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Abstract

The present invention is a process for planarization of substrate layers comprising apertures to form continuous, void-free contacts or vias in sub-half micron applications. A CVD silicon or metal silicide wetting layer is deposited onto the substrate layer comprising apertures to provide a conformal wetting layer for a PVD metal layer. The PVD metal layer is deposited onto the previously formed CVD metal layer at a temperature below that of the melting point temperature of the metal. The CVD layer diffuses into the PVD layer and the resulting conductive layer is substantially void-free. The planarization process is preferably carried out in a multi-chamber system that includes both PVD and CVD processing chambers so that once the substrate is introduced into a vacuum environment, the filling of vias and contacts occurs without the formation of an oxide layer over the CVD wetting layer.

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First Claim