Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for forming conductive materials within contact features on a substrate by depositing a seed layer within a feature and subsequently filling the feature with a copper-containing material during an electroless deposition process. In one example, a copper electroless deposition solution contains levelers to form convexed or concaved copper surfaces. In another example, a seed layer is selectively deposited on the bottom surface of the aperture while leaving the sidewalls substantially free of the seed material during a collimated PVD process. In another example, the seed layer is conformably deposited by a PVD process and subsequently, a portion of the seed layer and the underlayer are plasma etched to expose an underlying contact surface. In another example, a ruthenium seed layer is formed on an exposed contact surface by an ALD process utilizing the chemical precursor ruthenium tetroxide.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a chip including an integrated circuit, a conductive layer, a copolymer layer and metal elements. The conductive layer is disposed over the chip and electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. The copolymer is disposed on the conductive layer. The metal elements are electrically coupled to the conductive layer via through-connects in the copolymer layer.

Abstract: A first multilayer body is formed by alternately layering dielectric films and electrode films on a substrate. Then, an end portion of the first multilayer body is processed into a staircase shape, and a first interlayer dielectric film is formed around the first multilayer body. Next, a plurality of contact holes having a diameter decreasing downward are formed in the first interlayer dielectric film so that the contact holes reach respective end portions of the electrode films. Then, a sacrificial material is buried in the contact holes. Next, a second multilayer body is formed immediately above the first multilayer body, and a second interlayer dielectric film is formed around the second multilayer body. Thereafter, a plurality of contact holes having a diameter decreasing downward are formed in the second interlayer dielectric film to communicate with the respective contact holes formed in the first interlayer dielectric film.

Abstract: A metal line in a semiconductor device includes an insulation layer having trenches formed therein, a barrier metal layer formed over the insulation layer and the trenches, a metal layer formed over the barrier metal layer, wherein the metal layer fills the trenches, and an anti-galvanic corrosion layer formed on an interface between the metal layer and the barrier metal layer.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a hard mask including a surface to reduce adhesion to an anti-reflective material deposited on a surface, wherein the surface to reduced adhesion provides use of a process to remove the anti-reflective material deposited on the surface that minimizes damage to an interlayer dielectric layer below the hard mask and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flash memory device and a method of forming the same. The method includes: forming an isolation layer and a plurality of gate lines on a semiconductor substrate; forming a source/drain region by ion-implanting impurities into the semiconductor substrate using the gate lines as a mask; forming a side oxide layer on sidewalls and surfaces of the gate lines; forming a side nitride layer on the side oxide layer; forming an insulation layer on the semiconductor substrate and the side nitride layer; forming a photosensitive layer pattern on the insulation layer; exposing the source region between the gate lines by etching the insulation layer using the photosensitive layer pattern as a mask; forming a polysilicon layer on the exposed source region and the insulation layer; and forming a source line by etching the polysilicon layer.

Abstract: Methods of developing or removing a select region of block copolymer films using a polar supercritical solvent to dissolve a select portion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polar supercritical solvent includes chlorodifluoromethane, which may be exposed to the block copolymer film using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a carrier or chlorodiflouromethane itself in supercritical form. The invention also includes a method of forming a nano-structure including exposing a polymeric film to a polar supercritical solvent to develop at least a portion of the polymeric film. The invention also includes a method of removing a poly(methyl methacrylate-b-styrene) (PMMA-b-S) based resist using a polar supercritical solvent.

Abstract: A method for forming an on-chip high frequency electro-static discharge device is described. In one embodiment, a wafer with a multi-metal level wiring is provided and a hermetically sealed gap is formed therein to provide electro-static discharge protection for an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for forming a metal interconnection and a semiconductor device including the metal interconnection. The method includes the steps of forming a slope by etching a corner of a contact hole, which exposes a predetermined pattern formed on a substrate, forming a barrier metal layer on an interlayer dielectric layer, plasma-treating the barrier metal layer with hydrogen and nitrogen gases for about 27 to 37 seconds, heat-treating the substrate in a nitrogen atmosphere, forming a tungsten layer on the barrier metal layer through a two-step nucleation process and bulk deposition process, and performing a chemical mechanical polishing process on the tungsten layer until the interlayer dielectric layer is exposed. The method and the semiconductor device prevent defects of the metal interconnection, such as a volcano defect caused by fluorine penetration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wafer level package is disclosed. The method may include stacking an insulation layer over a wafer substrate; processing a via hole in the insulation layer; forming a seed layer over the insulation layer; forming a plating resist, which is in a corresponding relationship with a redistribution pattern, over the seed layer; forming the redistribution pattern, which includes a terminal for external contact, by electroplating; and coupling a conductive ball to the terminal. As multiple redistribution layers can be formed using inexpensive PCB processes, the manufacturing costs can be reduced, and the stability and efficiency of the process can be increased.

