throbber
llllllllllllllllllllllIlllllllllllllllllllIllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`
`USOOS780908A
`
`United States Patent
`
`[191
`
`Sekiguchi et al.
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`5,780,908
`[45] Date of Patent: Jul. 14, 1998
`
`
`
`
`
`2577740
`5/1995 Thomas .
`5,414,301
`257/770
`8/1995 Nishitsuji
`5,440,174
`257F751
`........
`5,561,326 10/1996 Ito et a1.
`. 257/924 X
`5,589,712 12/1996 Kawashima et al.
`2571751
`5,592,024
`1/1997 Aoyamo et a].
`................... 257/751 X
`5,623,157
`4/1997 Miyazaki et a].
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`363216334 A 9/1988
`406005604 A
`1/1994
`
`Japan ..................................... 257/751
`Japan ..................................... 257/751
`
`Primary Examiner—William Mintel
`Attorney Agent, or Firm—McDerrnott. Will & Emery
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`
`Through exposure of the top surface of a tungsten film to
`plasma of a gas including nitrogen at a temperature of 550°
`C. or less. a tungsten nitride layer having a structure in
`which nitrogen atoms and tungsten atoms are bonded is
`formed in an area in the vicinity of the surface of the
`tungsten film. Then, an aluminum alloy film is deposited on
`the tungsten film, thereby forming a metallic interconnec-
`tion. Since the nitrogen atoms and the tungsten atoms are
`bonded in the tungsten nitride layer formed by such plasma
`nitridation. the tungsten nitric layer not only has a good
`barrier function to prevent the diffusion of other metal atoms
`but also can be formed in a small thiclmess. Accordingly.
`formation of an alloy layer with a high resistance otherwise
`caused due to counter diffusion during an annealing process
`and a junction leakage can be avoided.
`
`8 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`[54] SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS WITH
`TUNGSTEIN NITRIDE
`
`[75]
`
`Kyoto; Michinari
`Inventors: Mitsuru
`Yamanaka. Osaka. both of Japan
`
`[73] Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,
`Ltd.. Osaka. Japan
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 751,810
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Nov. 19, 1996
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`[62] Division of Ser. No. 646,535, May 8, 1996.
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`[30]
`May 9, 1995
`[JP]
`Japan .................................... 7-110433
`Aug. 3, 1995
`[JP]
`Japan .................................... 7-198502
`
`Int. Cl.6 ..................................................... H01L 23/02
`[51]
`[52] US. Cl.
`.......................... 757/383; 257/412; 257/751;
`257/763; 257/924
`[58] Field of Search ..................................... 257/924. 751.
`257/412. 382. 383. 763. 767. 770
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,829,363
`5,350,711
`
`........................... 357/71
`5/1989 Thomas et al.
`9/1994 Hall
`......................................... 437/192
`
`
`
`30
`
`
`man“
`
`mn
`
`\\\\\\\\‘
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VIII”
`u\\\\“
`
`Page 1 of 24
`
`TSMC Exhiw
`
`' ge
`TSMC V. I]?
`IPR2016-01249 & IPR2016-01264
`
`Page 1 of 24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`TITANIUM/TITANIUM
`
`3b TUNGSTEN FILM
`
`.
`
`NIgfilDE BILAYER FILM
`
`a
`
`W’IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIA
`
`L“\\\\\\“m\\\\\\\\\v
`FIRST INSULATING
`2IqLM
`kkfiififlihiéJmoxoxoz.
`
`um 1 SILICON SUBSTRATE
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig 1(a)
`
`TUNGSTEN NITRIDE
`3eLAYER
`2
`,.LL
`
`1.
`
`3dTITANIUM NITRIDE
`FILM
`
`3b
`
`n‘\\“\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\“\\\“\\\\\‘\\
`WIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIM
`
`
`
`
`
`.\\\\\\\\\\“\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Y:.
`3c ALUMINUM ALLOY FILM
`
`
`F1 g. 1(a) («gag 3e
`
`
`
`
`{4-14-5244-3}1;!) "" '
`'
`'
`
`1
`2
`
`
`
`3d‘
`
`30
`
`
`
`3FIRST METALLIC
`INTERCONNECTION
`
`g;ANbIEAl.ING
`Emnpman
`
`Flg. 1(d)
`
`Fig 1(9)
`
`Page 2 0f 24
`
`Page 2 of 24
`
`

