ALD Barrier Deposition on Porous Low-k Dielectric Materials for Interconnects

Abstract

To achieve very low permittivity values, advanced generations of low-k dielectrics for interconnects have a porous structure. Precursor penetration during metal barrier deposition by atomic layer deposition needs to be avoided not to degrade the low-k material properties. In this paper, we compare various options to seal a highly porous low-k material with a k-value of 2.0 against penetration during TaN ALD. This includes the exploration of a higher deposition temperature, the use of additional sealing layers, and the introduction of a short PVD Ta flash exposure prior to ALD. Depending on the technique used, pore penetration can be quasi completely avoided.