Etch residue reduction by ash methodology

Abstract

Methods for forming dual damascene interconnect structures are provided. The methods incorporate an ashing operation comprising a first ash operation and a second overash operation. The ashing operation is performed prior to etching of an etch stop layer. The operation removes residue from a cavity formed during formation of the interconnect structure and facilitates better CD control without altering the cavity profiles.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to semiconductor devices and, more particularly, to a method of reducing etch residue in a dual damascene structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the manufacture of semiconductor products such as integrated circuits, individual electrical devices are formed on or in a semiconductor substrate, and are thereafter interconnected to form electrical circuits. Interconnection of these devices within an integrated circuit is typically accomplished by forming a multi-level interconnect network in layers formed over the electrical devices, by which the device active elements are connected to one another to create the desired circuits. Individual wiring layers within the multi-level network are formed by depositing an insulating or dielectric layer over the discrete devices or over a previous interconnect layer, and patterning and etching cavities such as vias and trenches. Conductive material, such as copper is then deposited into the cavities and the wafer is planarized using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) to form an interconnect structure.

Typical interconnect structures are fabricated using single or dual damascene processes in which trenches and vias are formed (etched) in dielectric layer. Copper is then deposited into the trenches and vias and over the insulative layer, followed by CMP planarization to leave a copper wiring pattern including the desired interconnect metal inlaid within the dielectric layer trenches. The process may be repeated to form further interconnect layers or levels by which the desired circuit interconnections are made in a multi-level interconnect network.

Etch-stop layers are often formed beneath the dielectric material layers to provide controlled stopping of the via and/or trench formation etch processes. Silicon nitride (SiN) is typically employed as an etch stop material, although recently silicon carbide (SiC) has also been used for etch stop layers in interconnect processing. Diffusion barriers are often formed in the damascene cavities prior to deposition of copper to mitigate diffusion of copper into the dielectric material. Such barriers are typically formed using conductive compounds of transition metals such as tantalum nitride, titanium nitride and tungsten nitride, as well as the various transition metals themselves. Conductive metals, such as aluminum, copper, or the like are then used to fill the cavities after barrier layer formation, where copper is gradually replacing aluminum to improve the conductivity of the interconnect circuits.

To reduce or control RC delay times in finished semiconductor products, recent developments have focused on low dielectric constant (low-k) dielectric materials for use between the metal wiring lines, in order to reduce the capacitance therebetween and consequently to increase circuit speed. Examples of low-k dielectric materials include spin-on-glasses (SOGs), as well as organic and quasi-organic materials such as organo-silicate-glasses (OSGs), for example, having dielectric constants (k) as low as about 2.6-2.8, and ultra low-k dielectrics having dielectric constants below 2.5. OSG materials are low density silicate glasses to which alkyl groups have been added to achieve low-k dielectric characteristic.

Single and dual damascene processes using OSG, FSG, or ultra-low k dielectric materials, SiC material, and copper fill metals can thus be employed to increase speed, reduce cross talk, and reduce power consumption in modern high-speed, high-density devices. However, incorporating these materials into workable semiconductor fabrication processes presents additional challenges. Etch processes used to remove various layers in an etch stack, including SOG layers, underlayers, dielectric layers, the etch-stop material beneath the dielectric layer or layers, and the like, often leave polymer residue on various areas of the wafer surface, including, among others, on the dielectric sidewalls and the bottom of the trench or via cavities, which must be cleaned or removed prior to barrier formation and filling.

