Patent Publication Number: US-2023138988-A1

Title: Dual damascene fully-aligned via interconnects with dual etch layers

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates to semiconductor technology, and more particularly to a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) interconnect structure including a fully-aligned via with dual etch stop layers. 
     Generally, BEOL interconnect devices include a plurality of circuits which form an integrated circuit fabricated on a BEOL interconnect substrate. A complex network of signal paths will normally be routed to connect the circuit elements distributed on the surface of the substrate. Efficient routing of these signals across the device requires formation of multilevel or multilayered schemes, such as, for example, single or dual damascene wiring, i.e., interconnect, structures. 
     Within typical BEOL interconnect structures, electrically conductive metal vias run perpendicular to the BEOL interconnect substrate and electrically conductive metal lines run parallel to the BEOL interconnect substrate. Typically, the electrically conductive metal vias are present beneath the electrically conductive metal lines and both features are embedded within an interconnect dielectric material layer. 
     A fully-aligned via (FAV) process is an effective way to provide an interconnect structure that has enhanced Vbd and reduced via resistance by confining the via in the line below. Normally, a high etch selective dielectric layer is required to achieve a FAV interconnect structure. However, since the etch selective dielectric layer is removed during a reactive ion etch used to open the via, the via profile of the interconnect dielectric material layer is modified during the following metallization step. Such via modification can cause bowing (i.e., bulging vias) and/or metal fang formation. Also, metal residue can be introduced into the interconnect dielectric material layer. There is thus a need to circumvent the above problems mentioned with conventional FAV processes. 
     SUMMARY 
     A fully-aligned via interconnect structure is provided in which a first etch stop layer is formed on a first interconnect dielectric material layer containing an electrically conductive line structure to protect the interconnect dielectric material from eroding during metallization used in providing a combined vialline electrically conductive structure in a second interconnect dielectric material layer that is formed above the first interconnect dielectric material layer. The interconnect structure has low resistance due to the maximized contact between the via portion of combined vialline electrically conductive structure and the underlying electrically conductive line structure. Moreover, no bowing or metal fangs are formed, and no metal residue is introduced into the first interconnect dielectric material layer during metallization. 
     In one aspect of the present application, an interconnect structure is provided. In one embodiment, the interconnect structure includes an electrically conductive line structure embedded in a first interconnect dielectric material layer. A combined via/line electrically conductive structure is also present and is embedded in a second interconnect dielectric material layer that is located above the first interconnect dielectric material layer. The combined via/line electrically conductive structure includes a lower via portion and an upper line portion, wherein the lower via portion of the combined via/line electrically conductive structure is fully-aligned to the electrically conductive line structure embedded in the first interconnect dielectric material layer. A dual etch stop layer structure is also present that includes a first etch stop layer and a second etch stop layer. The dual etch stop layer structure is located between the first interconnect dielectric material layer and the second interconnect dielectric material layer, and the first etch stop layer forms an interface with a topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer. 
     The term “fully-aligned” is used throughout the present application to denote that there is no misalignment between the via of the combined via/line electrically conductive structure and the underlying electrically conductive line structure. In the present application, this fully-aligned interconnect structure is provided by forming the via portion of the combined via/line electrically conductive structure in a line opening that also contains the electrically conductive line structure. 
