Patent ID: 8242017
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an interconnect structure, the method comprising: providing a silicon substrate; forming an interlayer dielectric layer overlying the silicon substrate; patterning the interlayer dielectric layer to form a contact structure; forming a barrier metal layer overlying the contact structure, the barrier metal layer having a thickness from about 50 Angstroms to about 500 Angstroms; forming a seed layer comprising copper bearing species overlying the barrier metal layer; applying an oxygen bearing species to treat the seed layer to cause an oxide layer of predetermined thickness to form on the seed layer; protecting the seed layer from contamination using the oxide layer while the substrate is transferred from the step of applying the seed layer, wherein contaminants are attached to surfaces of the oxide layer during the substrate transfer; and contacting a copper bearing material overlying the oxide layer to dissolve the oxide layer into ionic copper and water while forming a thickness of copper bearing material to fill the contact structure, wherein the dissolving of the oxide layer removes the contaminants.