Abstract:
Generally, embodiments described herein relate to methods for manufacturing an interconnect structure for semiconductor devices, such as in a dual subtractive etch process. An embodiment is a method for semiconductor processing. A titanium nitride layer is formed over a substrate. A hardmask layer is formed over the titanium nitride layer. The hardmask layer is patterned into a pattern. The pattern is transferred to the titanium nitride layer, where the transferring comprises etching the titanium nitride layer. After transferring the pattern to the titanium nitride layer, the hardmask layer is removed, where the removal comprises performing an oxygen-containing ash process.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides an interconnect formed on a substrate and methods for forming the interconnect on the substrate. In one embodiment, the method for forming an interconnect on a substrate includes depositing a barrier layer on the substrate, depositing a transition layer on the barrier layer, and depositing an etch-stop layer on the transition layer, wherein the transition layer shares a common element with the barrier layer, and wherein the transition layer shares a common element with the etch-stop layer.
Abstract:
An interconnect structure for use in semiconductor devices and a method for fabricating the same is described. The method includes positioning a substrate in a vacuum processing chamber. The substrate has an exposed copper surface and an exposed low-k dielectric surface. A metal layer is formed over the copper surface but not over the low-k dielectric surface. A metal-based dielectric layer is formed over the metal layer and the low-k dielectric layer.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods of cleaning a structure and methods of deposition a capping layer in a structure. The method of cleaning a structure includes suppling a cleaning gas, including a first gas including nitrogen (N) and a second gas including fluorine (F), to a bottom surface of a structure. The cleaning gas removes unwanted metal oxide and etch residue from the bottom surface of he structure. The method of depositing a capping layer includes depositing the capping layer over the bottom surface of the structure. The methods described herein reduce the amount of unwanted metal oxides and residue, which improves adhesion of deposited capping layers.
Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to interconnects disposed on a substrate and methods for forming the interconnects. A via and a trench are formed in a stack formed on the substrate. A bottom of the via is pre-treated using a first pre-treatment procedure. A sidewall of the via is pre-treated using a second pre-treatment procedure. A first metal fill material of a first type is deposited on the stack in the via. A second metal fill material of a second type is deposited on the stack in the trench.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for forming an interconnection structure in semiconductor devices without breaking vacuum with minimum oxidation/atmosphere exposure. In one embodiment, a method for forming an interconnection structure for semiconductor devices includes supplying a barrier layer etching gas mixture into a first processing chamber having a substrate disposed therein to etch portions of a barrier layer exposed by a patterned metal layer until the underlying substrate is exposed, the first processing chamber disposed in a processing system, and forming a liner layer on the substrate covering the etched barrier layer in a second processing chamber disposed in the processing system.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to improved methods for forming a structure in a substrate. In one implementation, the method includes forming a recess in the substrate, forming a barrier layer on exposed surfaces of the substrate and exposed surfaces of the recess, forming an intermediate layer on the barrier layer, forming a metal fill layer on the intermediate layer and overfill the recess, planarizing the metal fill layer to expose the barrier layer, the intermediate layer, and a top surface of the substrate, selectively forming a cobalt layer on the metal fill layer, and exposing the substrate to an aluminum-containing precursor to selectively form a cobalt-aluminum alloy layer on at least a top surface of the cobalt layer.
Abstract:
Methods for direct deposition of a metal silicide nanowire for back-end interconnection structures for semiconductor applications are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a substrate in a processing region of a process chamber, the substrate having a first surface comprising a non-dielectric material; and a dielectric layer formed on the first surface. An opening is formed in the dielectric layer, the opening exposing at least a portion of the first surface, the opening having sidewalls. A metal silicide seed is deposited in the opening using a PVD process, wherein the PVD process is performed with either no bias or a bias which creates deposition on the sidewall which is less than 1% of the deposition on the first surface. A metal silicide layer is then selectively deposited on the metal silicide seed using a metal-silicon organic precursor, creating the metal silicide nanowire.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for forming a metal silicide as nanowires for back-end interconnection structures for semiconductor applications are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a metal silicide layer on a substrate by a chemical vapor deposition process or a physical vapor deposition process, thermal treating the metal silicide layer in a processing chamber, applying a microwave power in the processing chamber while thermal treating the metal silicide layer; and maintaining a substrate temperature less than 400 degrees Celsius while thermal treating the metal silicide layer. In another embodiment, a method includes supplying a deposition gas mixture including at least a metal containing precursor and a reacting gas on a surface of a substrate, forming a plasma in the presence of the deposition gas mixture by exposure to microwave power, exposing the plasma to light radiation, and forming a metal silicide layer on the substrate from the deposition gas.
Abstract:
Embodiments described herein relate to methods for forming an air gap interconnect. A metal spacer layer is conformally deposited on a substrate having mandrel structures formed thereon. The metal spacer layer is etched to form spacer features and the mandrel structures are removed from the substrate. Various other dielectric deposition, patterning and etching steps may be performed to desirably pattern materials present on the substrate. Ultimately, a trench is formed between adjacent spacer features and a capping layer is deposited over the trench to form an air gap between the adjacent spacer features. For packaging purposes, an interconnect via may be configured to contact at least one of the spacer features adjacent the air gap.