Patent ID: 7122462

Claim:
A method of forming an interconnect structure comprising the steps at: providing a lower electrical contact including a lower interconnect member; depositing an ILD and forming an interconnect aperture therein extending down to make contact with said lower interconnect member; depositing a liner layer in said interconnect aperture; removing said liner layer on at least the bottom surface of said interconnect aperture, thereby exposing a top surface of said lower interconnect member; bombarding said top surface of said lower interconnect member with ions such that material is removed from the interface of said lower interconnect member and the bottom surface of said interconnect aperture in a generally cone shape having a height greater than the radius, thereby forming a second aperture within said lower interconnect member having a shape with substantially no horizontal surfaces; and depositing conductive material in said interconnect aperture, thereby establishing a joint between said lower interconnect member and an upper interconnect member formed by said conductive material in said interconnect aperture.