     In another aspect of the present application, a method of forming an interconnect structure is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first etch stop layer selectively and only on a topmost surface of a first interconnect dielectric material layer, the first interconnect dielectric material layer includes an electrically conductive line structure embedded therein. The electrically conductive line structure is then recessed to provide a recessed electrically conductive line structure that has a topmost surface that is vertically offset and located beneath a topmost surface of the first interconnected dielectric material layer. A second etch stop layer is then formed on the first etch stop layer and the recessed electrically conductive line structure. Next, a second interconnect dielectric material layer is formed above the first interconnect dielectric material layer and on the second etch stop layer, wherein the second interconnect dielectric material layer includes a combined vialline opening having a lower via portion and an upper line portion, wherein the lower via portion physically exposes the second etch stop layer that is located on the recessed electrically conductive line structure. The physically exposed portion of the second etch stop layer that is located on the recessed electrically conductive line structure is then removed to physically expose the recessed electrically conductive line structure. A combined via/line electrically conductive structure is thereafter formed in the combined vialline opening including the lower via portion and the upper line portion, and on the recessed electrically conductive line structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a cross sectional view of an exemplary structure that can be employed in accordance with an embodiment of the present application, the exemplary structure including a first interconnect dielectric material layer located on a surface of a substrate, wherein the first interconnect dielectric material layer contains a plurality of line openings formed therein. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  1    after forming a first diffusion barrier material layer, a first metal liner material layer, and a first electrically conductive metal-containing layer in each of the line openings and on top of the first interconnect dielectric material layer. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  2    after removing the first diffusion barrier material layer, the first metal liner material layer, and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer that are located on top of the first interconnect dielectric material layer, while maintaining the first diffusion barrier material layer, the first metal liner material layer, and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer in each line opening. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  3    after forming a first etch stop layer on the physically exposed topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  4    after recessing the first diffusion barrier material layer, the first metal liner material layer, and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer that were maintained in each line opening. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  5    after forming a metallic cap on the recessed surfaces of the first diffusion barrier material layer, the first metal liner material layer, and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer that were maintained in each line opening. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  6    after forming a second etch stop layer on the first etch stop layer and in an upper portion of each line opening. 
         FIG.  8    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  7    after forming a second interconnect dielectric material layer on the second etch stop layer. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  8    after forming a combined via/line opening into the second interconnect dielectric material layer utilizing a dual damascene patterning process, the combined vialline opening contains a line portion and at least one via portion, wherein the line portion is located above, and in communication with the at least one via portion. 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  are cross sectional views of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  9    after removing at least physically exposed portions of the second etch stop layer in the at least one via portion. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  10 B  after forming a second diffusion barrier material layer, a second metal liner material layer, and a second electrically conductive metal-containing layer in the opening present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer and on top of the second interconnect dielectric material layer. 
         FIG.  12 A  is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  11    after removing the second diffusion barrier material layer, the second metal liner material layer, and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer that are located on top of the second interconnect dielectric material layer, while maintaining the second diffusion barrier material layer, the second metal liner material layer, and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer in the combined vialline opening present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer, and forming another metallic cap on the second diffusion barrier material layer, the second metal liner material layer, and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer that is maintained in the opening present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer. 
         FIG.  12 B  is a cross sectional view of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  10 A  after formation of at least a combined vialline electrically conductive structure in the opening that is present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present application will now be described in greater detail by referring to the following discussion and drawings that accompany the present application. It is noted that the drawings of the present application are provided for illustrative purposes only and, as such, the drawings are not drawn to scale. It is also noted that like and corresponding elements are referred to by like reference numerals. 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as particular structures, components, materials, dimensions, processing steps and techniques, in order to provide an understanding of the various embodiments of the present application. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments of the present application may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures or processing steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present application. 
     It will be understood that when an element as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being “on” or “over” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly over” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “beneath” or “under” another element, it can be directly beneath or under the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly beneath” or “directly under” another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
     Referring first to  FIG.  1   , there is illustrated an exemplary structure that can be employed in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  1    includes a first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  located on a surface of a substrate  10 , wherein the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  contains a plurality of line openings  14  formed therein. In the drawings of the present application, the length of the at least one line opening  14  goes into and out of the plane of the drawing. The first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  is a component of a lower interconnected level of a multilevel interconnect structure. 
     Substrate  10  can include at least one other interconnect level containing electrically conductive structures embedded in an interconnect dielectric material, a middle-of-line (MOL) level containing electrically conductive contact structures embedded in a MOL dielectric material, a front-end-of-the-line (FEOL) level containing one or more semiconductor devices such as, for example, field effect transistor located on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, or any combination of the same. 