`

`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`Fig. 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-
`
`“““‘
`
`mB
`
`“‘\\\\\\‘
`
`
`
`7",”
`mm“
`.
`u
`.
`o
`.
`.
`n
`1
`......I.......
`
`....
`
`
`
`
`Page 3 0f 24
`
`Page 3 of 24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`‘ Sheet 3 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`CONTACT HOLE
`
`
`
`7 TUNGSTEN FILM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.‘é’fl
`
`TITANIUM/TITANIUM
`6 NITRIDE BILAYER FILM
`SECOND INSULATING
`4 FILM
`I‘
`VIA-n;
`3 FIRST METALLIC_
`INSULATING FILM ‘
`‘-
`INTERCONNECTION
`‘ “““ 1 SILICON SUBSTRATE
`TUNGSTEN
`
`F
`
`
`
`.‘n“‘\“\“““‘“““w
`
`7’ l A 83
`7
`1/10“ 5
`L‘Jq 4A...
`_ 2
`
`NITRIDE
`
`LAYER
`
`Fig. 3 (b)
`
`.
`TITANIUM
`NITRIDE FILM8b
`.
`Flg. 3 (c)
`
`SECOND METALLIC
`
`“A: INTERCONNECTION
`
`
`
`Fig-30:1)
`
`ANNEALING
`
`EQUIPMENT
`
`Page 4 0f 24
`
`Page 4 of 24
`
`

`

`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 4 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`Fig. 4
`
`7b
`
`:n“““:“““‘V
`
`
`‘ fl
`
`
`‘ f
`
`L““ ‘
`
`Page 5 0f 24
`
`Page 5 of 24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14,1998
`
`Sheet 5 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`GATE ELECTRODE
`13
`
`iI
`
`....J§l
`was» “‘\nnnr
`
`igELD OXIDE LAYER
`1 SILICON SUBSTRATE
`GMIE OXIDE FILM
`
`
`
`1
`
`7
`
`
`
`Fig. 5(a)
`
`
`SOURCE/DRAIN REGION
`
`5 CONTACT HOLE
`3 P 2 FIRST INSULATING FILM
`7556‘ "i‘\(\'\'\=
`0
`&fi\\
`1
`12 13
`11
`
`
`
`7
`
`
`
`TUNGSTEN
`
`NITRIDE LAYER 7b
`Flg. 5 (C)
`
`55
`
`7
`
`10
`1
`
`12 13
`
`11
`
`FIRST METALLIC INTERCONNECTION
`
`Fig.5(d)
`1 1
`
`3
`7'
`Ab471
`IU'
`. 7
`"'!9§i§§flmzfii‘“
`,
`._
`\\§‘{‘%\l\‘\“"\\w
`
`_
`
`Fig. 5 (e)
`
`9
`
`ANNEALING EQUIPMENT
`
`Page60f24
`
`Flg. 5 (b)
`
`Page 6 of 24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`Fig.6
`
`
`
`‘EBFEE —- 153332?
`
`'\\\ ’1
`"‘
`nmxw
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`13
`
`Fig.7
`
`
`
`Page 7 0f 24
`
`
`
`Page 7 of 24
`
`

`

`V US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 7 of 14
`
`-
`
`5,780,908
`
`Fig. 8 (a)
`
`+AFTER ANNEALING AT 450°C FOR 30min.
`
`WITHOUT N2 PLASMA
`“RAM
`500
`
`—o—— AFTER ANNEALING AT 430°C FOR 30min.
`—0— BEFORE ANNEALING
`
`
`
`SHEETRESISTANCE(m9/sq)
`
`W
`
`ybOO
`
`200 Q
`
`O
`
`0.0
`
`1.0
`
`2.0
`
`3.0
`
`LINE WIDTH (11 In)
`
`Fig.8(b)
`
`WITH N2 PLASMA
`TREATMENT
`
`—-<>-— AFTER ANNEALING AT 450°C FOR 30min.
`
`—-0— BEFORE ANNEALING
`
`
`
`SHEETRESISTANCE(m9/sq)
`
`600
`
`400
`
`200 W
`
`O
`
`0.0
`
`1.0
`
`2.0
`
`3.0
`
`LINE WIDTH (um)
`
`Page 8 0f 24
`
`Page 8 of 24
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`29 (degree)
`
`29 (degree)
`
`(a) Without N2
`plasma treatment
`
`(b) With N 2
`plasma treatment
`
`
`
`mama'S‘fl
`
`
`
`8661‘171wt
`
`VIJ08wells
`
`806‘08L‘S
`
`Page 9 of 24
`
`

`

`_ F i910
`
`plasma treatment
`
`-
`
`2Ntu0huh.w
`plasma treatment
`
` 92::A2355:35.
`
`Binding Energy (eV)
`
`gm.5:9:E.3.5%£53waEquwcuwcw
`
`Page 10 of 24
`
`

`

`cm.5.85 A
`
`Q3:ofiwb:ou:ou£534
`E.E,63man5onEmhmcuwcm
`
`Depth (nm)
`
`Page 11 of 24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 11 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`3b
`Vll'lllllllllllllllllllll
`
`m“\\“\n\\\\\\\\\“\‘.
`
`1....-,--..........' ]-'.l.‘ . ..’...‘... .
`.
`.
`.-
`
`Fig. 12 (a)
`
`
`
`
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`1
`
`
`
`3d
`
`3c
`
`3b Ilillillillilliilllllii
`Vl’ll’lllllllllll’ll’ll
`.
`F 1g. 12 (b) ‘\
`'2'3':":5:'I'I'jHLL‘If'T:'3':C'Z‘Z‘
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 12 (c)
`
`PRIOR ART
`PRIOR ART
`
`
`Fig. 12 (d)
`
`Page 12 0f 24
`
`Page 12 of 24
`
`

`

`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 12 0f 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`
`
`
`
`*Iéi-‘g 6
`F.
`4
`1g.13(a)
`
`PRIOR ART _A_h-~ 2
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`3‘“““““““““““U
`8b
`
`Vlllllll
`I 4"“.-
`' "ELIE.
`
`
`Fig. 13 (b)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`i?
`
`,L//AI
`
`L“\\““““““
`
`I“.““““““‘
`
`—
`
`VIA“
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`Fig. 13(0)
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`Fig. 13 (d)
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`Page 13 0f 24
`
`Page 13 of 24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`
`
`Fig. 14(21)
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`Fig. 14(b)
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`'
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`
`
`
`
`'1 3 w 7
`
`
`
`
`V
`
`‘\\\\V
`
`12 13
`
`11
`
`1
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`ANNEALING
`QEQUIPMENT
`
`
`
`2 R\\R§\§‘\“\\V
`
`11
`
`,
`
`PRIOR ART
`
`Page 14 0f 24
`
`Page 14 of 24
`
`

`

`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`Sheet 14 of 14
`
`5,780,908
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 15 0f 24
`
`Page 15 of 24
`
`

`

`1
`SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS WITH
`TUNGSTEIN NITRIDE
`
`5.780.908
`
`2
`
`This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/646535.
`filed May 8. 1996.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a semiconductor appara-
`tus comprising a refractory metal. used as interconnections
`and electrodes for the production of a VLSI. and a metallic
`interconnection formed thereon. and a production method
`for the semiconductor apparatus.
`As VLSIs have recently been developed to be more highly
`integrated and have a higher density. Al/W bilayer intercon-
`nection has been earnestly studied (for example. H;
`Yamaguchi. et al.. Proc. Int. VMIC. 393—395. 1993). In the
`formation of metallic interconnection by using the AW
`bilayer interconnection. chemical vapor deposition
`(hereinafter referred to as the CVD). which is excellent in
`the coating property. is adopted to deposit tungsten on the
`entire surface of a substrate (which process is hereinafter
`referred to as the blanket tungsten CVD). On the deposited
`tungsten is deposited an aluminum alloy film to decrease the
`resistance of the interconnection. and then. both the tungsten
`and the aluminum alloy film are made into a pattern. so as
`to form the metallic interconnection.
`Now. the conventionally proposed method of forming the
`AUW bilayer interconnection will be described referring to
`FIGS. 12(a) through 12(d).
`In the procedure shown in FIG. 12(a). a first insulating
`film 2 is deposited on a silicon substrate 1 bearing a
`semiconductor device such as a transistor. 0n the first
`insulating film 2 is deposited a titanium/titanium nitride
`bilayer film 30 as an adhesion layer for tungsten by a
`sputtering method. On the titanium/titanium nitride bilayer
`film 3a is deposited a tungsten film 3b by the blanket
`tungsten CVD. At this point. the films 3a and 3b are formed
`so as to bury a contact hole shown with broken lines in FIG.
`12(a).
`Then. as is shown in FIG. 12(b). an aluminum alloy film
`3c including silicon (approximately 1%) and copper
`(approximately 0.5%) is deposited on the tungsten film 3b
`by the sputtering method. 0n the aluminum alloy film 30 is
`deposited a titanium nitride film 3d so as to ease the
`formation of an interconnection pattern in the subsequent
`photolithography. At this point. the aluminum alloy film 3c
`functions to decrease the resistance of the interconnection.
`and the titanium nitride film 3d functions to decrease the
`reflectance thereof at a wavelength of exposing light.
`Next. as is shown in FIG. 12(c). the titanium/titanium
`nitride bilayer film 3a. the tungsten film 3b. the aluminum
`alloy film 3c and the titanium nitride film 3d are made into
`a desired pattern by the photolithography and dry etching.
`thereby forming a first metallic interconnection 3.
`Then. as is shown in FIG. 12(d). the resultant semicon-
`ductor apparatus is placed in annealing equipment 9 to be
`subjected to annealing at a temperature of 450° C. This
`annealing is conducted in order to recover a damage of
`groundwork caused by the dry etching and stabilize the
`interface between the metals. When the metals for the
`interconnection include aluminum as described above. the
`annealing is generally conducted at a temperature of
`approximately 450° C. in order to retain the thermal stability
`of aluminum. It is generally considered that a temperature of
`450° C. or more is preferred for the recovery of a dry etching
`damage and removal of water contents from the insulating
`film.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Page 16 of 24
`
`With regard to the contact hole for connecting upper and
`lower metallic interconnection layers. when a film is formed
