SELECTIVE LINER DEPOSITION FOR VIA RESISTANCE REDUCTION

Methods of forming devices comprise forming a dielectric material on a substrate, the dielectric layer comprising at least one feature defining a gap including sidewalls and a bottom. The methods include passivating a metal material at a bottom of the gap with an alkyl reactant to form a passivation layer on the metal material, the gap defined by the bottom and sidewalls comprising the dielectric material with having a barrier layer thereon. A metal liner is selectively deposited on the barrier layer on the sidewall over the passivation layer on the bottom.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to methods of forming a metal liner for interconnect structures. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods of selectively depositing a metal liner layer.

BACKGROUND

Multiple challenges impede power and performance improvements when scaling transistors and interconnects to the 3 nm node and beyond. Interconnects include metal lines that transfer current within the same device layer and metal vias that transfer current between layers. Pitch reduction narrows the width of both and increases resistance, and also increases the voltage drop across a circuit, throttling circuit speed and increasing power dissipation.

While transistor performance improves with scaling, the same cannot be said for interconnect metals. As dimensions shrink, interconnect via resistance can increase by a factor of 10. An increase in interconnect via resistance may result in resistive-capacitive (RC) delays that reduce performance and increase power consumption. A conventional copper interconnect structure includes a barrier layer and/or a metal liner deposited on the sidewalls of gap that provide a via the sidewalls made of a dielectric material, providing good adhesion, and preventing the copper from diffusing into the dielectric layer. Barrier layers can typically be the largest contributor to via resistance due to high resistivity. Past approaches have focused on reducing the thickness of barrier layers or finding barrier layers with lower resistivity to decrease via resistance. Increased via resistance remains an issue, especially in smaller features when barrier layers on sidewalls form an increasing percentage of the via volume.

A metal liner deposited on a barrier layer adheres to the barrier layer and facilitates subsequent copper (Cu) fill in a gap between the sidewalls. Current approaches focus on selectively growing a metal liner on a via sidewall versus the via bottom with high selectivity in an attempt to reduce via resistance and Cu corrosion, through selective growth remains a challenge.

Accordingly, there is a need for methods for depositing material layers that improve performance of interconnects, for example, reducing via resistance and improving deposition selectivity.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods of forming a microelectronic device. In one or more embodiments, the method of forming a microelectronic device comprises: passivating a metal material at a bottom of a gap with an alkyl reactant to form a passivation layer on the metal material, the gap defined by the bottom and sidewalls comprising a dielectric material having a barrier layer thereon; and selectively depositing a metal liner on the barrier layer.

Further embodiments are directed to a method of forming a microelectronic device. In one or more embodiments, the method comprises: forming a dielectric material on a substrate, the dielectric material comprising at least one feature defining a gap including sidewalls and a bottom, the bottom comprising a metal material; selectively depositing a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the metal material; depositing a barrier layer on the sidewalls of the gap; removing the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) to expose the metal material; passivating the metal material with one or more of an alkyl halide or an alkyl pseudohalide to form a passivation layer on the metal material; and selectively depositing a metal liner on the barrier layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms “reactive gas”, “precursor”, “reactant”, and the like, are used interchangeably to mean a gas that includes a species which is reactive with a substrate surface. For example, a first “reactive gas” may simply adsorb onto the surface of a substrate and be available for further chemical reaction with a second reactive gas.

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide methods for improving performance of interconnects. Interconnects comprise metal lines that transfer current within the same device layer, and metal vias that transfer current between layers. These lines and vias are formed with conductive metal such as copper or cobalt in gaps formed within the device. In one or more embodiments, a dielectric layer comprises at least one feature defining a gap including sidewalls and a bottom. In one or more embodiments, the gap comprises the metal lines and the metal vias. In one or more embodiments, the metal lines have a sidewall and a bottom. In one or more embodiments, the metal vias have a sidewall and a bottom. As used in this specification and the appended claims, unless specified otherwise, reference to the “bottom of the gap” is intended to mean the bottom of the metal via, which is nearest the substrate.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide methods of forming interconnect structures in the manufacture of microelectronic devices. In one or more embodiments, microelectronic devices described herein comprise at least one top interconnect structure that is interconnected to at least one bottom interconnect structure. Embodiments of the disclosure provide microelectronic devices and methods of manufacturing microelectronic devices that improve performance of interconnects, for example, reducing via resistance.

