Abstract: A semiconductor device including a transistor on a substrate; an interlayer insulating layer on the transistor; a first metal-containing layer on the interlayer insulating layer; and a second metal-containing layer on the first metal-containing layer, wherein the second metal-containing layer includes a resistor, the resistor includes a first insulating layer on the first metal-containing layer; a resistor metal layer on the first insulating layer; and a second insulating layer on the resistor metal layer, and the resistor metal layer includes a recessed side surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a channel region; a gate stack over the channel region; and an epitaxial source/drain region adjacent the gate stack, the epitaxial source/drain region including: a main portion in the semiconductor substrate, the main portion including a semiconductor material doped with gallium, a first concentration of gallium in the main portion being less than the solid solubility of gallium in the semiconductor material; and a finishing portion over the main portion, the finishing portion doped with gallium, a second concentration of gallium in the finishing portion being greater than the solid solubility of gallium in the semiconductor material.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices having interconnect structures with vertically offset bonding surfaces, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate at least partially covered by a first dielectric material having an upper surface, and an interconnect structure extending therefrom. The interconnect structure can include a plurality of conductive elements, and a continuous region of a first insulating material at least partially between the plurality of conductive elements. The plurality of conductive elements and the continuous region can have coplanar end surfaces. The interconnect structure can further include a perimeter structure at least partially surrounding the plurality of conductive elements and the continuous region. The perimeter structure can have an uppermost surface that can be vertically offset from the upper surface of the first dielectric material and/or the coplanar end surfaces.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure including a first dielectric layer comprising a first conductive metal feature embedded in the first dielectric layer; and a second dielectric layer including a second conductive metal feature embedded in the second dielectric layer, the second conductive metal feature is above and directly contacts the first conductive metal feature, and an interface between the second conductive metal feature and the second dielectric layer includes a repeating scallop shape along its entire length.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, at least one via, a liner layer and a conductive layer. The substrate includes an electronic circuitry. The at least one via passes through the substrate. The at least one via includes a plurality of concave portions on a sidewall thereof. The liner layer fills in the plurality of concave portions of the at least one via. The conductive layer is disposed on the sidewall of the at least one via, covers the liner layer, and extends onto a surface of the substrate. The thickness of the conductive layer on the sidewall of the at least one via is varied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming reflector films are described A liner is formed on a substrate surface followed by formation of the reflector layer so that there is no oxygen exposure between liner and reflector layer formation. In some embodiments, a high aspect ratio structure is filled with a reflector material by partially filling the structure with the reflector material while growth is inhibited at a top portion of the structure, reactivating the top portion of the substrate and then filling the structure with the reflector material.

Abstract: An all-solid-state lithium battery is disclosed, including a substrate; and a plurality of layers of lithium battery units stacked on the substrate. Each layer of lithium battery unit of the plurality of layers of lithium battery units includes at least two electrode collector layers, a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer and a second electrode layer. Two neighboring layers of lithium battery units share one of the electrode collector layers. A method for fabricating an all-solid-state lithium battery is further disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an assembly having channel-material-structures, and having memory cells along the channel-material-structures. The memory cells include charge-storage-material. Linear-conductive-structures are vertically offset from the channel-material-structures and are electrically coupled with the channel-material-structures. Intervening regions are between the linear-conductive-structures. Conductive-shield-structures are within the intervening regions. The conductive-shield-structures are electrically coupled with a reference-voltage-source.

