Abstract: Oxycarbosilane materials make excellent matrix materials for the formation of porous low-k materials using incorporated pore generators(porogens). The elastic modulus numbers measured for porous samples prepared in this fashion are 3–6 times higher than porous organosilicates prepared using the sacrificial porogen route. The oxycarbosilane materials are used to produce integrated circuits for use in electronics devices.

Abstract: Oxycarbosilane materials make excellent matrix materials for the formation of porous low-k materials using incorporated pore generators (porogens). The elastic modulus numbers measured for porous samples prepared in this fashion are 3-6 times higher than porous organosilicates prepared using the sacrificial porogen route. The oxycarbosilane materials are used to produce integrated circuits for use in electronics devices. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader quickly to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the appended issued claims.

Abstract: A semiconductor device containing a diffusion barrier layer is provided. The semiconductor device includes at least a semiconductor substrate containing conductive metal elements; and, a diffusion barrier layer applied to at least a portion of the substrate in contact with the conductive metal elements, the diffusion barrier layer having an upper surface and a lower surface and a central portion, and being formed from silicon, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen with the nitrogen being non-uniformly distributed throughout the diffusion barrier layer. Thus, the nitrogen is more concentrated near the lower and upper surfaces of the diffusion barrier layer as compared to the central portion of the diffusion barrier layer. Methods for making the semiconductor devices are also provided.