     The first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can be composed of an inorganic dielectric material or an organic dielectric material. In some embodiments, the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can be porous, while in other embodiments, the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can be non-porous. Suitable dielectric materials that can be employed as the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  include, but are not limited to, silicon dioxide, undoped or doped silicate glass, silsesquioxanes, C doped oxides (i.e., organosilicates) that include atoms of Si, C, O and H, theremosetting polyarylene ethers or any multilayered combination thereof. The term “polyarylene” is used in this present application to denote aryl moieties or inertly substituted aryl moieties which are linked together by bonds, fused rings, or inert linking groups such as, for example, oxygen, sulfur, sulfone, sulfoxide, or carbonyl. The first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can have a dielectric constant (all dielectric constants mentioned herein are measured relative to a vacuum, unless otherwise stated) that is about 4.0 or less. In one embodiment, the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12   has a dielectric constant of 2.8 or less. These dielectrics generally having a lower parasitic cross talk as compared to dielectric materials whose dielectric constant is greater than 4.0. 
     The first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can be formed on substrate  10  by a deposition process such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) or spin-on coating. The first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can have a thickness from 50 nm to 250 nm. However other thicknesses that are lesser than 50 nm, and greater than 250 nm can also be employed in the present application as the thickness of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . 
     After forming the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  on substrate  10 , at least one line opening  14  is formed into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The number of line openings  14  that are formed into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can vary so long as at least one line opening  14  is formed. In  FIG.  1    and by way of one example, three line openings  14  are formed into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . Each line opening  14  will subsequently house at least an electrically conductive line structure, as defined herein below. The at least one line opening  14  can be formed by lithography and etching. In some embodiments and as is illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the at least one line opening  14  is formed partially into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  such that a sub-portion (i.e., a portion of a layer/material that is located between a topmost surface and a bottom surface of that layer/material) of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  is located beneath the at least one line opening  14 . In other embodiments (not shown), the at least line one opening  14  extends entirely through the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  and physically exposes a surface of substrate  10 . In yet further embodiments (also not shown), a first set of line openings  14  is formed partially into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  and a second set of line openings  14  is formed entirely through the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  1    after forming a first diffusion barrier material layer  16 , a first metal liner material layer  18 , and a first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  in each of the line openings  14  and on top of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . In some embodiments, the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  and/or the first metal liner material layer  18  can be omitted from being formed. In the illustrated embodiment of the present application, the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  is formed first, followed by the first metal liner material liner  18  and thereafter the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20 . 
     When present, the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  is composed of a diffusion barrier material such as, for example, Ta, TaN, Ti, TiN, Ru, RuN, RuTa, RuTaN, W, or WN. The diffusion barrier material serves as a barrier to prevent a conductive material from diffusing there through. The thickness of the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  can vary depending on the deposition process used as well as the material employed. In some embodiments, the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  has a thickness from 2 nm to 50 nm; although other thicknesses for the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  are contemplated and can be employed in the present application as long as the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  does not entirely fill the line openings  14  that are formed into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The diffusion barrier material layer  16  can be formed by a deposition process including, for example, CVD, PECVD, atomic layer deposition (ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), sputtering, chemical solution deposition or plating. The first diffusion barrier material layer  16  is typically a conformal material layer. By “conformal material layer” it is meant that a material layer has a thickness along horizontal surfaces that is the same as a thickness of the same material layer along vertical surfaces. 
