Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-252189, filed on Nov. 2, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A conventional technique of using a multi-layer graphene sheet for a wiring is known. A graphene sheet is used for a wiring and it is thereby possible to obtain a wiring with ideal resistance by using ballistic conductivity of the graphene. 
         [0003]    When a graphene sheet is used for a wiring, a wiring structure different from a conventional structure of a Cu wiring is required. For example, in a wiring body described in JP-A 2009-70911, a TiN electrode film is provided as a junction of a wiring with a contact plug. Therefore, a graphene sheet of each layer is connected to the contact plug through the TiN electrode film, and functions as a current path in the wiring. 
         [0004]    However, according to the wiring body described in JP-A 2009-70911, since the wiring and the contact plug are indirectly connected through the TiN electrode film, there is a problem that a configuration of a connecting portion of the wiring with the contact plug is complicated. Therefore, there is a possibility that electrical resistance increases due to poor connection at the connecting portion, in addition to this, there is a problem that the number of processes is increased in order to form the TiN electrode film. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a substrate; a wiring provided above the substrate and including a graphene nanoribbon layer comprising a plurality of laminated graphene nanoribbon sheets; and a wiring connecting member penetrating at least one of the plurality of graphene nanoribbon sheets for connecting the wiring and a conductive member above or below the wiring. 
         [0006]    A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to another embodiment includes: forming a wiring above the substrate, the wiring including a graphene nanoribbon layer comprising a plurality of laminated graphene nanoribbon sheets; forming a hole penetrating at least one of the plurality of graphene nanoribbon sheets; and forming a wiring connecting member for connecting the wiring and a conductive member above or below the wiring by providing a conductive member into the hole. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0007]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are vertical and horizontal cross sectional views of a semiconductor device according to a first embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a partial enlarged view of a periphery of a GNR layer of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0009]      FIGS. 3A to 3G  are cross sectional views showing processes for fabricating the semiconductor device according to the first embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a vertical cross sectional view of a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a vertical cross sectional view of a semiconductor device according to a third embodiment; and 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6A to 6G  are cross sectional views showing processes for fabricating the semiconductor device according to the third embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    Since electric conduction does not occur directly between the laminated graphene sheets, when a via or a contact plug is connected to an upper or lower surface of a wiring as in a conventional Cu wiring, only an uppermost or lowermost graphene sheet is connected to the via or the contact plug. In this case, graphene sheets other than the uppermost or lowermost graphene sheet cannot be used as a current path, in addition to this, when, for example, two vias are connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the wiring, it is not possible to flow current between the two vias. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a vertical cross sectional view of a semiconductor device  100  according to a first embodiment.  FIG. 1B  is a horizontal cross sectional view of the semiconductor device  100  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0015]    The semiconductor device  100  has an insulating film  10 A formed above a non-illustrated semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulating film  11 A on the insulating film  10 A, an interlayer insulating film  11 B on the interlayer insulating film  11 A, an insulating film  10 B on the interlayer insulating film  11 B, a lower wiring  12  in the interlayer insulating film  11 A, an upper wiring  13  in the interlayer insulating film  11 B, and a via  14  for electrically connecting the lower wiring  12  to the upper wiring  13 . 
         [0016]    The lower wiring  12  is composed of a catalyst layer  120  and a GNR (Graphene Nano Ribbon) layer  121  thereon. Meanwhile, the upper wiring  13  is composed of a catalyst layer  130  and a GNR layer  131  thereon. 
         [0017]    The catalyst layers  120  and  130  are made of catalyst material which functions as a catalyst for growing graphene composing the GNR layers  121  and  131 . As a catalyst material, for example, Co, Ni, Ru, Fe or a compound containing these metals is used. 
         [0018]    The GNR layers  121  and  131  are composed of one to several tens of GNR sheets which are grown by using the catalyst layers  120  and  130  as a catalyst, and have ballistic conduction properties. In the GNR layers  121  and  131 , the ballistic conduction occurs independently in each GNR sheet and plural current paths are formed in parallel. 
