Abstract: A method of forming a micro-electro-mechanical systems device includes: providing a substrate; sequentially forming a tantalum nitride (TaN) layer and a hard mask layer on the substrate, the hard mask layer having a thickness larger than a thickness of the TaN layer; coating photoresist on the hard mask layer, patterning the photoresist and performing a first etching process on the hard mask layer with the photoresist serving as a mask to form an opening in the hard mask layer, wherein a portion of the thickness of the hard mask layer is remained under the opening; removing the photoresist; and performing a second etching process to remove the portion of the thickness of the hard mask layer under the opening as well as a portion of the TaN layer under the opening to form a trench.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device comprises forming a first etch stop layer over a substrate. The method also comprises forming a low-k dielectric layer comprising carbon over the first etch stop layer. The method further comprises forming an opening in the low-k dielectric layer. The method additionally comprises filling the opening with a conductive layer. The method also comprises performing a remote plasma treatment on the low-k dielectric layer and the conductive layer. The method further comprises forming a second etch stop layer over the treated conductive layer and the treated low-k dielectric layer.

Abstract: A dual damascene article of manufacture comprises a trench containing a conductive metal column where the trench and the conductive metal column extend down into and are contiguous with a via. The trench and the conductive metal column and the via have a common axis. These articles comprise interconnect structures incorporating air-gap spacers containing metal/insulator structures for Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) and Ultra Large Scale Integrated (ULSI) devices and packaging. The trench in this regard comprises a sidewall air-gap immediately adjacent the side walls of the trench and the conductive metal column, the sidewall air-gap extending down to the via to a depth below a line fixed by the bottom of the trench, and continues downward in the via for a distance of from about 1 Angstrom below the line to the full depth of the via. In another aspect, the article of manufacture comprises a capped dual damascene structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device is provided. A material layer, a first flowing material layer and a first mask layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. A first etching process is performed by using the first mask layer as a mask, so as to form a first opening in the material layer. The first mask layer and the first flowing material layer are removed. A filler layer is formed in the first opening. A second flowing material layer is formed on the material layer and the filler layer. A second mask layer is formed on the second flowing material layer. A second etching process is performed by using the second mask layer as a mask, so as to form a second opening in the material layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit structure includes a first conductive layer (MET4) including a first forked conductive structure (310), an insulating layer (320, ILD45) substantially disposed over the first forked conductive structure (310), a plurality of conductive vias (331-334) through the insulating layer (ILD45) and electrically connecting with the first forked conductive structure (310), and a second conductive layer (MET5) including a second forked conductive structure (340) substantially disposed over at least a portion of the insulating layer (ILD45) and generally perpendicular to the first forked conductive structure (310), the plurality of conductive vias (331-334) electrically connecting with the second forked conductive structure (340). Other structures, devices, and processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In one example, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a barrier layer overlying a metal line of a metallization layer above a semiconductor substrate using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process and a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. A liner-forming material is deposited overlying the barrier layer to form a liner. A conductive metal is deposited overlying the liner.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a barrier layer on a substrate, the method comprising: —providing a substrate with an inorganic oxide layer having a pore volume between 0.3 and 10 vol. %; —treating said substrate with an inorganic oxide layer in a glow discharge plasma, said plasma being generated by at least two electrodes in a treatment space formed between said two electrodes, said treatment space also being provided with a gas comprising Nitrogen compounds; and —the treating of the substrate in said treatment space is done at a temperature below 150° C., e.g. below 100° C. The invention further provides a device for manufacturing a barrier layer on a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards metallization of a fluorocarbon-based dielectric material for interconnect applications. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, a device layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate, the device layer including one or more transistor devices, and an interconnect layer disposed on the device layer, the interconnect layer comprising a fluorocarbon-based dielectric material, where x represents a stoichiometric quantity of fluorine relative to carbon in the dielectric material, and one or more interconnect structures configured to route electrical signals to or from the one or more transistor devices, the one or more interconnect structures comprising cobalt (Co), or ruthenium (Ru), or combinations thereof. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A method for forming MOS transistor includes providing a substrate including a semiconductor surface having a gate electrode on a gate dielectric thereon, dielectric spacers on sidewalls of the gate electrode, a source and drain in the semiconductor surface on opposing sides of the gate electrode, and a pre-metal dielectric (PAD) layer over the gate electrode and over the source and drain regions. Contact holes are formed through the PMD layer to form a contact to the gate electrode and contacts to the source and drain. A post contact etch dielectric layer is then deposited on the contacts to source and drain and on sidewalls of the PMD layer. The post contact etch dielectric layer is selectively removed from the contacts to leave a dielectric liner on sidewalls of the PMD layer. A metal silicide layer is formed on the contacts to the source and drain.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide processes for depositing a cobalt layer on a barrier layer and subsequently depositing a conductive material, such as copper or a copper alloy, thereon. In one embodiment, a method for depositing materials on a substrate surface is provided which includes forming a barrier layer on a substrate, exposing the substrate to dicobalt hexacarbonyl butylacetylene (CCTBA) and hydrogen to form a cobalt layer on the barrier layer during a vapor deposition process (e.g., CVD or ALD), and depositing a conductive material over the cobalt layer. In some examples, the barrier layer and/or the cobalt layer may be exposed to a gas or a reagent during a treatment process, such as a thermal process, an in situ plasma process, or a remote plasma process.

