CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional of Ser. No. 10/816,955, filed on Apr. 5, 2004, which is based upon and claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-372304, filed on Oct. 31, 2003, the contents being incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a multilayer interconnection structure and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device, more specifically a semiconductor device having a multilayer interconnection structure using low dielectric constant (low-k) films as the inter-layer insulation films and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device.
The recent increasing micronization of semiconductor devices requires decrease of the interconnection resistance and interconnection capacitance of the semiconductor devices.
To meet such requirement, the main material of the interconnections is shifting from Al (aluminum) to Cu (copper) having lower relative resistance and better electromigration characteristics. Accompanying the shift of the major material of the interconnections to Cu, the process for forming the interconnections is shifting from the processing of depositing the interconnection materials and patterning them by lithography and dry etching as of RIE (Reactive Ion Etching) or others to the so-called damascene process (refer to, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No. 2001-298084). In the damascene process, trench patterns and hole patterns are formed in the interconnection insulation films, and the interconnection material is buried in the trenches and holes. The shift of the forming process to the damascene process accompanying the shift of the interconnection material to Cu is because Cu is difficult to process by RIE, while Al is not.
As the materials of the inter-layer insulation films for the insulation between the interconnections, SiO2, FSG (fluorinated silicate glass), etc. have been so far used.
As a countermeasure to the interconnection delay due to the recent micronization, decrease of the interconnection resistance and interconnection capacitance is required. However, it is difficult to further lower the resistance of the interconnections formed of Cu as the major material. It is being studied to use as the inter-layer insulation films low-k films whose dielectric constants are lower than silicon oxide film and silicon nitride film to thereby decrease the interconnection capacitance.
As semiconductor elements are increasingly micronized, a number of transistors to be mounted on a chip is on increase and is even 100M pieces. The interconnection layers interconnecting the transistors and supplying power sources are required to have various functions. That is, the source interconnections are required to be the interconnections of low resistance for making the voltage decreases small. The interconnections interconnecting short distances are required to be micronized interconnections for higher circuit densities. The interconnections interconnecting circuit blocks are required to have lower resistance than the micronized interconnections and have pitches whish are more micronized than the upper interconnection layers.
In the multilayer interconnection structure of semiconductor devices, in order to satisfy such various requirements of these interconnection layers, interconnection layer parts each formed of a plurality of layers and divided in functions, such as a lower layer interconnection which can define micronized pitches, an intermediate layer interconnection used as the interconnections among circuit blocks, and an upper layer interconnection used as source interconnections, clock interconnection, etc., are put together.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a semiconductor device having the conventional multilayer interconnection structure, which shows the structure thereof.
Adevice isolation film302 for defining a device region is formed on asilicon substrate300. A MOS transistor including agate electrode304 and source/drain diffusedlayers306 is formed in the device region of thesilicon substrate300.
Aninter-layer insulation film310 with acontact plug308 buried in is formed on thesilicon substrate300 with the MOS transistor formed on.
On theinter-layer insulation film310 with thecontact plug308 buried in, aninter-layer insulation film312 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. In the region of theinter-layer insulation film312, which includes thecontact plug308, aninterconnection layer314aof a barrier metal layer of a Ta (tantalum) film and a Cu (copper) film is buried, connected to thecontact plug308. Aninterconnection layer314bof the barrier metal layer of the tantalum film and the Cu film is buried in the other region of theinter-layer insulation film312.
On theinter-layer insulation film312 with theinterconnection layers314a,314bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film316 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. Aninter-layer insulation film318 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. In the regions of theinter-layer insulation films316,318 on theinterconnection layer314a, aninterconnection layer320aof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer314awith the via portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film316 and with the interconnection portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film318. In the region of theinter-layer insulation film318 over theinterconnection layer314b, aninterconnection layer320bof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried.
On theinterconnection layer318 with theinterconnection layers320a,320bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film322 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. On theinter-layer insulation film322, aninter-layer insulation film324 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. In the regions of theinter-layer insulation films322,324 on theinterconnection layer320a, aninterconnection layer326aof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer320awith the via portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film322 and with the interconnection portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film324. In the region of theinter-layer insulation film324 over theconnection layer320b, aninterconnection layer326bof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried.
On theinterconnection layer324 with theinterconnection layers326a,326bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film328 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. On theinter-layer insulation film328, an inter-layer insulation film330 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. In the regions of theinter-layer insulation films328,330 on theinterconnection layer326a, aninterconnection layer332aof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer326awith the via portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film328 and with the interconnection portion buried in the inter-layer insulation film330. In the region of the inter-layer insulation film330 over theconnection layer326b, aninterconnection layer332bof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried.
Thus, the lower interconnection part having the four-layer multilayer interconnection structure of theinterconnection layers314a,314b, theinterconnection layers320a,320b, theinterconnection layers326a,326band theinterconnection layers332a,332bis formed on thesilicon substrate300.
On the interconnection layer330 with theinterconnection layers332a,332bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film334 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. On theinter-layer insulation film334, aninter-layer insulation film336 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. In the regions of theinter-layer insulation films334,336 on theinterconnection layer332a, aninterconnection layer338aof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer332awith the via portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film334 and with the interconnection portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film336. In the region of theinter-layer insulation film336 over theconnection layer332b, aninterconnection layer338bof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried.
On theinterlayer insulation film336 with theinterconnection layers338a,338bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film340 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. On theinter-layer insulation film340, aninter-layer insulation film342 is formed of a silicon nitride film and one of a silicon oxide film or an FSG film laid on the silicon nitride film. In the regions of theinter-layer insulation films340,342 on theinterconnection layer338a, aninterconnection layer344aof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer338awith the via portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film340 and with the interconnection portion buried in theinter-layer insulation film342. In the region of theinter-layer insulation film342 over theconnection layer338b, aninterconnection layer344bof a barrier metal layer of a tantalum film, and a Cu film is buried.
Thus, the upper interconnection part having the two-layer multilayer interconnection structure of theinterconnection layers338a,338band theinterconnection layers344a,344bhaving interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than theinterconnection layers314a,314b, theinterconnection layer320a,320b, theinterconnection layer326a,326band theinterconnection layers332a,332bof the lower interconnection part is formed on the lower interconnection part.
On theinter-layer insulation film342 with theinterconnection layers344a,344bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film346 is formed of a silicon oxide film laid on a silicon nitride film. Contactplugs348 are buried in theinter-layer insulation film346.
On the region of theinter-layer insulation film346 containing thecontact plugs348, anelectrode350 is formed, connected to theinterconnection layer344athrough thecontact plugs348.
On theinter-layer insulation film346 with theelectrode350 formed on, acover film352 is formed of asilicon nitride film352aformed on asilicon oxide film352b. Anopening354 is formed in thecover film352 down to theelectrode350.
In the case that the interconnection layers are divided in terms of functions as described above, the structures of the respective interconnection layers are changed in accordance with required characteristics.
For example, the lower layer interconnections are formed at small pitches, and to decrease the interconnection capacitance, film thicknesses of the interconnection layers are made small. In order to decrease the interconnection capacitance, materials of the inter-layer insulation films must be low-k materials.
On the other hand, the upper layer interconnections are formed at larger interconnection pitches so as to allow the interconnections to be formed in a thicker thickness. The interconnection capacitance does not critically matter in the upper interconnection layers, which permits silicon oxide film to be used as the inter-layer insulation films.