     When present, the first metal liner material layer  18  can be composed of a metal such as, for example, Ta, Ti, W, Co, Ru, or Rh, or alloys of said metals (e.g., Ta and one of Ti, W, Co, Ru, or Rh; Ti and one of Ta, W, Co, Ru, or Rh; W and one of Ta, Ti, Co, Ru or Rh; Co and one of Ta, Ti, W, Ru or Rh; Ru and one of Ta, Ti, W, Co, or Rh; of Rh and one of Ta, Ti, W, Co, or Ru). The thickness of the first metal liner material layer  18  can vary depending on the deposition process used as well as the material employed. In some embodiments, the first metal liner material layer  18  has a thickness from 2 nm to 50 nm; although other thicknesses for the first metal liner material layer  18  are contemplated and can be employed in the present application as long as the first metal liner material layer  18  alone, or in combination with the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  does not entirely fill the line openings  14  that are formed into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The first metal liner material layer  18  can be formed by a deposition process such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, ALD, PVD or sputtering. The first metal liner material layer  18  is typically a conformal material layer. 
     The first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  is composed of an electrically conductive metal or electrically conductive metal alloy, which is typically, compositionally different from the first metal liner material layer  18 . Examples of electrically conductive metals that can be employed in providing the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  include, but are not limited to, Cu, Al, W, Co, Mo, Ru, Rh or Ir. Examples of electrically conductive metal alloys include, but are not limited to, a Cu-Al alloy. The first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  can be formed utilizing a deposition process such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, sputtering, chemical solution deposition or plating. In one embodiment, a bottom-up plating process can be employed in forming the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  2    after removing the first diffusion barrier material layer  16 , the first metal liner material layer  18 , and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  that are located on top of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 , while maintaining the first diffusion barrier material layer  16 , the first metal liner material layer  18 , and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  in each line opening  14 . The first diffusion barrier material layer  16  that is maintained in each line opening  14  can be referred to herein as a first diffusion barrier liner  16 L. The first metal liner material layer  18  that is maintained in each line opening  14  can be referred to herein as a first metal liner  18 L. The first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  that is maintained in each line opening  14  can be referred to herein as an electrically conductive line structure  20 S. 
     The first diffusion barrier liner  16 L and the first metal liner  18 L are both U-shaped. By “U-shaped” it is meant that the liner has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion that extends upward from each end of the horizontal portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped first metal liner  18 L is located on the sidewalls and bottommost surface of the electrically conductive line structure  20 S, and the U-shaped first diffusion barrier liner  16 L is located on the U-shaped first metal liner  18 L. Other structural configurations are possible depending on whether the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  and the first metal liner material layer  18  are employed. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive line structure  20 S has a topmost surface that is coplanar with a topmost surface of each of the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L, and the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . Other structural configurations are possible depending on whether the first diffusion barrier material layer  16  and the first metal liner material layer  18  are employed. 
     The removal of the first diffusion barrier material layer  16 , the first metal liner material layer  18 , and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20  that are located on top of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  can be performed utilizing a planarization process such as, for example, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and/or grinding. In the illustrated embodiment, the planarization stops on a topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  3    after forming a first etch stop layer  22  on the physically exposed topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 ; no first etch stop layer  22  is formed on the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that are present in the line openings  14 . The first etch stop layer  22  can be composed of a first etch stop material such as, for example, aluminum oxide or parylene, which can be selectively deposited on only the horizontal topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The first etch stop layer  22  can have a thickness from 5 nm to 20 nm; however other thicknesses for the first etch stop layer  22  are contemplated and can be used as the thickness of the first etch stop layer  22 . 
     Parylene is considered by some to be an ultimate coating for protection of surfaces in electronics. Parylene is the common name of a polymer whose backbone is composed of parabenzenediyl rings connected to 1,2-ethanediyl bridges. It can be obtained by polymerization of para-xylylene. Parylene can be deposited at room temperature, is chemically stable, makes an excellent barrier material, has excellent thermal endurance as well as excellent mechanical properties and high tensile strength. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  4    after recessing the first diffusion barrier material layer, the first metal liner material layer, and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer that were maintained in each line opening  14 . That is, this step of the present application recesses the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that are present in the line openings  14  forming a gap  24  above a recessed structure S 1  containing recessed portions of each of the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that is present in the line openings  14 . The recessing of the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S includes the use of a metal etching process that selective removes the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S relative to the first etch stop layer  22  and the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . 
