摘要 |
A method of forming a narrow copper line structure, embedded in an opening in an insulator layer, in which the defect count of the narrow copper line structure is minimized, has been developed. The method features a combination of processes applied to a copper layer prior to subjection of the copper layer to a chemical mechanical polishing, (CMP), procedure, used to define the narrow copper line structure. A thin compressive layer is first formed on the top surface of the copper layer, followed by a low temperature anneal. These procedures increase the number of nucleation sites, and grain size of the copper layer, resulting in less damage to the treated copper layer, as a result of a subsequent CMP procedure, when compared to counterpart copper layers, subjected to the same CMP procedure, however without experiencing the overlying, thin compressive layer, followed by the low temperature anneal.
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