Abstract: Described are low resistivity metal layers/films, such as low resistivity ruthenium (Ru) layers/films, and methods of forming low resistivity metal films. Ru layers/films with close-to-bulk resistivity can be prepared on substrates using Ru(CpEt)2 + O2 ALD, as well as a two-step ALD process using Ru(DMBD)(CO)3 + TBA (tertiary butyl amine) to nucleate the substrate and Ru(EtCp)2 + O2 to increase layer/film thickness. The Ru layer/films and methods of preparing Ru layers/films described herein may be suitable for use in barrierless via-fills, as well as at M0/M1 interconnect layers.

Abstract: Provided by the inventive concept are methods for fabricating semiconductor devices, such as methods of atomic layer deposition (ALD). Aspects of the inventive concept include methods for depositing and forming Ru metal layers having low resistivity, forming Ru metal layers without the need for a post-deposition annealing step, forming Ru metal layers selectively on portions of a substrate without the need for passivation, and providing Ru metal layers for use in back end of the line (BEOL) applications in semiconductor devices that do not require a liner/barrier layer.

Abstract: The present inventive concept relates to selective metal layer deposition. Embodiments include a method for atomic layer deposition (ALD) of a metal, the method comprising at least one cycle of: a) exposing a substrate, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a metal portion and an insulator portion, to a metal-organic precursor; b) depositing a metal-organic precursor on an upper surface of the metal portion of the substrate to selectively provide a metal precursor layer on the upper surface of the metal portion of the substrate; c) exposing the metal precursor layer to a co-reactant; and d) depositing the co-reactant on the metal precursor layer, wherein the co-reactant takes part in a ligand exchange with the metal precursor layer.

Abstract: The present inventive concept is related to methods for passivating an oxide layer and methods of selectively depositing a metal, metal nitride, metal oxide, or metal silicide layer on a metal, metal oxide, or silicide layer over an oxide layer including exposing the oxide layer to a passivant that selectively binds to the oxide layer over the metal, metal oxide, or silicide layer, and selectively growing the metal, metal nitride, metal oxide or metal silicide layer on the metal, metal oxide or silicide layer.