Abstract: Conformal hermetic dielectric films suitable as dielectric diffusion barriers over 3D topography. In embodiments, the dielectric diffusion barrier includes a dielectric layer, such as a metal oxide, which can be deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques with a conformality and density greater than can be achieved in a conventional silicon dioxide-based film deposited by a PECVD process for a thinner contiguous hermetic diffusion barrier. In further embodiments, the diffusion barrier is a multi-layered film including a high-k dielectric layer and a low-k or intermediate-k dielectric layer (e.g., a bi-layer) to reduce the dielectric constant of the diffusion barrier. In other embodiments a silicate of a high-k dielectric layer (e.g., a metal silicate) is formed to lower the k-value of the diffusion barrier by adjusting the silicon content of the silicate while maintaining high film conformality and density.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of electrode structures formed on a substrate; and an upper supporter group and a lower supporter between upper ends and lower ends of the plurality of electrode structures The upper supporter group includes a plurality of supporters, and at least some of the plurality of supporters each have an upper surface and a lower surface. One of the upper surface and the lower surface has a curved profile, and the other surface has a flat profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device such as a power amplifier. Unlike conventional power amplifiers, thermal bump is patterned to only cover active devices. In this way, dimensions of the semiconductor device can be reduced.

Abstract: A nitrogen plasma treatment is used on an adhesion layer of a contact plug. As a result of the nitrogen plasma treatment, nitrogen is incorporated into the adhesion layer. When a contact plug is deposited in the opening, an interlayer of a metal nitride is formed between the contact plug and the adhesion layer. A nitrogen plasma treatment is used on an opening in an insulating layer. As a result of the nitrogen plasma treatment, nitrogen is incorporated into the insulating layer at the opening. When a contact plug is deposited in the opening, an interlayer of a metal nitride is formed between the contact plug and the insulating layer.

Abstract: Conformal hermetic dielectric films suitable as dielectric diffusion barriers over 3D topography. In embodiments, the dielectric diffusion barrier includes a dielectric layer, such as a metal oxide, which can be deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques with a conformality and density greater than can be achieved in a conventional silicon dioxide-based film deposited by a PECVD process for a thinner contiguous hermetic diffusion barrier. In further embodiments, the diffusion barrier is a multi-layered film including a high-k dielectric layer and a low-k or intermediate-k dielectric layer (e.g., a bi-layer) to reduce the dielectric constant of the diffusion barrier. In other embodiments a silicate of a high-k dielectric layer (e.g., a metal silicate) is formed to lower the k-value of the diffusion barrier by adjusting the silicon content of the silicate while maintaining high film conformality and density.

Abstract: Methods for depositing oxide thin films, such as metal oxide, metal silicates, silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) thin films, on a substrate in a reaction space are provided. The methods can include at least one plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) cycle including alternately and sequentially contacting the substrate with a first reactant that comprises oxygen and a component of the oxide, and a second reactant comprising reactive species that does not include oxygen species. In some embodiments the plasma power used to generate the reactive species can be selected from a range to achieve a desired step coverage or wet etch rate ratio (WERR) for films deposited on three dimensional features. In some embodiments oxide thin films are selectively deposited on a first surface of a substrate relative to a second surface, such as on a dielectric surface relative to a metal or metallic surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes transistors over a substrate, and first, second, and third metallization layers over the transistors. The first, second, and third metallization layer includes first, second, and third metal features, respectively. The second metal features are oriented lengthwise substantially perpendicular to the first metal features, and the third metal features are oriented lengthwise substantially parallel to the first metal features. The first, second, and third metal features have a first, second, and third thickness, respectively, along a first direction perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate. The second thickness is smaller than both the first and the third thicknesses.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having an insulative mass over a conductive base structure. A conductive interconnect extends through the insulative mass to an upper surface of the conductive base structure. The conductive interconnect includes a conductive liner extending around an outer lateral periphery of the interconnect. The conductive liner includes nitrogen in combination with a first metal. A container-shaped conductive structure is laterally surrounded by the conductive liner. The container-shaped conductive structure includes a second metal. A conductive plug is within the container-shaped conductive structure. Some embodiments include methods of forming conductive interconnects within integrated assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to one or more methods for forming an interconnect structure, such as a dual damascene interconnect structure comprising a conductive line and a conductive via, and structures formed thereby. In some embodiments, an interconnect opening is formed through one or more dielectric layers over a semiconductor substrate. The interconnect opening has a via opening and a trench over the via opening. A conductive via is formed in the via opening. A nucleation enhancement treatment is performed on one or more exposed dielectric surfaces of the trench. A conductive line is formed in the trench on the one or more exposed dielectric surfaces of the trench and on the conductive via.