This residual polymer, if left uncleaned, causes a high resistance interface between underlying conductive features and the deposited fill or barrier material, thus exacerbating RC delays. However, the cleaning process itself must not corrode or damage the underlying conductive feature to which connection is to be made. Further, the cleaning process should not change the dimensions of the cavities. Wet cleaning processes have been used in the past to remove polymers formed on oxide type dielectric sidewalls when etching through SiN type etch-stop layers. Thus, there remains a need for fabricating single and/or dual damascene interconnect structures in semiconductor wafers by which these and other adverse effects can be mitigated or overcome, without negatively impacting production costs or cycle times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention, and is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The invention relates to methods for fabricating single or dual damascene interconnect structures which may be employed to mitigate the above-mentioned and other adverse effects. The invention may be employed to facilitate better CD control without altering the trench/via profiles.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for forming a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnet structure in a semiconductor wafer to provide electrical coupling to a conductive feature in an exiting interconnect structure, the method comprising forming an etch stop layer over the existing interconnect structure; forming a dielectric layer over the etch-stop layer; forming a via cavity in the dielectric layer over the etch stop layer; forming a trench cavity in the dielectric layer; performing an ashing operation to remove polymer residue; and extending the via cavity through a portion of the etch stop layer to expose the conductive feature in the existing interconnect structure.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for the removal of residue from a cavity during formation of a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnet structure in a semiconductor wafer to provide electrical coupling to a conductive feature in an existing interconnect structure, the method comprising forming an etch stop layer over the existing interconnect structure; forming a dielectric layer over the etch-stop layer; forming a via cavity in the dielectric layer over the etch stop layer; forming a trench cavity in the dielectric layer; performing an ashing operation to remove polymer residue; and extending the via cavity through a portion of the etch stop layer to expose the conductive feature in the existing interconnect structure.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit, comprising providing a semiconductor wafer having a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnet structure thereon, including forming an etch stop layer over the interconnect structure; forming a dielectric layer over the etch-stop layer; forming a via cavity in the dielectric layer over the etch stop layer; forming a trench cavity in the dielectric layer; performing an ashing operation to remove polymer residue; and extending the via cavity through a portion of the etch stop layer to expose the conductive feature in the existing interconnect structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1B are flow diagrams illustrating a method of fabricating single and/or dual damascene structures and removal of residue in a cavity therein in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B are partial flow diagrams illustrating additional steps for forming single and/or dual damascene structures in the fabrication method of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIGS. 3A-3J partial side elevation views in section illustrating fabrication of an exemplary via-first dual damascene interconnect structure in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side elevation view scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of dual damascene trenches formed according to conventional processes following etch-stop etching; and

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side elevation view SEM image of dual damascene trenches formed following the ashing operation of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. The invention relates to methods for forming single and/or dual damascene interconnect structures, including via and/or trench cavities or openings during interconnect processing of integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices. One or more implementations of the invention are hereinafter illustrated and described in the context of single or dual damascene trench and/or via cavity formation in low-k dielectric structures, wherein silicon nitride (SiN) and/or silicon oxide (SiO) etch-stop layers are employed. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the exemplary implementations illustrated and described hereinafter. In particular, the various aspects of the invention may be employed in association with processing of devices using OSG, FSG, or other low-k or ultra low-k dielectric materials, and other types of etch-stop layer materials. Further, the dual damascene formation methods of the invention may be employed in association with via-first and/or trench-first implementations.

Although only a single via and trench are illustrated in the Figures, it is to be appreciated that the invention can be used to form any number of trench and via structures in a dielectric layer(s) in addition to the single via and trench. It should also be noted that a via is used in the invention to describe a structure formed in a dielectric layer in which a contact is to be formed, and a trench is used to describe a structure formed in the dielectric layer in which a metal interconnect line is be formed.

An exemplary via-first implementation for removal of residue from a cavity during formation of a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnect structure in a semiconductor wafer is illustrated with reference to method 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. While the method 100 is illustrated and described below as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of such acts or events. For example, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein, in accordance with the invention. In addition, not all illustrated steps may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the invention. Furthermore, the methods according to the invention may be implemented in association with the formation and/or processing of structures illustrated and described herein as well as in association with other structures not illustrated.

Beginning at 12, the method 100 comprises forming an etch-stop layer over an existing interconnect structure at 102, forming a low-k dielectric layer over the etch-stop material at 104, and optionally forming a cap layer at 106 over the dielectric layer. Any appropriate etch-stop and dielectric materials and layer fabrication techniques may be employed at 102 and 104, respectively, such as depositing SiN, SiC, SiCO or SiCN etch-stop material to a thickness of about 200 Å to about 1000 Å using any appropriate deposition technique such as chemical-vapor deposition (CVD) or the like. An underlayer is then formed at 108, followed by formation of SOG layer 110.

A via photoresist is then formed and patterned at 112, having an opening in a prospective via region of the wafer. A via etch is performed at 114, creating a via cavity or opening in the dielectric layer and optional cap layer. Via etch can comprise a multi-step process 114a. As illustrated with reference to FIG. 2A, following formation and patterning of photoresist, pattern is transferred to SOG layer 202 and then to underlayer 204. A main etch is performed at 206, followed by an overetch 208. Method then continues in FIG. 1A at 116, where a via etch wet clean is performed.

A second layer of underlayer material is then formed 118, filling via. A second layer of SOG material is formed 120 over underlayer, followed by formation and patterning of a second photoresist at 124 in a proposed trench region. A trench etch is performed at 226, which can comprise a multi-step process 126a. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, following formation and patterning of photoresist, pattern is transferred to SOG layer 220 and then to underlayer 222. A trench etch is then performed 224, and method continues at 128 in FIG. 1A, where a trench etch wet clean is performed 128.

Referring to FIG. 1B, thereafter, at 130, a first ashing operation in accordance with the invention is performed to strip the trench resist mask and remaining underlayer. The first ash is followed by a second ashing operation, or overash at 134. An etch-stop layer etch 136 is then performed to remove the exposed portion of the etch-stop material, thereby extending the cavity and exposing a conductive feature in the underlying interconnect structure. A wet clean operation is then performed. A diffusion barrier is then formed at 138, and a seed copper layer is deposited over the diffusion barrier at 140, to facilitate subsequent copper filing of the via and trench cavities. The trench and via cavities are then filled with copper using an ECD process at 142, and a CMP process is performed at 146 to planarize the upper surface of the device, before the method ends at 148. It is noted that alternative implementations are possible with the scope of the invention, for example, wherein the trench is formed prior to formation of the cavity.

Application of the invention will now be described in conjunction with 3A-3J, in which there is illustrated a method for forming a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnect structure in a semiconductor wafer, which may be employed in a via-first implementation or a trench-first dual damascene implementation to provide electrical coupling to a conductive feature in the existing interconnect structure. FIG. 3A illustrates a wafer 302 at an intermediate stage of fabrication, comprising a silicon substrate 304, in which a conductive silicide structure 305 is formed. An initial contact layer is formed over the substrate 304, comprising a dielectric 306 with a tungsten contact 307 extending therethrough, and electrically contacting the silicide 135. An existing interconnect structure overlies the contact layer, including an etch-stop layer (not shown) and a dielectric 308 in which a conductive feature 310 is formed, such as a copper trench metal, to provide electric coupling to the tungsten contact 307. The dual damascene processing of the invention may be carried out in fabricating an interconnect structure over an initial contact structure, such as illustrated in FIG. 3A, and/or in forming such a structure over another single or dual damascene structure in a multi-layer interconnect network structure.

A SiN, SiO, SiCO or SiCN etch stop layer 312 is formed 102 over the existing interconnect dielectric material 308 and over the conductive feature 310, for example, to a thickness 312′ of about 200-1000 Å, and a dielectric layer 314, such as an ultra low-k dielectric material, is formed over the etch-stop layer 312 to a thickness 314′ of about 2000-11000 Å. An optional cap layer 316 overlies the dielectric 314. The cap layer 316 can comprise an organic, such as a tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) layer. An underlayer material is formed over optional cap layer 316. A SOG layer 326 is then formed over the underlayer 324. An initial patterned resist 318 is formed over the SOG layer 316, having an opening 3in a prospective via region. The patterned resist 318 can be a single layer of resist or a tri-layer lithography process can be utilized.

In FIG. 3B, mask 318 is patterned, followed by a via etch process 322 to form a via cavity 320 through layers 326, 324, 316, 314, stopping on and exposing a portion of the underlying etch-stop layer 312 in the via region 320. The etch process can be a single-step or a multi-step process performed in a plasma etch tool, such as one or more patterned etch processes to remove material from portions of the SOG layer 326, underlayer 324, optional cap layer 318 and dielectric layer 314. A post via etch cleaning operation 116, such as a wet clean, is then performed.