The intermediate layer interconnections are required to have characteristics which are middle between the lower layer interconnections and the upper layer interconnections described above. At this time, the intermediate layer interconnections, which interconnect the circuit blocks, have the interconnection length larger than the lower layer interconnections, and the resistance must be made low. Accordingly, the thickness of the interconnection is larger than the lower layer interconnections, and the pitch of the interconnections is larger. The interconnection capacitance increase due to the thick interconnections must be suppressed, and to this end, low-k materials must be used as the material of the inter-layer insulation films.
However, when low-k films are used as the inter-layer insulation films in place of silicon oxide film, etc. for the end of decreasing the interconnection capacitance in the lower layer interconnections and the intermediate layer interconnections, an inconvenience that defects easily take place in the interconnections, which lowers the yield, and others have happened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device using low-k films as the inter-layer insulation films of the multilayer interconnection structure, which can achieve the suppression of the defect occurrence and the decrease of the interconnection capacitance corresponding to the functions of the interconnections, and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising: a first inter-layer insulation film formed over a substrate and including a first low dielectric constant film and a hydrophilic insulation film formed on the first low dielectric constant film; a first interconnection layer buried in a first interconnection trench formed in the first inter-layer insulation film, whose minimum interconnection pitch is a first pitch; a second inter-layer insulation film formed over the first inter-layer insulation film and including a second low dielectric constant film; a second interconnection layer buried in a second interconnection trench formed in the second inter-layer insulation film, whose minimum interconnection pitch is a second pitch larger than the first pitch; and a diffusion preventing film formed directly on the second low dielectric constant film and the second interconnection layer.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising: a first multilayer interconnection layer formed over a substrate and including a plurality of interconnection layers whose minimum interconnection pitch is a first pitch; and a second multilayer interconnection layer formed over the first multilayer interconnection layer and including a plurality of interconnection layers whose minimum interconnection pitch is a second pitch larger than the first pitch, at least one of said plurality of interconnection layers forming the first multilayer interconnection layer being buried in an opening formed in a first inter-layer insulation film including a first low dielectric constant film and a hydrophilic insulation film formed on the first low dielectric constant film, the respective plurality of interconnection layers forming the second multilayer interconnection layer being buried in an opening formed in a second inter-layer insulation film including a diffusion preventing film and a second low dielectric constant film formed on the diffusion preventing film, and the diffusion preventing film of one second inter-layer insulation film being formed directly on the second low dielectric constant film of another second inter-layer insulation film underlying said one second inter-layer insulation film.
According to further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: forming over a substrate a first inter-layer insulation film including a first low dielectric constant film and a first hydrophilic insulation film formed on the first low dielectric constant film; forming a first interconnection trench in the first inter-layer insulation film; forming a first conductor film on the first inter-layer insulation film with the first interconnection trench formed in; polishing the first conductor film to expose the first hydrophilic insulation film while burying the first conductor film in the first interconnection trench to form a first interconnection layer whose minimum interconnection pitch is a first pitch; forming a second inter-layer insulation film including a second low dielectric constant film over the first inter-layer insulation film; forming a second interconnection trench in the second inter-layer insulation film; forming a second conductor film on the second inter-layer insulation film with the second interconnection trench formed in; and polishing the second conductor film to expose the second low dielectric constant film while burying the second conductor film in the second interconnection trench to form a second interconnection layer whose minimum interconnection pitch is a second pitch larger than the first pitch.
As described above, the semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises: a first inter-layer insulation film formed over a substrate and including a first low dielectric constant film and a hydrophilic insulation film formed on the first low dielectric constant film; a first interconnection layer buried in a first interconnection trench formed in the first inter-layer insulation film, whose minimum interconnection pitch is a first pitch; a second inter-layer insulation film formed over the first inter-layer insulation film and including a second low dielectric constant film; a second interconnection layer buried in a second interconnection trench formed in the second inter-layer insulation film, whose minimum interconnection pitch is a second pitch larger than the first pitch; and a diffusion preventing film formed directly on the second low dielectric constant film and the second interconnection layer, whereby in a case that low dielectric constant films are used as the inter-layer insulation films of a multilayer interconnection structure, corresponding to functions of the interconnections, the first interconnection layer can suppress the occurrence of defects and the decreases the interconnection capacitance, while the second interconnection layer can sufficiently decrease the interconnection capacitance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is an SEM picture showing corrosion of interconnections due to water marks.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the semiconductor device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which shows a structure thereof.
FIGS. 3A-3E are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part1).
FIGS. 4A-4D are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part2).
FIGS. 5A-5D are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part3).
FIGS. 6A-6C are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part4).
FIGS. 7A-7C are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part5).
FIGS. 8A-8B are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part6).
FIGS. 9A-9D are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part7).
FIGS. 10A-10D are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part8).
FIGS. 11A-11C are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part9).
FIGS. 12A-12D are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part10).
FIGS. 13A-13D are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part11).
FIGS. 14A-14C are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part12).
FIGS. 15A-15C are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part13).
FIGS. 16A-16B are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method (Part14)
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a semiconductor device having the conventional multilayer interconnection structure, which shows the structure thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to decrease the interconnection capacitance of semiconductor devices, as described above, the use of low-k materials as materials of the inter-layer insulation films is being studies. As the low-k materials are known SiOC, SILK (registered trademark) by The Dow Chemical Company, FLARE (registered trademark) by Honeywell Electronic Materials, etc. Most of such low-k materials are water-repellent. This is for the following reason. The relative dielectric constant of water is as high as88. Accordingly, when a film formed of a low-k material absorbs humidity, the dielectric constant of the film rises. To suppress the dielectric constant increase due to the humidity absorption, the low-k materials are terminated with Si—H, SiCH3for the processing for prohibiting the formation of Si—OH bonds, which are hydrophilic.
As mentioned above, in order to suppress the dielectric constant increase due to the humidity absorption, the low-k materials are terminated with hydrogen, methyl or others to be water-repellent. Earnest studies by the inventor of the present invention have made it clear that, as will be described below, in cases that the materials of the inter-layer insulation films of the interconnection layers are low-k materials, it is one of causes for the yield decrease that the low-k materials are made water-repellent.
The lower interconnections for short-distant interconnections, which are formed at small pitches, are more vulnerable to defects due to foreign matter adhering thereto. Accordingly, it is necessary to lift off the foreign matter by HF (hydrofluoric acid) processing added to the cleaning following the CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) of the damascene process. However, when the wafer surface is made water-repellent by using low-k films made water-repellent as the inter-layer insulation film materials, even the HF processing finds it difficult to remove the foreign matter by the lift-off.
In addition, when the wafer surface is made water-repellent by the water-repellent low-k films, water marks of water drops remaining after the cleaning and drying tend to take place. Such water marks corrode the interconnections to resultantly cause defects. This is a cause of the yield decrease.FIG. 1 is an SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) picture showing the corrosion of the interconnection due to the water marks.
The semiconductor device and the method for fabricating the same according to the present invention suppresses the occurrence of the defects, and realizes the interconnection capacitance decrease, corresponding to the functions of the interconnection layers of a multilayer interconnection structure even when the inter-layer insulation films are formed of such water-repellent low-k films.
The semiconductor device and the method for fabricating the same according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS.2,3A-3E,4A-4D,5A-5D,6A-6C,7A-7C,8A-8B,9A-9D,10A-10D,11A-11C,12A-12D,13A-13D,14A-14C,15A-15C, and16A-16B.FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment, which shows a structure thereof.FIGS. 3A-3E,4A-4D,5A-5D,6A-6C,7A-7C,8A-8B,9A-9D,10A-10D,11A-11C,12A-12D,13A-13D,14A-14C,15A-15C, and16A-16B are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the method.