Abstract: Methods for forming silicide films are disclosed. Methods of selectively depositing metal-containing films on silicon surfaces which are further processed to form silicide films are disclosed. Specific embodiments of the disclosure relate to the formation of silicide films on FinFET structures without the formation of a metal layer on the dielectric.

Abstract: Methods for etching tungsten and other metal or metal-containing films using a nitrogen-containing etchant gas are provided. The methods involve exposing the film to a continuous wave (CW) plasma and switching to a pulsed plasma toward the end of the etching operation. The pulsed plasma has a lower concentration of nitrogen radicals and can mitigate the effects of nitridation on the tungsten surface. In some embodiments, subsequent deposition on etched surfaces is performed with no nucleation delay. Apparatuses for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a circuit board and a stamp are provided. The method includes the following steps. A circuit pattern and a dielectric layer covering the circuit pattern are formed on a dielectric substrate. A conductive via connected to the circuit pattern is formed in the dielectric layer. A photoresist material layer is formed on the dielectric layer. An imprinting process is performed on the photoresist material layer using a stamp to form a patterned photoresist layer, wherein the pressing side of the stamp facing the circuit pattern becomes sticky when subjected to pressure so as to catch photoresist residue from the photoresist material layer in the imprinting process. A patterned metal layer is formed on a region exposed by the patterned photoresist layer. The patterned photoresist layer is removed.

Abstract: A method for forming power semiconductor device is provided. The power semiconductor device includes a substrate having a device region and a surrounding termination region; and at least a power device formed in the device region of the substrate. The power semiconductor substrate also includes a termination structure having a plurality of semiconductor plugs formed in a first surface of the termination region of the substrate. Wherein the plurality of the semiconductor plugs are formed in a plurality of ring trenches formed in the first surface of the substrate in the termination regions, with a semiconductor plug formed in each of the plurality of ring trenches.

Abstract: A method is described for void-free material filling of fine recessed features found in semiconductor devices. According to one embodiment, the method includes providing a patterned substrate containing a recessed feature having an opening, a sidewall and a bottom, the sidewall including an area of retrograde profile relative to a direction extending from a top of the recessed feature to the bottom of the recessed feature, coating the substrate with a metal-containing catalyst layer, deactivating a portion of the metal-containing catalyst layer that is near the opening of the recessed feature by exposure to a halogen-containing gas, and selectively depositing a material on the metal-containing catalyst layer in the recessed feature that has not been deactivated by the halogen-containing gas. The method can further include repeating the coating, deactivating and selectively depositing at least once to deposit an additional amount of the material to fully fill the recessed feature.

Abstract: An electronic device can include a substrate and an insulating structure. In an aspect, an anchor can include a portion of the substrate that extends into the insulating structure or a portion of the insulating structure that extends into the substrate. In another aspect, a process of forming an electronic device can include patterning a substrate to define a trench and a first anchor; and forming an insulating structure within the trench and adjacent to the first anchor. In a further aspect, a process of forming an electronic device can include patterning a substrate to define a trench having a sidewall and a first pillar spaced apart from the sidewall; doping the first pillar to change a conductivity type of the first pillar; and forming an insulating structure that surrounds the first pillar.

Abstract: A chalcogenide-based programmable conductor memory device and method of forming the device, wherein a nanoparticle is provided between an electrode and a chalcogenide glass region. The method of forming the nanoparticle utilizes a template over the electrode or random deposition of the nanoparticle.