In FIG. 3C, a second underlayer material 325, for example, an organic film, is formed over the remaining cap layer 316 and filling the via region 320. A second SOG layer 327 is formed over the underlayer 325. In FIG. 3D, a second photo resist 328 is formed and patterned over the SOG layer 327, having an opening in a prospective trench region. A trench etch process 332 is used to form a trench cavity 334.

A further trench etch process 336 is performed in FIG. 3E to further form the trench 334 through layers 376, 325, 326, and underlayer 324, and stopping at the cap layer 316, followed by a main etch process 338 in FIG. 2F, in which to form trench cavity 334 into the dielectric layer 314 and removal of the SOG layer 327, 325 and underlayer 326, leaving a thickness of underlayer material 325 unetched at the bottom of the via cavity 320.

Thereafter, an ashing operation 340 in accordance with the invention and as described hereinafter is used to remove residual underlayer 325 and any polymer residue formed during previous etch steps, as shown in FIG. 3G.

Residue is removed using an ashing operation prior to etching of etch stop layer 312. In one embodiment, ashing operation is a two step process, including a first ash and a second overash. In another embodiment, ashing operation can be one continuous ash, such that the overash occurs as a continuation of the first ash. The process is performed as part of a trench etch on a plasma etch tool wherein the wafer 302 is exposed to a plasma comprising a process gas. The composition of the process gas can be varied and can be a carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or oxygen process gas, or a mixture thereof. A process gas such as H₂ or NH₃ can also be used, either alone or in conjunction with other gases (e.g., inert noble gases such as He and Ar, and N₂).

The process parameters of the method of the invention can, for example, utilize a chamber pressure of 10 to 300 mTorr, a process gas flow rate of 10 sccm to 4000 sccm, a power ranging from about 200 watts to about 2000 watts, and a RF bias of 0 to 1000 volts. Although a specific temperature range is not required to practice the invention, the temperature of the process may be varied. Typically, the temperature will range between −20° C. and 90° C.

The end of the first ash operation 340 and the second ashing operation 342 can be determined using endpoint detection. One possible method of endpoint detection is to monitor a chemical component within the chamber. A chemical spectrum is collected. After emission levels corresponding to the chemical species cross a specified threshold (e.g., drop to substantially zero or increase above a particular level), the ash step is considered to be complete.

Another possible method of endpoint detection is to monitor a portion of the emitted light spectrum from the plasma region that indicates when all (or substantially all) of the polymer (and possibly the photoresist) has been removed from the chamber. For example, portions of the spectrum that indicate such a removal have wavelengths of 482.5 nm (CO), 775.5 nm (F), and 440 nm (SiF.sub.4), and can be measured using Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). After emission levels corresponding to those frequencies cross a specified threshold (e.g., drop to substantially zero or increase above a particular level), the first step is considered to be complete. Other wavelengths that provide endpoint information can also be used.

After the end of the first ash operation 340, a second ash operation preferably utilizes a 50-500% overash to remove any remaining post-ash residue (PAR). That is, if the first step is completed in 50 sec, the second step would be 25 sec for a 50% overash and 50 sec for a 100% overash. The process parameters of the second ash can be identical to the parameters of the first ash.

An etch-stop etch 344 is performed immediately thereafter in FIG. 3H to remove the exposed portion of the etch stop layer 312, thereby exposing the conductive feature 310. A post etch treatment (PET) can then be performed to remove any residue deposited on the via/trench sidewalls during removal of the etch stop layer, followed by a wet clean process.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, a diffusion barrier layer 348 and a copper seed layer 350 are formed, after which copper fill material 352 is deposited over the wafer 302 to fill the trench and via cavities 334 and 320, respectively, for example, using an ECD process. Thereafter, in FIG. 3J, the wafer 302 is planarized, for example, using a CMP process, to complete the conductive dual damascene trench and via structure. One or more subsequent interconnect levels or layers may thereafter be constructed over the structure of FIG. 3J, for example, using the above-described or other dual damascene fabrication techniques. Any number of such layers or levels may be fabricated in accordance with the invention, to provide electrical coupling to the conductive feature (e.g., silicide structure 306) in the wafer 302.

