Patent ID: 7485582

Claim:
A method of forming an interconnect structure comprising the steps of: forming a low k dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 3.0 or less and having a first atomic concentration of carbon ranging between 5 atm % to about 45 atm % on a surface of a substrate; forming a hardmask on a surface of said low k dielectric material, said hardmask comprising a lower region of a hermetic oxide material having a second atomic concentration of carbon less than about 5 atm % located adjacent to said low k dielectric material and an upper region comprising atoms of Si, C and H located above said hermetic oxide material, wherein said first atomic concentration of carbon is greater than said second atomic concentration of carbon; providing at least one opening in said hardmask and a portion of said low k dielectric material; forming a liner within said at least one opening; and filling said at least one opening with a conductive material.