Abstract: A copper or copper alloy is formed in a reflow enhancement layer lined opening present in an interconnect dielectric material layer. A ruthenium (Ru) or osmium (Os) doped copper or copper alloy cap is then formed via ion implantation and annealing in an upper portion of a copper or copper alloy present in the opening. The upper portion of the copper or copper alloy containing the ruthenium (Ru) or osmium (Os) doped copper or copper alloy cap can mitigate or even present prevent preferential loss of copper which can aid in lowering the interconnect resistance of the structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate and a first dielectric layer over the substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer are made of different materials. The semiconductor device structure includes a conductive via structure passing through the first dielectric layer and penetrating into the second dielectric layer. The conductive via structure has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are in the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer respectively. The first portion has a first end portion facing the substrate. A first width of the first end portion is greater than a second width of the second portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate, sequentially forming an etch stop layer and an interlayer dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming a copper metal interconnect structure in the interlayer dielectric layer, forming a copper layer in the copper metal interconnect structure, forming a cobalt layer on the copper layer, and forming an aluminum nitride layer on the cobalt layer. The stack of cobalt layer and copper layer effectively suppresses electromigration caused by diffusion of the copper layer into the interlayer dielectric layer, improves the adhesion between the copper layer and the etch stop layer, and prevents delamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an internal antenna (intenna) and, in particular, to a method for manufacturing an intenna, which allows a resin molded product to be smoothly and securely plated with a metal by applying a primer paint on the surface of the resin molded product, and thereby improves the reliability of the metal plating formed on the resin molded product.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having an insulating film and a plurality of conductive films on a surface; reducing the substrate by supplying a first reducing gas to the substrate so that at least one of a plurality of process conditions of the first reducing gas is controlled so that a product of a plurality of process conditions becomes a predetermined value, wherein the process conditions of the first reducing gas include a partial pressure of the first reducing gas in a region where the substrate exists and a time taken to supply the first reducing gas to the substrate corresponding to a temperature of the first reducing gas; and selectively forming a metal film on the plurality of the reduced conductive films by supplying a second reducing gas and a metal-containing gas to the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a ring structure surrounding a through silicon via (TSV) electrode and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving a substrate including a back side and a front side having a conductor thereon, forming a via hole in the substrate and exposing the conductor, forming a groove extending from the back side into the substrate and surrounding the via hole, forming a first material layer in the via hole, and forming a second material layer in the groove. The groove filled with the second material layer forms the ring structure, while the via hole filled with the first material layer forms the TSV electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a silicon film forming method for forming a silicon film on a workpiece having a processed surface, including: forming a seed layer by supplying a high-order aminosilane-based gas containing two or more silicon atoms in a molecular formula onto the processed surface and by having silicon adsorbed onto the processed surface; and forming a silicon film by supplying a silane-based gas not containing an amino group onto the seed layer and by depositing silicon onto the seed layer, wherein, when forming a seed layer, a process temperature is set within a range of 350 degrees C. or lower and a room temperature or higher.

Abstract: A semiconductor process includes the following steps. A wafer on a pedestal is provided. The pedestal is lifted to approach a heating source and an etching process is performed on the wafer. An annealing process is performed on the wafer by the heating source. In another way, a wafer on a pedestal, and a heating source on a same side of the wafer as the pedestal are provided. An etching process is performed on the wafer by setting the temperature difference between the heating source and the pedestal larger than 180° C.

Abstract: A structure with improved electromigration resistance and methods for making the same. A structure having improved electromigration resistance includes a bulk interconnect having a dual layer cap and a dielectric capping layer. The dual layer cap includes a bottom metallic portion and a top metal oxide portion. Preferably the metal oxide portion is MnO or MnSiO and the metallic portion is Mn or CuMn. The structure is created by doping the interconnect with an impurity (Mn in the preferred embodiment), and then creating lattice defects at a top portion of the interconnect. The defects drive increased impurity migration to the top surface of the interconnect. When the dielectric capping layer is formed, a portion reacts with the segregated impurities, thus forming the dual layer cap on the interconnect. Lattice defects at the Cu surface can be created by plasma treatment, ion implantation, a compressive film, or other means.

