Abstract:
A process is provided for methods of reducing contamination of the self-forming barrier of an ultra-low k layer during semiconductor fabrication. In one aspect, a method includes: providing a cured ultra-low k film which contains at least one trench, and the pores of the film are filled with a pore-stuffing material; removing exposed pore-stuffing material at the surface of the trench to form exposed pores; and forming a self-forming barrier layer on the surface of the trench.