Abstract:
Method and structures are provided for conformal lining of dual damascene structures in integrated circuits. Trenches (60) and contact vias (62) are formed (100) in insulating layers (60, 56). The trenches (60) and vias (62) are exposed to alternating chemistries to form monolayers of a desired lining material (150). Exemplary process flows include alternately pulsed metal halide (104) and ammonia gases (108) injected into a constant carrier flow. Self-terminated metal layers are thus reacted with nitrogen. Near perfect step coverage allows minimal thickness for a diffusion barrier function, thereby maximizing the volume of a subsequent filling metal (160) for any given trench and via dimensions.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which forms a lining layer with good coverage in a trench and a via of a porous low-dielectric constant insulator film.SOLUTION: Deposition is performed by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process utilizing a first reactant provided during a first pulse period and a second reactant provided during a second pulse period. First, a sealing layer is deposited under a condition having a low conformality to block pores. Then, an adhesion layer is deposited under a condition having high conformality.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved loading apparatus for loading planar thin semiconductor substrates in a cover boat in a vertical furnace.SOLUTION: A wafer boat assembly is provided for use in a loading apparatus for loading semiconductor substrates in a vertical furnace configured for batch processing. The wafer boat assembly comprises a wafer boat for holding semiconductor substrates, and a cover configured to substantially surround the substrates. The wafer boat assembly is provided with: a first wafer boat part comprising a base and a first cover part mounted to the base, the first cover part extending at least partially along a base upper perimeter; and a second wafer boat part comprising a second cover part removably provided on the first wafer boat part and configured to cooperate with the first cover part, the second cover part comprising receiving slots for receiving at least one semiconductor substrate to be processed.