Low k interlevel dielectric layer fabrication methods

Abstract

A low k inter-level dielectric layer fabrication method includes providing a substrate having integrated circuitry at least partially formed thereon. An oxide-comprising inter-level dielectric layer including carbon and having a dielectric constant no greater than 3.5 is formed over the substrate. After forming the dielectric layer, it is exposed to a plasma including oxygen effective to reduce the dielectric constant to below what it was prior to the exposing. A low k inter-level dielectric layer fabrication method includes providing a substrate having integrated circuitry at least patially formed thereon. In a chamber, an inter-level dielectric layer including carbon and having a dielectric constant no greater than 3.5 is plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited over the substrate at subatmospheric pressure. After forming the dielectric layer, it is exposed to a plasma including oxygen at subatmospheric pressure effective to reduce the dielectric constant by at least 10% below what it was prior to the exposing. The exposing occurs without removing the substrate from the chamber between the depositing and the exposing, and pressure within the chamber is maintained at subatmospheric pressure between the depositing and the exposing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.