         [0019]    Here, the GNR sheet is a single graphene sheet which is processed so as to have a fine line width. The layer number of the GNR sheets is preferably 10 layers or less so that the GNR layers  121  and  131  have higher conduction properties, and using fewer layers is especially preferable. When the layer number of the GNR sheets is greater than 10 layers, the characteristics of the GNR layers  121  and  131  come close to that of graphite and there is a possibility that the conduction properties deteriorate. 
         [0020]    It is known that a mean free path of electron in the graphene is about 100 nm-1 μm, and it is further longer compared with a mean free path of electron in Cu (about 40 nm) which is a low resistance metal material currently used for various LSI devices. The graphene has quantum conduction properties and is more advantageous for long-distance electric conduction. In a conventional metal wiring, influence of electron scattering effect at an interface between a wiring and an insulating film becomes remarkable as miniaturization of the wiring proceeds, and a resistance increase due to interface electron scattering is not avoidable. In contrast, the resistance increase due to interface scattering is less in the graphene due to the quantum conduction. Therefore, it is possible to lower the resistance of the wiring by using a graphene layer for a wiring material. 
         [0021]    Since the lower wiring  12  and the upper wiring  13  have a narrow line width and low electrical resistance, they are suitable for an ultrafine wiring structure. 
         [0022]    The via  14  is made of, e.g., metal such as W, Cu or Al. 
         [0023]    A barrier metal  15  is made of, e.g., metal such as Ta, Ti, Ru, Mn, Co, or nitride containing these metals. In addition, the barrier metal  15  has a function of preventing diffusion of metal contained in the via  14  to the outside. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a partial enlarged view of a periphery of the GNR layer  121  of  FIG. 1A . In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the GNR layer  121  is composed of four GNR sheets  122 . In addition, although it is not shown in the figures, the GNR layer  131  also has the same structure as the GNR layer  121 . 
         [0025]    The via  14  and the barrier metal  15  penetrate the GNR layer  131  and the catalyst layer  130  of the upper wiring  13  as well as at least one GNR sheet  122  of the GNR layer  121  of the lower wiring  12 , and are connected to a GNR sheet of the GNR layer  131  and at least two GNR sheets  122 . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , it is preferable that a carbide layer  150  is formed at an interface between the GNR layer  121  and the barrier metal  15  by a reaction of the GNR layer  121  with the barrier metal  15 , and the laminated GNR sheets  122  of the GNR layer  121  are electrically connected each other via the carbide layer  150 . As a result, it is possible to further reduce the electrical resistance at a connecting portion of the GNR layer  121  with the via  14  (the barrier metal  15 ). For example, when the barrier metal  15  is made of Ti, the carbide layer  150  is made of TiC. Note that, it is preferable that the same structure is also formed at a connecting portion of the GNR layer  131  with the via  14  (the barrier metal  15 ). 
         [0027]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the catalyst layer  120  may have a multilayer structure composed of a base layer  120 C, a co-catalyst layer  120 B and a surface layer  120 A. The surface layer  120 A is made of Co, Ni, Ru or Fe, etc., and functions as a catalyst for growing the GNR sheet  122 . The co-catalyst layer  120 B is made of Ti, etc., and functions as a co-catalyst of the surface layer  120 A. Alternatively, the co-catalyst layer  120 B may be an ultrathin layer composed of Ti fine particle. The base layer  120 C is made of TaN, TiN, RuN, WN, Ta, Ti, Ru or W, etc., and has a function of preventing diffusion of metal contained in the surface layer  120 A. 
         [0028]    The insulating films  10 A and  10 B are made of insulating material such as SiN. Meanwhile, the interlayer insulating films  11 A and  11 B are preferably made of low dielectric constant insulating material such as SiOC-based insulating material. 
         [0029]    An example of a method of fabricating the semiconductor device  100  according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 3A to 3G  are cross sectional views showing processes for fabricating the semiconductor device  100  according to the first embodiment. 
