Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to integrated circuit semiconductor devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to reversible electronic fuse and antifuse structures for semiconductor devices. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    The proliferation of electronics in our modern world is in large part due to integrated circuit semiconductor devices. Integrated semiconductor devices are designed and used in widely differing applications and there are currently numerous schemes for providing integrated circuit interconnections well known in the art, for example, electrically programmable interconnections for use in integrated circuits. Electrically programmable interconnect schemes include fuses and antifuse devices. Fuses are reprogrammable interconnect, which may be altered by a user after initial circuit configuration has been accomplished. Antifuses are one-time programmable, that is, it cannot be reconfigured once initially configured. Fuse and antifuses are widely used in field programmable devices for repairing defective circuitry. 
         [0005]    One type of fuse device includes an ohmic element which has a low electrical resistance by default. This type of use may include metal lines such as copper, tungsten or aluminum. When programmed, the electrical resistance will increase significantly and an electrically open condition is achieved. Programming is usually done by a high energy laser during which the fuse material is ablated away. Laser ablation is typically used because it is relatively simple, thus permitting for less complicated design of the fuse element. However, because the laser beam is relatively large, this technique requires enough clearance between the fuse element and the rest of the circuitry to avoid collateral damage. 
         [0006]    Another type of fuse device includes an electrically programmable fuse element. These fuses may include poly-silicide having polycrystalline silicon and an overlayer of silicide. 
         [0007]    During programming, a high electrical current is passed through the electronic fuse element resulting in the fuse element being heated to a very high temperature. Thus the fuse material is obliterated creating an electrically open state. Yet another type of electronic fuse is one formed on a diode. However, instead of passing a high current as in the previous case, a high voltage is used to break down the semiconductor during programming. Yet another type of electronic fuses is based on electromigration. Current crowding takes place around a fixed location thus initiating electromigration which results in further current crowing and material migration along the direction of the electron movement along the fuse element. 
         [0008]    A major advantage of electronic fuse over laser fuse is that the fuse element can be made very small and spacing between the fuse element and the neighboring circuit element can be significantly smaller. However, the design of an electronic fuse is more complicated, particularly in the choice of the material and the integration scheme employed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,977 describes an electronic fuse-antifuse structure having a horizontal B-fuse portion and a vertical A-fuse portion disposed between two metallization layers of an integrated circuit device. 
         [0009]    An antifuse device includes an antifuse element that is typically electrically non-conductive, i.e. at very high ohmic resistance. When programmed, the electrical resistance of the antifuse decreases significantly. Commonly used antifuse material includes very thin layer of silicon oxide, amorphous silicon. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,084 discloses a technique to make very thin (e.g. 5 nm) silicon oxide, by implanting nitrogen into a silicon layer for slowing down the rate of oxidation of the silicon layer. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,094 discloses an antifuse structure consisting of a thin layer of amorphous silicon sandwiched in between two metal electrodes. During programming, an electrical voltage is applied across the electrode to induce metal atoms diffuse into the silicon layer leading to a resistance drop from about 20 to 100 ohms. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,373 B1 describes yet another antifuse structure wherein the antifuse element consists of a layer of injector layer such as a two phase material (e.g. silicon rich nitride or silicon rich oxide) and a dielectric layer. Initially, the two layers are non-conducting but when a sufficient voltage is applied across the two layers, they will fuse together and become conducting. 
