Damage minimized plasma pore sealing of microporous low k dielectrics
Minimum plasma process conditions have been identified to seal the surface of several CVD microporous low k dielectric materials. Clear differences were found between material types concerning the minimum plasma power and bias conditions required to seal the surface to toluene penetration by ellipsometric porosimetry. Higher power/bias conditions to affect sealing appear to be required as the k value of the materials decrease and porosity increases. Analysis of the resulting plasma treated surfaces indicates chemical and physical surface modification prior to and above sealing thresholds. The minimum sealing layers created could not be detected by spectroscopic ellipsometry or by energy filtered transmission electron microscopy as is possible with higher damage processes indicating the low degree of damage induced.
pore sealing low k plasma damage