Then, the structure of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 2.
The semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes alower interconnection part12 formed on asilicon substrate10, anintermediate interconnection part14 formed on thelower interconnection part12 and anupper interconnection part16 formed on theintermediate interconnection part14. Thesubstrate10 additionally has semiconductor devices, such as MOS transistors, etc. formed on. In thelower interconnection part12, interconnection layers having interconnection patterns of a smaller pitch than interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers formed in, e.g., the intermediatelayer interconnection part14 and theupper interconnection part16 are formed, connecting points separated by short distance. In theintermediate interconnection part14, interconnection layers having interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers formed in, e.g., thelower interconnection part12, and a smaller pitch than interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers formed in, e.g., theupper interconnection part16 are formed, connecting circuit blocks. In theupper interconnection part16, interconnection layers having interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers formed in, e.g., thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14, being utilized as source interconnections and clock interconnections.
Adevice isolation film18 for defining a device region is formed on thesilicon substrate10. A MOS transistor including agate electrode20 and source/drain diffusedlayers22 is formed in the device region of thesilicon substrate10.
Aninter-layer insulation film24 of a silicon oxide film is formed on thesilicon substrate10 with the MOS transistor formed on.
A viahole26 is formed in theinter-layer insulation film24 down to the source/drain diffusedlayer22, and acontact plug28 is buried in the viahole26.
On theinter-layer insulation film24 with thecontact plug28 buried in, aninter-layer insulation film36 is formed of anSiC film30, a low-k film32 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film30, and ahydrophilic insulation film34 of silicon oxide film formed on the low-k film32. Aninterconnection trench38ais formed in the region of theinter-layer insulation film36, which includes thecontact plug28. Aninterconnection layer44aof abarrier metal layer40 of Ta (tantalum) film and aCu film42 is buried in theinterconnection trench38a, connected to thecontact plug28. Aninterconnection trench38bis formed in the other region of thehydrophilic insulation film34, the low-k film32 and theSiC film30. Aninterconnection layer44bof thebarrier metal40 of Ta film and theCu film42 is buried in theinterconnection trench38b.
On theinter-layer insulation film36 with theinterconnection layer44a,44bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film56 is formed of anSiC film46, a low-k film48 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film46, anSiC film50 formed on the low-k film48, a low-k film52 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film50, and ahydrophilic insulation film54 of silicon oxide film laid on the low-k film52. A viahole58 is formed in the low-k film48 and theSiC film46 of theinter-layer insulation film56 down to theinterconnection layer44a. Aninterconnection trench60ais formed in the region of thehydrophilic insulation film54, the low-k film52 and theSiC film50, which includes the viahole58. In the viahole58 and theinterconnection trench60a, aninterconnection layer66aof abarrier metal layer62 of Ta film and aCu film64 buried, connected to theinterconnection layer44a. Aninterconnection trench60bis formed in the other region of thehydrophilic insulation film54, the low-k film52 and theSiC film50. In theinterconnection trench60b, aninterconnection layer66bof thebarrier metal layer62 of Ta film and theCu film64 is buried.
On theinter-layer insulation film56 with theinterconnection layer66a,66bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film78 is formed of anSiC film68, a low-k film70 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film68, anSiC film72 formed on the low-k film70, a low-k film74 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film72, and ahydrophilic insulation film76 of silicon oxide film laid on the low-k film74. A viahole80 is formed in the low-k film70 and theSiC film68 of theinter-layer insulation film78 down to theinterconnection layer66a. Aninterconnection trench82ais formed in the region of thehydrophilic insulation film76, the low-k film74 and theSiC film72, which includes the viahole80. In the viahole80 and theinterconnection trench82a, aninterconnection layer88aof abarrier metal layer84 of Ta film and aCu film86 is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer66a. In the other region of thehydrophilic insulation film76, the low-k film74 and theSiC film72, aninterconnection trench82bis formed. In theinterconnection trench82b, aninterconnection layer88bof thebarrier metal layer84 of Ta film and theCu film86 is buried.
On theinter-layer insulation film78 with theinterconnection layer88a,88bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film100 is formed of anSiC film90, a low-k film92 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film90, anSiC film94 formed on the low-k film92, a low-k film96 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film94, and ahydrophilic insulation film98 of silicon oxide film laid on the low-k film96. A viahole102 is formed in the low-k film92 and theSiC film90 of theinter-layer insulation film100 down to theinterconnection layer88a. Aninterconnection trench104ais formed in the region of thehydrophilic insulation film98, the low-k film96 and theSiC film94, which includes the viahole102. In the viahole102 and theinterconnection trench104a, aninterconnection layer110aof abarrier metal layer106 of Ta film and aCu film108 is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer88a. Aninterconnection trench104bis formed in the other region of thehydrophilic insulation film98, the low-k film96 and theSiC film94. In theinterconnection trench104b, aninterconnection layer110bof thebarrier metal106 of Ta film and theCu film108 is buried.
On theinter-layer insulation film100 with theinterconnection layer110a,110bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film122 is formed of anSiC film112, a low-k film114 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film112, anSiC film116 formed on the low-k film114, a low-k film118 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film116, and ahydrophilic insulation film120 of silicon oxide film laid on the low-k film118. A viahole124 is formed in the low-k film114 and theSiC film112 of theinter-layer insulation film122 down to theinterconnection layer110a. Aninterconnection trench126ais formed in the region of thehydrophilic insulation film120, the low-k film118 and theSiC film116, which includes the viahole124. In the viahole124 and theinterconnection trench126a, aninterconnection layer132aof abarrier metal layer128 of Ta film and aCu film130 is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer110a. In the other region of thehydrophilic insulation film120, the low-k film118 and theSiC film116, aninterconnection trench126bis formed. In theinterconnection trench126b, aninterconnection layer132bof thebarrier metal layer128 of Ta film and theCu film130 is buried.
Thus, thelower interconnection part12 having the five-layer multilayer interconnection structure is formed on thesilicon substrate10. In thelower interconnection part12, the respective pitches of the interconnection patterns of theinterconnection layer44a,44b, theinterconnection layer66a,66b, the interconnection layers88a,88b, theinterconnection layer110a,110b, and theinterconnection layer132a,132bof the respective layers are, e.g., 0.28 μm.
On theinter-layer insulation film122 with theinterconnection layer132a,132bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film142 is formed of anSiC film134, a low-k film136 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film134, anSiC film138 formed on the low-k film136, and a low-k film140 of SiOC film laid on theSiC film138. A viahole144 is formed in the low-k film136 and theSiC film134 of theinter-layer insulation film142 down to theinterconnection layer132a. Aninterconnection trench146ais formed in the region of the low-k film140 and theSiC film138, which includes the viahole144. In the viahole144 and theinterconnection trench146a, aninterconnection layer152aof abarrier metal layer148 of Ta film and aCu film150 is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer132a. In the other region of the low-k film140 and theSiC film138, aninterconnection trench146bis formed. Aninterconnection layer152bof thebarrier metal layer148 of Ta film and theCu film150 is buried in theinterconnection trench146b.