         [0031]    Firstly, as shown in  FIG. 3A , a catalyst film  101  which is a material film of the catalyst layer  120  and a graphene film  102  which is a material film of the GNR layer  121  are formed on the insulating film  10 A 
         [0032]    The catalyst film  101  is formed by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), etc. 
         [0033]    A specific example of a method of forming the graphene film  102  will be described below. Firstly, plasma treatment is performed for suppressing microparticulation of the catalyst film  101  due to agglomeration thereof. By preventing the microparticulation of the catalyst film  101  and maintaining continuity of the surface thereof, it is possible to promote uniform growth of graphene. Although a hydrogen gas or a noble gas is preferable as a discharge gas used for the plasma treatment, a mixture gas containing both of them may be used. The effect is higher at as low treatment temperature as possible, and it is desirable to perform at a room temperature. In addition, it is preferable that the plasma is relatively strong, and the effect is further increased when exposed to high power remote plasma or plasma. 
         [0034]    Next, the catalyst film  101  is carbonized. A hydrocarbon-based gas such as methane or acetylene, or a mixture gas thereof is used as a discharge gas. In addition, a hydrogen gas or a noble gas, etc., is used for a carrier gas. It is necessary to perform this treatment at a temperature lower than the treatment temperature during the below-described graphene formation as well as at a temperature that a graphite film can be formed, and about 150-600° C. is preferable. In addition, the treatment time may be short. This treatment is also preferably performed using relatively strong plasma. 
         [0035]    Next, the plasma treatment is performed for improving the quality of a carbonized layer of the catalyst film  101  and for activating the catalyst. It is preferable to use a noble gas for a discharge gas. The treatment temperature may be about intermediate between the treatment temperature for carbonizing the catalyst film  101  and that during the below-described graphene formation. The plasma used for this treatment may be relatively weak, and it is preferable to use remote plasma. 
         [0036]    At the end, graphene is formed. A hydrocarbon-based gas or a mixture gas thereof is used as a discharge gas. The treatment temperature is about 200-1000° C., and about 350° C. is especially preferable. In case of below 200° C., a sufficient growth rate is not obtained and graphene growth hardly occurs. Under the temperature of 200° C. or more, the graphene growth occurs and a uniform graphene film is formed. This treatment temperature is equivalent to or less than that in a typical wiring formation process of a LSI device, and this graphene formation process is excellent in affinity to a semiconductor process. 
         [0037]    In this treatment, since it is important to remove ions as well as electrons and to supply only radicals on the catalyst film  101 , very weak remote plasma is desirably used. Applying voltage to a substrate by providing an electrode on an upper portion of the substrate is also effective in order to further remove ions and electrons. The applied voltage is preferably about 0 to ±100V. 
         [0038]    The graphene film  102  is obtained by the above-mentioned multistep treatment. It is possible to form the graphene film  102  by the treatment using the CVD method under the single condition using a hydrocarbon-based gas as a carbon source, however, it is possible to form a low resistance graphene film  102  further excellent in uniformity under the low temperature condition by using the multistep treatment as described above. 
         [0039]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the catalyst film  101  and the graphene film  102  are patterned by a combination of photolithography and RIE (Reactive Ion Etching), thereby shaped into the catalyst layer  120  and the GNR layer  121 . As a result, the lower wiring  12  is obtained. 
         [0040]    Note that, it is preferable that a termination process is performed on a side portion of the GNR layer  121  exposed by the patterning after the formation of the GNR layer  121 . Here, the termination process means treatment for terminating dangling bond not having bondings at an end portion of the graphene, such as hydrogen sintering, silylation treatment or hydrophobizing treatment by HDMS. For example, when the silylation treatment is performed, it is possible to terminate the dangling bond by bonding hydrogen thereto, and when the silylation treatment or the hydrophobizing treatment by HDMS is performed, it is possible to terminate the dangling bond by bonding silicon-methyl group, etc., thereto. 
