Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for filling contacts, vias, trenches, and other patterns, in a substrate surface, particularly patterns having high aspect ratios. Generally, the present invention provides a method for removing oxygen from the surface of an oxidized metal layer prior to deposition of a subsequent metal. The oxidized metal is treated with a plasma consisting of nitrogen, hydrogen, or a mixture thereof. In one aspect of the invention, the metal layer is Ti, TiN, Ta, TaN, Ni, NiV, or V, and a subsequent wetting layer is deposited using either CVD techniques or electroplating, such as CVD aluminum (Al) or electroplating of copper (Cu). The metal layer can be exposed to oxygen or the atmosphere and then treated with a plasma of nitrogen and/or hydrogen in two or more cycles to remove or reduce oxidation of the surface of the metal layer and nucleate the growth of a subsequent metal layer thereon.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim