US6001730A
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Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry for polishing copper interconnects which use tantalum-based barrier layers
Assignee: VLSI Technology LLC
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Filing: 1997-10-20
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Granted: 1999-12-14
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Expires: 2017-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A method for forming a copper interconnect on an integrated circuit (IC) begins by forming a dielectric layer (20) having an opening. A tantalum-based barrier layer (21), such as TaN or TaSiN, is formed within the opening in the layer (20). A copper layer (22) is formed over the barrier layer (21). A first CMP process is used to polish the copper (22) to expose portions of the barrier (21). A second CMP process which is different from the first CMP process is then used to polish exposed portions of the layer (21) faster than the dielectric layer (20) or the copper layer (22). After this two-step CMP process, a copper interconnect having a tantalum-based barrier is formed across the integrated circuit substrate (12).
Inventors
- 👤 Janos Farkas
- 👤 Rajeev Bajaj
- 👤 Melissa Freeman
- 👤 David K. Watts
- 👤 Sanjit Das
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:00
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10W; H10W20/00; H10W20/01; H10W20/031; H10W20/032; H10W20/042; H10W20/043; C; C09; C09G; C09G1/00; C09G1/02; H10P; H10P52/00; H10P52/40; H10P52/403; H10W20/033; H10W20/056; H10W20/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for forming a copper interconnect on an integrated circuit, the method comprising the steps of: providing a dielectric layer having a top surface; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; forming a tantalum-based barrier layer within the opening; forming a copper layer over the tantalum-based barrier layer; polishing the copper layer until a portion of the tantalum-based barrier layer is exposed, the polishing of the copper layer using a first CMP slurry; and polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer to expose a top surface of the dielectric layer, the polishing of the tantalum-based barrier layer using a second CMP slurry different from the first CMP slurry, the second CMP slurry having a non-neutral pH.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for forming a copper interconnect on an integrated circuit, the method comprising the steps of: providing a dielectric layer having a top surface; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; forming a tantalum-based barrier layer within the opening; forming a copper layer over the tantalum-based barrier layer; polishing the copper layer until a portion of the tantalum-based barrier layer is exposed, the polishing of the copper layer using a first CMP slurry; and polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer to expose a top surface of the dielectric layer, the polishing of the tantalum-based barrier layer using a second CMP slurry different from the first CMP slurry, the second CMP slurry having a non-neutral pH.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first CMP slurry is a slurry comprising: on an order of 0.2 wt % to 5 wt % of an oxidizing agent; on an order of 0.2 wt % to 20 wt % of a carboxylate salt; and on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12 wt % abrasive slurry.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the carboxylate salt is a citrate salt.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 3 wherein citrate salt is ammonium citrate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 3 wherein citrate salt is potassium citrate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first CMP slurry also contains 1,2,4-triazole or a triazole derivative.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first CMP slurry comprises: on an order of 1.0 wt % to 1.5 wt % of hydrogen peroxide; on an order of 0.8 wt % to 1.3 wt % of a citrate salt; and on an order of 2.0 wt % to 4.0 wt % abrasive slurry.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7 wherein citrate salt is ammonium citrate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the second CMP slurry comprises: on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12.0 wt % of an abrasive slurry; and on an order of 0.01 wt % to 2.0 wt % of an amine compound.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 9 wherein abrasive slurry is a silica abrasive.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the second CMP slurry has a pH between 9 and 11.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first CMP slurry polishes the copper layer at a rate of greater than 5000 angstroms per minute and polishes the tantalum-based barrier layer at a rate of less than 350 angstroms per minute, and wherein the second CMP slurry polishes the copper layer at a rate of less than 400 angstroms per minute and polishes the tantalum-based barrier layer at a rate of greater than 450 angstroms per minute.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first CMP slurry is used in conjunction with a first polishing pad and the second CMP slurry is used in conjunction with a second polishing pad wherein the second polishing pad is softer that the first polishing pad.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of forming the dielectric layer comprises: forming the dielectric layer from several dielectric layers and at least one etch stop layer whereby the opening in the dielectric layer is formed as a dual inlaid opening.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the tantalum-based barrier layer comprises one of either tantalum nitride or tantalum silicon nitride.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of polishing a copper layer having a tantalum-based barrier layer, the method comprising the steps of: providing a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; forming the tantalum-based barrier layer within the opening; forming the copper layer over the tantalum-based barrier layer; polishing the copper layer using a first CMP process comprising a carboxylate salt; and polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer using a second CMP process comprising an amine compound.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of polishing a copper layer having a tantalum-based barrier layer, the method comprising the steps of: providing a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; forming the tantalum-based barrier layer within the opening; forming the copper layer over the tantalum-based barrier layer; polishing the copper layer using a first CMP process comprising a carboxylate salt; and polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer using a second CMP process comprising an amine compound.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the first CMP process uses a first CMP pad and the second CMP process uses a second CMP pad wherein the first CMP pad is harder than the second CMP pad.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the first CMP process uses a first CMP slurry and the second CMP process uses a second CMP slurry wherein the first CMP slurry is different from the second CMP slurry.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the first CMP slurry comprises: on an order of 0.2 wt % to 5 wt % of an oxidizing agent; on an order of 0.2 wt % to 20 wt % of a carboxylate salt; and on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12 wt % abrasive slurry; and the second CMP slurry comprises: on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12.0 wt % of an abrasive slurry; and on an order of 0.01 wt % to 2.0 wt % of an amine compound.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the first CMP slurry comprises an alumina abrasive slurry and the second CMP slurry comprises a silica abrasive slurry.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the first CMP slurry comprises an alumina abrasive slurry and the second CMP slurry comprises a silica abrasive slurry.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the first CMP slurry comprises an oxidizing agent and the second CMP slurry does not contain an oxidizing agent.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the first CMP slurry polishes the copper layer at a rate of greater than 5000 angstroms per minute and polishes the tantalum-based barrier layer at a rate of less than 350 angstroms per minute, and wherein the second CMP slurry polishes the copper layer at a rate of less than 400 angstroms per minute and polishes the tantalum-based barrier layer at a rate of greater than 450 angstroms per minute.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the second CMP slurry comprises ethylendiamine.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the tantalum-based barrier layer comprises one of either tantalum nitride or tantalum silicon nitride.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
208 words
A method for forming a copper layer having a tantalum-based barrier layer, the method comprising the steps of: forming a first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer having a top surface; etching an interconnect trench in the second dielectric layer; etching a via opening in the first dielectric layer; depositing the tantalum-based barrier layer within the interconnect trench and the via opening; depositing the copper layer on top of the tantalum-based barrier layer; polishing, using a first CMP process, the copper layer to expose a portion of the tantalum-based barrier layer, the first CMP process polishing the copper layer faster than the tantalum-based barrier layer; and polishing, using a second CMP process different from the first CMP process, the tantalum-based barrier layer to expose the top surface of the second dielectric layer, the second CMP process polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer faster than the copper layer and polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer faster than the second dielectric layer wherein the first CMP slurry is used in conjunction with a first polishing pad and the second CMP slurry is used in conjunction with a second polishing pad wherein the second polishing pad is softer that the first polishing pad.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
208 words
A method for forming a copper layer having a tantalum-based barrier layer, the method comprising the steps of: forming a first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer having a top surface; etching an interconnect trench in the second dielectric layer; etching a via opening in the first dielectric layer; depositing the tantalum-based barrier layer within the interconnect trench and the via opening; depositing the copper layer on top of the tantalum-based barrier layer; polishing, using a first CMP process, the copper layer to expose a portion of the tantalum-based barrier layer, the first CMP process polishing the copper layer faster than the tantalum-based barrier layer; and polishing, using a second CMP process different from the first CMP process, the tantalum-based barrier layer to expose the top surface of the second dielectric layer, the second CMP process polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer faster than the copper layer and polishing the tantalum-based barrier layer faster than the second dielectric layer wherein the first CMP slurry is used in conjunction with a first polishing pad and the second CMP slurry is used in conjunction with a second polishing pad wherein the second polishing pad is softer that the first polishing pad.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the first CMP process uses a slurry comprising: on an order of 0.2 wt % to 5 wt % of hydrogen peroxide; on an order of 0.2 wt % to 20 wt % of a ammonium citrate; and on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12 wt % alumina slurry; and the second CMP process uses a slurry comprising: on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12.0 wt % of a silica slurry; and on an order of 0.01 wt % to 2.0 wt % of ethylendiamine.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the second CMP process uses a slurry that has a non-neutral basic pH.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the second CMP process uses a slurry that has a non-neutral basic pH within a range of 9.0 and 11.0.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for polishing a copper interconnect, the method comprising the steps of: forming a dielectric layer; etching an opening in the dielectric layer; depositing a barrier layer within the opening; forming a copper-containing conductive material over the barrier layer; polishing the copper-containing layer using a first chemical mechanical polihsing (CMP) process that uses a first CMP pad on a CMP processing tool; polishing the barrier layer using a second chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process that uses a second CMP pad on the CMP processing tool; and polishing a top surface of the dielectric layer using a third chemical mechanical polihsing (CMP) process that uses a third CMP pad on the CMP processing tool.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for polishing a copper interconnect, the method comprising the steps of: forming a dielectric layer; etching an opening in the dielectric layer; depositing a barrier layer within the opening; forming a copper-containing conductive material over the barrier layer; polishing the copper-containing layer using a first chemical mechanical polihsing (CMP) process that uses a first CMP pad on a CMP processing tool; polishing the barrier layer using a second chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process that uses a second CMP pad on the CMP processing tool; and polishing a top surface of the dielectric layer using a third chemical mechanical polihsing (CMP) process that uses a third CMP pad on the CMP processing tool.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the first CMP process uses a slurry comprising: on an order of 0.2 wt % to 5 wt % of hydrogen peroxide; on an order of 0.2 wt % to 20 wt % of a ammonium citrate; and on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12 wt % alumina slurry; and the second CMP process uses a slurry comprising: on an order of 1.0 wt % to 12.0 wt % of a silica slurry; and on an order of 0.01 wt % to 2.0 wt % of ethylendiamine; and the third CMP process uses a slurry comprising: KOH; and deionized H 2 O.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the the first CMP pad has a first hardness, the second CMP pad has a second hardness, and the third CMP pad has a third hardness, the first hardness being greater than the second hardness and the third hardness being greater than the second hardness.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-13 | 2003-06-14 | 2003-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-06-14 | 2007-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-13 | 2011-06-14 | 2011-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |