Patent ID: 6939797
Filing Date: 2005-09-06
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an interconnect structure on a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: depositing a dielectric layer, said dielectric layer being formed of a carbon-containing dielectric material having a dielectric constant of less than about 4; depositing a hardmask layer on said dielectric layer, said hardmask layer having a top surface; forming an opening in said dielectric layer and said hardmask layer; filling said opening with a conductive material, thereby forming a conductor, said conductor having a surface coplanar with the top surface of said hardmask layer; exposing said conductor to a reducing plasma comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of H depositing silicon nitride by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE CVD) process, thereby forming a silicon nitride cap layer.