Referring also to FIGS. 4A-4B, illustrations are provided showing cross-sectional views of dual damascene structures structures. FIG. 4A illustrates dual damascene routing trenches undergoing conventional processing. FIG. 4B illustrates another wafer undergoing the dual damascene interconnect processing with the ashing operation according to the invention (e.g., method 100 above).

As can be seen from FIGS. 4A and 4B, the trench profiles of the image 352 formed in accordance with the method of the invention are significantly better than in the conventional case of the image 350. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the method of the invention removes residue from the wafer surface and within exposed features without damaging the dielectric material. The method, moreover, does not measurably impact the trench/via profiles or critical dimensions (CDs). Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention. In addition while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”.

Claims

1. A method of forming a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnect structure in a semiconductor wafer to provide electrical coupling to a conductive feature in an existing interconnect structure, the method comprising: forming an etch stop layer over the existing interconnect structure;forming a dielectric layer over the etch-stop layer;forming a via cavity in the dielectric layer over the etch stop layer;forming a trench cavity in the dielectric layer;performing an ashing operation to remove polymer residue; andextending the via cavity through a portion of the etch stop layer to expose the conductive feature in the existing interconnect structure.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dielectric layer comprises an ultra low-k dielectric material.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the ashing operation comprises a first ash operation and a second ash operation.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first ashing operation is performed at a chamber pressure of from about 10 mTorr to about 300 mTorr and a flow rate of process gas of from about 1-sccm to about 4000 sccm.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the process gas comprises one or more of C, CO, CO2, H2, NH3, He, Ar and/or N2.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the endpoint of the first ashing operation is determined by one or more methods of endpoint detection.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the methods of endpoint detection comprise monitoring of a chemical component or monitoring of emission of light from the process gas.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the second operation comprises an overash in an amount from about 50% to about 500%.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the via cavity through the portion of the dielectric layer comprises etching the portion of the dielectric layer to form the via cavity to expose the portion of the etch-stop layer using a via etch process, and wherein extending the via cavity through the portion of the etch-stop layer comprises etching an exposed portion of the etch-stop layer to expose the conductive feature in the exiting interconnect structure using an etch-stop process.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the ashing operation is performed prior to the etch-stop etch process.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming a cap layer over the dielectric layer.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising filling the cavity with a conductive material.

13. A method for the removal of residue from a cavity during formation of a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnect structure in a semiconductor wafer to provide electrical coupling to a conductive feature in an existing interconnect structure, the method comprising: forming an etch stop layer over the existing interconnect structure;forming a dielectric layer over the etch-stop layer;forming a via cavity in the dielectric layer over the etch stop layer;forming a trench cavity in the dielectric layer;performing an ashing operation to remove polymer residue; and extending the via cavity through a portion of the etch stop layer to expose the conductive feature in the existing interconnect structure.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the ashing operation comprises a first ash operation and a second ash operation.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the ashing operation is performed at a chamber pressure of from about 10 mTorr to about 300 mTorr, a flow rate of process gas of from about 10 sccm to about 4000 sccm, and a power ranging from about 200 watts to about 2000 watts.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the process gas comprises one or more of C, CO, CO2, H2, NH3, He, Ar and/or N2.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the endpoint of the first ashing operation is determined by one or more methods of endpoint detection.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the methods of endpoint detection comprise monitoring of a chemical component or monitoring of emission of light from the process gas.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the ashing operation is performed prior to the etch-stop etch process.

20. A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit, comprising: providing a semiconductor wafer having a dual damascene interconnect structure overlying an existing interconnect structure thereon, including:forming an etch stop layer over the interconnect structure;forming a dielectric layer over the etch-stop layer;forming a via cavity in the dielectric layer over the etch stop layer;forming a trench cavity in the dielectric layer;performing an ashing operation to remove polymer residue; and extending the via cavity through a portion of the etch stop layer to expose the conductive feature in the existing interconnect structure.