`within a fine contact hole having a diameter of 0.8 pm or less
`by a conventional sputtering method. the formed film lacks
`for step coverage. resulting in insufficient reliability under
`application of a current. Therefore. it is necessary to adopt
`a method of forming a buried plug with good step coverage.
`As an example of the method of forming a buried plug.
`tungsten is deposited on the entire top surface of a semi-
`conductor substrate by the CVD. and unnecessary tungsten
`excluding that deposited within a contact hole is removed by
`etching (which process is designated as the etch back). so as
`to bury the contact hole alone in tungsten. When this method
`is adopted. an aluminum alloy film is thereafter deposited on
`the buried plug and an interlayer insulating film. and the
`aluminum alloy film is made into a pattern by the photoli-
`thography so as to form a metallic interconnection. In this
`case. the tungsten is in contact with the aluminum alloy on
`the contact hole.
`
`Now. procedures for burying a via in a metal by a
`conventional buried plug method will be described referring
`to FIGS. 13(0) through 13(d).
`'
`As is shown in FIG. 13(a). a first insulating film 2 and a
`first metallic interconnection 3 are formed on a silicon
`substrate 1 bearing a semiconductor device such as a tran-
`sistor. On the first metallic interconnection 3 is formed a
`second insulating film 4 of a silicon oxide film by. for
`example. plasma CVD. Then. a contact hole 5 is formed at
`a desired position on the second insulating film 4 by the dry
`etching so as to reach the first metallic interconnection 3.
`Next. a titanium/titanium nitride bilayer film 6 serving as
`an adhesion layer for tungsten is deposited within the
`contact hole 5 and on the second insulating film 4 by the
`sputtering method. 0n the titanium/titanium nitride bilayer
`film 6 is deposited a tungsten film 7 by the blanket tungsten
`CVD.
`Then as is shown in FIG. 13(b). the tungsten film 7 and
`the titanium/titanium nitride bilayer film 6 on the second
`insulating film 4 are subjected to the etch back by the dry
`etching. so as to have the tungsten film 7 and the titanium/
`titanium nitride bilayer film 6 remained within the contact
`hole 5 alone. Thereafter. an aluminum alloy film 8a includ-
`ing silicon (approximately 1%) and copper (approximately
`0.5%) and a titanium nitride film 8b are successively depos-
`ited thereon by the sputtering method. The aluminum alloy
`film 8a functions to decrease the resistance of the
`interconnection. and the titanium nitride film 8b functions to
`decrease the reflectance thereof at a wavelength of exposing
`light.
`Next. as is shown in FIG. 13(0). the aluminum alloy film
`80 and the titanium nitride film 81) are made into a desired
`pattern by the photolithography and the dry etching. thereby
`forming a second metallic interconnection 8.
`Then. as is shown in FIG. 13(d). the resultant semicon-
`ductor apparatus is placed in annealing equipment 9. so as
`to be subjected to annealing in the same manner as described
`referring to FIG. 12(d).
`Furthermore. for the purpose of decreasing a sheet resis-
`tance of a source/drain region and a gate electrode of a MOS
`semiconductor apparatus to attain a higher operation speed.
`selective formation of a tungsten film on the source/drain
`region and the gate electrode. that is. so-called tungsten
`adhesion technique. has recently been proposed (for
`example. M. Sekine. et al.. Tech. Dig. IEDM. 493-496.
`1994). In this technique. when a metach interconnection of
`an aluminum alloy film is formed within a contact hole. the
`tungsten is in contact with the aluminum alloy below the
`contact hole.
`
`Page 16 of 24
`
`