Abstract: A method for forming an interconnect structure includes forming a dielectric material layer on a semiconductor substrate. An oxygen-rich layer is formed over the dielectric material layer. The dielectric material layer and the oxygen-rich layer are patterned to form a plurality of vias in the semiconductor substrate. A barrier layer is formed in the plurality of vias and on the dielectric material layer leaving a portion of the oxygen-rich layer exposed. A metal layer is formed on the bather layer and on the exposed portion of the oxygen-rich layer, wherein the metal layer fills the plurality of vias. The semiconductor substrate is annealed at a predetermined temperature range and at a predetermined pressure to transform the exposed portion of the oxygen-rich layer into a metal-oxide stop layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate. The methods include providing a vapor and at least one reaction gas and reacting the vapor and the reaction gas with the substrate by a deposition process. The vapor may be selected from the group consisting of (Cp)V(?NtBu)(NEt2)2; (Cp)V(?NtBu)(NMe2)2; (Cp)V(?NtBu)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)V(?NiPr)(NEt2)2; (Cp)V(?NiPr)(NMe2)2; (Cp)V(?NiPr)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)V(?NC5H11)(NEt2)2; (Cp)V(?NC5H11)(NMe2)2; (Cp)V(?NC5H11)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)Nb(?NtBu)(NEt2)2; (Cp)Nb(?NtBu)(NMe2)2; (Cp)Nb(?NtBu)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)Nb(?NiPr)(NEt2)2; (Cp)Nb(?NiPr)(NMe2)2; (Cp)Nb(?NiPr)(NEtMe)2; (Cp)Nb(?NC5H11)(NEt2)2; (Cp)Nb(?NC5H11)(NMe2)2; and (Cp)Nb(?NC5H11)(NEtMe)2.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes body lines, formed substantially perpendicular to a substrate, and having recessed sidewalls, buried bit lines, buried in the recessed sidewalls, and including a metal silicide, and a barrier layer interposed between each of the buried bit lines and the body lines corresponding thereto, and containing germanium.

Abstract: Methods of exposing conductive vias of semiconductor devices may comprise conformally forming a barrier material over conductive vias extending from a backside surface of a substrate. A self-planarizing isolation material may be formed over the barrier material. An exposed surface of the self-planarizing isolation material may be substantially planar. A portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, a portion of the barrier material, and a portion of protruding material of the conductive vias may be removed to expose the conductive vias. Removal of the self-planarizing isolation material, the barrier material, and the conductive vias may be stopped after exposing at least one laterally extending portion of the barrier material.

Abstract: A method is provided, including the following method operations: depositing a metallic barrier layer to line a copper interconnect structure by a dry process in an integrated system configured to operate a mixture of dry and wet processes; depositing the functionalization layer over the metallic barrier layer by a wet process in the integrated system; and, depositing the copper layer over the functionalization layer in the copper interconnect structure by a wet process in the integrated system after the functionalization layer is deposited over the metallic barrier layer, wherein the material used for the functionalization layer comprises a complexing group with at least two ends, one end of the complexing group forming a bond with the metallic barrier layer and another end of the complexing group forming a bond with the copper layer.