The embodiments of the disclosure are described by way of the Figures, which illustrate processes and substrates in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The processes, schemes, and resulting substrates shown are merely illustrative of the disclosed processes, and the skilled artisan will recognize that the disclosed processes are not limited to the illustrated applications.

FIG.1is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method of forming microelectronic devices with respect toFIGS.2A-2FMethods of forming microelectronic devices are described herein with reference toFIGS.2A-2F.

Referring toFIGS.2A-2F, a portion of a microelectronic device100is shown during stages of manufacture. InFIG.2A, the microelectronic device100comprises a substrate110, a barrier layer120on the substrate110, a metal layer130on the barrier layer120, a conductive filled gap140, an etch stop layer142, e.g., aluminum oxide, a dielectric layer145on the etch stop layer142, the dielectric layer145comprising at least one feature defining a gap146including sidewalls148and a bottom149. According to one or more embodiments, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM)150is formed on the bottom149of the gap146. It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, the conductive filled gap140forms a metal line that transfers current within the same device layer.

In one or more embodiments, the substrate110is a wafer, for example a semiconductor substrate. In one or more embodiments, the substrate110is an etch stop layer on a wafer. In one or more embodiments, the substrate110is an aluminum oxide etch stop layer on a wafer. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer120comprises tantalum nitride (TaN). In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer120comprises tantalum nitride (TaN) formed by ALD. In one or more embodiments, the metal layer130comprises one or more of ruthenium (Ru), copper (Cu), cobalt (cobalt), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), or tantalum (Ta).

In one or more embodiments, the metal layer130comprises one or more of a single layer of ruthenium (Ru) or a single layer of cobalt (Co). In one or more embodiments, a portion of the metal layer130is etched. In one or more embodiments, a SAM150is deposited on the portion of the metal layer130that is etched. In one or more embodiments, the conductive filled gap140comprises one or more of copper (Cu) or cobalt (Co). In one or more embodiments, the etch stop layer142comprises one or more of aluminum oxide (AIOx), silicon nitride (SiN), and aluminum nitride (AlN).

In one or more embodiments, the dielectric layer145is a low-k dielectric layer. In certain embodiments, the dielectric layer145comprises silicon oxide (SiOx). In one or more embodiments, the dielectric layer145comprises SiOxHy(CHz). Further embodiments provide that the dielectric layer145comprises porous or carbon-doped SiOx. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer145is a porous or carbon-doped SiOxlayer with a k value less than about 5. In other embodiments, the dielectric layer145is a multilayer structure. For example, in one or more embodiments, the dielectric layer145comprises a multilayer structure having one or more of a dielectric layer, an etch stop layer, and a hard mask layer.

In one or more embodiments, the dielectric layer145comprises at least one feature defining a gap146including sidewalls148and a bottom149. The Figures show substrates having a single feature for illustrative purposes; however, those skilled in the art will understand that there can be more than one feature. The shape of the feature can be any suitable shape including, but not limited to, trenches, cylindrical vias that, when filled with metal, transfer current between layers, and lines that transfer current within the same device layer. In some embodiments, the feature defines a gap146in the dielectric layer145. The gap146in some embodiments defines a via portion146V and a line portion146L, but the embodiments shown are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the term “feature” means any intentional surface irregularity. Suitable examples of features include but are not limited to trenches which have a top, two sidewalls and a bottom, peaks which have a top and two sidewalls. Features can have any suitable aspect ratio (ratio of the depth of the feature to the width of the feature). In some embodiments, the aspect ratio is greater than or equal to about 5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 35:1 or 40:1.

In one or more embodiments, the SAM150is formed on the metal layer130. In one or more embodiments, the SAM150is deposited by exposing the bottom149of the gap146to a hydrocarbon carried in argon (Ar) gas. In one or more embodiments, the SAM150comprises any suitable SAM known to the skilled artisan.