`

`5,780,908
`
`3
`Now. the procedures of the conventionally proposed tung—
`sten adhesion technique will be described referring to FIGS.
`14(a) through 14(a').
`First. as is shown in FIG. 14(a). a source/drain region 12
`and a gate electrode 13 made of polycrystal silicon of a MOS
`semiconductor apparatus are formed on a silicon substrate 1.
`and then. a tungsten film 7 is selectively formed on the gate
`electrode 13 and the source/drain region 12 by the CVD.
`Next. as is shown in FIG. 14(b). a first insulating film 2
`is formed on the resultant semiconductor apparatus. and a
`contact hole 5 is formed in the first insulating film 2.
`Then. as is shown in FIG. 14(c). anAl alloy is deposited
`within the contact hole 5 and on the first insulating film 2 by.
`for example. sputtering the Al alloy at a temperature of 500°
`C.. and the obtained Al alloy film is made into a pattan.
`thereby forming a first metallic interconnection 3 including
`a contact member Within the contact hole 5.
`
`the semiconductor
`Then. as is shown in FIG. 14(d).
`apparatus is placed in annealing equipment 9. where anneal-
`ing is conducted in the same manner as described referring
`to FIG. 12(a').
`However. in any of the procedures shown in FIGS. 12
`through 14. there arise common problems as follows:
`It has been found that. in the annealing process shown in
`FIGS. 12(d). 13(d) and 14(d). counter difiusion of tungsten
`and aluminum causes a reaction between the tungsten and
`the aluminum.- so as to form an alloy of tungsten and
`aluminum (such as WAIR). Since WAl12 has a high
`resistance.
`the resistance of the interconnection can be
`undesirably increased and heat caused by a current flowing
`through the interconnection can disadvantageously discon-
`nect the interconnection (for example. H. Yamaguchi. et al..
`Proc. Int. VMIC. 393-395. 1993).
`Furthermore. in the case where the silicon substrate is
`present below the tungsten film as shown in FIGS. 14(a)
`through 14(d) and a PN junction is formed by diffusing an
`impurity in the silicon substrate. aluminum diffused due to
`the counter difiusion between the tungsten and the alumi-
`num can punch through the PN junction. In such a case. a
`junction leakage can be undesirably caused.
`These problems of the interconnection resistance and the
`junction leakage can similarly arise in adopting selective
`tungsten CVD in which tungsten is selectively deposited in
`a via or contact by the CVD.
`In order to avoid the formation of the alloy layer of
`WAllz. means for preventing the aluminum from being
`directly in contact with the tungsten is generally provided.
`For example. between the aluminum alloy film and the
`tungsten film. a titanium nitride film is interposed as a
`diffusion preventing film However. the titanium nitride film
`is good at working as a barrier layer but has the following
`problems: The titanium nitride film is composed of needle-
`like crystals. In order to give the barrier function. it is
`necessary to oxidize the surface to stuff oxygen betwoen the
`crystals. Oxidation is conducted by exposing the titanium
`nitride film to air. and hence. it is required to change the
`atmosphere in the chamber from substantial vacuum to air
`for the oxidation and to change it again to the substantial
`vacuum after the oxidation. Furthermore. since the number
`of film formation is increased. the production cost can be
`increased and the yield can be decreased due to generation
`of particles.
`On the other hand. it is disclosed that a tungsten nitride
`layer with a thickness of approximately 3 nm can be formed
`by exposing a tungsten film to an NH3 gas at a high
`
`4
`temperature of 550° C. for a long period of time (Japanese
`Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 63-84154). In this
`method. however. the speed of forming the tungsten nitride
`layer is as low as 3 nm/60 min. In addition. an impurity in
`a source/drain region is absorbed by the tungsten through the
`annealing at a high temperature for a long period of time. so
`as to cause a reaction between the tungsten film and the
`silicon substrate. As a result. a junction leakage can be
`caused.
`thereby degrading the saturation current of the
`transistor.
`
`Furthermore. as is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open
`Patent Publication No. 7—231037. formation of a tungsten
`nitride film on a tungsten film by a reactive sputtering
`method is also known. Howevar. according to the descrip-
`tion of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
`7—231037. when the tungsten nitride layer formed at 500° C.
`in an atmosphere of the Nl-I3 gas. the composition of the
`nitrided layer is not homogenous. and the resistance value is
`largely increased after the annealing. This means that it is
`diflicult to form a nitrided layer having a barrier function
`merely by exposing a tungsten film to the NH3 gas at a
`temperature lower than 500° C.
`On the other hand. although the tungsten nitride film
`formed by the reactive sputtering method has a sufficient
`function as a barrier layer. the resistance value of the entire
`bilayer film is large. and the resistance obtained when a
`current is allowed to flow in the vertical direction to the
`tungsten nitride layer. that is. the contact resistance of a
`buried layer in a contact hole. is large. and therefore. it is
`difficult to form a brn'ied layer having small resistance. This
`is because. in addition to the high resistance of the tungsten
`nitride film itself. the tungsten nitride layer formed by the
`reactive sputtering method has a thickness of 20 through 200
`am because it must be continuously formed. and it is difficult
`to attain a small thickness of 20 nm or less.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present inventors have made it clear that the structure
`of a tungsten nitride layer largely aflects the function thereof
`as a barrier layer. and as a result. it has been found that a
`tungsten nitride layer formed via atomic bond between
`nitrogen atoms and tungsten atoms exhibits a good barrier
`function. The object of the invention is providing a semi-
`conductor apparatus and a production method for the same
`in which the formation of a compound with a high resistance
`and the occurrence of a junction leakage are prevented by
`using means for forming a tungsten nitride layer in a
`thickness as small as possible so as to have a structure in
`which the nitrogen atoms and the tungsten atoms are
`bonded.
`
`The semiconductor apparatus of this invention comprises
`a semiconductor substrate; a conductive layer formed on a
`part of the semiconductor substrate; a refractory metal film
`formed on the conductive layer; a nitrided metal layer
`formed in an area in the vicinity of a top surface of the
`refractory metal film and having a structure in which nitro-
`gen atoms and refractory metal atoms are bonded; and a
`metallic interconnection formed on the refractory metal film
`with the nitrided metal layer interposed therebctween and
`made of a metal material reactive with the refractory metal.
`In one aspect. the conductive layer is an active area
`formed by introducing an impurity into the semiconductor
`substrate. the semiconductor apparatus is further provided
`with an insulating film formed on the active area and a
`contact hole formed in a part of the insulating film so as to
`reach the active area. and the refractory metal film is buried
`in the contact hole
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Page 17 0f 24
`
`
`
`Page 17 of 24
`
`