Abstract: Method for forming an interconnect structure, comprising the steps of: forming a recessed structure in a dielectric material on a substrate; at least partially filling said recessed structure with a metal chosen from the group consisting of copper, nickel and cobalt; introducing the substrate in a CVD reactor; bringing the substrate in the CVD reactor to a soak temperature and subsequently performing a soak treatment by supplying a germanium precursor gas to the CVD reactor at the soak temperature, thereby substantially completely converting the metal in the recessed structure to a germanide.

Abstract: A semiconductor substructure with improved performance and a method of forming the same is described. The method includes providing a semiconductor dielectric layer having a recess formed therein; forming an interconnect structure with a metal liner and a conductive fill within the recess; and applying an electron beam treatment to the substructure.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, an opening is formed inside a dielectric layer above a semiconductor substrate. The opening has a wall. At least one diffusion barrier material is then formed over the wall of the opening by at least two alternating steps, which are selected from the group consisting of a process of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and a process of atomic layer deposition (ALD). A liner layer is formed over the at least one diffusion barrier material.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a capped interconnect for a microelectronic device which includes a sealing feature for any gaps between a capping layer and an interconnect and structures formed therefrom. The sealing features improve encapsulation of the interconnect, which substantially reduces or prevents electromigration and/or diffusion of conductive material from the capped interconnect.

Abstract: A metallization layer including a fully clad interconnect and a method of forming a fully clad interconnect. An opening is formed in a dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer has a surface and the opening includes walls and a bottom. A diffusion barrier layer and an adhesion layer are deposited on the dielectric layer. An interconnect material is deposited on the dielectric layer and reflowed into the opening forming an interconnect. An adhesion capping layer and diffusion barrier capping layer are deposited over the interconnect. The interconnect is surrounded by the adhesion layer and the adhesion capping layer and the adhesion layer and the adhesion capping layer are surrounded by the diffusion barrier layer and the diffusion capping layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an electrode material diffusion suppression layer provided either between a gate electrode and a gate insulation film, between Al-containing ohmic electrodes and an Au interconnection, and below the gate electrode and above the Al-containing ohmic electrodes, the electrode material diffusion suppression layer having a structure wherein a first the TaN layer, a Ta layer, and a second the TaN layer are stacked in sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments of a Silicon Nitride (SiN) passivation structure for a semiconductor device are disclosed. In general, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body and a SiN passivation structure over a surface of the semiconductor body. In one embodiment, the SiN passivation structure includes one or more Hydrogen-free SiN layers on, and preferably directly on, the surface of the semiconductor body, a Hydrogen barrier layer on, and preferably directly on, a surface of the one or more Hydrogen-free SiN layers opposite the semiconductor body, and a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) SiN layer on, and preferably directly on, a surface of the Hydrogen barrier layer opposite the one or more Hydrogen-free SiN layers. The Hydrogen barrier layer preferably includes one or more oxide layers of the same or different compositions. Further, in one embodiment, the Hydrogen barrier layer is formed by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD).

Abstract: An interposer structure including a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of shallow trenches, a plurality of deep trenches and a plurality of metal damascene structures is provided. The semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The shallow trenches are formed on the first surface in both of a first area and a second area of the semiconductor substrate and correspondingly a plurality of respective openings are formed on the first surface. The deep trenches extend from at least one of the shallow trenches toward the second surface in the second area and correspondingly a plurality of respective openings are formed on the second surface. The metal damascene structures are filled in both of the shallow trenches and the deep trenches. A manufacturing method for the aforementioned interposer structure is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to form a titanium nitride (TiN) hard mask in the Damascene process of forming interconnects during the fabrication of a semiconductor device, while the type and magnitude of stress carried by the TiN hard mask is controlled. The TiN hard mask is formed in a multi-layered structure where each sub-layer is formed successively by repeating a cycle of processes comprising TiN and chlorine PECVD deposition, and N2/H2 plasma gas treatment. During its formation, the stress to be carried by the TiN hard mask is controlled by controlling the number of TiN sub-layers and the plasma gas treatment duration such that the stress may counter-balance predetermined external stress anticipated on a conventionally made TiN hard mask, which causes trench sidewall distortion, trench opening shrinkage, and gap filling problem.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method further includes forming a copper-containing layer in the dielectric layer, wherein the copper-containing layer has a first portion and a second portion. The method further includes forming a first barrier layer between the first portion of the copper-containing layer and the dielectric layer. The method further includes forming a second barrier layer at a boundary between the second portion of the copper-containing layer and the dielectric layer wherein the second barrier layer is adjacent to an exposed portion of the dielectric layer. The first barrier layer is a dielectric layer, and the second barrier layer is a metal oxide layer, and a boundary between a sidewall of the copper-containing layer and the first barrier layer is free of the second barrier layer.

