Patent ID: 7879716
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a seed layer on a semiconductor structure, said method comprising: depositing the seed layer on the semiconductor structure, said seed layer comprising copper or a copper alloy; forming on the seed layer a protective layer having a thickness magnitude and being inert to water vapor and capable of preventing the seed layer from chemically reacting with water vapor, wherein the seed layer has not been subjected to water vapor prior to said forming, and wherein said forming the protective layer having said thickness magnitude consists of either oxidizing a top surface of the seed layer so as to form the protective layer or treating the seed layer with a chemical to form the protective layer that includes a product of a chemical reaction of the chemical with the copper or the copper alloy in the seed layer; and after said forming the protective layer, depositing a bulk layer on the protective layer having said thickness magnitude during said depositing the bulk layer, wherein the bulk layer comprises copper, and wherein the deposited bulk layer is in direct physical contact with the protective layer.