Abstract: A diffusion barrier useful in semiconductor electronic devices, such as multi-level interconnect wiring structures, is provided. The diffusion barrier is characterized as having a low-dielectric constant of less than 3.5, preferably less than 3.0, as well as being capable of substantially preventing Cu and/or oxygen from diffusing into the active device areas of the electronic device. Since the diffusion barrier has a low-dielectric constant, the diffusion barrier has only a minor effect on the effective dielectric constant of the interconnect structure. The low-k diffusion battier includes atoms of Si, C, H and N. The N atoms are non-uniformly distributed within the low-k diffusion barrier. Optionally, the low-k diffusion barrier may include atoms of Ge, O, halogens such as F or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dielectric film comprising atoms of Si, C, O and H (hereinafter SiCOH) that has improved insulating properties as compared with prior art dielectric films, including prior art SiCOH dielectric films that are not subjected to the inventive deep ultra-violet (DUV) is disclosed. The improved properties include reduced current leakage which is achieved without adversely affecting (increasing) the dielectric constant of the SiCOH dielectric film. In accordance with the present invention, a SiCOH dielectric film exhibiting reduced current leakage and improved reliability is obtained by subjecting an as deposited SiCOH dielectric film to a DUV laser anneal. The DUV laser anneal step of the present invention likely removes the weakly bonded C from the film, thus improving leakage current.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an interconnect structure including a metal, interlayer dielectric and a ceramic diffusion barrier formed therebetween, where the ceramic diffusion barrier has a composition SivNwCxOyHz, where 0.1?v?0.9, 0?w?0.5, 0.01?x?0.9, 0?y?0.7, 0.01?z?0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1. The ceramic diffusion barrier acts as a diffusion barrier to metals, i.e., copper. The present invention also comprises a method for forming the inventive ceramic diffusion barrier including the steps depositing a polymeric preceramic having a composition SivNwCxOyHz, where 0.1<v<0.8, 0<w<0.8, 0.05<x<0.8, 0<y<0.3, 0.05<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1 and then converting the polymeric preceramic layer into a ceramic diffusion barrier by thermal methods.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an interconnect structure including a metal, interlayer dielectric and a ceramic diffusion barrier formed therebetween, where the ceramic diffusion barrier has a composition SivNwCxOyHz, where 0.1?v?0.9, 0?w?0.5, 0.01?x?0.9, 0?y?0.7, 0.01?z?0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1. The ceramic diffusion barrier acts as a diffusion barrier to metals, i.e., copper. The present invention also comprises a method for forming the inventive ceramic diffusion barrier including the steps depositing a polymeric preceramic having a composition SivNwCxOyHz, where 0.1<v<0.8, 0<w<0.8, 0.05<x<0.8, 0<y<0.3, 0.05<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1 and then converting the polymeric preceramic layer into a ceramic diffusion barrier by thermal methods.