Abstract: For determining a failure characteristic of a semiconductor device, a leakage current characteristic is measured for the semiconductor device to determine a plurality of stress bias zones. A respective set of parameters that define a respective failure characteristic of the semiconductor device is determined for each of the stress bias zones such that the failure characteristic is accurately determined for a wide range of operating voltages.

Abstract: A composite ?-Ta/graded tantalum nitride/TaN barrier layer is formed in Cu interconnects with a controlled surface roughness for improved adhesion, electromigration resistance and reliability. Embodiments include lining a damascene opening, such as a dual damascene opening in a low-k interlayer dielectric, with an initial layer of TaN, forming a graded tantalum nitride layer on the initial TaN layer and then forming an ?-Ta layer on the graded TaN layer, the composite barrier layer having an average surface roughness (Ra) of about 25 ? to about 50 ?. Embodiments further include controlling the surface roughness of the composite barrier layer by varying the N2 flow rate and/or ratio of the thickness of the combined ?-Ta and graded tantalum nitride layers to the thickness of the initial TaN layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor component having a feature suitable for inhibiting stress induced void formation and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component. A semiconductor substrate is provided having a major surface. A layer of dielectric material is formed over the major surface. A metallization system is formed over the layer of dielectric material, wherein the metallization system includes a portion having gaps or apertures which inhibit stress induced void formation.

Abstract: A composite ?-Ta/graded tantalum nitride/TaN barrier layer is formed in Cu interconnects with a structure designed for improved wafer-to-wafer uniformity, electromigration resistance and reliability, reduced contact resistance, and increased process margin. Embodiments include a dual damascene structure in a low-k interlayer dielectric comprising Cu and a composite barrier layer comprising an initial layer of TaN on the low-k material, a graded layer of tantalum nitride on the initial TaN layer and a continuous ?-Ta layer on the graded tantalum nitride layer. Embodiments include forming the initial TaN layer at a thickness sufficient to ensure deposition of ?-Ta, e.g., as at a thickness of bout 50 ? to about 100 ?. Embodiments include composite barrier layers having a thickness ratio of ?-Ta and graded tantalum nitride: initial TaN of about 2.5:1 to about 3.5:1 for improved electromigration resistance and wafer-to-wafer uniformity.

Abstract: A methodology for testing interconnect structures includes testing a number of short line interconnects having the same length and different reservoir sizes. By measuring and comparing the stress values on the interconnects, a relationship between reservoir area and jLcrit may be obtained. This information may then be used to more accurately assess the reliability of an interconnect and to design more reliable interconnects.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for determining a barrier permeability at a via. A test structure is formed having a test barrier between two conductors. A substantially constant current is conducted through the test structure to measure the lifetime of the test structure. A barrier permeability value is assigned to the test barrier of the test structure based on the measured lifetime. The system also includes a test structure having a first conductor, a second conductor forming an interconnect, a no-flux barrier substantially impermeable to mass flux between the first and second conductor, a third conductor, and a test barrier between the second and third conductor, to be assessed for the barrier permeability value. A current source supplies the current through the test structure. A timer measures the lifetime of the test structure, and a processor determines the value of barrier permeability &agr; of the test barrier based on the measured lifetime of the test structure.

Abstract: In the present method of fabricating a semiconductor device, openings of different configurations (for example, different aspect ratios) are provided in a dielectric layer. Substantially undoped copper is deposited over the dielectric layer, filling the openings and extending above the dielectric layer, the different configurations of the openings providing an upper surface of the substantially undoped copper that is generally non-planar. A portion of the substantially undoped copper is removed to provide a substantially planar upper surface thereof, and a layer of doped copper is deposited on the upper surface of the substantially undoped copper. An anneal step is undertaken to difffuse the doping element into the copper in the openings.

Abstract: Copper or a low resistivity copper alloy is initially deposited to fill relatively narrow openings leaving relatively wider openings unfilled. A copper alloy having improved electromigration resistance with respect to copper is then selectively deposited to fill the relatively wider openings, thereby improving electromigration resistance without increasing narrow line resistance. Embodiments include annealing after filling the relatively narrow openings and before filling the relatively wider openings, thereby reducing void formation in narrow lines.

Abstract: An interconnect opening of an integrated circuit is filled with a conductive fill with the interconnect opening being within an insulating layer on a semiconductor wafer. A seed layer of a first conductive material is deposited conformally onto sidewalls and a bottom wall of the interconnect opening. The interconnect opening is further filled with a second conductive material by growing the second conductive material from the seed layer to form a conductive fill of the first conductive material and the second conductive material within the interconnect opening. The first conductive material and the second conductive material are comprised of a bulk metal, and at least one of the first conductive material and the second conductive material is a metal alloy having an alloy dopant in the bulk metal. In addition, a plasma treatment process is performed to remove any metal oxide or metal hydroxide from a top surface of the conductive fill.