`

`5,780,908
`
`5
`In another aspect. the semiconductor apparatus further
`comprises a gate electrode formedon the semiconductor
`substrate. The conductive layer is a source/drain region
`formed by introducing an impurity into the semiconductor
`substrate so as to be positioned on both sides of the gate
`electrode. and the refractory metal film can be formed on the
`gate electrode and the source/drain region.
`Owing to the aforementioned configuration. the nitrided
`metal layer. in which the nitrogen atoms and the tungsten
`atoms are bonded. is excellent in a function to prevent the
`difi‘usion of the metal atoms. namely has a good barrier
`function. Therefore.
`in the annealing process during the
`production of the semiconductor apparatus.
`the counter
`difl‘usion of the composing atoms between the refractory
`metal film and the metallic interconnection can be pre-
`vented. As a result. the resistances of an interconnection. a
`plug layer and the like can be prevented from being
`increased due to the counter diffusion of the composing
`atoms between the refractory metal film and the metallic
`interconnection. and a junction leakage is prevented from
`being caused by metal invasion of the semiconductor sub-
`strate.
`
`Preferably. the nitrided metal layer has a thickness of 10
`nm or less.
`
`As a result. the nitrided metal layer having a high resis-
`tance value can be very thin. and hence. the resistances of
`the intaconnection. the plug layer and the like can be made
`as small as possible.
`Preferably. the content of nitrogen in a part of the nitrided
`metal layer is in a range where an amorphous nitrided metal
`layer is formed in a part of the nitrided metal layer.
`As a result. the function to prevent the counter diffusion
`of the composing atoms between the refractory metal film
`and the metallic interconnection can be further enhanced.
`
`Preferably. the content of nitrogen in a part of the nitrided
`metal
`layer is larger than a stoichiometric ratio of the
`nitriding metal.
`As a result. the barrier function of the nilrided metal layer
`can be more remarkably exhibited.
`The nitrided metal layer can be formed so as to have a
`substantially uniform thickness from the top surface of the
`refractory metal film.
`As a result. even through the nitrided metal layer has a
`small thickness. the barrier function of the nitrided metal
`layer can be securely exhibited in the entire boundary
`between the refractory metal film and the metallic intercon-
`nection.
`
`The nitrided metal layer can include oxygen.
`As a result. the barrier function of the nitrided metal layer
`can be further enhanced.
`
`The refractory metal can be tungsten.
`As a result. while a tungsten film having good character-
`istics that it does not harmfully affect a semiconductor can
`be used as a buried plug layer and an electrode. the forma-
`tion of an alloy layer between the tungsten film and the
`metallic interconnection can be securely avoided.
`The metallic interconnection can be made of a metal
`material including aluminum.
`.
`As a result. even when the metallic interconnection
`includes aluminum. which has a low resistance but can form
`an alloy layer having a high resistance together with the
`refractory metal through the annealing process and can
`invade the semiconductor substrate so as to cause ajunction.
`leakage.
`the increase of
`the resistances of the
`
`6
`interconnection. the plug layer and the like as well as the
`increase of the junction leakage can be securely prevented in
`the semiconductor apparatus.
`The first production method for a semiconductor appara-
`tus of this invention comprises a first step of forming a
`conductive layer on a part of a semiconductor substrate; a
`second step of depositing a refractory metal film on the
`conductive layer; a third step of emitting nitrogen ions onto
`a surface of the refractory metal film so as to form a nitrided
`metal layer. which has a struaure in which nitrogen atoms
`and refractory metal atoms are bonded. in an area in the
`vicinity of the surface of the refractory metal film; a fourth
`step of depositing a metal film for interconnection on the
`refractory metal film after the third step; and a fifth step of
`forming a metallic interconnection by patterning the metal
`film for interconnection.
`
`the production method can further
`In one aspect.
`comprise. after the first step and before the second step. a
`step of forming an insulating film on the conductive layer
`and a step of forming a contact hole in a part of the insulating
`film so as to reach the conductive layer. In the second step.
`the refractory metal film can be formed within the contact
`hole.
`
`In another aspect. the production method can furtha
`comprise. before the first step. a step of forming a gate
`electrode on the semiconductor substrate. In the first step. a
`source/drain region serving as the conductive layer can be
`formed by introducing an impurity into the semiconductor
`substrate so as to be positioned on both sides of the gate
`electrode. and in the second step. the refractory metal film
`can be formed on the gate electrode and the sourceJdrain
`region.
`According to this method when nitrogen ions in the
`plasmatic state enter the area in the vicinity of the top
`surface of the refractory metal film in the second step. the
`nitrogen atoms are substituted with the refractory metal
`atoms. thereby forming the nitrided metal layer having a
`structure in which the nitrogen atoms and the refractory
`metal atoms are bonded. Accordingly. even when the anneal—
`ing process is thereafter conducted for the recovery of a
`damage caused by another process and for the stabilization
`of the films. the alloy layer having a high resistance can be
`prevented from being formed by the counter diffusion of the
`composing metals between the refractory metal film and the
`metallic interconnection. and the increase of a junction
`leakage can be avoided. As a result.
`it is possible to
`manufacture a semiconductor apparatus having excellent
`characteristics in which the resistances of an
`interconnection. the plug layer and the like are small.
`The third step can be conducted by generating plasma in
`an atmosphere of a N2 gas.
`As a result. by using the N2 gas. which conventionally has
`a difficulty in nitridation through annealing alone.
`the
`nitrided metal layer can be formed in a neutral atmosphere
`without harrnfully affecting the characteristics of the semi-
`conductor apparatus.
`The third step can be conducted by generating plasma in
`an atmosphere of an NH3 gas at a temperature of 550° C. or
`less.
`'
`The third step can be conducted by emitting at least one
`of UV and ionizing radiation in an atmosphere of a gas
`including nitrogen atoms onto the refractory metal fihn at a
`temperature of 550° C. or less.
`The third step can be conducted by emitting an ion beam
`including nitrogen atoms onto the refractory metal film at a
`temperature of 550° C. or less.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4s
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Page 18 of 24
`
`Page 18 of 24
`
`