         [0012]    Furthermore, some devices incorporate both fuse and antifuse. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,041 describes a two terminal fuse-antifuse structure having an air-gap. The air-gap provides a space for the disrupted fuse material, thus reducing the physical stress. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, a need exist for an apparatus and simplified method of forming electronic fuse and antifuse elements by increasing the current density. These apparatus and methods are desirable for the electrical fuse technology to minimize energy consumption and the cost of programming. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present disclosure is directed to a structure and method of forming fuse and antifuse structures in semiconductor devices. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating reversible fuse and antifuse structures in an interconnect structure is described. The method includes forming at least one line having a via opening for exposing a portion of a plurality of interconnect features; conformally depositing a first material layer over the via opening; depositing a second material layer over the first material layer, wherein the depositing overhangs a portion of the second material layer on a top portion of the via opening; and depositing a blanket layer of insulating material, wherein the depositing forms a plurality of fuse elements each having an airgap between the insulating material and the second material layer. The method further includes forming a plurality of electroplates in the insulator material, the electroplates connecting the fuse elements. In one particular embodiment, the electroplates programs the fuse elements. In addition, the at least one line is a damascene line. Alternatively, the at least one line is a dual damascene line. Moreover, the first material layer is a diffusion barrier material, and the second material layer is a fuse material selected from a group consisting of Cu, Ru, Ir, Rh and Pt. In addition, the insulating material plugs at least one of the fuse elements, where the insulating material is selected from a group consisting of a SiN, SiO2, Si3N4, SiCOH, SiLK, JSR, silesquioxanes and a combination thereof. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, a method of forming an integrated circuit having a fuse and antifuse structure is described, the method including depositing a first and a second material layer on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the second material layer having a higher electrical conductivity than the first material layer; selectively etching the first and second material layer to create at least one constricted region to facilitate electromigration of the second material; wherein the electromigration creates a plurality of micro voids; and forming a plurality of electrical contacts on the second material layer. In this particular embodiment, the first material is selected from a group consisting of Ta, TaN, TiN, Ru, RuN, W and WN; the second material is selected from a group consisting of Cu, Ru, Ir, Rh and Pt; and the electrical contacts include a material selected from a group consisting of Cu, Al, W, TiN, TaN, Ta, and Mo. In addition, the micro voids are configured for facilitating reversibility of an electric current flow. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment, a fuse structure for semiconductor devices is described. The fuse structure includes a first and second material layers formed on a semiconductor substrate, the second material layer having a higher electrical conductivity than the first material layer; at least one constricted region abutting a portion of the first and second material layers; a plurality of voids formed within the second material layer; and a plurality of current contact positioned on a surface of the second material layer. The at least one constricted region is adapted for facilitating electromigration of the second material layer. In addition, a material migration of the second material layer is included, where the material migration define the plurality of voids for facilitating reversibility of an electric current flow. Moreover, the first material layer is selected from a group consisting of Ta, TaN, TiN, Ru, RuN, W and WN and further wherein the second layer includes is selected from a group consisting of Cu, Ru, Ir, Rh and Pt. 
         [0017]    In yet another embodiment, a fuse structure for semiconductor devices is described including a via opening having a first material liner; a second material liner positioned over the first material liner, the second material liner overhanging a portion of the via opening; and a plug uniformly placed over a portion of the second material liner and creating at least one airgap within the via opening. The first material liner is selected from a group consisting of Ta, TaN, TiN, Ru, RuN, W and WN; and the second material liner is selected from a group consisting of Cu, Ru, Ir, Rh and Pt. In this particular embodiment, the overhanging of the second material liner includes a thicker portion of the second material liner. In addition, the plug includes an insulating material where the airgap is enclosed by the second material liner and the insulating material. The insulating material is selected from a group consisting of SiN, SiO2, Si3N4, SiCOH, SiLK, JSR, silesquioxanes and a combination thereof. 