On theinter-layer insulation film142 with theinterconnection layer152a,152bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film162 is formed of anSiC film154, a low-k film156 of SiOC film formed on theSiC film154, anSiC film158 formed on the low-k film156, and a low-k film160 of SiOC film laid on theSiC film158. A viahole164 is formed in the low-k film156 and theSiC film154 of theinter-layer insulation film162 down to theinterconnection layer152a. Aninterconnection trench166ais formed in the region of the low-k film160 and theSiC film158, which includes the viahole164. In the viahole164 and theinterconnection trench166a, aninterconnection layer172aof abarrier metal layer168 of Ta film and aCu film170 is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer152a. In the other region of the low-k film160 and theSiC film158, aninterconnection trench166bis formed. Aninterconnection layer172bof thebarrier metal layer168 of Ta film and theCu film170 is buried in theinterconnection trench166b.
Thus, on thelower interconnection part12, theintermediate interconnection part14 having the two-layer multilayer interconnection structure is formed. In theintermediate interconnection part14, the respective pitches of the interconnection patterns of theinterconnection layer152a,152band theinterconnection layer172a,172bof the respective layer are larger by, 1.5 times or more than the pitch of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12. For example, the pitches of the interconnection patterns of theinterconnection layer152a,152band theinterconnection layer172a,172bis 0.56 μm, which is respectively twice the pitch of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12.
On theinter-layer insulation film162 with theinterconnection layer172a,172bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film182 is formed of anSiC film174, asilicon oxide film176 formed on theSiC film174, anSiC film178 formed on thesilicon oxide film176, and asilicon oxide film180 laid on theSiC film178. A viahole184 is formed in thesilicon oxide film176 and theSiC film174 of theinter-layer insulation film182 down to theinterconnection layer172a. Aninterconnection trench186ais formed in the region of thesilicon oxide film180 and theSiC film178, which includes the viahole184. In the viahole184 and theinterconnection trench186a, aninterconnection layer192aof abarrier metal layer188 of Ta film and aCu film190 is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer172a. In the other region of thesilicon oxide film180 and theSiC film178, aninterconnection trench186bis formed. Aninterconnection layer192bof thebarrier metal layer188 of Ta film and theCu film190 is buried in theinterconnection trench186b.
On theinter-layer insulation film182 with theinterconnection layer192a,192bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film202 is formed of anSiC film194, asilicon oxide film196 formed on theSiC film194, anSiC film198 formed on thesilicon oxide film196, and asilicon oxide film200 laid on theSiC film198. A viahole204 is formed in thesilicon oxide film196 and theSiC film194 of theinter-layer insulation film202 down to theinterconnection layer192a. Aninterconnection trench206ais formed in the region of thesilicon oxide film200 and theSiC film198, which includes the viahole204. In the viahole204 and theinterconnection trench206a, aninterconnection layer212aof abarrier metal layer208 of Ta film and aCu film210 is buried, connected to theinterconnection layer192a. In the other region of thesilicon oxide film200 and theSiC film198, aninterconnection trench206bis formed. Aninterconnection layer212bof thebarrier metal layer208 of Ta film and theCu film210 is buried in theinterconnection trench206b.
Thus, on theintermediate interconnection part14, theupper interconnection part16 having the two-layer multilayer interconnection structure is formed. In theupper interconnection part16, the pitches of the interconnection patterns of theinterconnection layer192a,192band theinterconnection layer212a,212bof the respective layers are larger than the pitches of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14 and are respectively, e.g., 0.84 μm.
On theinter-layer insulation film202 with theinterconnection layer212a,212bburied in, aninter-layer insulation film218 comprising aSiC film214 formed on asilicon oxide film216 is formed. Viaholes220 are formed in theinter-layer insulation film218 down to theinterconnection layer212a. Contact plugs222 are buried in the via holes220.
On the region of theinter-layer insulation film218, which includes the contact plugs222, anelectrode224 is formed, connected to theinterconnection layer212athrough the contact plugs222.
On theinter-layer insulation film218 with theelectrode224 formed on, acover film226 is formed comprising asilicon nitride film226bformed on asilicon oxide film226a. Anopening228 is formed in thecover film226 down to theelectrode224.
Thus, the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment is constituted.
The semiconductor device according to the present embodiment is characterized mainly in that thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14 include low-k films of SiOC film as the inter-layer insulation films, and in thelower interconnection part12, in which the interconnection layers formed in the interconnection patterns of a smaller pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of theintermediate interconnection part14, the hydrophilic insulation film of silicon oxide film is formed on the low-k film, but in theintermediate interconnection part14, in which the interconnection layers has the interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12, the SiC film functioning as the diffusion preventing film is formed directly on the low-k film, without any hydrophilic insulation film formed.
Thelower interconnection part12, in which the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers has a smaller pitch is more vulnerable to defects due to foreign matter adhering thereto. In suchlower interconnection part12, after the interconnection layer has been buried by CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) or others, the hydrophilic insulation film, which is formed on the low-k film, is exposed on the surface. The hydrophilic insulation film, which is not water-repellent low-k film, is exposed, whereby foreign matter can be sufficiently removed by lift-off by HF processing following the polish by CMP or others. The exposure of the hydrophilic insulation film, which is not the water repellent low-k film, can suppress the generation of water marks due to water drops which are cause for corrosion of the interconnection layers after cleaning and drying following the polish by CMP or others. Thus, the use of the low-k film as the inter-layer insulation films in thelower interconnection part12, which is more vulnerable to defects due to adhering foreign matter can decrease the interconnection capacitance, suppressing the occurrence of defects.
On the other hand, the interconnection layers of theintermediate interconnection part14 are used as the interconnection layers interconnecting circuit blocks. Accordingly, it is necessary that the interconnection layers of theintermediate interconnection part14 have the interconnection resistance decreased and has the interconnection patterns of the pitch which is, e.g., 1.5-3 times the pitch of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12. Theintermediate interconnection part14 having such large interconnection pattern pitch is less vulnerable to defects due to foreign matter adhering thereto than thelower interconnection part12. Accordingly, even without removing the foreign matter by lift-off by HF processing following CMP, the yield is little affected. It is not necessary to leave the hydrophilic insulation film on the low-k film. Thus, in theintermediate interconnection part14, the SiC film functioning the diffusion preventing film is formed directly on the low-k film, and the hydrophilic insulation film, whose dielectric constant is higher than that of the low-k film, is not formed. Accordingly, the low-k film is used as the inter-layer insulation films, whereby the interconnection capacitance can be sufficiently decreased.
The interconnection layers of theupper interconnection part16 are used as source interconnections and clock interconnections, and have interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14. Accordingly, theupper interconnection part16 is less required to have the interconnection capacitance decreased by using the low-k film, as are thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14. Accordingly, in theupper interconnection part16, silicon oxide film, whose dielectric constant is higher than low-k film, is used. As the inter-layer insulation films of theupper interconnection part16, in addition to silicon oxide film, FSG (Fluorinated Silicate Glass) film or others may be used.
As described above, in the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment, corresponding to the functions of the interconnection layers of the multilayer interconnection structure, in thelower interconnection part12, where the interconnection layers have the interconnection patterns of a smaller pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of theintermediate interconnection part14, the occurrence of defects due to the adhesion of foreign matter is suppressed and the interconnection capacitance is decreased, and in theintermediate interconnection part14, where the interconnection layers have the interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than the interconnection pattern of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12, the interconnection capacitance can be sufficiently decreased.
Then, the method for fabricating the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment will be explained with reference toFIGS. 3A-3E,4A-4D,5A-5D,6A-6C,7A-7C,8A-8B,9A-9D,10A-10D,11A-11C,12A-12D,13A-13D,14A-14C,15A-15C, and16A-16B.FIGS. 3A-3E,4A-4D,5A-5D,6A-6C,7A-7C, and8A-8B are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the steps of fabricating thelower interconnection part12.FIGS. 9A-9D,10A-10D, and11A-11C are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the steps of fabricating theintermediate interconnection part14.FIGS. 12A-12D,13A-13D,14A-14C,15A-15C, and16A-16B are sectional views of the semiconductor device according to the present embodiment in the steps of the method for fabricating the semiconductor device, which show the steps of fabricating theupper interconnection part16, the electrode, etc.