Abstract: An anti-fuse structure that included a buried electrically conductive, e.g., metallic layer as an anti-fuse material as well as a method of forming such an anti-fuse structure are provided. According to the present invention, the inventive anti-fuse structure comprises regions of leaky dielectric between interconnects. The resistance between these original interconnects starts decreasing when two adjacent interconnects are biased and causes a time-dependent dielectric breakdown, TDDB, phenomenon to occur. Decreasing of the resistance between adjacent interconnects can also be expedited via increasing the local temperature.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer insulating film, and a plurality of first interconnects formed in the first interlayer insulating film. A void is selectively formed between adjacent ones of the plurality of first interconnects in the first interlayer insulating film, and a cap insulating film is formed in a region located over the void and between the interconnects. Respective widths of a lower end and an upper end of the void are substantially the same as a gap between the interconnects located adjacent to the void, and the lower end of the void is located lower than lower ends of the first interconnects located adjacent to the void.

Abstract: A conductive light shield is formed over a first dielectric layer of a via level in a metal interconnect structure. The conductive light shield is covers a floating drain of an image sensor pixel cell. A second dielectric layer is formed over the conductive light shield and at least one via extending from a top surface of the second dielectric layer to a bottom surface of the first dielectric layer is formed in the metal interconnect structure. The conductive light shield may be formed within a contact level between a top surface of a semiconductor substrate and a first metal line level, or may be formed in any metal interconnect via level between two metal line levels. The inventive image sensor pixel cell is less prone to noise due to the blockage of light over the floating drain by the conductive light shield.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The device comprises a semiconductor die, a passivation layer, a wiring redistribution layer (RDL), an Ni/Au layer, and a solder mask. The semiconductor die comprises a top metal exposed in an active surface thereof. The passivation layer overlies the active surface of the semiconductor die, and comprises a through passivation opening overlying the top metal. The wiring RDL, comprising an Al layer, overlies the passivation layer, and electrically connects to the top metal via the passivation opening. The solder mask overlies the passivation layer and the wiring RDL, exposing a terminal of the wiring RDL.

Abstract: An interconnect structure is provided that includes a dielectric material 52? having a dielectric constant of 4.0 or less and including a plurality of conductive features 56 embedded therein. The dielectric material 52? has an upper surface 52r that is located beneath an upper surface of each of the plurality of conductive features 56. A first dielectric cap 58 is located on the upper surface of the dielectric material 52? and extends onto at least a portion of the upper surface of each of the plurality of conductive features 56. As shown, the first dielectric cap 58 forms an interface 59 with each of the plurality of conductive features 56 that is opposite to an electrical field that is generated by neighboring conductive features. The inventive structure also includes a second dielectric cap 60 located on an exposed portion of the upper surface of each of the plurality of conductive features 56 not covered with the first dielectric cap 58.

Abstract: A method for forming a self-aligned contact between two MOS transistors is described. The method supports the use of low-resistivity suicides for the formation of contacts in nanometer applications that employ polycide techniques. Silicon nitride and photoresist material act as dual masks in the formation of the self-aligned contact.

Abstract: A process for the realization of a high integration density power MOS device includes the following steps of: providing a doped semiconductor substrate with a first type of conductivity; forming, on the substrate, a semiconductor layer with lower conductivity; forming, on the semiconductor layer, a dielectric layer of thickness comprised between 3000 and 13000 A (Angstroms); depositing, on the dielectric layer, a hard mask layer; masking the hard mask layer by means of a masking layer; etching the hard mask layers and the underlying dielectric layer for defining a plurality of hard mask portions to protect said dielectric layer; removing the masking layer; isotropically and laterally etching said dielectric layer forming lateral cavities in said dielectric layer below said hard mask portions; forming a gate oxide of thickness comprised between 150 and 1500 A (Angstroms) depositing a conductor material in said cavities and above the same to form a recess spacer, which is totally aligned with a gate structure c