         [0018]    Other features of the presently disclosed structure and method of forming fuse and antifuse structures in semiconductor devices will become apparent from the following detail description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which illustrate, by way of example, the presently disclosed fuse and antifuse. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The features of the presently disclosed a structure and method of forming fuse and antifuse structures in semiconductor devices will be described hereinbelow with references to the figures, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of an interconnect structure following a chemical-mechanical planarization, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates the interconnect structure of  FIG. 1  following the removal of the conductive material; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates the interconnect structure of  FIG. 2  following a nonconformal deposition of a fuse material; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates the interconnect structure of  FIG. 3  following a blanket deposition of a dielectric material; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates the interconnect structure of  FIG. 4  following deposition of a conductive material and the formation of an interconnect feature; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  shows the interconnect structure of  FIG. 5  illustrating the programmability of fuse elements; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram illustrating the method for forming fuse and antifuse structures in semiconductor devices according to the embodiment described by  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a semiconductor substrate having a first electrically resistive material deposited thereon, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates the semiconductor substrate of  FIG. 8  following a blanket deposition of a second electrically resistive material; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates the semiconductor substrate of  FIG. 9  following photoresist patterning and reactive ion etch; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates the semiconductor substrate of  FIG. 10  following formation of a plurality of electrical contacts; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  illustrates a simplified top and cross sectional views of the semiconductor substrate of  FIG. 11  having taper design of fuse and antifuse structure; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a graph of the resistance shift as a function of time illustrating the resistance being modulated by the direction of current flow; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a flow diagram illustrating the method for forming fuse and antifuse structures in semiconductor devices according to the embodiment described by  FIGS. 8-12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like references numerals identify identical or corresponding elements throughout the several views, an embodiment of the presently disclosed structure and method of forming fuse and antifuse structures will now be disclosed in detail. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as particular structures, components, materials, dimensions, processing steps and techniques, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures or processing steps have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The materials described herein are employed to illustrate the present disclosure in one application and should not be construed as limiting. 
         [0035]    It will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” or “over” another layer, it can be directly on the other element or intervening layers may also be present. In contrast, when a layer is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly over” another layer, there are no intervening layers present. It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another layer, it can be directly connected to or coupled to the other layer or intervening layers may be present. 
         [0036]    The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for fabricating an integrated circuit having reversible electromigration for enhancing the efficiency of a fuse and antifuse structure. In one embodiment, a vertical sublithographic structure is provided including a fuse and antifuse structure having an airgap therewithin for enhancing programming thereof. The airgap is adapted for reducing the heat loss during programming and for increasing the degree or electromigration. In addition, the apparatus and method is not limited by the capability of the lithographic tool and processes. In a second embodiment, a horizontal stack is provided having a constrict region for crating a region of high material divergence and current density for enhancing the fuse and antifuse action. 
         [0037]    The structure described herein can be made using conventional techniques of back end of the line (BEOL) processing known to those skilled in the art. In addition, front end of the line (FEOL) and middle end of the line (MOL) processing are also envisioned. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a vertical sub-lithographic structure for forming a compact fuse and antifuse structure having an airgap to enhance the programming of an electronic fuse, in accordance with the present disclosure. With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , an interconnect structure is illustrated and is designated generally as interconnect structure  100 . Interconnect structure  100  includes generally a first dielectric layer  102  formed on a semiconductor substrate (not shown) and containing therewithin a first interconnect features  104 A and  104 B. A capping layer  106  is provided over first dielectric layer  102  and first interconnect features  104 A and  104 B. In one embodiment, capping layer  106  includes a thickness ranging from about 15 nm to about 55 nm. A second dielectric layer  108  is disposed on the upper exposed surface of capping layer  106 . 
         [0039]    Semiconductor substrate may include any of several semiconductor materials well known in the art, such as, for example, a bulk silicon semiconductor substrate, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and silicon-on-sapphire (SOS). Other non-limiting examples include silicon, germanium, silicon-germanium alloy, silicon carbide, silicon-germanium carbide alloy and compound (i.e. III-V and II-VI) semiconductor materials. Non-limiting examples of compound semiconductor materials include gallium, arsenide, indium arsenide and indium phosphide semiconductor material. Typically, semiconductor substrate may be about, but is not limited to, several hundred microns thick, for example a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, first dielectric layers  102  include a dielectric constant, k, of about 4.0 or less and a thickness ranging from about 200 nm to about 450 nm. Dielectric layer  102  may include any interlevel or intralevel dielectric, and may be porous or non-porous. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, SiN, SiO2, Si3N4, SiCOH, SiLK (a polyarylene ether available from Dow Chemical Corporation), JSR (a spin-on silicon-carbon contained polymer material available from JSR corporation), silesquioxanes, C doped oxides (i.e. organosilicates) that include atoms of Si, C, O, and/or H, thermosetting polyarylene ethers, etc. or layers thereof. It is understood, however, that other materials having different dielectric constant and/or thickness may be employed. Second dielectric layer  108  may include the same or different dielectric material as that of first dielectric material  102 . Moreover, the processing techniques and thickness ranges described hereinabove with respect to first dielectric  102  are also applicable to second dielectric  108 . 