Thedevice isolation film18 for defining a device region is formed on thesilicon substrate10 by, e.g., STI (Shallow Trench Isolation).
Next, on thesilicon substrate10 with thedevice isolation film18 formed on, a MOS transistor including thegate electrode20 and the source/drain diffusedlayers22 is formed in the same way as in, e.g., the usual MOS transistor fabricating method (seeFIG. 3A). On thesilicon substrate10, not only MOS transistors but also various semiconductor devices can be fabricated.
Next, theinter-layer insulation film24 of a silicon oxide film of, e.g., a 700 nm-thickness is formed by, e.g., CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) on thesilicon substrate10 with the MOS transistor formed on.
Next, the surface of theinter-layer insulation film24 is polished by, e.g., CMP until the film thickness of theinter-layer insulation film24 becomes, e.g., 400 nm to thereby flatten the surface of the inter-layer insulation film24 (seeFIG. 3B).
Then, thecontact hole26 is formed in theinter-layer insulation film24 by photolithography and dry etching down to thesilicon substrate10.
Next, a Ti (titanium) film of, e.g., a 10 nm-thickness, a TiN (titanium nitride) film of, e.g., a10 nm-thickness and a W (tungsten) film of, e.g., a 300 nm-thickness are formed by, e.g., CVD.
The W film, the TiN film and the Ti film are removed flat by, e.g., CMP until the surface of theinter-layer insulation film24 is exposed to thereby form thecontact plug28 of the Ti film, the TiN film and the W film buried in the contact hole26 (seeFIG. 3C).
Then, on theinter-layer insulation film24 with thecontact plug28 buried in, theSiC film30 of, e.g., a 30 nm-thickness is formed by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Next, the low-k film32 of an SiOC film of, e.g., a 200 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film30 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Then, thehydrophilic insulation film34 of a silicon oxide film, of e.g., a 100 nm-thickness is formed on the low-k film30 by, e.g., plasma CVD using TEOS (tetraethyoxysilane) as the main material. Thehydrophilic insulation film34 is formed in a larger film thickness than thehydrophilic insulation film244 to be formed in theintermediate interconnection part14, which will be described later.
Thus, theinter-layer insulation film36 of the layer structure of thehydrophilic insulation film34/the low-k film32/theSiC film30 is formed (seeFIG. 3D). TheSiC film30 functions as the etching stopper film and the Cu diffusion preventing film.
Next, thesilicon nitride film232 of, e.g., a 50 nm-thickness is formed on thehydrophilic insulation film34 by, e.g., CVD. Thesilicon nitride film232 functions as the ARC (Anti-reflection Coating) film in the following photolithography step.
Then, aphotoresist film234 for exposing regions for theinterconnection trenches38a,38bto be formed in theinter-layer insulation film36 are formed on thesilicon nitride film232 by photolithography (seeFIG. 3E).
Then, with thephotoresist film234 as a mask and theSiC film30 as a stopper, thesilicon nitride film232, thehydrophilic insulation film34 and the low-k film32 are sequentially etched. Thus, theinterconnection trenches38a,38bare formed in thehydrophilic insulation film34 and the low-k film32 (seeFIG. 4A).
Then, after thephotoresist film234 has been removed, theSiC film30 on the bottoms of theinterconnection trenches38a,38bis etched to open theinterconnection trenches38a,38bdown to theinter-layer insulation film24. At this time, thesilicon nitride film232 on thehydrophilic insulation film34 is also etched off (seeFIG. 4B).
Next, thebarrier metal layer40 of a Ta film of, e.g., 10 nm-thickness and the Cu film of, e.g., a 100 nm-thickness are continuously formed on the entire surface by, e.g., sputtering.
Then, with the Cu film formed on thebarrier metal layer40 as a seed, a Cu film is further deposited by electrolytic plating to form theCu film42 of, e.g., a 1.0 μm-total film thickness (seeFIG. 4C).
Then, theCu film42 and thebarrier metal layer40 of the Ta film are polished off flat by CMP to thereby form theinterconnection layer44aburied in theinterconnection trench38aand theinterconnection layer38bburied in theinterconnection trench38b. At this time, first, theCu film42 is selectively polished under conditions which provide a sufficient selectivity for thebarrier metal layer40 of Ta film, and the polish is stopped at the surface of the barrier metal layer (seeFIG. 4D). Subsequently, the polishing conditions are suitably reset to polished thebarrier metal layer40 of Ta film to expose the hydrophilic insulation film34 (seeFIG. 5A). The polishing conditions by CMP are thus set to thereby facilitate controlling the over-polish amount of thehydrophilic insulation film34 of the silicon oxide film below thebarrier metal layer40. Resultantly, after theCu film42 and thebarrier metal layer40 have been removed, thehydrophilic insulation film34 can be easily set in a required film thickness. The film thickness of thehydrophilic insulation film34 after the removal of theCu film42 and thebarrier metal layer40 is, e.g., 50 nm.
Thus are formed theinterconnection layer44aburied in theinterconnection trench38aand including thebarrier metal layer40 of the Ta film for preventing the diffusion of the Cu, and theCu film42 forming the major part of the interconnection layer, and theinterconnection layer44bburied in theinterconnection trench38band including thebarrier metal layer40 of the Ta film for preventing the diffusion of the Cu, and theCu film42 forming the major part of the interconnection layer (seeFIG. 5A).
After theinterconnection layer44a,44bhas been buried by CMP, prescribed cleaning processing is performed. At this time, HF processing is performed to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface by lift-off. In the HF processing, because of thehydrophilic insulation film34, not the water-repellent low-k film32, which is exposed on the surface, the foreign matter can be sufficiently removed by the lift-off. The exposure of thehydrophilic insulation film34, not the water-repellent low-k film32, can suppress the occurrence of water marks due to water drops, which cause corrosion of the interconnection layers after cleaned and dried.
Next, theSiC film46 of, e.g., a 50 nm-thickness is formed by, e.g., plasma CVD on theinter-layer insulation film36 with the interconnection layers44a,44bburied in.
Next, the low-k film48 of a SiOC film of, e.g., a 250 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film46 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Then, theSiC film50 of, e.g., a 30 nm-thickness is formed on the low-k film48 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Next, the low-k film52 of an SiOC film of, e.g., a 200 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film50 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Next, thehydrophilic insulation film54 of a silicon oxide film of, e.g., a 100 nm-thickness is formed on the low-k film52 by plasma CVD using, e.g., TEOS as the main material. Thehydrophilic insulation film54 is formed in a larger film thickness than thehydrophilic insulation film244 to be formed in theintermediate interconnection part14, which will be described later.
Thus, theinter-layer insulation film56 of the layer structure of thehydrophilic insulation film54/the low-k film52/theSiC film50/the low-k film48/theSiC film46 is formed (seeFIG. 5B). TheSiC films46,50 function as the etching stopper film and the Cu diffusion preventing film.
Then, thesilicon nitride film236 of, e.g., a 50 nm-thickness is formed on thehydrophilic insulation film54 by, e.g., CVD. Thesilicon nitride film236 functions as the ARC film in the following photolithography step.
