Abstract: An integrated circuit and methods for forming the same are provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a low-k dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate; forming an opening extending from a top surface of the low-k dielectric layer into the low-k dielectric layer; forming a diffusion barrier layer in the opening, wherein the diffusion barrier layer has a top edge substantially level with a top surface of the low-k dielectric layer; filling a metal line in the opening; recessing a top surface of the metal line below a top edge of the diffusion barrier layer to form a recess; and forming a metal cap on the metal line, wherein the metal cap is substantially within the recess.

Abstract: A CMP process for selectively polishing an overlying material layer with an underlying layer comprising at least one material in a semiconductor device fabrication process including providing a semiconductor wafer process surface including a first material layer overlying a second layer including one material; mixing at least two slurry mixtures including a first CMP slurry formulation optimized for removing the first material layer and a second CMP slurry formulation optimized for removing the at least a second layer to form a slurry formulation mixture; and, carrying out a CMP process using the slurry formulation mixture to remove the first material layer and at least a portion of the at least a second layer.

Abstract: A CMP process for selectively polishing an overlying material layer with an underlying layer comprising at least one material in a semiconductor device fabrication process including providing a semiconductor wafer process surface including a first material layer overlying a second layer including one material; mixing at least two slurry mixtures including a first CMP slurry formulation optimized for removing the first material layer and a second CMP slurry formulation optimized for removing the at least a second layer to form a slurry formulation mixture; and, carrying out a CMP process using the slurry formulation mixture to remove the first material layer and at least a portion of the at least a second layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a dielectric insulating layer with increased hydrophilicity for improving adhesion of an adjacently deposited material layer in semiconductor device manufacturing including providing a semiconductor wafer having a process surface for forming a dielectric insulting layer thereover; depositing the dielectric insulating layer; and, subjecting the dielectric insulating layer including an exposed surface to a hydrophilicity increasing treatment including at least one of a dry plasma treatment and a wet process including contacting the exposed surface with a hydrophilicity increasing solution including a surfactant said wet process followed by a baking process to improve an adhesion of an adjacently deposited material layer.