Patent ID: 6972252

Claim:
A method of improving adhesion between an insulating layer and a capping layer in a process for making electronic components comprising: providing an integrated circuit structure which is in the process of being fabricated into a finished electronic component having an insulating layer; contacting an exposed surface of said insulating layer with a gas selected from the group consisting of silane, disilane, dichlorosilane, germane and combinations thereof for adsorption of said gas onto said exposed surface of said insulating layer to form a treated surface area of said insulating layer while maintaining an original thickness of said insulating layer; depositing a capping layer directly over said treated surface area of said insulating layer; and continuing the process for making the integrated circuit device, wherein said treated surface area of said insulating layer improves adhesion between said insulating layer and said capping layer to prevent delamination therebetween during said step of continuing the process for making the integrated circuit device.