Next, aphotoresist film238 for exposing the region for the viahole58 to be formed in the low-k film48 and theSiC film46 is formed on thesilicon nitride film236 by photolithography (seeFIG. 5C).
Then, with thephotoresist film238 as a mask, thesilicon nitride film236, thehydrophilic insulation film54, the low-k film52, theSiC film50 and the low-k film48 are sequentially etched under suitably changed conditions. Thus, the viahole58 is formed in the low-k film46 (seeFIG. 5D).
After the viahole58 has been formed, thephotoresist film238 is removed.
Then, aresin240 is buried in the viahole58 by, e.g., spin coating. Then theresin240 on thesilicon nitride film236 is removed by ashing using, e.g., O2plasma, and theresin240 in the viahole58 is etched back to a prescribed height until, for example, the upper surface of theresin240 is positioned near the border between theSiC film50 and the low-k film52 (seeFIG. 6A).
Next, aphotoresist film242 for exposing the regions for theinterconnection trenches60a,60bto be formed in theinter-layer insulation film56 is formed on the silicon nitride film236 (seeFIG. 6B). At this time, thephotoresist film242 is formed of a material which does not mix with theresin240 and whose developer does not solve theresin240.
Then, with thephotoresist film242 as a mask and theSiC film50 as a stopper, thesilicon nitride film236, thehydrophilic insulation film54 and the low-k film52 are sequentially etched. Thus, theinterconnection trenches60a,60bare formed in thehydrophilic insulation film54 and the low-k film52 (seeFIG. 6C).
Then, thephotoresist film242 and theresin240 in the viahole58 are removed by ashing using, e.g., O2plasma and CF4plasma.
Then under conditions which provide a sufficient selectivity with respect to SiOC film, theSiC film50 on the bottoms of theinterconnection trenches60a,60band theSiC film46 on the bottom of the viahole58 are etched to open theinterconnection trenches60a,60bdown to the low-k film48 and the viahole58 down to theinterconnection layer44a. At this time, thesilicon nitride film236 on thehydrophilic insulation film54 is also etched off (seeFIG. 7A).
Next, thebarrier metal layer62 of a Ta film of, e.g., a 25 nm-thickness and a Cu film of, e.g., a 100 nm-thickness are continuously deposited on the entire surface by, e.g., sputtering. After theinterconnection trenches60a,60band the viahole58 have been formed and before the Ta film is deposited, pre-processing, such as Ar (argon) sputtering, H2plasma processing, H2annealing, etc. may be performed in-situ.
Next, with the Cu film formed on thebarrier metal layer62 as a seed, a Cu film is further deposited by electrolytic plating to form theCu film64 of, e.g., a 1.0 μm-total thickness (seeFIG. 7B).
Then, theCu film64 and thebarrier metal layer62 of the Ta film is polished off flat by CMP to form theinterconnection layer66aburied in theinterconnection trench60aand the viahole58 and theinterconnection layer66bburied in theinterconnection trench60b. At this time, as in forming theinterconnection layer44a,44b, theCu film64 is selectively polished under conditions which provide sufficient selectivity with respect to thebarrier metal layer62 of Ta film, and the polish is stopped at the surface of the barrier metal layer62 (seeFIG. 7C). Subsequently, the polishing conditions are suitably reset to polish thebarrier metal layer62 of Ta film to expose the hydrophilic insulation film54 (seeFIG. 8A). The polishing conditions by CMP are thus set to thereby facilitate controlling the over-polish amount of thehydrophilic insulation film54 of the silicon oxide film below thebarrier metal layer62. Resultantly, after theCu film64 and thebarrier metal layer62 have been removed, thehydrophilic insulation film54 can be easily set in a required film thickness. The film thickness of thehydrophilic insulation film54 after the removal of theCu film64 and thebarrier metal layer62 is, e.g., 50 nm.
Thus, theinterconnection layer66aburied in the viahole58 and theinterconnection trench60aand including thebarrier metal62 of Ta film for preventing the diffusion of the Cu and theCu film64 forming the major part of the interconnection layer, and theinterconnection layer66bburied in theinterconnection trench60band including thebarrier metal layer62 of Ta film for preventing the diffusion of the Cu and theCu film64 forming the major part of the interconnection layer are formed (seeFIG. 8A).
After theinterconnection layer66a,66bhas been buried in by CMP, prescribed cleaning processing is performed. At this time, HF processing is performed to remove the foreign matter adhering to the surface by the lift-off. In the HF processing, because of thehydrophilic insulation film54, not the water-repellent low-k film52, which is exposed on the surface, the foreign matter can be sufficiently removed by the lift-off. The exposure of thehydrophilic insulation film54, not the water-repellent low-k film52, can suppress the occurrence of water marks due to water drops, which cause corrosion of the interconnection layers after cleaned and dried.
Next, the same steps as shown inFIGS. 5B toFIG. 8A are repeated to form theinterconnection layer88a,88bburied in theinter-layer insulation film78, theinterconnection layer110a,10bburied in theinter-layer insulation film100 and theinterconnection layer132a,132bburied in theinter-layer insulation film122.
Thus, thelower interconnection part12 having the five-layer multilayer interconnection structure is formed on the silicon substrate10 (seeFIG. 8B). Theinterconnection layer44a,44b, theinterconnection layer66a,66b, theinterconnection layer88a,88b, theinterconnection layer110a,110band theinterconnection layer132a,132bof thelower interconnection part12 are formed in the interconnection patterns of respectively, e.g., a 0.28 μm pitch.
Then, theSiC film134 of, e.g., a 70 nm-thickness is formed by, e.g., plasma CVD on theinter-layer insulation film122 with theinterconnection layer132a,132bof theinterconnection part12 buried in.
Then, the low-k film136 of an SiOC film of, e.g., a 530 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film134 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Next, theSiC film138 of, e.g., a 30 nm-thickness is formed on the low-k film136 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Then, the low-k film140 of an SiOC film of, e.g., a 400 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film138 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Thus, theinter-layer insulation film142 of the layer structure of the low-k film140/theSiC film138/the low-k film136/theSiC film134 is formed. TheSiC films134,138 function as the etching stopper film and the Cu diffusion preventing film.
Then, thehydrophilic insulation film244 of a silicon oxide film of, e.g., a 30 nm-thickness is formed on the low-k film140 by plasma CVS using, e.g., TEOS as the main material (seeFIG. 9A). Thehydrophilic insulation film244 is formed in a smaller thickness than thehydrophilic insulation films34,54,76,98,120 formed in thelower interconnection part12. In the drawings ofFIG. 9A and the followers, the structure below theSiC film134 is omitted.
Next, thesilicon nitride film246 of, e.g., a 50 nm-thickness is formed on thehydrophilic insulation film244 by, e.g., CVD. Thesilicon nitride film246 functions as an ARC film in the following photolithography step.
Then, aphotoresist film248 for exposing the region for the viahole144 which is to be formed in the low-k film136 and theSiC film134 is formed on thesilicon nitride film246 by photolithography (seeFIG. 9B).
Then, with thephotoresist film248 as a mask, thesilicon nitride film246, thehydrophilic insulation film244, the low-k film140, theSiC film138 and the low-k film136 are sequentially etched under suitably changed conditions. Thus, the viahole144 is formed in the low-k film136 (seeFIG. 9C).
After the viahole144 has been formed, thephotoresist film248 is removed.
Then, after theresin250 has been buried in the viahole144 by, e.g., spin coating, theresin250 on thesilicon nitride film246 is removed by ashing using, e.g., O2plasma, and theresin250 in the viahole144 is etched back to a prescribed height until, for example, the upper surface of theresin250 is positioned near the border between theSiC film138 and the low-k film140 (seeFIG. 9C).
