Abstract: A method of forming a conductive structure such as a copper conductive structure, line, or via is optimized for large grain growth and distribution of alloy elements. The alloy elements can reduce electromigration problems associated with the conductive structure. The conductive structure is self-annealed or first annealed in a low temperature process over a longer period of time. Another anneal is utilized to distribute alloy elements.

Abstract: High reliable copper interconnects are formed with copper or a low resistivity copper alloy filling relatively narrow openings and partially filling relatively wider openings and a copper alloy having improved electromigration resistance selectively deposited in the relatively wider openings. The filled openings are recessed and a metal capping layer deposited followed by CMP. The metal capping layer prevents diffusion along the copper-capping layer interface while the copper alloy filling the relatively wider openings impedes electromigration along the grain boundaries.

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 semiconductor component having a metallization system that includes a multi-metal seed layer and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component. A layer of dielectric material is formed over a lower level interconnect. A hardmask is formed over the dielectric layer and an opening is etched through the hardmask into the dielectric layer. The opening is lined with a thin conformal barrier material. A plurality of metal oxide layers are formed over the conformal barrier material. The plurality of metal oxide layers are reduced by heat treatment to form a multi-metal seed layer. An electrically conductive material is formed over the multi-metal seed layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact in a semiconductor device deposits a refractory metal contact layer in a contact hole on a conductive region portion in a silicon substrate. The refractory metal contact layer is reacted with the silicide region prior to a plasma treatment of a contact barrier metal layer formed within the contact hole. This prevents portions of the refractory metal contact layer from being nitridated prior to conversion to silicide.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal interconnect structure provides a conformal layer of barrier material, such as a nitride, within a patterned opening in a dielectric layer. The barrier material is deposited after the opening is etched to the dielectric layer, stopping on a diffusion barrier. A first layer of a metal barrier material, such as tantalum, is conformally deposited on the barrier material. A directional etch is performed that removes horizontal nitride and tantalum, leaving the nitride and tantalum on the sidewalls of the patterned opening. The barrier material prevents contamination of the dielectric layer from conductive material, such as copper, during the etching of the diffusion barrier overlying the conductive material, and during subsequent sputter etch cleaning. A thin, second metal layer is conformally deposited and forms a suitable barrier on the sidewalls of the opening, while providing low contact resistance between the second metal layer and the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming interconnects on a semiconductor chip is disclosed which comprises the steps of: depositing a barrier layer and a copper seed layer on the semiconductor chip; depositing on the copper seed layer an enhancement layer; annealing the semiconductor chip a first time after the copper seed layer and the enhancement layer are deposited to form an annealed layer; electroplating a copper layer on the semiconductor chip; and annealing the semiconductor chip a second time after the copper layer is deposited on the annealed layer to form an annealed copper conductive layer.