Abstract: Disclosed herein are integrated circuit (IC) devices with contacts using nitridized molybdenum. For example, a contact arrangement for an IC device may include a semiconductor material and a contact extending into a portion of the semiconductor material. The contact may include molybdenum. The molybdenum may be in a first layer and a second layer, where the second layer may further include nitrogen. The first layer may have a thickness between about 5 nanometers and 16 nanometers, and the second layer may have a thickness between about 0.5 nanometers to 2.5 nanometers. The contact may further include a fill material (e.g., an electrically conductive material) and the second layer may be in contact with the fill material. The molybdenum may have a low resistance, and thus may improve the electrical performance of the contact. The nitridized molybdenum may prevent oxidation during the fabrication of the contact.

Abstract: Integrated circuit structures including an interconnect feature without a higher-resistance liner material. In absence of a liner, metal of low resistance directly contacts an adjacent dielectric material, enabling lower resistance interconnect. Even for low-k dielectric compositions, adhesion of the metal to the dielectric material is improved through the incorporation of nitrogen proximal to the interface. Prior to deposition of the metal upon a surface of the dielectric, the surface is exposed to nitrogen species to form a nitrogen-rich compound at the surface. The metal deposited upon the surface may then be nitrogen-lean, for example a substantially pure elemental metal or metal alloy.