Abstract: A process for forming a composite intermetal dielectric, (IMD), layer, with reduced tensile stress, eliminating defects that can be induced by highly stressed, IMD layers, to underlying dielectric layers, and metal interconnect structures, has been developed. The process features the use of a capping, or overlying, silicon oxide component, obtained via PECVD procedures, using TEOS as a source, and using a set of power, and frequency conditions, resulting in a high compressive stress for the capping silicon oxide layer. The high compressive stress of the capping silicon oxide layer, balances the high tensile stress, inherent in an underlying silicon oxide component, of the composite IMD layer, eliminating stress related defects to underlying dielectric layers, and to underlying metal interconnect structures.

Abstract: A process for forming a low resistance, titanium silicide layer, for use as a component of a narrow width, polycide gate structure, has been developed. The process features a combination of ion implantation procedures, performed prior to, and after, titanium deposition. The combination of ion implantation procedures restricts excessive movement of silicon, from a polysilicon gate structure, as well as from a source/drain region, into the forming titanium silicide layer, during subsequent anneal cycles used to form the titanium silicide layer. The ability to limit the amount of silicon, in the titanium silicide layer, allows a low resistance, titanium silicide layer to be used for polycide gate structures, with a width narrower than 0.20 micrometers.