A method of manufacturing a layer structure includes: forming a first layer over a substrate; planarizing the first layer to form a planarized surface of the first layer; and forming a second layer over the planarized surface; wherein a porosity of the first layer is greater than a porosity of the substrate and greater than a porosity of the second layer; wherein the second layer is formed by physical vapor deposition; and wherein the first layer and the second layer are formed from the same solid material.