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Title: Role of W and Mn for reliable 1X nanometer-node ultra-large-scale integration Cu interconnects proved by atom probe tomography

Abstract

We used atom probe tomography (APT) to study the use of a Cu(Mn) as a seed layer of Cu, and a Co(W) single-layer as reliable Cu diffusion barriers for future interconnects in ultra-large-scale integration. The use of Co(W) layer enhances adhesion of Cu to prevent electromigration and stress-induced voiding failures. The use of Cu(Mn) as seed layer may enhance the diffusion barrier performance of Co(W) by stuffing the Cu diffusion pass with Mn. APT was used to visualize the distribution of W and Mn in three dimensions with sub-nanometer resolution. W was found to segregate at the grain boundaries of Co, which prevents diffusion of Cu via the grain boundaries. Mn was found to diffuse from the Cu(Mn) layer to Co(W) layer and selectively segregate at the Co(W) grain boundaries with W, reinforcing the barrier properties of Co(W) layer. Hence, a Co(W) barrier coupled with a Cu(Mn) seed layer can form a sufficient diffusion barrier with film that is less than 2.0-nm-thick. The diffusion barrier behavior was preserved following a 1-h annealing at 400 °C. The underlayer of the Cu interconnects requires a large adhesion strength with the Cu, as well as low electrical resistivity. The use of Co(W) has previouslymore » been shown to satisfy these requirements, and addition of Mn is not expected to deteriorate these properties.« less

Authors:
; ; ;  [1];  [2]; ; ; ;  [2]
  1. Department of Materials Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656 (Japan)
  2. The Oarai Center, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Oarai, Ibaraki 311-1313 (Japan)
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
22350830
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Applied Physics Letters
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 105; Journal Issue: 13; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Journal ID: ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY; ADHESION; ANNEALING; ATOMS; COPPER; DIFFUSION BARRIERS; DISTRIBUTION; ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY; ELECTROPHORESIS; FAILURES; FILMS; GRAIN BOUNDARIES; LAYERS; MANGANESE ADDITIONS; RESOLUTION; STRESSES; TOMOGRAPHY; TUNGSTEN ADDITIONS

Citation Formats

Shima, K., Shimizu, H., Momose, T., Shimogaki, Y., Tu, Y., Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, Takamizawa, H., Shimizu, Y., Inoue, K., and Nagai, Y. Role of W and Mn for reliable 1X nanometer-node ultra-large-scale integration Cu interconnects proved by atom probe tomography. United States: N. p., 2014. Web. doi:10.1063/1.4896961.
Shima, K., Shimizu, H., Momose, T., Shimogaki, Y., Tu, Y., Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, Takamizawa, H., Shimizu, Y., Inoue, K., & Nagai, Y. Role of W and Mn for reliable 1X nanometer-node ultra-large-scale integration Cu interconnects proved by atom probe tomography. United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4896961
Shima, K., Shimizu, H., Momose, T., Shimogaki, Y., Tu, Y., Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, Takamizawa, H., Shimizu, Y., Inoue, K., and Nagai, Y. 2014. "Role of W and Mn for reliable 1X nanometer-node ultra-large-scale integration Cu interconnects proved by atom probe tomography". United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4896961.
@article{osti_22350830,
title = {Role of W and Mn for reliable 1X nanometer-node ultra-large-scale integration Cu interconnects proved by atom probe tomography},
author = {Shima, K. and Shimizu, H. and Momose, T. and Shimogaki, Y. and Tu, Y. and Key Laboratory of Polar Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241 and Takamizawa, H. and Shimizu, Y. and Inoue, K. and Nagai, Y.},
abstractNote = {We used atom probe tomography (APT) to study the use of a Cu(Mn) as a seed layer of Cu, and a Co(W) single-layer as reliable Cu diffusion barriers for future interconnects in ultra-large-scale integration. The use of Co(W) layer enhances adhesion of Cu to prevent electromigration and stress-induced voiding failures. The use of Cu(Mn) as seed layer may enhance the diffusion barrier performance of Co(W) by stuffing the Cu diffusion pass with Mn. APT was used to visualize the distribution of W and Mn in three dimensions with sub-nanometer resolution. W was found to segregate at the grain boundaries of Co, which prevents diffusion of Cu via the grain boundaries. Mn was found to diffuse from the Cu(Mn) layer to Co(W) layer and selectively segregate at the Co(W) grain boundaries with W, reinforcing the barrier properties of Co(W) layer. Hence, a Co(W) barrier coupled with a Cu(Mn) seed layer can form a sufficient diffusion barrier with film that is less than 2.0-nm-thick. The diffusion barrier behavior was preserved following a 1-h annealing at 400 °C. The underlayer of the Cu interconnects requires a large adhesion strength with the Cu, as well as low electrical resistivity. The use of Co(W) has previously been shown to satisfy these requirements, and addition of Mn is not expected to deteriorate these properties.},
doi = {10.1063/1.4896961},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/22350830}, journal = {Applied Physics Letters},
issn = {0003-6951},
number = 13,
volume = 105,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon Sep 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014},
month = {Mon Sep 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014}
}