Abstract: A multi layer interconnecting substrate has at least two spaced apart metal layers with a conductive pad on each one of the metal layers. Two different types of insulating layers are placed between the metal layers. The placement is such that one of the two different types of insulating layers is placed between the conductive pads and the other type of insulating layer is placed between the two spaced apart metal layers.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor stack and associated device, such as a capacitor and DRAM cell. In particular, a bottom electrode has a material selected for lattice matching characteristics. This material may be created from a relatively inexpensive metal oxide which is processed to adopt a conductive, but difficult-to-produce oxide state, with specific crystalline form; to provide one example, specific materials are disclosed that are compatible with the growth of rutile phase titanium dioxide (TiO2) for use as a dielectric, thereby leading to predictable and reproducible higher dielectric constant and lower effective oxide thickness and, thus, greater part density at lower cost.

Abstract: An advantageous method and system for realizing electrically very reliable and mechanically extremely stable vias for components whose functionality is realized in a layer construction on a conductive substrate. The via (Vertical Interconnect Access), which is led to the back side of the component and which is used for the electrical contacting of functional elements realized in the layer construction, includes a connection area in the substrate that extends over the entire thickness of the substrate and is electrically insulated from the adjoining substrate by a trench-like insulating frame likewise extending over the entire substrate thickness. According to the present system, the trench-like insulating frame is filled up with an electrically insulating polymer.

Abstract: Processes for improving adhesion of films to semiconductor wafers and a semiconductor structure are provided. By implementing the processes of the invention, it is possible to significantly suppress defect creation, e.g., decrease particle generation, during wafer fabrication processes. More specifically, the processes described significantly reduce flaking of a TaN film from edges or extreme edges (bevel) of the wafer by effectively increasing the adhesion properties of the TaN film on the wafer. The method increasing a mol percent of nitride with respect to a total tantalum plus nitride to 25% or greater during a barrier layer fabrication process.

Abstract: A semiconductor device can include an insulation layer on that is on a substrate on which a plurality of lower conductive structures are formed, where the insulation layer has an opening. A barrier layer is on a sidewall and a bottom of the opening of the insulation layer, where the barrier layer includes a first barrier layer in which a constituent of a first deoxidizing material is richer than a metal material in the first barrier layer and a second barrier layer in which a metal material in the second barrier layer is richer than a constituent of a second deoxidizing material. An interconnection is in the opening of which the sidewall and the bottom are covered with the barrier layer, the interconnection is electrically connected to the lower conductive structure.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC), design structure, and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the IC includes: a substrate; a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate; a set of wire components disposed on the dielectric layer, the set of wire components including a first wire component disposed proximate a second wire component; a bond pad disposed on the first wire component, the bond pad including an exposed portion; a passivation layer disposed on the dielectric layer about a portion of the bond pad and the set of wire components, the passivation layer defining a wire structure via connected to the second wire component; and a wire structure disposed on the passivation layer proximate the bond pad and connected to the second wire component through the wire structure via.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device includes conductive features disposed over a workpiece, each conductive feature including a conductive line portion and a via portion. A barrier layer is disposed on sidewalls of each conductive feature and on a bottom surface of the via portion of each conductive feature. The barrier layer includes a dielectric layer. A first insulating material layer is disposed beneath a portion of the conductive line portion of each conductive feature. A second insulating material layer is disposed between the conductive features. A third insulating material layer is disposed beneath the first insulating material layer and the second insulating material layer. A lower portion of the via portion of each of the conductive features is formed within the third insulating material layer.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, an opening is formed inside a dielectric layer above a semiconductor substrate. The opening has a wall. At least one diffusion barrier material is then formed over the wall of the opening by at least two alternating steps, which are selected from the group consisting of a process of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and a process of atomic layer deposition (ALD). A liner layer is formed over the at least one diffusion barrier material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for forming a TiSiN thin film on a substrate according to ALD including a first process of preheating a substrate while supplying Ar or N2 containing inert gas to a chamber, after disposing a substrate in a chamber; a second process of forming a TiN film on the substrate by repeating at least one time a process of purging over-supplied Ti containing gas after supplying Ti containing gas and inert gas after that and a process of purging residual product after supplying N containing gas and inert gas after that; a third process of forming a SiN film by repeating at least one time a process of purging over-supplied Si containing gas after supplying Si containing gas on the TiN film and supplying inert gas after that and a process of purging residual product after supplying N containing gas and supplying inert gas after that; and a fourth process of forming a TiSiN film having a desired thickness by repeating the second and third processes at least one time, a partial pressure range of