In one or more embodiments, it was discovered that use of a SAM150improved Cu interconnect via resistance by minimizing via bottom barrier layer growth with selective deposition of a barrier layer on via sidewall rather than via bottom. Embodiments of the disclosure provide methods to selectively grow a barrier layer such as a tantalum nitride on via sidewall versus the via bottom with high selectivity (e.g., the ratio of the sidewall barrier layer thickness to bottom barrier layer thickness is greater than 3, greater than 4, greater than 5, greater than 6, greater than 7, greater than 8, greater than 9 or greater than 10). Selection of SAM chemistry and a process enables nucleation and growth only at via sidewall, not on the via bottom. Thinner or no growth on via bottom reduces via resistance and Cu corrosion. In specific embodiments, a SAM chemistry/process which can suppress barrier layer growth at the via bottom (for example, less than 10 Angstroms, less than 5 Angstroms, less than 4 Angstroms, less than 3 Angstroms, less than 2 Angstroms or less than 1 Angstrom) and maintain barrier layer growth at via sidewall (for example, 5 Angstroms or greater or 10 Angstroms or greater). The SAM chemistry facilitates achievement of selectivity on via bottom (e.g., Cu, Co, W) versus the via dielectric sidewall.

In some embodiments, the substrate is soaked in a vapor of the SAM150. In some embodiments, the processing conditions for exposing the substrate to the SAM150may be controlled.

In some embodiments, the pressure of the processing chamber is controlled. The pressure of the processing chamber may be any suitable pressure for forming the blocking layer. In some embodiments, the pressure of the processing chamber is maintained at less than or equal to about 80 Torr, less than or equal to about 70 Torr, less than or equal to about 60 Torr, less than or equal to about 50 Torr, less than or equal to about 40 Torr, less than or equal to about 30 Torr, less than or equal to about 20 Torr, less than or equal to about 15 Torr, less than or equal to about 10 Torr, or less than or equal to about 5 Torr. In some embodiments, the pressure of the processing chamber is maintained at about 10 Torr, about 20 Torr, about 30 Torr, about 40 Torr, or about 50 Torr.

In one or more embodiments, a flow of argon (Ar) gas is configured to carry the SAM from a container to the processing chamber. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the argon (Ar) gas that is configured to carry the SAM150into the processing chamber is controlled. The flow rate of the argon (Ar) gas may be any suitable flow rate for forming the passivation layer. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the argon (Ar) gas is in a range of about 50 sccm to about 100 sccm, or in a range of about 75 sccm to about 100 sccm. In one or more embodiments, the flow rate of the argon (Ar) gas is about 600 sccm. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the argon (Ar) gas is less than or equal to about 600 sccm, less than or equal to about 500 sccm, less than or equal to about 400 sccm, less than or equal to about 300 sccm, less than or equal to about 250 sccm, less than or equal to about 200 sccm, less than or equal to about 150 sccm, less than or equal to about 100 sccm, less than or equal to about 75 sccm, or less than or equal to about 50 sccm.

In some embodiments, the soak period, during which the SAM150is exposed to the substrate, is controlled. The soak period may be any suitable period for forming the blocking layer. In some embodiments, the soak period is from 1 to 200 s, for example from 1 to 10 s, greater than or equal to about 10 s, greater than or equal to about 20 s, greater than or equal to about 30 s, greater than or equal to about 45 s, greater than or equal to about 60 s, greater than or equal to about 80 s, greater than or equal to about 120 s, greater than or equal to about 150 s, or greater than or equal to about 200 s. In some embodiments, the soak period is about 60 s. In some embodiments, the soak period is about 200 s.

In one or more embodiments, the SAM150is in a liquid phase when the SAM is in a container, such as an ampoule or a cylinder, from which the SAM is delivered to the chamber in a carrier gas. In some embodiments, the SAM is in a saturated vapor phase in the container when the container has a pressure of about 0.1 torr. In one or more embodiments, the temperature of the container is lower than the temperature in the processing chamber. In one or more embodiments, a carrier gas such as argon (Ar) gas carries the saturated vapor phase SAM from the container to the processing chamber. In some embodiments, the temperature of the processing chamber is controlled during exposure to the SAM. The temperature of the processing chamber may also be referred to as the operating temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature of the processing chamber is in a range of about 150° C. to about 400° C., for example, 200° C. to about 300° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the processing chamber is less than or equal to about 300° C., less than or equal to about 275° C., less than or equal to about 250° C., less than or equal to about 225° C., or less than or equal to about 200° C.

