Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming a local interconnect and a semiconductor device comprising a local interconnect. The semiconductor device comprises: a) a dielectric outside layer; and b) a conductivity structure comprising: i) at least one barrier layer having a thickness of 10-200 ? on a surface of said oxide layer; and ii) a conductive layer comprising titanium, on said at least one barrier layer, said at least one barrier layer preventing diffusion of oxygen from said dielectric oxide layer into said conductive layer and having a corresponding oxide that is not soluble in said conductive layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a layer of metal on a substrate and fill the via with high throughput. A layer of metal can be formed on a substrate using sequentially a cold deposition step, a slow hot deposition step and a rapid hot deposition step. The cold deposition step need only be performed for a time sufficient to deposit a seed layer of metal over the entire surface on which the metal layer is to be formed. In the slow hot deposition step, further metal is deposited at a power allowing for surface diffusion of the deposited metal, which is then followed by a rapid hot deposition of metal under bulk diffusion conditions.

Abstract: A low temperature aluminum planarization process. Vias, including high aspect ratio vias, are filled using a liner layer, a seed layer, and a fill layer. The device associated with the via is exposed to a reactive gas prior to applying the fill layer to the device.

Abstract: A low temperature aluminum planarization process. Vias, including high aspect ratio vias, are filled using a liner layer, a seed layer, and a fill layer. The device associated with the via is exposed to a reactive gas prior to applying the fill layer to the device.

Abstract: A method of forming metallic layers on a substrate includes the steps of forming a first layer including a first metal on the substrate; cooling the first layer for a period of time sufficient to suppress formation of an intermetallic phase; and forming a second layer including a second metal distinct from the first metal on the first layer. The cooling step decreases the roughness of the resultant stacked structure by suppressing the formation of an intermetallic phase layer between the two metallic layers and by suppressing “bumps” or other surface irregularities that may form at relatively reactive grain boundaries in the first layer.

Abstract: A method of forming metallic layers on a substrate includes the steps of forming a first layer including a first metal on the substrate; cooling the first layer for a period of time sufficient to suppress formation of an intermetallic phase; and forming a second layer including a second metal distinct from the first metal on the first layer. The cooling step decreases the roughness of the resultant stacked structure by suppressing the formation of an intermetallic phase layer between the two metallic layers and by suppressing “bumps” or other surface irregularities that may form at relatively reactive grain boundaries in the first layer.

Abstract: A method of forming metallic layers on a substrate includes the steps of forming a first layer including a first metal on the substrate; cooling the first layer for a period of time sufficient to suppress formation of an intermetallic phase; and forming a second layer including a second metal distinct from the first metal on the first layer. The cooling step decreases the roughness of the resultant stacked structure by suppressing the formation of an intermetallic phase layer between the two metallic layers and by suppressing “bumps” or other surface irregularities that may form at relatively reactive grain boundaries in the first layer.

Abstract: A wetting layer is formed on a substrate at a relatively high process temperature (e.g., the temperature of the substrate and/or the temperature within a process chamber in which the wetting layer is formed). A metallization layer that is subsequently formed on the wetting layer adheres to the wetting layer better than the metallization layer would adhere to the wetting layer if the wetting layer was formed at a lower process temperature. The high process temperature causes the density of the wetting layer to be increased, so that, consequently, the wetting layer has a smoother surface to which the metallization layer can adhere.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a layer of metal on a substrate and fill the via with high throughput. A layer of metal can be formed on a substrate using sequentially a cold deposition step, a slow hot deposition step and a rapid hot deposition step. The cold deposition step need only be performed for a time sufficient to deposit a seed layer of metal over the entire surface on which the metal layer is to be formed. In the slow hot deposition step, further metal is deposited at a low power allowing for surface diffusion of the deposited metal, which is then followed by a rapid hot deposition of metal under bulk diffusion conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an opening through a dielectric layer. The method comprises treating a polished dielectric layer with a wet etch selectively enchancing composition, such as buffered HF, prior to the formation of a patterned photoresist to improve the lateral-to-vertical wet etch ratio.