     The recessed structure S 1  containing recessed portions of each of the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that is present in the line openings  14  includes U-shaped liners and has coplanarity as mentioned above for the non-recessed recessed first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, first metal liner  18 L and electrically conductive line structure  20 S that is present in the line openings  14 . The recessed structure S 1  has a topmost surface that is vertically offset and located beneath a topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material later  12 . Other recessed structure S 1  configurations are possible depending on whether the first diffusion barrier layer  16  and/or the first metal liner material layer  18  are employed. Recessed structure S 1  can be referred to as a recessed electrically conductive line structure. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  6   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  5    after forming a metallic cap  26  on the recessed surfaces of the first diffusion barrier material layer, the first metal liner material layer, and the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer that were maintained in each line opening  14 . That is, this step of the present application forms a metallic cap  26  of the recessed structure S 1  containing the recessed portions of each of the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that is present in the line openings  14 . 
     The metallic cap  26  can be composed of a metal such as, for example, Ta, Ti, W, Co, Ru, or Rh, a metal nitride such as, for example, TaN, TiN, WN, CoN, RuN or RhN, or alloys of said metals (e.g., Ta and one of Ti, W, Co, Ru, or Rh; Ti and one of Ta, W, Co, Ru, or Rh; W and one of Ta, Ti, Co, Ru or Rh; Co and one of Ta, Ti, W, Ru or Rh; Ru and one of Ta, Ti, W, Co, or Rh; of Rh and one of Ta, Ti, W, Co, or Ru). The metallic cap  26  can be composed of a compositionally same, or compositionally different, material than the first metal liner  18 L The metallic cap  26  covers an entirety of a topmost surface of the recessed structure S 1  containing recessed portions of each of the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that is present in the line openings  14 . 
     The metallic cap  26  can be formed by a selective deposition process in which the metallic cap  26  is formed only upon the topmost surface of the recessed structure S 1  containing recessed portions of each of the first diffusion barrier liner  16 L, the first metal liner  18 L and the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that is present in the line openings  14 . The metallic cap  26  can have a thickness from 5 nm to 20 nm; however other thicknesses for the metallic cap  26  are contemplated and can be used as the thickness of the metallic cap  26 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  6    after forming a second etch stop layer  28  on the first etch stop layer  22  and in an upper portion (i.e., gap  24 ) of each line opening  14 . Unlike the first etch stop layer  22 , the second etch stop layer  28  is a continuous layer that is formed on all physically exposed surfaces of the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  6   . The second etch stop layer  28  is composed of a second etch stop material that is compositionally different from the first etch stop material that provides the first etch stop layer  22 . Illustrative examples of second etch stop materials that can be employed as the second etch stop layer  28  include, but are not limited to, SiN, SiC, SiCN, SiNO, SiCO or aluminum oxide (if aluminum oxide, is not used as the first etch stop layer  22 ). 