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and methods for forming the same. The structure includes (a) a substrate; (b) a first device and a second device each being on the substrate; (c) a device cap dielectric layer on the first and second devices and the substrate, wherein the device cap dielectric layer comprises a device cap dielectric material; (d) a first dielectric layer on top of the device cap dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer comprises a first dielectric material; (e) a second dielectric layer on top of the first dielectric layer; and (f) a first electrically conductive line and a second electrically conductive line each residing in the first and second dielectric layers. The first dielectric layer physically separates the first and second electrically conductive lines from the device cap dielectric layer. A dielectric constant of the first dielectric material is less than that of the device cap dielectric material.

Abstract: By forming a tin and nickel-containing copper alloy on an exposed copper surface, which is treated to have a copper oxide thereon, a reliable and highly efficient capping layer may be provided. The tin and nickel-containing copper alloy may be formed in a gaseous ambient on the basis of tin hydride and nickel, carbon monoxide in a thermally driven reaction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. According to embodiments, the semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate formed with a metal interconnection, a first interlayer dielectric layer formed on the metal interconnection and having a first contact plug, a second interlayer dielectric layer formed on the first interlayer dielectric layer and having a second contact plug, and a third interlayer dielectric layer formed on the second interlayer dielectric layer and having a third contact plug, wherein the first to third contact plugs are connected to each other.

Abstract: A method of forming a charge pattern includes treating a stamp layer with a plasma, applying the treated stamp layer to a surface of a substrate to thereby form a charge pattern on the surface of the substrate, and separating the stamp layer from the surface of the substrate. In one aspect, the method includes depositing nanoparticles on the surface of the substrate. An apparatus made in accordance with the method is also provided.

Abstract: Methods of forming dielectric films with increased density and improved film properties are provided. The methods involve exposing dielectric films to microwave radiation. According to various embodiments, the methods may be used to remove hydroxyl bonds, increase film density, reduce or eliminate seams and voids, and optimize film properties such as dielectric constant, refractive index and stress for particular applications. In certain embodiments, the methods are used to form conformal films deposited by a technique such as PDL. The methods may be used in applications requiring low thermal budgets.

Abstract: A dielectric cap, interconnect structure containing the same and related methods are disclosed. The inventive dielectric cap includes a multilayered dielectric material stack wherein at least one layer of the stack has good oxidation resistance, Cu diffusion and/or substantially higher mechanical stability during a post-deposition curing treatment, and including Si—N bonds at the interface of a conductive material such as, for example, Cu. The dielectric cap exhibits a high compressive stress and high modulus and is still remain compressive stress under post-deposition curing treatments for, for example: copper low k back-end-of-line (BEOL) nanoelectronic devices, leading to less film and device cracking and improved reliability.

Abstract: A structure and a method for forming the same. The structure includes (a) an interlevel dielectric (ILD) layer; (b) a first electrically conductive line and a second electrically conductive line both residing in the ILD layer; (c) a diffusion barrier region residing in the ILD layer. The diffusion barrier region (i) physically isolates, (ii) electrically couples together, and (iii) are in direct physical contact with the first and second electrically conductive lines. The first and second electrically conductive lines each comprises a first electrically conductive material. The diffusion barrier region comprises a second electrically conductive material different from the first electrically conductive material. The diffusion barrier region is adapted to prevent a diffusion of the first electrically conductive material through the diffusion barrier region.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device, a punch-through prevention film pattern and a channel film pattern are formed on an insulation layer. The punch-through prevention pattern and the insulation layer may include nitride and oxide, respectively. The punch-through prevention pattern is located under the channel pattern.

Abstract: A dual stress liner manufacturing method and device is described. Overlapping stress liner layers of opposite effect (e.g., tensile versus compression) may be deposited over portions of the device, and the uppermost overlapping layer may be polished down in a process that uses the bottom overlapping layer as a stopper. An insulating film may be deposited on the stress liner layers before the polishing, and another insulating film may be deposited above the first insulating film after the polishing. Contacts may be formed such that the contacts need only penetrate one stress liner layer to reach a transistor well or gate structure.

