Abstract:
A method of fabricating a tunneling photodiode is presented comprised of the following steps: forming a p-well in an n-type substrate, forming a thin insulating layer over the surface of the p-type material, and then forming a thin n-type layer over the insulating layer. Preferably, the n and p type semiconductor material could be silicon and the insulating layer could be between about 30 to 40 angstroms of gate quality silicon dioxide. In other embodiments of the invention the materials of either electrode are either n or p-type semiconductors or metals.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating a tunneling photodiode is presented comprised of the following steps: forming a p-well in an n-type substrate, forming a thin insulating layer over the surface of the p-type material, and then forming a thin n-type layer over the insulating layer. Preferably, the n and p type semiconductor material could be silicon and the insulating layer could be between about 30 to 40 angstroms of gate quality silicon dioxide. In other embodiments of the invention the materials of either electrode are either n or p-type semiconductors or metals.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating a tunneling photodiode is presented comprised of the following steps: forming a p-well in an n-type substrate, forming a thin insulating layer over the surface of the p-type material, and then forming a thin n-type layer over the insulating layer. Preferably, the n and p type semiconductor material could be silicon and the insulating layer could be between about 30 to 40 angstroms of gate quality silicon dioxide. In other embodiments of the invention the materials of either electrode are either n or p-type semiconductors or metals.
Abstract:
A method of determining overlay accuracy, using visual inspection, of a first circuit pattern relative to a second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern are too large to be contained in a single reticle and are formed separately on an integrated circuit wafer and photo stitched together. A first overlay pattern is located adjacent to the first circuit pattern on a mask. A second overlay pattern is located adjacent to the second circuit pattern on a mask, preferably, but not necessarily, the same mask. The first overlay pattern and the second overlay pattern are located so that their images in the layer of developed photoresist will be adjacent to each other after the photoresist is exposed with the first and second circuit patterns and developed. Visual observation of the images of the first and second overlay patterns is then used to determine the overlay accuracy of the first circuit pattern relative to the second circuit pattern.
Abstract:
Various non-planar reflective lithography masks, systems using such lithography masks, and methods are disclosed. An embodiment is a lithography mask comprising a transparent substrate, a reflective material, and a reticle pattern. The transparent substrate comprises a curved surface. The reflective material adjoins the curved surface of the transparent substrate, and an interface between the reflective material and the transparent substrate is a reflective surface. The reticle pattern is on a second surface of the transparent substrate. A reflectivity of the reticle pattern is less than a reflectivity of the reflective material. Methods for forming similar lithography masks and for using similar lithography masks are disclosed.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for predicting semiconductor device performance criteria during processing. A method is described that includes receiving a semiconductor wafer; performing semiconductor processing on the semiconductor wafer forming active devices that, when completed, will exhibit a device performance criteria; during the semiconductor processing, measuring in line at least one device performance criteria related physical parameter; projecting an estimated value for the device performance criteria of the active devices using the at least one in line measurement and using estimated measurements for device performance criteria related physical parameters corresponding to later semiconductor processing steps; comparing the estimated value for the device performance criteria to an acceptable range; and determining, based on the comparing, whether the active devices on the semiconductor wafer will have a device performance criteria within the acceptable range. A system for processing semiconductor wafers that includes a programmable processor for performing the methods is described.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for sharing test pads among function blocks under test within multiple layers of a die are disclosed. A semiconductor wafer comprises a first die and a second die separated by a scribe line. A first pad, a second pad, and a third pad are located in the scribe line. The test pads may be located within a die as well. The first pad and the second pad are used to test a first function block within a first layer, and the first pad and the third pad are used to test a second function block within a second layer of the first die. The shared first test pad are used to test multiple function blocks contained in different layers of the die. Therefore fewer test pads are needed which leads to reduced area for scribe lines in a wafer.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for sharing test pads among function blocks under test within multiple layers of a die are disclosed. A semiconductor wafer comprises a first die and a second die separated by a scribe line. A first pad, a second pad, and a third pad are located in the scribe line. The test pads may be located within a die as well. The first pad and the second pad are used to test a first function block within a first layer, and the first pad and the third pad are used to test a second function block within a second layer of the first die. The shared first test pad are used to test multiple function blocks contained in different layers of the die. Therefore fewer test pads are needed which leads to reduced area for scribe lines in a wafer.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for predicting semiconductor device performance criteria during processing. A method is described that includes receiving a semiconductor wafer; performing semiconductor processing on the semiconductor wafer forming active devices that, when completed, will exhibit a device performance criteria; during the semiconductor processing, measuring in line at least one device performance criteria related physical parameter; projecting an estimated value for the device performance criteria of the active devices using the at least one in line measurement and using estimated measurements for device performance criteria related physical parameters corresponding to later semiconductor processing steps; comparing the estimated value for the device performance criteria to an acceptable range; and determining, based on the comparing, whether the active devices on the semiconductor wafer will have a device performance criteria within the acceptable range. A system for processing semiconductor wafers that includes a programmable processor for performing the methods is described.
Abstract:
A method includes forming a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, and forming a gate spacer on a sidewall of the gate stack. After the step of forming the gate spacer, the gate spacer is etched to reduce a thickness of the gate spacer. A strained layer is then formed. The strained layer includes a portion on an outer sidewall of the gate spacer, and a portion over the gate stack.