         [0041]    Capping layer  106  is formed through conventional deposition processes, such as, for example, CVD, atomic layer deposition (ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), etc. Capping layer  106  may include any of several materials well known in the art, for example, Si3N4, SiC, SiO2, and SiC (N, H) (i.e., nitrogen or hydrogen doped silicon carbide), etc. 
         [0042]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , lines  112 A,  112 B,  112 C and  112 D are formed including damascene lines  112 A and  112 D and dual damascene lines  112 B and  112 C, as illustrated by the figure. Dual damascene lines  112 B and  112 C includes contact vias extending through second dielectric layer  108  and capping layer  106  for connecting with first interconnect features  104 A and  104 B, respectively. 
         [0043]    First interconnect features  104 A and  104 B and lines  112 A,  112 B,  112 C and  112 D include a conductor material  116  and a highly resistive diffusion barrier  118  to prevent conductive material  116  from diffusing. Diffusion barrier  118  is deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD), or alternatively, a chemical vapor deposition (CVC) may be used. In one embodiment, diffusion barrier includes a thickness ranging from about 4 nm to about 40 nm. Conductor material  116  may be selected from a material including, for example, Cu, Al, W, TiN, TaN, Ta, Mo, their alloys, and any suitable conductive material. Highly resistive diffusion barrier  118  may be selected from a material including Ta, TaN, TiN, Ru, RuN, W, WN, or any other barrier material. 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , conductive material  116  is removed from damascene lines  112 A,  112 B,  112 C and  112 D through conventional techniques including, for example a combination of acid such as HF, H2SO4, HCI, HNO3, etc., for defining contact via openings  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D having diffusing barrier  118 . Via openings  114 B and  114 C are configured for exposing a portion of interconnect features  104 A and  104 B, respectively. 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , a fuse material layer  120  is formed within via openings  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D over diffusion barrier  118 . In particular, fuse material layer  120  is deposited non-conformally thus overhanging  122  on a top portion of and abutting via openings  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D for creating a high material divergence and a high current density area of a bottom portion of the via openings. In one embodiment, the resultant sheet rho of diffusion barrier  118  and fuse material layer  120  is about 2,000 to 10,000 ohms/square. Fuse material layer  120  may be selected from a material including, for example, Cu, Ru, Ir, Rh, Pt, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, fuse material  120  includes a thickness ranging from about 10 nm to about 100 nm. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a blanket deposition of a third dielectric layer  124  is formed over structure  100  through, for example, a CVD technique. As illustrated by the figure, third dielectric layer  124  partially fills via openings  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D. In particular, because of overhang portion  122  of via openings  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D and the nature of CVD deposition, a portion of third dielectric layer  124  acts as a plug for creating fuse element  125 A,  125 B,  125 C and  125 D, each having airgap  126 . Airgaps  126  provide room for the fuse material to expand upon heating and ablation during programming under which a high current density is imparted to the fuse material. Also, compared to a solid plug, the structure of airgaps  126  will dissipate less heat away and indirectly enhance the sensitivity of the programming. Third dielectric layer  124  may comprise the same or different dielectric material as that of first dielectric material layer  102 . Moreover, the processing techniques and thickness ranges described hereinabove with respect to first dielectric layer  102  are also applicable to third dielectric layer  124 . 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , electroplates  130 A,  130 B,  130 C and  130 D are formed in third dielectric layer  124  using standard patterning, through lithographic, etching processes and metallization. Electroplates  130 A,  130 B,  130 C and  130 D connect with fuse elements  125 A,  125 B  125 C and  125 D, as illustrated by the figure. In addition, electroplates  130 A,  130 B,  130 C and  130 D each include a conductive material  128  and diffusion barrier  118 . Conductive material  128  may comprise the same or different materials as that of conductive material  116 . 