     The second etch stop layer  28  can be formed by a deposition process such as, for example, CVD, PECVD, ALD, PVD or spin-on coating. The second etch stop layer  28  is typically a conformal material layer. The second etch stop layer  28  can have a thickness from 5 nm to 20 nm; however other thicknesses for the second etch stop layer  28  are contemplated and can be used as the thickness of the second etch stop layer  28 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  8   , there illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  7    after forming a second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  on the second etch stop layer  28 . The second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  is composed of one of the dielectric materials mentioned above for the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The dielectric material that provides the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  can be compositionally the same as, or compositionally different from, the dielectric material that provides the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  can be formed utilizing one of the deposition techniques mentioned above in forming the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  has a planar topmost surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  8    after forming a combined vialline opening  32  into the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  utilizing a dual damascene patterning process, the combined vialline opening  32  contains an upper line (or trench) portion and at least one lower via portion. The damascene patterning process includes a first lithography and etching step followed by a second lithography and etching step. As is shown, the upper line portion of the combined vialline opening  32  has a width that is greater than a width of the at least one lower via portion. The at least one via portion of the combined vialline opening  32  physically exposes the second etch stop layer  28  that is present at least in the gap  24 . Although two via portions are shown in the combined vialline opening  32 , the present application contemplates embodiments wherein only a single via portion is formed, or embodiments wherein more than two via portions are formed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , there are illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  9    after removing at least physically exposed portions of the second etch stop layer  28  in the at least one via portion of combined vialline opening  32 .  FIG.  10 A  shows an embodiment in which the etch used to remove the physically exposed portion of the second stop layer  28  stops on the metallic cap  26 .  FIG.  10 B  shows another embodiment in which the metallic cap  26  is also removed. At least physically exposed portions of the second etch stop layer  28  will be removed selectively by either dry etching or a wet etching process. Metallic cap  26 , as discussed below, can also be removed, See  FIG.  10 B . It is noted that this etch does not affect the sidewalls of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  that are now physically exposed as is shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B . In one example, the etch is a chemical wet etching process in which dilute hydrofluoric acid (dHF) is used as the etchant. 
     Depending on the composition of the metallic cap  26  and the underlying electrically conductive line structure  20 S, the metallic cap  26  can be removed at this point of the present application to reveal the electrically conductive line structure  20 S that is beneath each via portion of combined vialline opening  32 . For example, and on one hand, when the metallic cap  26  is composed of Co, and Co is also used for the electrically conductive material of the electrically conductive line structure  20 S, then the Co metallic cap should be removed from the exemplary structure. On the other hand, and when the metallic cap  26  is composed of Ru, and Co is also used for the electrically conductive material of the electrically conductive line structure  20 S, then the Ru metallic cap can remain in the exemplary structure. In embodiments in which the metallic cap  26  needs to be removed, the metallic cap  26  can be removed during the removal of the second etch stop layer  28 , or after removing the second etch stop layer utilizing another etching process that is selective in removing the metallic cap  26 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  11   , there is illustrated the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  10 B  after forming a second diffusion barrier material layer  34 , a second metal liner material layer  36 , and a second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  in the combined vialline opening  32  present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  and on top of the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30 . This step of the present application, as well as the step to follow, can be performed on the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  10 A . In some embodiments, the second diffusion barrier material layer  34  and/or the second metal line material layer  36  can be omitted. 
     The second diffusion barrier material layer  34  includes one of the diffusion barrier materials mentioned above for the first diffusion barrier material layer  16 . The second diffusion barrier material layer  34  can be composed of a compositionally same, or compositionally different, diffusion barrier material than the first diffusion barrier layer  16 . The second diffusion barrier material layer  34  can be formed utilizing one of the deposition processes mentioned above for forming the first diffusion barrier material layer  16 , and the second diffusion barrier material layer  34  can have a thickness within the thickness range mentioned above for the first diffusion barrier material layer  16 . 
     The second metal liner material layer  36  includes one of the metals or metal alloys mentioned above for the first metal liner material layer  18 . The second metal liner material layer  36  can be composed of a compositionally same, or compositionally different, metal or metal alloy than the first metal liner material layer  18 . The second metal liner material layer  36  can be formed utilizing one of the deposition processes mentioned above for forming the first metal liner material layer  18 , and the second metal liner material layer  36  can have a thickness within the thickness range mentioned above for the first metal liner material layer  18 . 
     The second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  includes one of the electrically conductive materials mentioned above for the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20 . The second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  can be composed of a compositionally same, or compositionally different, electrically conductive material than the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20 . The second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  can be formed utilizing one of the deposition processes mentioned above for forming the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20 , and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  can have a thickness within the thickness range mentioned above for the first electrically conductive metal-containing layer  20 . 