Abstract: A through silicon via with sidewall roughness and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes forming a via in a substrate and roughening a sidewall of the via by depositing material within the via. The method further includes removing a backside of the substrate to form a through via with a roughened sidewall structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal-containing precursors having the formula Compound (I) wherein: —M is a metal selected from Ni, Co, Mn, Pd; and —each of R-1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are independently selected from H; a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group; a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkylsilyl group (mono, bis, or tris alkyl); a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkylamino group; or a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic fluoroalkyl group. Also disclosed are methods of synthesizing and using the disclosed metal-containing precursors to deposit metal-containing films on a substrate via a vapor deposition process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structure comprising substantially planar electronic devices comprises providing an active material layer having a plurality of insulative features formed therein. The features at least partly inhibit electrical current flow and define at least a first substantially planar electronic device in the layer having at least first and second terminals comprising an area of the active material layer. A patterned dielectric layer having an exposed surface patterned with at least a first depression arranged over the first terminal is formed over the active material layer. Dielectric material is removed from at least a base of the first depression to expose a first terminal surface and form a hole through the dielectric material to the first terminal. The hole is at least partly filled with electrically conductive material to form an electrical connection to the first terminal. Corresponding structures and electrical circuits are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to, among other things, an illustrative method that includes forming an opening in a dielectric material of a contact level of a semiconductor device, and selectively depositing a conductive material in the opening to form a contact element therein, the contact element extending to a contact area of a circuit element and having a laterally restricted excess portion formed outside of the opening and above the dielectric material. The disclosed method further includes forming a sacrificial material layer above the dielectric material and the contact element, the sacrificial material layer surrounding the laterally restricted excess portion. Additionally, the method includes planarizing a surface topography of the contact level in the presence of the sacrificial material so as to remove the laterally restricted excess portion from above the dielectric material.

Abstract: A method for efficient off-track routing and the resulting device are disclosed. Embodiments include: providing a hardmask on a substrate; providing a plurality of first mandrels on the hardmask; providing a first spacer on each side of each of the first mandrels; providing a plurality of first non-mandrel regions of the substrate being separated from the first mandrels and between two of the first spacers, each of the first mandrels, first non-mandrel regions, and first spacers having a width equal to a distance; and providing a second mandrel having a width of at least twice the distance and being separated from one of the first non-mandrel regions by a second spacer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a stacked structure in which 2n (here, n is an integer which is 2 or more) deposited sacrificial layers and 2n deposited insulating layers disposed on the 2n deposited sacrificial layers respectively are alternately deposited in a third direction perpendicular to a first direction and a second direction on a substrate having an upper surface extending in the first and second directions which are perpendicular to each other. Methods include forming a recess group including 2n?1 first recesses penetrating 20 through 2n?1 deposited sacrificial layers and forming a buried insulating layer group including 2n?1 buried insulating layers filling the 2n?1 first recesses respectively. A contact plug group including 2n contact plugs penetrating an uppermost deposited insulating layer of the 2n deposited insulating layers and the 2n?1 buried insulating layers may be formed.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, methods of using one or more small spot showerhead apparatus to deposit materials using CVD, PECVD, ALD, or PEALD on small spots in a site isolated, combinatorial manner are described. The small spot showerheads may be configured within a larger combinatorial showerhead to allow multi-layer film stacks to be deposited in a combinatorial manner.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device (e.g., transistor such as a FinFET or planar device) having a a liner layer and a metal layer (e.g., Tungsten (W)) in a trench (e.g., via CVD and/or ALD). A single chamber (e.g., an extreme fill chamber) will be utilized to separately etch back the liner layer and the metal layer. In general, the liner layer may be etched back further than the metal layer to provide for larger contact and lower resistance. After etching is complete, a bottom-up fill/growth of metal (e.g., W) will be performed (e.g., via CVD in a W chamber or the like) to increase the presence of gate metal in the trench.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first conductive layer over the substrate. A dielectric layer, having a first opening, is formed over the first conductive layer. A seed layer is deposited over the first dielectric layer and in the first opening. A layer is formed of conductive nanotubes from the seed layer over the first dielectric layer and over the first opening. A second dielectric is formed over the layer of conductive nanotubes. An opening is formed in the second dielectric layer over the first opening. Conductive material is deposited in the second opening.

