Abstract: Copper metalization is planarized by CMP employing a slurry which avoids scratching the copper surface and is highly selective to the underlying barrier layer. Embodiments include CMP a copper filled damascene opening using a slurry comprising about 0.2 to about 0.7 wt. % Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and about 0.2 to about 2 wt. % oxalic acid to achieve a RMS no greater than about 10 .ANG..

Abstract: Void free Cu or Cu alloy interconnects are formed by annealing at superatmospheric pressure after metallization. Embodiments include filling a damascene opening in a dielectric layer with Cu or a Cu alloy and heat treating in a chamber at a pressure of about 2 atmospheres to about 750 atmospheres.

Abstract: A method for implanting copper conductive layers in channel or via openings with alloying elements, such as magnesium, boron, tin, and zirconium. The implantation is performed after conductive layer chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) using a surface barrier layer as an implant barrier. With the surface barrier layer being removed by barrier layer CMP, this allows directed, heavy implantation of the conductive layer with the alloying elements.

Abstract: Workpieces, such as semiconductor wafers, are electroplated with improved thickness uniformity by providing a diffuser member intermediate the cathode and anode of a fountain-type electroplating apparatus. The diffuser or member has a pattern of openings specifically designed to prevent channeling and/or selective directing of electrolyte towards the workpiece. In one embodiment, the diffuser member comprises a spiral-shaped pattern of openings originating at the center of the diffuser member and extending to the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A method of metallizing a semiconductor chip with copper including an inlaid low dielectric constant layer. The method includes the step of depositing a barrier layer on the surface of the semiconductor chip. Next, a copper seed layer is deposited on the barrier layer, and then the copper seed layer is annealed. Microlithography is then performed on the semiconductor chip to form a plurality of wiring line paths with a patterned photoresist layer. After the wiring line paths are formed a copper conductive layer is electroplated to the surface of the semiconductor chip. Next, the patterned photoresist layer is stripped off of the surface of the semiconductor chip. In addition, portions of the barrier layer and the copper seed layer that were covered by the patterned photoresist layer are also removed. A low dielectric constant layer is then deposited on the semiconductor chip to fill the gaps between the newly created copper conductive lines.

Abstract: An improved tungsten plug/Local Interconnect slurry for Chemical Mechanical Polishing which does not require inclusion of a chemical stabilizer. The slurry is made using a combination of two separate batch mixings of stable ingredients and Point-of Use mixing of portions of the two batches, whereby the oxidizers are combined with the coated abrasive mixture immediately prior to dispensing the slurry onto the polishing pad by combining selected flows from each of the two batches to form a total flow rate equal to the required rate of slurry flow onto the polishing pad.

Abstract: A polishing slurry composition and its method of making for planarization of silicon semiconductor wafers by chemical mechanical polishing of the wafer. A slurry formulation utilizing a ferric salt tungsten oxidizer, an ammonium persulfate titanium oxidizer, a fatty acid suspension agent, alumina particles with a small diameter and tight diameter range, coated with a solubility coating, and a chemical stabilizer, provides high tungsten and titanium polish rates with high selectivity to silicon dioxide, and good oxide defectivity for use in tungsten local interconnect applications. A method for making a tungsten slurry includes first thoroughly blending small diameter alumina particles with a tight diameter range in an aqueous concentrate with a suspension agent, then mixing with water and oxidizers. Ferric salt tungsten slurries made by this method provide excellent tungsten polish characteristics for via plug and local interconnect applications.