conductivity type, a second layer of a second conductivity type provided between the first layer and the second electrode, a third layer of the first conductivity type selectively provided between the second layer and the second electrode, and a fourth layer of the second conductivity type selectively provided between the second layer and the second electrode. The contacting part includes a first semiconductor portion of the first conductivity type contacting the third layer, and a second semiconductor portion of the second conductivity type contacting the fourth layer.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip that includes a first interconnect dielectric layer arranged over a substrate, a second interconnect dielectric layer arranged over the first interconnect dielectric layer, and an interconnect conductive structure arranged within the second interconnect dielectric layer. The interconnect conductive structure includes an outer portion that includes a first conductive material. Further, the interconnect conductive structure includes a central portion having outermost sidewalls surrounding by the outer portion of the interconnect conductive structure. The central portion includes a second conductive material different than the first conductive material.

Generally, the present disclosure provides example embodiments relating to conductive features, such as metal contacts, vias, lines, etc., and methods for forming those conductive features. In an embodiment, a structure includes a first dielectric layer over a substrate, a first conductive feature in the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, a second conductive feature in the second dielectric layer, and a blocking region disposed between the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature. The second conductive feature is disposed between and abutting a first sidewall of the second dielectric layer and a second sidewall of the second dielectric layer. The blocking region extends laterally at least from the first sidewall of the second dielectric layer to the second sidewall of the second dielectric layer.

The present disclosure describes a method for forming liner-free or barrier-free conductive structures. The method includes forming a liner-free conductive structure on a cobalt conductive structure disposed on a substrate, depositing a cobalt layer on the liner-free conductive structure and exposing the liner-free conductive structure to a heat treatment. The method further includes removing the cobalt layer from the liner-free conductive structure.

The present disclosure describes a method for forming liner-free or barrier-free conductive structures. The method includes forming a liner-free conductive structure on a cobalt conductive structure disposed on a substrate, depositing a cobalt layer on the liner-free conductive structure and exposing the liner-free conductive structure to a heat treatment. The method further includes removing the cobalt layer from the liner-free conductive structure.