Abstract: The invention provides semiconductor interconnect structures that have improved reliability and technology extendibility. In the present invention, a second metallic capping layer is located on a surface of a first metallic cap layer which is, in turn, located on a surface of the conductive feature embedded within a first dielectric material. Both the first and second metallic capping layers are located beneath an opening, e.g., a via opening, the is present within an overlying second dielectric material. The second metallic capping layer protects the first dielectric capping layer from being removed (either completely or partially) during subsequent processing steps. Interconnect structures including via gouging features as well as non-via gouging features are disclosed. The present invention provides methods of fabricating such semiconductor interconnect structures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an insulating film includes coating a first liquid material in which polysilazane is dissolved on a substrate; decreasing dangling bonds of silicon (Si) in the first liquid material; after decreasing the dangling bonds, coating a second liquid material which is similar to the first liquid material on the first liquid material; and converting the first liquid material and the second liquid material into a silicon (Si) insulating film.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes preparing a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface formed at a lower position than the first surface, forming an insulation layer over the substrate, etching the insulation layer to form a first contact hole exposing the first surface and a second contact hole having a larger depth than the first contact hole above the second surface, forming a first sacrificial layer over the insulation layer, the first contact hole, and the second contact hole, forming a second sacrificial layer over the substrate structure and filled in the first contact hole, exposing the first sacrificial layer at a bottom surface of the second contact hole while having the second sacrificial layer remain in the first contact hole, etching the first sacrificial layer, and etching the remaining insulation layer to expose the second surface.

Abstract: The present invention meets these needs by providing improved methods of filling gaps. In certain embodiments, the methods involve placing a substrate into a reaction chamber and introducing a vapor phase silicon-containing compound and oxidant into the chamber. Reactor conditions are controlled so that the silicon-containing compound and the oxidant are made to react and condense onto the substrate. The chemical reaction causes the formation of a flowable film, in some instances containing Si—OH, Si—H and Si—O bonds. The flowable film fills gaps on the substrates. The flowable film is then converted into a silicon oxide film, for example by plasma or thermal annealing. The methods of this invention may be used to fill high aspect ratio gaps, including gaps having aspect ratios ranging from 3:1 to 10:1.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a surface region. The surface region includes one or more layers overlying the semiconductor substrate. In addition, the method includes depositing a dielectric layer overlying the surface region. The dielectric layer is formed by a CVD process. Furthermore, the method includes forming a diffusion barrier layer overlying the dielectric layer. In addition, the method includes forming a conductive layer overlying the diffusion barrier layer. Additionally, the method includes reducing the thickness of the conductive layer using a chemical-mechanical polishing process. The CVD process utilizes fluorine as a reactant to form the dielectric layer. In addition, the dielectric layer is associated with a dielectric constant equal or less than 3.3.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method has interconnects with adjoining reservoir openings. A dielectric layer is formed as part of an uppermost of the one or more interconnect layers. Openings formed in the dielectric layer result in modified portions of the dielectric layer along portions of sidewalls of the openings. The openings are filled with a conductive material, such as metal. An exposed portion of the dielectric layer is removed to form protruding pads of the conductive material extending above the dielectric layer. Reservoir openings are formed adjacent the protruding pads by removing the modified portions of the dielectric layer. When the semiconductor device is bonded with another device, either a wafer or a die, laterally flowing metal collects in the reservoir openings and ensures that a reliable electrical connection is made between the semiconductor device and the other device.

Abstract: There are provided a method of forming a fine metal pattern and a method of forming a metal line using the same. In the method of forming a fine metal pattern, a substrate is prepared where a first interlayer insulating layer is formed. A via plug is formed on the first interlayer insulating layer. A plurality of sidewall buffer patterns are formed on the first interlayer insulating layer having the via plug, wherein the plurality of the sidewall buffer patterns are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The sidewall layer is deposited on the first interlayer insulating layer and the sidewall buffer patterns. The sidewall layer is etched such that sidewall patterns remains on sidewalls of the sidewall buffer patterns.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a multi-layer wiring in which resistance against migration of the semiconductor device is raised to improve the yield. Semiconductor device 100 includes a first interconnect (wiring) 112, formed in a first interlayer insulating film 106 on a semiconductor substrate, not shown, a via 128 provided on the first interconnect (wiring) 112 so that the via is connected to the first interconnect (wiring) 112, and a different element containing electrically conductive film 114. The different element containing electrically conductive film is formed selectively on a site on the top of the first interconnect (wiring) 112 where the first wiring is contacted with the bottom of the via 128. The different element containing electrically conductive film contains a metal of a main component of the first interconnect (wiring) 112 and a different element different from the metal of the main component.