Referring toFIG.2B, a barrier layer160is shown formed over the sidewalls148. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160has the same properties as the barrier layer120. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160does not form on the bottom149of the gap146. In one or more embodiments, when the SAM150is not present, the deposition of the barrier layer160is substantially conformal. In one or more embodiments where the SAM150is not present, the barrier layer160forms on the sidewalls148, and the bottom149of the gap146. As used herein, a layer which is “substantially conformal” refers to a layer where the thickness is about the same throughout (e.g., on the top, middle and bottom of sidewalls148and on the bottom149of the gap146). A layer which is substantially conformal varies in thickness by less than or equal to about 5%, 2%, 1% or 0.5%. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160is selectively deposited on at least a portion of the sidewalls148. In one or more unillustrated embodiments, the barrier layer160is selectively deposited on at least a portion of the bottom149. In other embodiments, the barrier layer160does not form on the bottom149, such that the bottom is substantially free of barrier layer160. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160may cover the entirety of the sidewalls148.

In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160may be deposited via ALD. In a typical ALD process, alternating pulses or flows of “A” precursor and “B” precursor can be used to deposit a film. The alternating exposure of the surface to reactants “A” and “B” is continued until the desired thickness film is reached. Instead of pulsing the reactants, however, the gases can flow simultaneously from one or more gas delivery head or nozzle and the substrate and/or gas delivery head can be moved such that the substrate is sequentially exposed to each of the reactive gases. Of course, the aforementioned ALD cycles are merely exemplary of a wide variety of ALD process cycles in which a deposited layer is formed by alternating layers of precursors and co-reactants.

In one or more embodiments, the co-reactants are in vapor or gas form. The reactants may be delivered with a carrier gas. A carrier gas, a purge gas, a deposition gas, or other process gas may contain nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, neon, helium, or combinations thereof. The various plasmas described herein, such as the nitrogen plasma or the inert gas plasma, may be ignited from and/or contain a plasma co-reactant gas.

In one or more embodiments, the various gases for the process may be pulsed into an inlet, through a gas channel, from various holes or outlets, and into a central channel. In one or more embodiments, the deposition gases may be sequentially pulsed to and through a showerhead. Alternatively, as described above, the gases can flow simultaneously through gas supply nozzle or head and the substrate and/or the gas supply head can be moved so that the substrate is sequentially exposed to the gases.

In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160material are deposited using a multi-chamber process with separation of the barrier layer material (e.g., tantalum nitride (TaN)) and subsequently deposited metal liner170film. In other embodiments, a single chamber approach is used, with all processes occurring within one chamber and the different layers/films separated in processing by gas purges.

Some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to barrier applications, e.g., copper barrier applications. The barrier layer160formed by one or more embodiments may be used as a copper barrier. Suitable barrier layers for copper barrier applications include, but are not limited to, TaN and MnN. For copper barrier applications, suitable dopants include, but are not limited to, Ru, Cu, Co, Mn, Al, Ta, Mo, Nb, V, or combinations thereof. A plasma treatment can be used after doping to promote the intermetallic compound formation between the matrix and dopant, as well as removing film impurities and improving the density of the barrier layer. In other embodiments, post treatment can include, but is not limited to, physical vapor deposition (PVD) treatment, thermal anneal, chemical enhancement, or the like. In some copper barrier applications, a high frequency plasma (defined as greater than about 14 MHz or about 40 MHz or greater) can be used with any inert gas, including, but not limited to, one or more of neon (Ne), hydrogen (H2), and argon (Ar) gas. In one or more embodiments, to prevent low-k damage, a higher plasma frequency can be used (higher than 13.56 MHz). In some embodiments, the barrier layer is a copper barrier and comprises TaN doped with Ru.

In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160is selectively deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD), and has a thickness in a range of from about 2 Å to about 10 Å. In some embodiments, the barrier layer160is deposited in a single ALD cycle. In other embodiments, the barrier layer160is deposited in from 1 to 20 ALD cycles. In one or more embodiments, each cycle of the 1 to 20 ALD cycles is configured to deposit a thickness of about 0.5 Å of the barrier layer160.

