Patent ID: 9058983
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: providing a structure comprising a layer overlying a substrate, wherein the layer comprises a silica-like dielectric material having a plurality of pores; at least partially filling a top portion of the layer with a filling material; exposing the top portion of the layer to a plasma such that: (i) the top portion of the layer, which faces the plasma, becomes a dense non-porous silicon-containing layer, the plasma consuming all the filling material in the top portion, so that no subsequent burn-out of the filling material in the top portion is required, (ii) the bottom portion of the layer, adjacent to the top portion, remains substantially unaffected by the plasma, and (iii) a modified structure results that includes the dense non-porous layer, the bottom portion, and the substrate;