Patent ID: 8372760
Filing Date: 2013-02-12
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a low-k dielectric film on a substrate comprising: forming said low-k dielectric film on said substrate, said low-k dielectric film having a nominal dielectric constant less than a value of 3.5; and performing an ion implantation process on a surface of said low-k dielectric film, wherein said ion implantation process creates a hardened surface layer on the low-k dielectric film, said hardened surface layer being increased in hardness by a factor of at least 3 in an upper 50 nm of the low K dielectric film relative to a hardness of the low-K dielectric film without said ion implantation, wherein said performing comprises performing said ion implantation process at process parameters that will not cause a substantial increase in the nominal dielectric constant of the low-k dielectric film, and wherein said implantation process is performed at an ion energy ranging from 0.2 to 10 keV.