In one or more embodiments, when the barrier layer160forms on the bottom149and the sidewalls148, there is a ratio of the thickness of the barrier layer160thickness on the sidewalls148to the thickness of the barrier layer160thickness on the bottom149, the ratio being greater than 6. In one or more, the ratio is greater than 5, greater than 4, greater than 3, greater than 2, or greater than 1. In one or more embodiments, when the SAM150is present, the barrier layer160has a thickness in a range of from 5 Angstroms to 20 Angstroms on the sidewalls148. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160has a thickness of less than or equal to 5 Angstroms on the bottom149. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160has a thickness of less than or equal to 4 Angstroms, less than or equal to 3 Angstroms, less than or equal to 2 Angstroms, or less than or equal to 1 Angstrom on the bottom149. In one or more embodiments, the barrier layer160does not form on the bottom149.

Referring toFIG.2C, the SAM150is removed from the bottom149of the gap160, exposing the metal layer130in the bottom149of the gap146. Referring toFIG.2C, in one or more embodiments, the SAM150has been removed from the structure shown inFIG.2Busing the methods described herein. In one or more embodiments, removing the SAM150comprises a plasma treatment process comprising flowing one or more of hydrogen (H2) or argon (Ar).

With reference toFIG.2D, a passivation layer152is formed on the metal layer130in the bottom149of the gap146. In one or more embodiments, the passivation layer152may be formed by exposing the substrate to an alkyl reactant. The alkyl reactant may comprise any suitable alkyl reactant known to the skill artisans. In one or more embodiments, the alkyl reactant comprises one or more of an alkyl halide or an alkyl pseudohalide.

In one or more embodiments, the alkyl, alkene, and alkyne independently comprise from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

Unless otherwise indicated, the term “lower alkyl,” “alkyl,” or “alk” as used herein alone or as part of another group includes both straight and branched chain hydrocarbons, containing 1 to 20 carbons, or 1 to 10 carbon atoms, in the normal chain, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, 4,4-dimethylpentyl, octyl, 2,2,4-trimethyl-pentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, the various branched chain isomers thereof, and the like. Such groups may optionally include up to 1 to 4 substituents. The alkyl may be substituted or unsubstituted.

The term “halogen” or “halo” or “halide” as used herein alone or as part of another group refers to chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine, as well as CF3.

In one or more embodiments, the reactant used to form the passivation layer152comprises an alkyl halide. The term “alkyl halide” refers to compounds in which one or more hydrogen atoms in an alkane have been replaced by halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or CF3). In one or more embodiments, alkyl halides are compounds which have the general formula “RX” where R is an alkyl or substituted alkyl group and X is a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, CF3). In one or more embodiments, the alkyl halide has a general formula of RX, wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and X is a halogen comprising one or more of F, Cl, Br, I, CF3.

In one or more embodiments, the reactant used to form the passivation layer152comprises an alkyl pseudohalide. The term “pseudohalide” refers to polyatomic analogues of halogens, whose chemistry, resembling that of the true halogens, allows them to substitute for halogens in several classes of chemical compounds. Pseudohalides occur in inorganic molecules of the general formulas Ps-Ps or Ps-X where Ps is a pseudohalogen group and X is a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, CF3). Such pseudohalogen groups (Ps) include, but are not limited to such as cyanogen; pseudohalide anions, such as cyanide ion; inorganic acids, such as hydrogen cyanide; as ligands in coordination complexes, such as ferricyanide; and as functional groups in organic molecules, such as the nitrile group. Well-known pseudohalogen functional groups include, but are not limited to, cyanide (—CN), cyanate (—OCN), carbonyl (—CO), thiocyanate (—SCN), azide (−N3), isocyanate (—NCO, isothiocyanate (—NCS), selenocyanate (—SeCN), and isoselenocyanate (—NCSe).

Thus, in one or more embodiments, introducing an alkyl reactant to poison/passivate the via bottom149comprising the metal layer130will advantageously cause the alkyl reactant to react with the metal from the metal layer130and form a metal-X complex, which can block growth of the metal liner170on the bottom149of the via146V. It is noted that metal of the metal-X complex is the metal from metal material130, and X is a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, CF3) from the alkyl halide reactant or from the alkyl pseudohalide reactant. In one or more embodiments, the liner will only nucleate and grow on the via sidewall (now comprising a barrier layer160) and can maintain good reflow in subsequent gap fill processes. In one or more specific embodiments, the barrier layer160comprises TaN and the metal liner170comprises ruthenium (Ru).