     The circled portion highlighted in  FIG.  11    shows an interconnect structure in which the first etch stop layer  22  protects the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  from eroding during the metallization used to provide the combined via/line electrically conductive structure  38 S (See,  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B ). That is, the first etch stop layer  22  prevents modification of the via profile of the interconnect structure of the present application. The interconnect structure has a low resistance due to the maximized contact between the via portion of combined vialline electrically conductive structure  38 S and the underlying first electrically conductive line structure  20 S. Moreover, no bowing or metal fangs are formed when the first etch stop layer  22  is present on the horizontal topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . It is noted that the first etch stop layer  22  also prevents metal residue from being introduced into the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  during the metallization step mentioned above. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12 A , there is shown the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  11    after removing the second diffusion barrier material layer  34 , the second metal liner material layer  36 , and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  that are located on top of the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30 , while maintaining the second diffusion barrier material layer  34 , the second metal liner material layer  38 , and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  in the combined vialline opening  32  present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30 , and forming another metallic cap  40  on the second diffusion barrier material layer, the second metal liner material layer, and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer that is maintained in the combined vialline opening  32  present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30 . In some embodiments (not shown), metallic cap  40  can be omitted. In yet other embodiments (also not shown) not shown, the maintained materials within the combined vialline opening  32  can be recessed and then metallic cap  40  is formed upon the recessed material within the combined vialline opening  32 . 
     The second diffusion barrier material layer  34  that is maintained in combined vialline opening  32  can be referred to herein as a second diffusion barrier liner  34 L. The second metal liner material layer  36  that is maintained in combined vialline opening  32  can be referred to herein as a second metal liner  36 L. The second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  that is maintained in combined vialline opening  32  can be referred to herein as a combined vialline electrically conductive structure  38 S. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the combined via/line electrically conductive structure  38 S has a topmost surface that is coplanar with a topmost surface of each of the second diffusion barrier liner  34 L, the second metal liner  36 L, and the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30 . Other structural configurations are possible depending on whether the second diffusion barrier material layer  34  and the second metal liner material layer  36  are employed. 
     The removal of the second diffusion barrier material layer  34 , the second metal liner material layer  36 , and the second electrically conductive metal-containing layer  38  that are located on top of the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  can be performed utilizing a planarization process such as, for example, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and/or grinding. In the illustrated embodiment, the planarization stops on a topmost surface of the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30 . 
     Metallic cap  40  includes one of the metal-containing cap materials mentioned above for metallic cap  26 . Metallic cap  40  can be composed of a compositionally same, or compositionally different metal-containing cap material than metallic cap  26 . The metallic cap  40  can be formed, and have a thickness, as described above for metallic cap  26 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  12 B , there is shown the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  10 A  after formation of at least a combined vialline electrically conductive structure  38 S in combined vialline opening  32  that is present in the second interconnect dielectric material layer  30 . Notably, the exemplary structure shown in  FIG.  12 B  can be formed utilizing the processes steps described above for forming the exemplary structures shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12 A . 
     Notably,  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  illustrate interconnect structures of the present application. The interconnect structures illustrated in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  include electrically conductive line structure  20 S embedded in first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . Combined vialline electrically conductive structure  38 S is also present and is embedded in second interconnect dielectric material layer  30  that is located above the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . The combined via/line electrically conductive structure  38 S includes a lower via portion and an upper line portion, wherein the lower via portion of the combined via/line electrically conductive structure  38 S is fully-aligned to the electrically conductive line structure  20 S embedded in the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . A dual etch stop layer structure is also present that includes first etch stop layer  22  and second etch stop layer  28 . The dual etch stop layer structure is located between the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  and the second interconnect dielectric layer  30 , and the first etch stop layer  22  forms an interface with a topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12 . It is noted that the lower via portion of the combined via/line electrically conductive structure  38 S extends beneath a topmost surface of the first interconnect dielectric material layer  12  and is present in a same line opening  14  that contains the electrically conductive line structure  20 S. 
     While the present application has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in forms and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. It is therefore intended that the present application not be limited to the exact forms and details described and illustrated, but fall within the scope of the appended claims.