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , electroplates  130 A,  130 B,  130 C and  130 D are connected to electroplates  104 A and B via electronic fuse elements  125 A,  125 B,  125 C and  125 D. In particular, fuse element  125 A, for example, can be programmed through interconnect feature  130 A and  130 B. Similarly, fuse element  125 B can be programmed through interconnect feature  130 A and  130 C or interconnect feature  130 B and  104 A or interconnect feature  130 C and  104 A. In addition, fuse element  125 C may be programmed through electroplates  130 C and  130 D or through electroplates  130 B and electroplates  104 B; or through electroplates  130 D and interconnect features  104 B. Finally, fuse element  125 D may be programmed through electroplates  130 D and  130 E. Electromigration is the movement of material as a result of momentum transfer between the materials with the flowing electron. As an example, current (electron in opposite direction of current by convention) can flow from about electroplate  130 A through fuse element  125 A onto electroplate  130 B, onto fuse element  125 B, then up electroplate  130 C, etc. Accompanying the current flow is a migration of material within the chain of conductors. When a sufficient high current density is created within the fuse element, sufficient mass transfer will results in void formation and as a result leading to an increase of electrical resistance, and eventually lead to an open condition within the current conducting chain. In addition, the electromigration can be made reversible by changing the direction of the programming current, as illustrated by  FIG. 13 . The resistance of electroplates  130 A,  130 B,  130 C and  130 D can be increased by inducing electromigration through flowing current into electronic fuse element  125 A,  125 B,  125 C and  125 D. The resistance can be reduced back by simply reversing the current flow. Thus fuse and antifuse functionality can be achieved by a single device. 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-6 , a flow diagram of an exemplary method of fabricating an integrated circuit having reversible fuse and antifuse structures, in accordance with the present disclosure, is illustrated. A device structure, such as, for example, an interconnect structure  100  is provided. In accordance with the present disclosure, initially, at step  150  a first dielectric layer  102  is formed on a semiconductor substrate. At step  152  first interconnect features  104 A and  104 B are formed within first dielectric layer  102 . At step  154 , a capping layer  106  and a second dielectric layer  108  are sequentially deposited over first dielectric  102 . At step  156 , lines  112 A,  112 B,  112 C and  112 D are formed extending through second dielectric layer  108  and capping layer  106  for connecting with first interconnect features  104 A and  104 B. At step  158 , a conductive material  116  is removed through a wet etching process from lines  112 A,  112 B,  112 C and  112 D thus forming cavities  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D. At step  160  a non-conformal fuse material deposition is formed on cavities  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D for defining overhang portion  122  of cavities  114 A,  114 B,  114 C and  114 D. At step  162 , a blanket deposition of a third dielectric layer  124  is the formed using CVD technique for defining fuse elements  125 A,  125 B,  125 C and  125 D having airgap  126 . At step  164  an interconnect features  130 A,  130 B,  130 C and  130 D are formed within third dielectric layer  124  for connecting with fuse elements  125 A,  125 B,  125 C and  125 D. Fuse elements  125 A,  125 B,  125 C and  125 D are then programmed. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , a second embodiment of an integrated circuit having reversible electromigration for enhancing the efficiency of a fuse and antifuse structure is described. In this particular embodiment, a parallel stack with a constrict region is formed on a semiconductor substrate for forming a region of high material divergence and current density to enhance the fuse and antifuse action. With initial reference to  FIG. 8 , an electrical structure is provided and is designated generally as electrical structure  200 . Electrical structure  200  includes a highly resistive material  204  having a thickness ranging from about 20 nm to about 200 nm formed on a semiconductor substrate  202 . The combined sheet rho of the stack formed by semiconductor substrate  202  and resistive material  200  ranges from about 2,000 to about 10,000 ohms/square. Highly resistive material  204  includes, for example doped Poly or Ge or SiGe, or a single crystal Si, etc. In addition, similar to diffusion barrier  118 , resistive material  204  may be selected from a material including Ta, TaN, TiN, Ru, RuN, W, WN. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , an electrically conductive material  206  is deposited over resistive material  204  for defining a stack having a combined sheet rho ranging from about 200 to about 2,000 ohms/square. Conductive material  206  may be deposited by sputtering, evaporation, CVD or ALD. In another embodiment, conductive material  206  includes a Nickel silicide, which is deposited by co-sputtering Ni and Si and then reacted to form silicide by thermal annealing. