Abstract: A metal surface having optimized reflectance is created utilizing the following process steps alone or in combination: 1) CMP of dielectric layer underlying the metal following SOG planarization; 2) CMP of dielectric layer underlying the metal following formation of vias; 3) forming a metal adhesion layer composed of collimated titanium over the underlying dielectric; 4) depositing metal upon the adhesion layer at as low a temperature as feasible to maintain small grain size; 5) depositing at least the first layer of the reflectance enhancing coating on top of the freshly deposited metal prior to etching the metal; and 6) depositing the initial layer of the reflective enhancing coating at a temperature as close as possible to the temperature of formation of the metal electrode layer in order to suppress hillock formation in the metal. Deposition of the REC serves two distinct purposes.

Abstract: A metal surface having optimized reflectance is created utilizing the following process steps alone or in combination: 1) performing alloy/sintering of the metal-silicon interface prior to a chemical mechanical polish of the intermetal dielectric before the reflective metal electrode is formed; 2) chemical-mechanical polishing the intermetal dielectric layer again after vias are formed; 3) forming a metal adhesion layer composed of collimated titanium over the underlying dielectric; 4) depositing metal upon the adhesion layer at as low a temperature as feasible to maintain small grain size; 5) depositing at least the first layer of the reflectance enhancing coating on top of the freshly deposited metal prior to etching the metal; and 6) depositing the initial layer of the reflective enhancing coating at a temperature as close as possible to the temperature of formation of the metal electrode layer in order to suppress hillock formation in the metal. Deposition of the REC serves two distinct purposes.

Abstract: A method of forming interconnecting layers in a semiconductor device whereby even if a via is misaligned with a metal line, a portion of the via not enclosed and capped by the metal is enclosed and capped by an etch stop spacer. The foundation layer includes a dielectric layer having a trench formed therein, the trench being filled with a plug material. The foundation layer further includes a barrier layer formed atop the dielectric layer. A metal layer is formed on the surface of the boundary layer, and a protection layer is formed on the surface of the metal layer. The protection layer and the metal layer are patterned to define a line of composite protection/metal on the surface of the boundary layer. An etch stop layer is formed which substantially conforms to the shape of the composite protection/metal line, including etch stop spacers conforming to the sidewall portions of the line.

Abstract: A method of forming interconnecting layers in a semiconductor device whereby even if a via is misaligned with a metal line, a portion of the via not enclosed and capped by the metal is enclosed and capped by an etch stop spacer. The foundation layer includes a dielectric layer having a trench formed therein, the trench being filled with a plug material. The foundation layer further includes a barrier layer formed atop the dielectric layer. A metal layer is formed on the surface of the boundary layer, and a protection layer is formed on the surface of the metal layer. The protection layer and the metal layer are patterned to define a line of composite protection/metal on the surface of the boundary layer. An etch stop layer is formed which substantially conforms to the shape of the composite protection/metal line, including etch stop spacers conforming to the sidewall portions of the line.