         [0041]    When the dangling bond remains without being terminated, electron scattering is likely to occur at an end surface of the graphene and there is a possibility to adversely affect electron conduction properties in the graphene layer. In addition, in a state that the dangling bond remains, unintentional bonding may be formed at a graphene edge, and there is a possibility to adversely affect the electron conduction properties in the graphene in this case as well. 
         [0042]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3C , the interlayer insulating film  11 A is formed. The interlayer insulating film  11 A is formed by CVD, etc., so as to cover the lower wiring  12 , and is subsequently planarized by planarization treatment such as CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing). 
         [0043]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3D , the upper wiring  13  and the interlayer insulating film  11 B are formed on the interlayer insulating film  11 A. The upper wiring  13  and the interlayer insulating film  11 B are respectively formed by the same methods as used to form the lower wiring  12  and the interlayer insulating film  11 A. 
         [0044]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3E , a via hole  103  is formed in the interlayer insulating film  11 B, the GNR layer  131 , the catalyst layer  130 , the interlayer insulating film  11 A and the GNR layer  121  by a combination of photolithography and RIE, etc. 
         [0045]    Since materials of the catalyst layer  120  and the GNR layer  121  can be selected so that the catalyst layer  120  has a sufficient etching selectivity with respect to the GNR layer  121 , it is possible to form the via hole  103  using a catalyst layer  120  as an etching stopper. 
         [0046]    A fluorine-based gas, etc., is used as a gas for etching the interlayer insulating films  11 A and  11 B. Meanwhile, an oxygen-based gas, etc., is used as a gas for etching the GNR layers  121  and  131 . In addition, a Cl (chlorine)-based gas, etc., is used as a gas for etching the catalyst layer  120  and  130 . 
         [0047]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3F , a metal film  104  which is a material film of the barrier metal  15  and a metal film  105  which is a material film of the via  14  are formed by CVD, etc., so as to fill the via hole  103 . 
         [0048]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 3G , the metal films  104  and  105  outside of the via hole  103  are removed by the planarization treatment such as CMP, thereby respectively shaping into the barrier metal  15  and the via  14 . 
         [0049]    Subsequently, the insulating film  10 B is formed on the interlayer insulating film  11 B by CVD, etc. As a result, the semiconductor device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  is obtained. 
       Effect of the First Embodiment 
       [0050]    According to the first embodiment, since the lower wiring  12  and the upper wiring  13  include the GNR layers  121  and  131 , it is possible to reduce the electrical resistance by using the ballistic conductivity of the graphene. 
         [0051]    In addition, since the via  14  (the barrier metal  15 ) is directly connected to each of the laminated graphene nanoribbon sheets of the GNR layers  121  and  131 , it is possible to allow each graphene nanoribbon sheet to function as a current path in the wiring without increasing the complexity of the connecting portion of the lower wiring  12  with the via  14  and that of the upper wiring  13  with the via  14 . Thus, it is possible to reduce the electrical resistance by accurately connecting the lower wiring  12  to the via  14  and the upper wiring  13  to the via  14 , and to reduce the fabrication steps of the wiring structure. 
         [0052]    Note that, the configurations of the wiring and the wiring connecting member are not limited to those composed of the lower wiring  12 , the upper wiring  13 , the via  14  and the barrier metal  15  shown in the present embodiment. For example, a contact plug connecting a wiring to an element therebelow and a barrier metal on a surface of the contact plug may be used as a wiring connecting member. In this case, structures of a connecting portion of the wiring with the contact plug and the barrier metal are the same as the structures of the connecting portion of the upper wiring  13  with the via  14  and the barrier metal  15  in the present embodiment. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0053]    The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the wiring has plural laminated GNR layers. Note that, the explanation will be omitted or simplified for the same points as the first embodiment. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  is a vertical cross sectional view of a semiconductor device  200  according to a second embodiment. 
         [0055]    The semiconductor device  200  has an insulating film  10 A formed above a non-illustrated semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulating film  11 A on the insulating film  10 A, an interlayer insulating film  11 B on the interlayer insulating film  11 A, an insulating film  10 B on the interlayer insulating film  11 B, a lower wiring  22  in the interlayer insulating film  11 A, an upper wiring  23  in the interlayer insulating film  11 B, and a via  14  for electrically connecting the lower wiring  22  to the upper wiring  23 . 