Referring toFIG.2E, a metal liner170is shown on the barrier layer160shown inFIG.2D. In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170has the same properties as the metal layer130. In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170is selectively deposited on the sidewalls148of the microelectronic device. In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170comprises one or more of ruthenium (Ru), cobalt (cobalt), molybdenum (Mo), or tantalum (Ta). In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170comprises one or more of a single layer of ruthenium (Ru) or a single layer of cobalt (Co). In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170comprises a single layer of ruthenium (Ru). In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170comprises a single layer of ruthenium (Ru) selectively deposited on the sidewall.

The metal liner170may be formed by any suitable means known to the skilled artisan. In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170is formed by one or more of atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Embodiments of the disclosure advantageously provide methods of forming microelectronic devices reduces a resistance of a via by at least 20% as compared to a resistance of a via in a microelectronic device where a metal liner is not selectively deposited. In one or more embodiments, the resistance of the vias of microelectronic devices described herein is reduced by at least 15%, at least 10% or at least 5% as compared to a resistance of a via in a microelectronic device where a metal liner is not selectively deposited.

Using typical deposition processes, a ruthenium (Ru) layer is deposited on a sidewall and a bottom. It has been discovered that, when using known deposition processes, a ruthenium (Ru) liner deposited on a sidewall has a thickness of about 10 Angstroms, and a ruthenium (Ru) liner deposited on the bottom has a thickness of about 3.87 Angstroms.

It has been discovered that selectively depositing a single layer of ruthenium (Ru) according to embodiments of the methods described herein increases a ratio of the thickness of the metal liner thickness on the sidewalls to the thickness of the metal liner thickness on the bottom. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the metal liner thickness on the sidewalls is greater than the thickness of the metal liner on the bottom.

In one or more embodiments, when the metal liner170comprises a single layer of ruthenium (Ru) selectively deposited on the sidewall148, there is a ratio of the thickness of the metal liner thickness on the sidewalls148to the thickness of the metal liner170thickness on the bottom149, the ratio being greater than 3. In one or more embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the metal liner thickness on the sidewalls148to the thickness of the metal liner thickness on the bottom149is greater than 4, greater than 5, greater than 6 or greater than 7. In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170does not form on the bottom149.

In one or more embodiments, when the metal liner170comprises a single layer of selectively deposited ruthenium (Ru), the metal liner170has a thickness in a range of from 5 Angstroms to 20 Angstroms on the sidewalls148. In one or more embodiments, when the metal liner170comprises a single layer of selectively deposited ruthenium (Ru), the metal liner170has a thickness of less than or equal to 5 Angstroms on the bottom149. In one or more embodiments, when the metal liner170comprises a single layer of selectively deposited ruthenium (Ru), the metal liner170has a thickness of less than or equal to 4 Angstroms, less than or equal to 3 Angstroms, less than or equal to 2 Angstroms, or less than or equal to 1 Angstrom on the bottom149.

In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170comprising ruthenium (Ru) is selectively deposited by a selective ruthenium (Ru) deposition process. The selective ruthenium (Ru) deposition on the sidewall comprises a cyclic deposition process that includes a ruthenium deposition step using a ruthenium (Ru) precursor carried by a carrier gas such as an argon (Ar) gas. In one or more embodiments, the selective ruthenium (Ru) deposition further comprises an annealing or treatment step that is performed while flowing hydrogen (H2) and optionally a second gas, for example, argon (Ar). In one or more embodiments, the selective ruthenium (Ru) deposition is performed in a substrate processing chamber in which the deposition step is performed while the chamber is at a first pressure, and the annealing step is performed while the substrate processing chamber at a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure. In one or more embodiments, the first pressure is in a range of from 1 torr to 5 torr. In some embodiments, the first pressure is in a range of from 1 torr to 4 torr, or a range of from 1 torr to 3 torr. In one or more embodiments, the second pressure is in a range of from 10 torr to 150 torr. In some embodiments, the second pressure is in a range of from 10 torr to 40 torr, or in a range of from 10 torr to 30 torr. Thus, according to one or more embodiments, a cyclic deposition process includes a deposition step and annealing/treatment step. In the deposition step, a ruthenium precursor (e.g., any suitable metalorganic precursor, for example, Cyclohexadienyl ruthenium tricarbonyl, Ru3(CO)9) is flowed in carrier gas and reactant gas (e.g., Ar and/or H2) for 2-10 seconds, e.g., 3-6 seconds to form a deposited ruthenium layer. In the annealing or treatment step, the deposited ruthenium layer is annealed or treated in the presence of a flowing gas (e.g., >90% H2and a second gas such as Ar) for 30-90 seconds, for examples 40-70 seconds. This cyclic deposition processes comprising cycles of a deposition step and an annealing or treatment step is repeated multiple times to obtain a desired film thickness.

