Abstract:
A process is provided for the removal of contaminants from a semiconductor device, for example, removing contaminants from pores of an ultra-low k film. In one aspect, a method includes: providing a dielectric layer with contaminant-containing pores and exposing the dielectric layer to a supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid can dissolve and remove the contaminants. In another aspect, an intermediate semiconductor device structure is provided that contains a dielectric layer with contaminant-containing pores and a supercritical fluid within the pores. In another aspect, a semiconductor device structure with a dielectric layer containing uncontaminated pores is provided.
Abstract:
A process is provided for methods of reducing damage to an ultra-low k layer during fabrication. In one aspect, a method includes: providing a cured ultra-low k film containing pores filled with a pore-stuffing material; and modifying an exposed surface of the ultra-low k film to provide a modified layer in the ultra-low k film. In another aspect, a semiconductor device comprising a modified layer on a surface of an ultra-low k film is provided.
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.