Patents by Inventor Karen Chu

Karen Chu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6797642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method to improve adhesion of barrier, metal, dielectric interfaces. In the process flow, a first barrier material is formed on a dielectric layer and bombarded with a plasma to effectively push the barrier material into the dielectric interface while leaving a portion of the barrier material over the dielectric. A second barrier material, which may or may not be the same as the first barrier material, is then formed on the remaining first barrier material. Advantageously, the method of the present invention allows the barrier material to be pushed into the dielectric to insure excellent adhesion, which prevents chemical mechanical polishing delamination. Furthermore, the presence of the first barrier material on the sidewalls of via apertures through the dielectric can prevent Cu poisoning from sputtered Cu or CxOy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen Chu, Anil Vijayendran, Michal Danek