Abstract: A semiconductor device 300 includes a metal line 304 formed in a first dielectric layer 302. A capping layer 306 is formed the metal line 304. A second dielectric layer 308 is formed over the first dielectric layer 302 and the metal line 304. A first via 310 is formed in the second dielectric layer 308 and in contact with the metal line 304. A second via 312 is formed in the second dielectric layer 308 and in contact with the metal line 304, and is positioned a distance away from the first via 310. An electrically isolated via 326 is formed in the second dielectric layer 308 and in contact with the metal line 304 and in between the first via 310 and the second via 312. A third dielectric layer 314 is formed over the second dielectric layer 308. First and second trenches 316, 318 are formed in the third dielectric layer 314 and in contact with the first via 310 and the second via 312, respectively. An isolated trench 328 is formed in the third dielectric layer and in contact with the isolated via 326.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric film on a substrate surface includes the steps of forming the dielectric film on the substrate surface in plural steps, and reforming, in each of the plural steps of forming the dielectric film, the dielectric film in an ambient primarily of nitrogen.

Abstract: A diffusion barrier film, a second insulating film, and a cap film are sequentially laminated on a first insulating film over a substrate. A wiring trench portion is formed extending therethrough to the first insulating film, assuming that the ratio of a width of the wiring trench portion in a direction orthogonal to its extending direction to a height of the wiring trench portion is 2.8 times even at a maximum. A barrier metal film is formed to cover the cap film and the wiring trench portion. A wiring film is deposited to cover the barrier metal film. The wiring film and the barrier metal film are chipped away until the surface of the cap film is exposed from the surface of the wiring film, thereby to form a wiring portion which buries the wiring trench portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a low dielectric constant film by reaction of an organosilicon compound and an oxidizing gas comprising carbon at a constant RF power level. Dissociation of the oxidizing gas can be increased prior to mixing with the organosilicon compound, preferably within a separate microwave chamber, to assist in controlling the carbon content of the deposited film. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film has good barrier properties for use as a liner or cap layer adjacent other dielectric layers. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane film may also be used as an etch stop and an intermetal dielectric layer for fabricating dual damascene structures. The oxidized organosilane or organosiloxane films also provide excellent adhesion between different dielectric layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating an airgap-containing interconnect structure in which a patternable low-k material replaces the need for utilizing a separate photoresist and a dielectric material. Specifically, this invention relates to a simplified method of fabricating single-damascene and dual-damascene airgap-containing low-k interconnect structures with at least one patternable low-k dielectric and at least one inorganic antireflective coating.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a recess gate in a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes selectively etching an active region of a substrate to form a recess pattern, performing a post treatment on the recess pattern using a plasma, and forming a gate pattern in the recess pattern.

Abstract: A wiring layer having an antireflection film of TiN or the like is formed on an insulating film covering a principal surface of a semiconductor substrate, and thereafter an interlayer insulating film including first to third insulating films is formed covering the wiring layer. The first and third insulating films are silicon oxide films formed by PE CVD or the like, and the second insulating film is a coated insulating film of inorganic or organic SOG. A contact hole is formed through the interlayer insulating film in a region corresponding to a partial surface area of the wiring layer, by dry etching using a resist layer as a mask. The coated insulating film, which is likely to be subjected to side etching, is etched under a highly depositive condition not containing N2, and thereafter the lower insulating film is etched under a lowly depositive condition containing N2.

