Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Robert J. Walter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6245668
    Abstract: A method of forming inter-level contacts or vias between metal layers using a tungsten film deposited into the via using non-collimated sputter deposition. The sputter chamber is configured with a pressure of about 1 mTorr to about 10 mTorr with an inert gas flow of at least at least 25 cm3/min to about 150 cm3/min. Shielding inside the chamber is coated with a material, preferably, aluminum oxide, that promotes adhesion of tungsten to the shielding. An adhesion layer of titanium may be included prior to deposition of the tungsten film. Non-collimated sputter deposition increases the target to substrate distance inside the sputter chamber; reduces the heating effect associated with traditional collimated sputtering; and provides more robust diffusion barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen B. Brodsky, William J. Murphy, Matthew J. Rutten, David C. Strippe, Daniel S. Vanslette