Then, aphotoresist film252 for exposing the regions for theinterconnection trenches146a,146bto be formed in theinter-layer insulation film142 is formed on the silicon nitride film246 (seeFIG. 10A). At this time, thephotoresist film252 is formed of a material which does not mix with theresin250 and whose developer does not solve theresin250.
Then, with thephotoresist film252 as a mask and theSiC film138 as a stopper, thesilicon nitride film246, thehydrophilic insulation film244 and the low-k film140 are sequentially etched. Thus, theinterconnection trenches146a,146bare formed in the low-k film140 (seeFIG. 10B). Theinterconnection trenches146a,146bare formed in an interconnection pattern of a larger pitch than the interconnection pattern of the interconnection trenches of thelower interconnection part12.
Then, thephotoresist film252 and theresin250 in the viahole144 are removed by ashing using, e.g., O2plasma and CF4plasma.
Next, under conditions which provide a sufficient selectivity with respect to SiOC film, theSiC film138 on the bottoms of theinterconnection trenches146a,146band theSiC film134 on the bottom of the viahole144 are etched to open theinterconnection trenches146a,146bdown to the low-k film136 and the viahole144 down to theinterconnection layer132aof thelower interconnection part12. At this time, thesilicon nitride film246 on thehydrophilic insulation film244 is also etched off (seeFIG. 10C).
Then, thebarrier metal layer148 of a Ta film of, e.g., a 25 nm-thickness and a Cu film of, e.g., a 100 nm-thickness are continuously deposited on the entire surface by, e.g., sputtering. After the formation of theinterconnection trenches146a,146band the viahole144, and before the formation of the Ta film, pre-processing, such as Ar (argon) sputtering, H2plasma processing, H2annealing, etc., may be performed in-situ.
Then, with the Cu film formed on thebarrier metal layer148 as a seed, a Cu film is further deposited by electrolytic plating to form theCu film150 of, e.g., a 1.0 μm-total thickness (seeFIG. 10C).
Then, theCu film150, thebarrier metal layer148 of the Ta film, andhydrophilic insulation film244 are polished off flat by CMP to form theinterconnection layer152aburied in theinterconnection trench146aand the viahole144 and theinterconnection layer152bburied in theinterconnection trench146b. At this time, theCu film150 is selectively polished under conditions which provide a high selectivity with respect to thebarrier metal layer148 of Ta film, and the polish is stopped at the surface of the barrier metal layer148 (seeFIG. 11A). Subsequently, the polishing conditions are reset, and under conditions which make the polishing rate of thebarrier metal layer148 of Ta film approximate to the polishing rate of thehydrophilic insulation film244 of silicon oxide film, thebarrier metal layer148 and thehydrophilic insulation film244 are polished to expose the low-k film140 (seeFIG. 11B).
Thus, theinterconnection layer152aburied in the viahole144 and theinterconnection trench146aand including thebarrier metal148 of Ta film for preventing the diffusion of the Cu and theCu film150 forming the major part of the interconnection layer, and theinterconnection layer152bburied in theinterconnection trench146band including thebarrier metal layer148 of Ta film for preventing the diffusion of the Cu and theCu film150 forming the major part of the interconnection layer are formed (seeFIG. 11B).
Then, the same steps shown inFIGS. 9A to11B are repeated to form theinterconnection layer172a,172bburied in the inter-layer insulation film162 (seeFIG. 11C).
Thus, theintermediate interconnection part14 having the two-layer multilayer interconnection structure is formed on thelower interconnection part12. Theinterconnection layer152a,152band theinterconnection layer172a,172bof theintermediate interconnection part14 are formed in the interconnection patterns respectively of a pitch which is larger by, e.g., 1.5 times or more than the pitch of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12. For example, theinterconnection layer152a,152band theinterconnection layer172a,172bare formed in the interconnection patterns of respectively, e.g., a 0.56 μm pitch.
Next, theSiC film174 of, e.g., a 70 nm-thickness is formed by, e.g., plasma CVD on theinter-layer insulation film162 with the interconnection layers172a,172bof theintermediate interconnection part14 buried in.
Next, thesilicon oxide film176 of, e.g., a 530 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film174 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Then, theSiC film178 of, e.g., a 30 nm-thickness is formed on thesilicon oxide film176 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Then, thesilicon oxide film180 of, e.g., a 900 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film178 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Thus, theinter-layer insulation film182 of the layer structure of thesilicon oxide film180/theSiC film178/thesilicon oxide film176/theSiC film174 is formed (seeFIG. 12A). TheSiC films174,178 function as the etching stopper film and the Cu diffusion preventing film. In the drawing ofFIG. 12A and the followers, the structure below theSiC film174 is omitted.
Then, thesilicon nitride film254 of, e.g., a 50 nm-thickness is formed on thesilicon oxide film180 by, e.g., CVD. Thesilicon nitride film254 functions as the ARC film in the following photolithography step.
Then, aphotoresist film256 for exposing the region for the viahole184 to be formed in thesilicon oxide film176 and theSiC film174 is formed on thesilicon nitride film254 by photolithography (seeFIG. 12B).
Then, with thephotoresist film256 as a mask, thesilicon nitride film254, thesilicon oxide film180, theSiC film178 and thesilicon oxide film176 are sequentially etched under suitably changed conditions. Thus, the viahole184 is formed in the silicon oxide film176 (seeFIG. 12C).
After the viahole184 has been formed, thephotoresist film256 is removed.
Next, after aresin258 is buried in the viahole184 by, e.g., spin coating, theresin258 on thesilicon nitride film254 is removed by ashing using, e.g., O2plasma, and theresin258 in the viahole184 is etched back to a prescribed height until, for example, the upper surface of theresin258 is positioned near the border between theSiC film178 and the silicon oxide film180 (seeFIG. 12D).
Then, aphotoresist film260 for exposing the region for theinterconnection trenches186a,186bto be formed in theinter-layer insulation film182 is formed on thesilicon nitride film254 by photolithography (seeFIG. 13A). At this time, thephotoresist film260 is formed of a material which does not mix with theresin258 and whose developer does not solve theresin258.
Next, with thephotoresist film260 as a mask and with theSiC film178 as a stopper, thesilicon nitride film254 and thesilicon oxide film180 are sequentially etched. Thus, theinterconnection trenches186a,186bare formed in the silicon oxide film180 (seeFIG. 13B). Theinterconnection trenches186a,186bare formed in an interconnection pattern of a larger pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection trenches of thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14.
Then, thephotoresist film260 and theresin258 in the viahole184 are removed by ashing using, e.g., O2plasma and CF4plasma.
Next, under conditions which provide a sufficient selectivity with respect to silicon oxide film, theSiC film178 at the bottoms of theinterconnection trenches186a,186band theSiC film174 at the bottom of the viahole184 are etched to open theinterconnection trenches186a,186bdown to thesilicon oxide film176 and open the viahole184 down to theinterconnection layer172a. At this time, thesilicon nitride film154 on thesilicon oxide film180 is also etched off (seeFIG. 13C).
Then, thebarrier metal layer188 of a Ta film of, e.g., 25 nm-thickness and a Cu film of, e.g., a 150 nm-thickness are continuously deposited on the entire surface by, e.g., sputtering. After the formation of theinterconnection trenches186a,186band the viahole184 and before the deposition of the Ta films, preprocessing, such as Ar (argon) sputtering, H2plasma processing, H2annealing, etc., may be performed in-situ.