         [0056]    The lower wiring  22  has a structure in which two pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer, which are composed of catalyst layers  220 A,  220 B and GNR layers  221 A and  221 B, are laminated. Alternatively, the lower wiring  22  may have a structure in which three or more pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer are laminated. 
         [0057]    The upper wiring  23  has a structure in which two pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer, which are composed of catalyst layers  230 A,  230 B and GNR layers  231 A and  231 B, are laminated. Alternatively, the upper wiring  23  may have a structure in which three or more pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer are laminated. 
         [0058]    The catalyst layers  220 A,  220 B,  230 A and  230 B have the same characteristics as the catalyst layers  120  and  130  in the first embodiment, and are formed by the same method. Meanwhile, the GNR layers  221 A,  221 B,  231 A and  231 B have the same characteristics as the GNR layers  121  and  131  in the first embodiment, and are formed by the same method. 
         [0059]    Similarly to the GNR layers  121  and  131  in the first embodiment, the GNR layers  221 A,  221 B,  231 A and  231 B are preferably composed of 10 layers or less of GNR sheets. Therefore, although improvement in the conduction properties is not expected even if the layer number of the GNR sheets in one GNR layer is increased, it is possible to improve the conduction properties of the wiring by forming laminated plural pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer, as is in the present embodiment. 
       Effect of the Second Embodiment 
       [0060]    According to the second embodiment, since the lower wiring  22  has a structure in which two pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer, which are composed of the catalyst layers  220 A,  220 B and the GNR layers  221 A and  221 B, are laminated, it is possible to further improve the conduction properties of the lower wiring  22 . In addition, since the upper wiring  23  has a structure in which two pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer, which are composed of the catalyst layers  230 A,  230 B and the GNR layers  231 A and  231 B, are laminated, it is possible to further improve the conduction properties of the upper wiring  23 . 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0061]    The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that plural upper wirings are connected to a lower wiring. Note that, the explanation will be omitted or simplified for the same points as the second embodiment. 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  is a vertical cross sectional view of a semiconductor device  300  according to a third embodiment. 
         [0063]    The semiconductor device  300  has an interlayer insulating film  31 A formed above a non-illustrated semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulating film  31 B on the interlayer insulating film  31 A, an interlayer insulating film  31 C on the interlayer insulating film  31 B, an interlayer insulating film  31 D on the interlayer insulating film  31 C, an insulating film  10 B on the interlayer insulating film  31 D, a lower wiring  32  in the interlayer insulating film  31 B, upper wirings  33 A and  33 B in the interlayer insulating film  31 D, a via  34 A for electrically connecting the lower wiring  32  to the upper wiring  33 A, a via  34 B for electrically connecting the lower wiring  32  to the upper wiring  33 B, and a via  34 C for electrically connecting the lower wiring  32  to a conductive member therebelow. 
         [0064]    The lower wiring  32  has the same characteristics as the lower wiring  22  in the second embodiment. Meanwhile, the upper wirings  33 A and  33 B have the same characteristics as the upper wiring  23  in the second embodiment. 
         [0065]    The vias  34 A,  34 B and  34 C are made of the same material as the via  14  in the first embodiment. Meanwhile, barrier metals  35 A,  35 B and  35 C are made of the same material as the barrier metal  15  in the first embodiment. 
         [0066]    The via  34 A and the barrier metal  35 A penetrate GNR layers  331 A,  331 B and catalyst layers  330 A and  330 B of the upper wiring  33 A, and GNR layers  321 A,  321 B and catalyst layer  320 B of the lower wiring  32 . 
         [0067]    The via  34 B and the barrier metal  35 B penetrate GNR layers  331 C,  331 D and catalyst layers  330 C and  330 C of the upper wiring  33 B, and the GNR layers  321 B of the lower wiring  32 . 