Abstract: Greater planarity is achieved between surfaces of a conductive structure and a layer within which the conductive structure resides. A portion of the conductive structure protruding above the surface of the layer is selectively oxidized, at least in part, to form an oxidized portion. The oxidized portion is then removed, at least partially, to facilitate achieving greater planarity. The protruding portions may optionally be formed by selectively disposing conductive material over the conductive structure, when that the conductive structure is initially recessed below the surface of the layer. A further embodiment includes selectively oxidizing a portion of the conductive structure below the surface of the layer, removing at least some of the oxidized portion so that an upper surface of the conductive structure is below the upper surface of the layer, and planarizing the upper surface of the layer to the upper surface of the conductive structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a damascene structure includes providing a substrate having a dielectric layer formed thereon, forming at least a trench in the dielectric layer, forming at least a via hole and a dummy via hole in the dielectric layer, forming a first conductive layer filling up the trench, the via hole and the dummy via hole on the substrate, and performing a chemical mechanical polishing process to form a damascene structure and simultaneously to remove the dummy via hole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing semiconductor wafers sequentially. Sequential processes employ multi-station processing modules, where particular encompassing wafer processes are divided into sub-processes, each optimized for increasing wafer to wafer uniformity, result quality, and overall wafer throughput. In one example, a copper electroplating module includes separate stations for wetting, initiation, seed layer repair, fill, overburden, reclaim, and rinse.

Abstract: A substrate structure with through vias is provided. The substrate structure with through vias includes a semiconductor substrate having a back surface and a via penetrating the back surface, a metal layer, a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer. The first insulating layer is formed on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate and has an opening connected to the through via. The second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer and has a portion extending into the opening and the via to form a trench insulating layer. The bottom of the trench insulating layer is etched back to form a footing portion at the corner of the via. The footing portion has a height less than a total height of the first and second insulating layers.

Abstract: A method of forming wiring of a semiconductor device includes: forming an insulating resin on a main surface of a substrate such that an opening portion defining a wiring pattern is provided in the insulating resin; forming a first wiring layer made of a first metal on a bottom surface and side surfaces of the opening portion surrounding and a surface of the insulating resin opposite to the main surface of the substrate, the first wiring layer having a bottom portion formed on the bottom surface of the opening portion and side portions formed on the side surfaces, the bottom portion having a thickness greater than a thickness of at least one of the side portions; and cutting the insulating resin and the first wiring layer such that the insulating resin and the first wiring layer are exposed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a through-silicon via comprises the following steps. Provide a substrate. Form a through silicon hole in the substrate having a diameter of at least 1 ?m and a depth of at least 5 ?m. Perform a first chemical vapor deposition process with a first etching/deposition ratio to form a dielectric layer lining the bottom and sidewall of the through silicon hole and the top surface of the substrate. Perform a shape redressing treatment with a second etching/deposition ratio to change the profile of the dielectric layer. Repeat the first chemical vapor deposition process and the shape redressing treatment at least once until the thickness of the dielectric layer reaches to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An interlayer insulating film is disposed above an image pickup region and a peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate. An opening is formed in the interlayer insulating film at a position overlying a photoelectric conversion portion. A waveguide member is formed above the image pickup region and the peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate. A part of the waveguide member, which part is disposed above the peripheral region, is removed such that the interlayer insulating film is exposed.

Abstract: A method patterns at least one opening in a low-K insulator layer of a multi-level integrated circuit structure, such that a copper conductor is exposed at the bottom of the opening. The method then lines the sidewalls and the bottom of the opening with a first Tantalum Nitride layer in a first chamber and forms a Tantalum layer on the first Tantalum Nitride layer in the first chamber. Next, sputter etching on the opening is performed in the first chamber, so as to expose the conductor at the bottom of the opening. A second Tantalum Nitride layer is formed on the conductor, the Tantalum layer, and the first Tantalum Nitride layer, again in the first chamber. After the second Tantalum Nitride layer is formed, the methods herein form a flash layer comprising a Platinum group metal on the second Tantalum Nitride layer in a second, different chamber.