Patent ID: 9117666
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for enhancing the reactivity of an exposed surface of a porous dielectric layer, the method comprising: providing a porous dielectric layer comprising a bulk part and an exposed surface, the bulk part comprising a bulk material and pores; filling the pores in a part of the porous dielectric layer with a first liquid, wherein the first liquid is an organic liquid, and wherein the part of the porous dielectric layer comprises the exposed surface; removing the first liquid selectively from the exposed surface by drying the surface or by rinsing the surface with a second liquid, the second liquid being miscible with the first liquid and having a boiling point above 25° C.; enhancing a reactivity of the exposed surface by contacting the exposed surface with a liquid solution configured to make the exposed surface more reactive, wherein the liquid solution forms hydrophilic groups on the exposed surface, whereby an activated exposed surface is formed; removing the first liquid from the bulk part of the porous dielectric layer; and depositing a sealing layer on the activated exposed surface of the porous dielectric layer.