Method and apparatus for reducing copper oxidation and contamination in a semiconductor device
US6355571B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/3011
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for reducing oxidation of an interface of a semiconductor device thereby improving adhesion of subsequently formed layers and/or devices is disclosed. The semiconductor device has at least a first layer and a second layer wherein the interface is disposed between said first and second layers. The method includes the steps of providing the first layer having a partially oxidized interface; introducing a hydrogen-containing plasma to the interface; reducing the oxidized interface and introducing second-layer-forming compounds to the hydrogen-containing plasma. A concomitant apparatus (i.e., a semiconductor device interface) has a first insulating layer, one or more conductive devices disposed within the insulating layer, the insulating layer and conductive devices defining the interface, wherein the interface is treated with a continuous plasma treatment to remove oxidation and deposit a second layer thereupon. The insulating layer of the interface is selected from oxides and nitrides and is preferably a nitride.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.