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Abstract

An interconnect structure having refractory sidewalls 240 for enhanced yield, performance and reliability. The primary purpose of the refractory metal 240 is to getter sidewall impurities, residual polymers, and corrosive species by-products from the plasma etch and cleanup processes used to pattern interconnects. In a preferred embodiment, the refractory metal 240 reacts with the conducting layer 210 to form an intermetallic 245 which further enhances the endurance of the metallization against stress-induced rupturing and via-induced electromigration. The disclosed structures and methods are particularly advantageous in 'zero-overlap' designs, and aggressive pitch patterns where linewidth and corrosion control are critical, but are also advantageous in 'Damascene' pattern definition applications.

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First Claim