Patent ID: 6787911
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An interconnect comprising:(a) one or more metal lines formed from a first metal layer, said metal lines having gaps therebetween; (b) low-k material filling all of the gaps between the metal lines and having at least one vertical portions, said at least one vertical portion of said low-k material extending above said metal lines; (c) a protective layer formed directly over and in direct contact with the metal lines and the low-k material, wherein the protective layer covers said at least one vertical portion of the low-k material; (d) a dielectric layer formed over the protective layer, wherein the dielectric layer has a different composition than the low-k material and the protective layer; (e) one or more vias etched in the dielectric layer; (f) a metal for filling the vias; (g) a second metal layer formed over the dielectric layer; and (h) one or more openings in the protective layer for allowing the metal vias to contact the first metal lines.