Next, with the Cu film formed on thebarrier metal layer188 as a seed, a Cu film is further deposited by electrolytic plating to form theCu film190 of, e.g., a 1.5 μm-total thickness (seeFIG. 13D).
Then, theCu film190 and thebarrier metal layer188 of the Ta film are polished off flat by CMP (seeFIGS. 14A and 14B). Thus are formed theinterconnection layer192aburied in theinterconnection trench186aand the viahole184 and including thebarrier metal layer188 of the Ta film for preventing the Cu diffusion and theCu film190 forming the major part of the interconnection layer, and theinterconnection layer192bburied in theinterconnection trench186band including thebarrier metal layer188 of the Ta film for preventing the Cu diffusion and theCu film190 forming the major part of the interconnection layer.
Then, the steps shown inFIGS. 12A to14B are repeated to form theinterconnection layer212a,212bburied in the interconnection layer202 (seeFIG. 14C).
Thus, theupper interconnection part16 having the two-layer multilayer interconnection structure is formed on theintermediate interconnection part14. Theinterconnection layer192a,192band theinterconnection layer212a,212bare formed in interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14. For example, theinterconnection layer192a,192band theinterconnection layer212a,212bare formed in the interconnection patterns of respectively, e.g., a 0.84 μm pitch.
Next, on theinter-layer insulation film202 with theinterconnection layer212a,212bburied in, theSiC film214 of, e.g., a 70 nm-thickness is formed by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Then, thesilicon oxide film216 of, e.g., a 600 nm-thickness is formed on theSiC film214 by, e.g., plasma CVD.
Thus, theinter-layer insulation film218 of the layer structure of thesilicon oxide film216/theSiC film214 is formed (seeFIG. 15A).
Then, the contact holes220 are formed in thesilicon oxide film216 and theSiC film214 down to theinterconnection layer212aof theupper interconnection part16 by photolithography and dry etching.
Next, a TiN film of, e.g., a 50 nm-thickness and a W film of, e.g., a 300 nm-thickness are formed by, e.g., CVD.
Then, the W film and the TiN film are removed flat by, e.g., CMP until the surface of thesilicon oxide film216 is exposed to form the contact plugs222 of the TiN film and the W film are formed, buried in the contact holes220 (seeFIG. 15B).
Next, on theinter-layer insulation film216 with the contact plugs222 buried in, a metal film is formed by, e.g., CVD. The metal film may be formed of, e.g., a TiN film, an Al (aluminum) film and a TiN film laid sequentially. Next, the metal film is patterned to form theelectrode224 connected to the contact plugs222 (seeFIG. 15C).
Then, thesilicon oxide film226aof, e.g., a 1400 nm-thickness and thesilicon nitride film226bof, e.g., a 500 nm-thickness are sequentially formed by, e.g., CVD on theinter-layer insulation film218 with theelectrode224 formed on to form thecover film226 of the layer film of thesilicon oxide film226aand thesilicon nitride film226b(seeFIG. 16A).
Next, theopening228 is formed in thecover film226 down to theelectrode224 by photolithography and dry etching (seeFIG. 16B).
Thus, the semiconductor device shown inFIG. 1 is fabricated.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lower interconnection part12 and the intermediate interconnection part14 include low-k films as the inter-layer insulation films, and in the lower interconnection part12, in which the interconnection layers have the interconnection patterns of a smaller pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of the intermediate interconnection part14, the hydrophilic insulation film of silicon oxide film is formed on the low-k film, but in the intermediate interconnection part14, in which the interconnection layers have the interconnection patterns of a larger pitch of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of the lower interconnection part12, the SiC film functioning as the diffusion preventing film is formed directly on the low-k film, without any hydrophilic insulation film formed, whereby, corresponding to the functions of the interconnection layers of the multilayer interconnection structure, the lower interconnection part12, in which the interconnection layers are formed in the interconnection patterns of a smaller pitch than the interconnection pattern of the interconnection layers of the intermediate interconnection part14, can suppress the occurrence of defects due to the foreign matter adhesion and can decrease the interconnection capacitance, while the intermediate interconnection part14, in which the interconnection layers are formed in the interconnection patterns of a larger pitch than the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of the lower interconnection part12, can sufficiently decrease the interconnection capacitance.
Modified Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can cover other various modifications.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, SiOC film is used as the low-k film. However, the low-k film is not limited to SiOC film and can be any film of flow-k material. As the low-k film, the film of SiLK (registered trademark) by The Dow Chemical Company, FLARE (registered trademark) by Honeywell Electronic Materials, or BCB (benzocyclobutene), etc., for example, other than SiOC can be used. Porous silicon oxide film having fine pores therein can be also used as the low-k film.
In the above-described embodiment, as the hydrophilic insulation film formed on the low-k film, silicon oxide film is used. However, the hydrophilic insulation film is not limited to silicon oxide film and can be, e.g., FSG film other than silicon oxide film.
In the above-described embodiment, SiC film is used as the film functioning as the etching stopper film and the Cu diffusion preventing film. However, the film functioning as the etching stopper film and the Cu diffusion preventing film is not limited to SiC film. As the film functioning as the etching stopper film and the Cu diffusion preventing film, silicon nitride film, for example, other than SiC film can be used other.
In the above-described embodiment, the interconnection layers are formed by filling the barrier metal layer of Ta film and the Cu film in the via holes and the interconnection trenches. However, the interconnection layers can be formed by burying various conductor films other than Ta film and Cu film. Major materials of the interconnection layers can be various conductors, such as Al, etc., other than Cu. The barrier metal layer for preventing the diffusion of metal can be formed of, e.g., TaN (tantalum nitride) film, Ti (titanium) film, TiN (titanium nitride) film, etc. other than Ta film.
In the above-described embodiment, five interconnection layers are formed in thelower interconnection part12, two interconnection layers are formed in theintermediate interconnection part14, and two interconnection layers are formed in theupper interconnection part16. However, numbers of the layers of the respective interconnection parts can be suitably designed as required.
In the above-described embodiment, Ta film and Cu film are concurrently buried in the via holes and the interconnection trenches by dual damascene process. However, it is possible to form the via hole and the interconnection trenches independently by single damascene process, and Ta film and Cu film are buried independently therein. In this case, in thelower interconnection part12, the inter-layer insulation film of the low-k film and the hydrophilic insulation film formed on the low-k film is formed, and the via hole is formed in the inter-layer insulation film. Then, in the same way as theinterconnection layer44a,44bare buried in theinterconnection trenches38a,38bof the first layer in the above-described embodiment, the conductor film is buried in the via hole. The hydrophilic insulation film is exposed on the surface after the conductor film has been buried in the via hole, which allows the lift-off of the foreign matter to be sufficiently performed by HF processing, and the generation of water marks, which are causes for corrosion can be suppressed.
In the above-described embodiment, the conductor film is buried in the interconnection trenches and the via holes interconnecting the interconnection layers. However, the present invention is applicable to burying a conductor film in various openings, as of dummy patterns, etc.
In the above-described embodiment, in thelower interconnection part12, theintermediate interconnection part14 and theupper interconnection part16, the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of the same interconnection part are in the same pitch. However, the pitches of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of the same interconnection part can be varied suitably as required as long as a minimum pitch of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of theintermediate interconnection part14 is larger than a minimum pitch of interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of thelower interconnection part12. A minimum pitch of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layers of theupper interconnection part16 may be larger than the minimum pitch of the interconnection patterns of the interconnection layer of thelower interconnection part12 and theintermediate interconnection part14.