Abstract: Methods for sealing an organic ILD layer and a metal layer after an etching step. The method includes etching through an ILD layer and leaving a remaining portion of an underlying metal layer cap, maintaining the device in an inert gas, and depositing at least a portion of a liner into the opening to seal the ILD layer and the metal layer. Subsequent processing may include formation of a via by etching through the portion of the liner and the remaining portion of the cap layer, and depositing a metal.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of dual damascene interconnect structures in integrated circuit devices. Specifically, a method is disclosed for forming a single or dual damascene structure in a low-k dielectric thin film utilizing a planarizing material and a diffusion barrier material. In a preferred dual damascene embodiment of this method, the vias are formed first in the dielectric material, then the planarizing material is deposited in the vias and on the dielectric material, and the barrier material is deposited on the planarizing material. The trenches are then formed lithographically in the imaging material, etched through the barrier material into the planarizing material, and the trench pattern is transferred to the dielectric material. During and following the course of these etch steps, the imaging, barrier and planarizing materials are removed. The resultant dual damascene structure may then be metallized.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of dual damascene interconnect structures in integrated circuit devices. Specifically, a method is disclosed for forming a single or dual damascene structure in a low-k dielectric thin film utilizing a planarizing material and a diffusion barrier material. In a preferred dual damascene embodiment of this method, the vias are formed first in the dielectric material, then the planarizing material is deposited in the vias and on the dielectric material, and the barrier material is deposited on the planarizing material. The trenches are then formed lithographically in the imaging material, etched through the barrier material into the planarizing material, and the trench pattern is transferred to the dielectric material. During and following the course of these etch steps, the imaging, barrier and planarizing materials are removed. The resultant dual damascene structure may then be metallized.

Abstract: A method of forming a damascene structure, and the structure so formed, using a sacrificial conductive layer to provide a uniform focus plane for the photolithography tool during formation of circuit features. In particular, a metal layer is provided between the insulative layer and the photoresist, upon which the capacitive sensors of the photolithography tool focus during the formation of the circuit features, namely, troughs and vias.

Abstract: A method of forming a damascene structure, and the structure so formed, using a sacrificial conductive layer to provide a uniform focus plane for the photolithography tool during formation of circuit features. In particular, a metal layer is provided between the insulative layer and the photoresist, upon which the capacitive sensors of the photolithography tool focus during the formation of the circuit features, namely, troughs and vias.

Abstract: A method of forming a damascene structure using a sacrificial conductive layer to provide a uniform focus plane for the photolithography tool during formation of circuit features. In particular, a metal layer is provided between the insulative layer and the photoresist, upon which the capacitive sensors of the photolithography tool focus during the formation of the circuit features, namely, troughs and vias.