Abstract: An interconnect structure and method for fabricating the interconnect structure having enhanced performance and reliability, by utilizing a graphene-based barrier metal layer to block oxygen intrusion from a dielectric layer into the interconnect structure and block copper diffusion from the interconnect structure into the dielectric layer, are disclosed. At least one opening is formed in a dielectric layer. A graphene-based barrier metal layer disposed on the dielectric layer is formed. A seed layer disposed on the graphene-based barrier metal layer is formed. An electroplated copper layer disposed on the seed layer is formed. A planarized surface is formed, wherein a portion of the graphene-based barrier metal layer, the seed layer, and the electroplated copper layer are removed. In addition, a capping layer disposed on the planarized surface is formed.

Abstract: A device and a method of forming the device is provided. The device includes a dielectric layer overlying a substrate, a conductive line with a sidewall in the dielectric layer, a Ta layer adjoining the sidewall of the conductive line, and a metal oxide formed between the Ta layer and the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a lower layer, an insulating layer on a first side of the lower layer, an interconnection structure in the insulating layer, a via structure in the lower layer. The via structure protrudes into the insulating layer and the interconnection structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer supported by the substrate, an interconnect adjacent the dielectric layer, the interconnect including a conduction material and a barrier material disposed along sidewalls of the interconnect between the conduction material and the dielectric layer, and a layer disposed over the interconnect to establish an interface between the conduction material, the barrier material, and the layer. A plate is disposed along a section of the interconnect to interrupt the interface.

Abstract: Described are cleaning methods for removing contaminants from an electrical contact interface of a partially fabricated semiconductor substrate. The methods may include introducing a halogen-containing species into a processing chamber, and forming an adsorption-limited layer, which includes halogen from the halogen-containing species, atop the electrical contact interface and/or the contaminants thereon. The methods may further include thereafter removing un-adsorbed halogen-containing species from the processing chamber and activating a reaction between the halogen of the adsorption-limited layer and the contaminants present on the electrical contact interface. The reaction may then result in the removal of at least a portion of the contaminants from the electrical contact interface. In some embodiments, the halogen adsorbed onto the surface and reacted may be fluorine. Also described herein are apparatuses having controllers for implementing such electrical contact interface cleaning techniques.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device, comprising: providing a Si-containing layer; forming a barrier layer over said Si-containing layer, said barrier layer comprising a compound including a metallic element; forming a metallic nucleation_seed layer over said barrier layer, said nucleation_seed layer including said metallic element; and forming a metallic interconnect layer over said nucleation_seed layer, wherein said barrier layer and said nucleation_seed layer are formed without exposing said semiconductor device to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pattern transfer method includes forming a photoreactive resin on a substrate to be processed. The method further includes pressing a mold against the photoreactive resin, the mold including a transparent substrate having a concave-convex pattern, and a light-blocking film provided on a part of surfaces of the concave-convex pattern. The method further includes irradiating the photoreactive resin with light through the mold in a state in which the mold is pressed against the photoreactive resin. The method further includes baking the photoreactive resin in a state in which the mold is pressed against the photoreactive resin after irradiating the photoreactive resin with the light. The method further includes releasing the mold from the photoreactive resin after baking the photoreactive resin. The method further includes rinsing the photoreactive resin with a rinsing solution after releasing the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an interconnection pad on a conducting element comprising an upper face and a side wall; the method being executed from a substrate at least the upper face of which is insulating; the conducting element going through at least an insulating portion of the substrate, the method being characterized in that it comprises the sequence of the following steps: a step of embossing the conducting element, a step of forming, above the upper insulating face of the substrate, a stack of layers comprising at least one electrically conducting layer and one electrically resistive layer, a step of partially removing the electrically resistive layer, a step of electrolytic growth on the portion of the electrically conducting layer so as to form at least one interconnection pad on said conducting element.