         [0068]    The via  34 C and the barrier metal  35 C penetrate the GNR layers  321 A,  321 B and the catalyst layers  320 A and  320 B of the lower wiring  32 . 
         [0069]    When the via  34 A and the barrier metal  35 A as well as the via  34 B and the barrier metal  35 B both penetrate the GNR layers  321 A and  321 B, the presence of the via  34 B disturbs the ballistic conduction between the vias  34 C and  34 A. Note that, when the semiconductor device  300  has an ultrafine wiring structure, since the GNR layers  321 A and  321 B made of graphene nanoribbon has a narrow line width, it is difficult to sufficiently reduce a diameter of the via  34 B with respect to the line width of the GNR layers  321 A and  321 B so as not to disturb the ballistic conduction. 
         [0070]    In the present embodiment, the via  34 A and the barrier metal  35 A are connected to the GNR layer  321 A of the lower wiring  32  but the via  34 B and the barrier metal  35 B are not connected thereto. Thus, the ballistic conduction between the vias  34 C and  34 A is not disturbed in the GNR layer  321 A, and it is possible to set the resistance between the vias  34 C and  34 A lower similarly to the resistance between the vias  34 C and  34 B. 
         [0071]    Note that, since the ballistic conduction occurs independently in each GNR sheet in the GNR layers  321 A and  321 B, if the height of the bottom surface of the via  34 A is lower than that of the via  34 B, a path in which the ballistic conduction is not disturbed is formed between the vias  34 C and  34 A. In other words, for example, the height of the bottom surface of the barrier metal  35 B may be between the heights of upper and lower surfaces of the GNR layer  321 A or between the heights of upper and lower surfaces of the GNR layer  321 B. 
         [0072]    However, since materials of the catalyst layer  320 B and the GNR layer  321 B can be selected so that the catalyst layer  320 B has a sufficient etching selectivity with respect to the GNR layer  321 B, it is easy to form a via hole for the via  34 B and the barrier metal  35 B using the catalyst layer  320 B as an etching stopper in the fabrication process. In this case, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the bottom surface of the barrier metal  35 B contacts with the GNR layer  321 B. 
         [0073]    In addition, even in the case that there is a pair or three or more pairs of catalyst layer and GNR layer which compose the lower wiring  32 , when the height of the bottom surface of the via  34 A is lower than that of the via  34 B, a path in which the ballistic conduction is not disturbed is formed between the vias  34 C and  34 A. 
         [0074]    In addition, when three or more vias which connect the lower wiring  32  to the upper conductive member are formed, it is possible to form a path in which the ballistic conduction is not disturbed between the via  34 C and each via by arranging the vias in order of lowering height of bottom surface from a position closer to the via  34 C. 
         [0075]    In addition, when the vias  34 A and  34 B are each connected to the lower conductive member instead of being connected to the upper wirings  33 A and  33 B, it is possible to form a path in which the ballistic conduction is not disturbed between the vias  34 C and  34 A and between the vias  34 C and  34 B by lowering the height of the upper surface of the via  34 B than that of the via  34 A (by arranging the vias in order of heightening height of upper surface from a position closer to the via  34 C). 
         [0076]    Note that, also in case that the via  34 A connects the lower wiring  32  to the conductive member thereabove, the condition for forming a path in which the ballistic conduction is not disturbed between the vias  34 C and  34 A and between the vias  34 C and  34 B is the same. 
         [0077]    In summary, when the lower wiring  32  includes the GNR sheet connected to the vias  34 A,  34 B and  34 C and the GNR sheet connected to only the vias  34 A and  34 C, a path in which the ballistic conduction is not disturbed is formed between the vias  34 C and  34 A and between the vias  34 C and  34 B. 
         [0078]    The interlayer insulating films  31 A,  31 B,  31 C and  31 D are made of the same material as the interlayer insulating films  11 A and  11 B in the first embodiment. 
         [0079]    An example of a method of fabricating the semiconductor device  300  according to the present embodiment will be described hereinafter. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 6A to 6G  are cross sectional views showing processes for fabricating the semiconductor device  300  according to the third embodiment. 