In one or more embodiments, the metal liner170may be deposited via CVD. As used herein, “chemical vapor deposition” refers to a process in which a substrate surface is exposed to precursors and/or co-reagents simultaneous or substantially simultaneously. As used herein, “substantially simultaneously” refers to either co-flow or where there is overlap for a majority of exposures of the precursors.

Suitable precursors for depositing a liner layer170include metal-containing precursors such as carbonyl-containing and cyclopentadiene-containing precursors. In a non-limiting example, if the liner layer is RuCo, the Ru-containing precursor may be triruthenium dodecacarbonyl Ru3(CO)12and the Co-containing precursor may be dicobalt hexacarbonyl tertbutylacetylene (CCTBA). If the liner layer is TaRu, the Ta-containing precursor may be pentakis(dimethlamino) tantalum (PDMAT). Other suitable precursors are known to those skilled in the art. Organic species in organic-containing precursors for liner layers may get partially incorporated into the underlying layer (such as a barrier or dielectric layer), which may increase the adhesion at the liner layer-underlying layer interface.

Referring toFIG.2F, after formation of the metal liner170, the passivation layer152may be removed by any suitable means known to the skilled artisan. In one or more embodiments, the passivation layer152is removed by exposing the substrate to hydrogen (H2) thermally or hydrogen (H2) plasma.

After formation of the metal liner170, in one or more unillustrated embodiments, the gap146may be gap filled by any suitable process known to the skilled artisan. In one or more embodiments, the gap146is filled with a gap fill material comprising one or more of copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), or tungsten (W).

FIG.1illustrates a process flow diagram of a method10for forming a microelectronic device.FIG.1illustrates a method of forming any of the microelectronic devices of one or more embodiments shown inFIGS.2A-2F. Referring toFIG.1, the method10comprises, at operation12, forming a dielectric layer on a substrate. The dielectric layer comprises at least one feature defining a gap including sidewalls and a bottom. At operation14, the method10comprises selectively depositing a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the bottom of the gap. At operation16, the method10comprises forming a barrier layer on the dielectric layer. At operation18, the method10comprises removing the SAM from the bottom of the gap. At operation20, the method10comprises forming a passivation layer on the bottom of the gap. At operation22, the method10comprises selectively depositing a metal liner on the barrier layer. At operation22, in some embodiments, the metal liner is deposited at a thickness on the sidewalls that is greater than the thickness of the metal liner deposited on the bottom. In one or more embodiments, at operation22, the metal liner is selectively deposited on the sidewalls, and not deposited on the bottom. At operation24, the method10comprises removing the passivation layer after selectively depositing the metal liner on the barrier layer. At operation24, the method10comprises performing a gap fill process on the metal liner. The gap fill process can include forming one or more of a via and a line to form an interconnect in the device.

In one or more embodiments, the methods described herein comprise an optional post-processing operation. The optional post-processing operation can be, for example, a process to modify film properties (e.g., annealing) or a further film deposition process (e.g., additional ALD or CVD processes) to grow additional films. In some embodiments, the optional post-processing operation can be a process that modifies a property of the deposited film. In some embodiments, the optional post-processing operation comprises annealing the as-deposited film. In some embodiments, annealing is done at temperatures in the range of about 300° C., 400° C., 500° C., 600° C., 700° C., 800° C., 900° C. or 1000° C. The annealing environment of some embodiments comprises one or more of an inert gas (e.g., molecular nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar)) or a reducing gas (e.g., molecular hydrogen (H2) or ammonia (NH3)) or an oxidant, such as, but not limited to, oxygen (O2), ozone (O3), or peroxides. Annealing can be performed for any suitable length of time. In some embodiments, the film is annealed for a predetermined time in the range of about 15 seconds to about 90 minutes, or in the range of about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. In some embodiments, annealing the as-deposited film increases the density, decreases the resistivity and/or increases the purity of the metal liner layers.

