Abstract
A ruthenium film on a NiSi/Si substrate was evaluated for barrier performance in Cu contact metallization. The films were deposited by magnetron sputtering using Ni, Ru, and Cu targets. The low-resistivity NiSi film was initially produced from an Ni/Si substrate, and Ru and Cu films were sequentially deposited on the NiSi/Si substrate so that barrier performance could be studied. Barrier properties were elucidated by four-point probe measurement, x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The stability temperatures of 600°C (Cu/NiSi/Si) and 650°C (Cu/Ru/NiSi/Si) were systematically verified and are discussed. Structural analysis indicated that the failure mechanism involved penetration of the Cu through the Ru/NiSi stacked film at a specific temperature, which induced the accelerated dissociation of the NiSi. Interposition of an Ru layer between the Cu and the NiSi/Si effectively prevented intermixing and substantially improved the thermal stability in the Cu/NiSi/Si stack films.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