         [0081]    Firstly, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the lower wiring  32  and the interlayer insulating film  31 B are formed on the interlayer insulating film  31 A. 
         [0082]    Material films of the catalyst layers  320 A,  320 B and the GNR layers  321 A and  321 B are formed in the same manner as the catalyst film  101  and the graphene film  102  in the first embodiment, and are patterned, thereby forming the lower wiring  32 . The interlayer insulating film  31 B is formed by CVD, etc., so as to cover the lower wiring  32 , and is subsequently planarized by the planarization treatment such as CMP. 
         [0083]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6B , a via hole  301  is formed in the interlayer insulating film  31 B, the GNR layer  321 B, the catalyst layer  320 B, the GNR layer  321 A, the catalyst layer  320 A and the interlayer insulating film  31 A by a combination of photolithography and RIE, etc. 
         [0084]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6C , the barrier metal  35 C and the via  34 C are formed in the via hole  301 . The barrier metal  35 C and the via  34 C are formed by the same method as used to form the barrier metal  15  and the via  14  in the first embodiment. 
         [0085]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6D , the interlayer insulating film  31 C is formed on the interlayer insulating film  31 B by CVD, etc. 
         [0086]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6E , the upper wirings  33 A,  33 B and the interlayer insulating film  31 D are formed on the interlayer insulating film  31 C. 
         [0087]    A material film of the catalyst layers  330 A and  330 C, that of the GNR layers  331 A and  331 C, that of the catalyst layers  330 B and  330 D, and that of the GNR layers  331 B and  331 D are laminated and patterned, thereby forming the upper wirings  33 A and  33 B. The interlayer insulating film  31 D is formed by CVD, etc., so as to cover the upper wirings  33 A and  33 B, and is subsequently planarized by the planarization treatment such as CMP. 
         [0088]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6F , via holes  302 A and  302 B are formed by a combination of photolithography and RIE, etc. 
         [0089]    The via hole  302 A is formed in the interlayer insulating film  31 D, the upper wiring  33 A, the interlayer insulating films  31 C,  31 B and the GNR layer  3213 , the catalyst layer  320 B and the GNR layer  321 A of the lower wiring  32  by etching using the catalyst layer  320 A as an etching stopper. Thus, the catalyst layer  320 A is exposed on the bottom surface of the via hole  302 A. 
         [0090]    The via hole  302 B is formed in the interlayer insulating film  31 D, the upper wiring  33 B, the interlayer insulating films  31 C,  315  and the GNR layer  321 B of the lower wiring  32  by etching using the catalyst layer  320 B as an etching stopper. Thus, the catalyst layer  320 B is exposed on the bottom surface of the via hole  302 B. 
         [0091]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 6G , the barrier metal  35 A and the via  34 A are formed in the via hole  302 A, and the barrier metal  35 B and the via  34 B are formed in the via hole  302 B. 
         [0092]    A material film of the barrier metals  35 A and  35 B and that of the vias  34 A and  34 B are formed in the via holes  302 A and  302 B, and the material films outside of the via holes  302 A and  302 B are substantially removed by the planarization treatment such as CMP, thereby forming the vias  34 A and  34 B and the barrier metals  35 A and  35 B. 
         [0093]    Subsequently, the insulating film  10 B is formed on the interlayer insulating film  31 D by CVD, etc. As a result, the semiconductor device  300  shown in  FIG. 5  is obtained. 
       Effect of the Third Embodiment 
       [0094]    According to the third embodiment, the lower wiring  32  includes the GNR sheet connected to the vias  34 A,  34 B and  34 C and the GNR sheet connected to only the vias  34 A and  34 C, and it is thereby possible to form a path in which the ballistic conduction is not disturbed between the vias  34 C and  34 A and between the vias  34 C and  34 B. 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0095]    It should be noted that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, and the various kinds of changes thereof can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the invention. 
         [0096]    In addition, the constituent elements of the above-mentioned embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other without departing from the gist of the invention.

Technology Category: 5