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIG. 10 , in conjunction with  FIG. 12 , resistive material  204  and conductive material  206  are patterned using standard lithography steps followed by RIE process for selectively etching a portion of resistive material  204  and conductive material  206  and for defining a trapezoidal shape having a constriction region  212  ( FIG. 12 ). Reactive ion etching of TiN can be done in an Ar/CF3/CC13 or CBr3 chemistry. If nickel silicide is used, it is easier to deposit blanket silicon first, then do litho and standard Si etch to define the trapezoidal shape Si followed by blanket Nickel or Nickel alloy deposition such as sputtering. Nickel mono-silicide will be formed by subjecting the substrate to a RTA process (300-450 C for 30 seconds up to 2 minutes). Unreacted Nickel can be stripped of by various wet etchant including but not limited to nitric acid, nitric acid-acetic acid mixture. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIG. 11 , electrical contacts  208  are formed by a blanket deposition of a conductive material, for example, by sputtering, evaporation, CVD, ALD, electroless or electrolytic plating. The conductive material may includes, for example, Cu, Al, W, TiN, TaN, Ta, Mo, their alloys, and any suitable conductive material. A standard lithographic masking and RIE is then followed. In an embodiment where the conductive material includes Cu, a standard damascene process may be followed. Alternatively, a thorough-mask electrolytic plating followed by wet etching of the conductive material may be performed. 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , a simplified top and cross sectional views of the semiconductor substrate of  FIG. 11  is illustrated having a taper design of fuse and antifuse structure, in accordance with the present disclosure. Macro void elements  210  are formed as a result of electromigration in the fuse and antifuse structure as electric current flow through the structure from one end to the other end. A very high resistance results if a high concentration of macro void elements  210  are created at construct region  212 . Void elements  210  may be swept away from taper portion  214  and resistance will be decreased as void elements  210  become a less volume fraction of the much broader section. The structure  200  having construct region  212  creates a region of high material divergence and current density to enhance the fuse and antifuse action. It is noted that structure  200  is reversible, as indicated by directional arrows  214 . 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , an experimental data shows resistance measurements from the fuse andti-fuse structure shown in  FIG. 12 . During the forward-current stress, resistance of this structure increases with time due to electromigration effect. However, resistance of the structure is “recovered,” i.e. decrease, during the reverse current stress. This data demonstrate the feasibility of the structure shown in  FIG. 12  for fuse and antifuse applications. 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 14 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 8-12 , a flow diagram of an exemplary method of fabricating a reversible fuse and antifuse structure having a constriction region, in accordance with the present disclosure, is illustrated. In accordance with the present disclosure, initially at step  250 , a resistive material  204  and a conductive material  206  is sequentially formed over a semiconductor substrate  202 . At step  252 , resistive material  204  and conductive material  206  are patterned and a RIE process is followed for etching a portion thereof. At step  254  electrical contacts  208  are formed through conventional lithographic mask and RIE. Finally, at step  256 , constriction region  212  is formed for defining material divergence and forming void elements  210 . 
         [0057]    It will be understood that numerous modifications and changes in form and detail may be made to the embodiments of the presently disclosed structure and method of forming reversible electronic fuses and antifuse structures for semiconductor devices. It is contemplated that numerous other configuration of the fuse and antifuse structures may be used, and the material of the structures and method may be selected from numerous materials other than those specifically disclosed. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the disclosed structure and method, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envisioned numerous modifications within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims appended hereto. In short, it is the intent of the Applicants that the scope of the patent issuing herefrom will be limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Having thus complied with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected is set forth in the appended claims.

Technology Category: 5