Abstract: A process for forming dielectric films containing at least metal atoms, silicon atoms, and oxygen atoms on a silicon substrate comprises a first step of oxidizing a surface portion of the silicon substrate to form a silicon dioxide film; a second step of forming a metal film on the silicon dioxide film in a non-oxidizing atmosphere; a third step of heating in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to diffuse the metal atoms constituting the metal film into the silicon dioxide film; and a fourth step of oxidizing the silicon dioxide film containing the diffused metal atoms to form the film containing the metal atoms, silicon atoms, and oxygen atoms.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a gate structure including a gate insulation pattern, a gate pattern and a gate mask is formed on a channel region of a substrate to form a semiconductor device. A spacer is formed on a surface of the gate structure. An insulating interlayer pattern is formed on the substrate including the gate structure, and an opening is formed through the insulating interlayer pattern corresponding to an impurity region of the substrate. A conductive pattern is formed in the opening and a top surface thereof is higher than a top surface of the insulating interlayer pattern. Thus, an upper portion of the conductive pattern is protruded from the insulating interlayer pattern. A capping pattern is formed on the insulating interlayer pattern, and a sidewall of the protruded portion of the conductive pattern is covered with the capping pattern. Accordingly, the capping pattern compensates for a thickness reduction of the gate mask.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include the following. A diffusion barrier formed over a semiconductor substrate having a conductive layer. An etching stop layer formed over a diffusion barrier. Inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers (e.g. having via holes formed over an etching stop layer and trenches wider than the via holes). Metal interconnections that fill via holes and trenches. Via holes in IMD layers may pass through a diffusion barrier and an etching stop layer to connect to a conductive layer in a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An interlayer insulating film is formed on a semiconductor substrate. An intra-layer insulating film is formed on the interlayer film. A recess is formed through the intra-layer film. The recess has a pad-part and a wiring-part continuous with the pad-part. The pad-part is wider than the width of the wiring-part. Convex regions are left in the pad-part. The convex regions are disposed in such a manner that a recess area ratio in a near wiring area superposed upon an extended area of the wiring-part into the pad-part, within a first frame area having as an outer periphery an outer periphery of the pad-part and having a first width, becomes larger than a recess area ratio in a second frame area having as an outer periphery an inner periphery of the first frame area and having a second width. A conductive film is filled in the recess.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a pre-metal dielectric liner. In embodiments, method for forming a semiconductor device may include forming a pre-metal dielectric liner, which has a multi-layer structure including a plurality of interfacial surfaces, on an entire surface of a semiconductor substrate formed with a transistor, and forming a boron phospho silicate glass (BPSG) oxide layer on the pre-metal dielectric liner. Since the pre-metal dielectric liner is formed in a multi-layer structure having a plurality of interfacial surfaces, boron (B) of an upper BPSG oxide layer is not penetrated into the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A slit forming process with respect to a coated film, includes: forming a step pattern having an end part on a substrate; coating a liquid material for forming a coated film on the substrate in the manner of covering at least the end part of the step pattern; and forming the coated film by drying the coated liquid material, together with forming a slit at a position corresponding to the end part of the step pattern.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, conductive features are formed on a first dielectric etch stop layer, and a second dielectric material is deposited over and between the conductive features. A via etch to the conductive features which is selective between the first and second dielectrics will stop on the dielectric etch stop layer, limiting overetch. In a second embodiment, a plurality of conductive features is formed in a subtractive pattern and etch process, filled with a dielectric fill, and then a surface formed coexposing the conductive features and dielectric fill. A dielectric etch stop layer is deposited on the surface, then a third dielectric covers the dielectric etch stop layer. When a contact is etched through the third dielectric, this selective etch stops on the dielectric etch stop layer. A second etch makes contact to the conductive features.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicon oxide layer on a substrate. The method includes providing a substrate and forming a first silicon oxide layer overlying at least a portion of the substrate, the first silicon oxide layer including residual water, hydroxyl groups, and carbon species. The method further includes exposing the first silicon oxide layer to a plurality of silicon-containing species to form a plurality of amorphous silicon components being partially intermixed with the first silicon oxide layer. Additionally, the method includes annealing the first silicon oxide layer partially intermixed with the plurality of amorphous silicon components in an oxidative environment to form a second silicon oxide layer on the substrate. At least a portion of amorphous silicon components are oxidized to become part of the second silicon oxide layer and unreacted residual hydroxyl groups and carbon species in the second silicon oxide layer are substantially removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for effectively forming a Low-k insulating film. The method comprises the steps of: spin-coating on an underlying layer a precursor solution formed by dispersing Low-k materials in a solvent to form a coating film, subjecting the coating film to a baking treatment under heating for about several minutes at a temperature near a boiling point of the solvent, forming, on the coating film after the baking treatment, an SiC barrier film using a CVD method, and subjecting the coating film to a hydrogen plasma treatment through the barrier film continuously using the same CVD apparatus as used in forming the barrier film without taking out the coating film from the CVD apparatus.