Method of forming low resistance contact structures in vias arranged between two levels of interconnect lines
US6013574A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L21/76877
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of forming low resistance contact structures in vias arranged between interconnect levels is provided. The method involves interconnect lines having an anti-reflective layer formed thereupon. An interlevel dielectric layer is formed over the interconnect lines. A photoresist layer is formed over the interlevel dielectric layer and patterned to define via locations. During via etch, an organic (carbon-based) polymer layer forms upon the anti-reflective-coated interconnect lines at the bottoms of the vias. The photoresist and the etch byproduct polymer layers are then removed using a dry etch process which employs a forming gas comprising nitrogen and hydrogen. A native oxide layer subsequently forms upon the anti-reflective-coated interconnect lines when exposed to oxygen. The native oxide layer is then removed, along with any residual etch byproduct polymer, during a sputter etch procedure. Each resulting via is substantially void of polymer and oxide residue so as to present a clean via area which allows ready adherence of a plug material to the anti-reflective coating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.