Abstract: A copper interconnect structure in a semiconductor device including an opening formed in a dielectric layer of the semiconductor device, the opening having sidewalls and a bottom. A first barrier layer is conformally deposited on the sidewalls and the bottom of the opening. A first seed layer is conformally deposited on the first barrier layer. A second barrier layer is conformally deposited on the first seed layer. A second seed layer is conformally deposited on the second barrier layer and a conductive plug is deposited in the opening of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an interconnect structure on a wafer and an interconnect structure are provided. A dielectric layer is provided on the wafer, with the dielectric layer having a recess therein. A silicon (Si) layer is deposited in the recess. An interconnect is formed by providing a barrier layer and a conductive layer in the recess over the Si layer. The Si layer has a density that prevents or substantially prevents the barrier layer from moving away from the conductive layer and towards the dielectric layer during subsequent processing of the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a trench therein, a metal-containing barrier layer extending along an inner wall of the trench and defining a wiring space in the trench, the wiring space having a first width along a first direction, and a metal-containing conductive line on the metal-containing barrier layer in the wiring space, and including at least one metal grain having a particle diameter of about the first width along the first direction.

Abstract: Integrated circuits having electrically conductive traces are described. The electrically conductive traces may be formed of multiple electrically conductive layers. One or more of the multiple electrically conductive layers may have a cut formed therein to form a gap in that electrically conductive layer. One or more electrical conductive layers of the electrical conductive traces may bridge the gap.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more support structures and techniques for forming such support structures within semiconductor devices are provided. The support structure comprises an oxide infused silicon layer that is formed within a trench of a dielectric layer on a substrate of a semiconductor device. The oxide infused silicon layer results from a silicon layer that is exposed to oxide during an ultraviolet (UV) curing process. The oxide infused silicon layer is configured to support a barrier layer against a conductive structure formed on the barrier layer within the trench. In this way, the support structure provides pressure against the barrier layer so that the barrier layer substantially maintains contact with the conductive structure, to promote improved performance and reliability of the conductive structure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an interconnect provided on a first interlayer insulating film covering a semiconductor substrate in which an element is formed, a cap layer provided on the upper surface of the interconnect, and a barrier film provided between the interconnect and a second interlayer insulating film covering the interconnect. The interconnect includes a high-melting-point conductive layer, and the width of the interconnect is smaller than the width of the cap layer. The barrier film includes a compound of a contained element in the high-melting-point conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a non-conductive layer over a semiconductor substrate. A low-k dielectric layer is formed over the non-conductive layer. The low-k dielectric layer is etched and stopped at the non-conductive layer to form an opening. A plasma treatment is performed on the substrate to convert the non-conductive layer within the opening into a conductive layer. The opening is filled with a copper-containing material in an electroless copper bottom up fill process to form a copper-containing plug. The copper-containing plug is planarized so that the top of the copper-containing plug is co-planar with the top of the low-k dielectric layer. The substrate is heated to form a self-forming barrier layer on the sidewalls of the copper-containing plug.

Abstract: The embodiments fill the need of improving electromigration and reducing stress-induced voids of copper interconnect by enabling deposition of a thin and conformal barrier layer, and a copper layer in the copper interconnect. The adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer can be improved by making the barrier layer metal-rich prior copper deposition and by limiting the amount of oxygen the barrier layer is exposed prior to copper deposition. Alternatively, a functionalization layer can be deposited over the barrier layer to enable the copper layer being deposit in the copper interconnect with good adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer. An exemplary method of preparing a substrate surface of a substrate to deposit a functionalization layer over a metallic barrier layer of a copper interconnect to assist deposition of a copper layer in the copper interconnect in an integrated system in order to improve electromigration performance of the copper interconnect is provided.