Patent ID: 7938973
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: forming an anti-reflective layer stack with preselected optical characteristics on a material layer located above a substrate, said anti-reflective layer stack comprising a substantially nitrogen-free cap layer and at least one intermediate adhesion layer, said adhesion layer having a higher adhesion on a surface when sputtered off during a sputter cleaning process compared to a further material contained in said anti-reflective layer stack; patterning said anti-reflective layer stack and said material layer on the basis of a resist mask formed above said anti-reflective layer stack to form an opening in said material layer; removing said resist mask and at least said cap layer in a common etch sequence; and performing said sputter cleaning process prior to depositing a barrier material in said opening, said sputter cleaning process consuming a portion of said intermediate adhesion layer.