In some embodiments, the substrate is moved from a first chamber to a separate, next chamber for further processing. The substrate can be moved directly from the first chamber to the separate processing chamber, or the substrate can be moved from the first chamber to one or more transfer chambers, and then moved to the separate processing chamber. In some embodiments, the deposition of the barrier layer and the dopant film can be done in a single chamber, and then the post-processing can be performed in a separate chamber. Accordingly, the processing apparatus may comprise multiple chambers in communication with a transfer station. An apparatus of this sort may be referred to as a “cluster tool” or “clustered system”, and the like.

Generally, a cluster tool is a modular system comprising multiple chambers which perform various functions including substrate center-finding and orientation, degassing, annealing, deposition and/or etching. According to one or more embodiments, a cluster tool includes at least a first chamber and a central transfer chamber. The central transfer chamber may house a robot that can shuttle substrates between and among processing chambers and load lock chambers. The transfer chamber is typically maintained at a vacuum condition and provides an intermediate stage for shuttling substrates from one chamber to another and/or to a load lock chamber positioned at a front end of the cluster tool. However, the exact arrangement and combination of chambers may be altered for purposes of performing specific steps of a process as described herein. Other processing chambers which may be used include, but are not limited to, cyclic deposition including a deposition step, and an annealing or treatment step, atomic layer deposition (ALD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), etch, pre-clean, chemical clean, plasma nitridation, degas, orientation, hydroxylation, and other substrate processes. By carrying out processes in a chamber on a cluster tool, surface contamination of the substrate with atmospheric impurities can be avoided without oxidation prior to depositing a subsequent film.

According to one or more embodiments, the substrate is continuously under vacuum or “load lock” conditions and is not exposed to ambient air when being moved from one chamber to the next. The transfer chambers are thus under vacuum and are “pumped down” under vacuum pressure. Inert gases may be present in the processing chambers or the transfer chambers. In some embodiments, an inert gas is used as a purge gas to remove some or all of the reactants (e.g., reactant). According to one or more embodiments, a purge gas is injected at the exit of the deposition chamber to prevent reactants (e.g., reactant) from moving from the deposition chamber to the transfer chamber and/or additional processing chamber. Thus, the flow of inert gas forms a curtain at the exit of the chamber.

The substrate can be processed in single substrate deposition chambers, where a single substrate is loaded, processed, and unloaded before another substrate is processed. The substrate can also be processed in a continuous manner, similar to a conveyer system, in which multiple substrates are individually loaded into a first part of the chamber, move through the chamber, and are unloaded from a second part of the chamber. The shape of the chamber and associated conveyer system can form a straight path or curved path. Additionally, the processing chamber may be a carousel in which multiple substrates are moved about a central axis and are exposed to deposition, etch, annealing, cleaning, etc. processes throughout the carousel path.

During processing, the substrate can be heated or cooled. Such heating or cooling can be accomplished by any suitable means including, but not limited to, changing the temperature of the substrate support, and flowing heated or cooled gases to the substrate surface. In some embodiments, the substrate support includes a heater/cooler which can be controlled to change the substrate temperature conductively. In one or more embodiments, the gases (either reactive gases or inert gases) being employed are heated or cooled to locally change the substrate temperature. In some embodiments, a heater/cooler is positioned within the chamber adjacent the substrate surface to convectively change the substrate temperature.

The substrate can also be stationary or rotated during processing. A rotating substrate can be rotated (about the substrate axis) continuously or in discrete steps. For example, a substrate may be rotated throughout the entire process, or the substrate can be rotated by a small amount between exposures to different reactive or purge gases. Rotating the substrate during processing (either continuously or in steps) may help produce a more uniform deposition or etch by minimizing the effect of, for example, local variability in gas flow geometries.

Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions, that, when executed by a controller of a processing system, causes the processing system to perform operations of the methods described herein. In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions, that, when executed by a controller of a processing system, causes the processing system to perform operations of the methods described herein with respect toFIGS.1and2A-2F.