Patent ID: 6248665
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of improving adhesion between a surface of a copper damascene structure and an overlying layer of dielectric by eliminating an unstable copper surface, comprising the steps of:providing a semiconductor substrate with a copper damascene structure created on the surface of said substrate, said damascene structure being surrounded by a layer of intra-level dielectric (ILD);pre-heating said substrate, including said damascene structure, further including said layer of ILD, said pre-heating said substrate comprising heating said substrate at a temperature between about 300 and 450 degrees C., in an ambient environment, under atmospheric pressure, for a time of between about 3 seconds and 30 minutes;depositing a barrier layer over said pre-heated damascene structure, including said layer of ILD;depositing said overlying layer of dielectric over the surface of said barrier layer; andetching said overlying layer of dielectric and said barrier layer in a pattern, creating via openings to said damascene structure created on the surface of said substrate.