Patent ID: 6797627
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method for removal of polymers, possibly mixed with copper oxide residue, from exposed surfaces, comprising:providing a substrate, at least one copper point of electrical contact having been provided in or on said substrate; depositing an etch stop layer over said substrate; depositing at least one layer of dielectric over said etch stop layer; creating at least one opening through said at least one layer of dielectric, said at least one opening having sidewalls and a bottom surface; removing said etch stop layer from said bottom surface of said at least one opening, exposing said at least one copper point of electrical contact, said removal of said etch stop layer causing accumulation of polymers, possibly mixed with copper oxide residues, over exposed surfaces, said exposed surfaces comprising the surface of said at least one layer of dielectric, further comprising said sidewalls of said at least one opening, further comprising said exposed at least one copper point of electrical contact; applying a first plasma treatment to said exposed surfaces; applying a DI water (DIW) rinse to said exposed surfaces, said DI water rinse preferably being performed at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure, said DIW rinse combined with said first plasma treatment essentially removing said polymers from said sidewalls of said at least one opening; and applying a second plasma treatment to said exposed surfaces, said second plasma treatment essentially removing said polymers and said copper oxide residues from said bottom surface of said at least one opening.