`

`
`
`5,780,908
`
`7
`In any of these methods. the nitrided metal layer can be
`formed so as to have a structure in which the nitrogen atoms
`and the refractory metal atoms are bonded. similarly to the
`plasma nitridation.
`The third step can be conducted by CVD.
`According to this method. even on the refractory metal
`film formed by the CVD and having rough morphology. the
`nilrided metal layer can be formed in a uniform and small
`thickness.
`
`Preferably. the third step is conducted by using a plasma
`generation apparatus in which a positive electrode and a
`negative electrode are disposed parallel to each other and
`applying a negative potential to the semiconductor substrate.
`Preferably. the third step is conducted with a potential
`difference between the positive electrode and the negative
`electrode retaining at 100 V or more.
`As a result. the ratio of the atomic bond between the
`nitrogen atoms and the refractory metal atoms can be
`increased.
`
`The second production method for a semiconductor appa-
`ratus of this invention comprises a first step of forming a
`conductive layer on a part of a semiconductor substrate; a
`second step of depositing a tungsten film on the conductive
`layer; a third step of depositing a metal film for intercon—
`nection made of a metal material including aluminum on the
`tungsten film; a fourth step of forming a metallic intercon-
`nection by patterning the metal film for interconnection; and
`a fifth step of conducting annealing at a temperature ranging
`between 400° C. and 430° C. after the fotn1h step. so as to
`recover a damage caused in the metal film for interconnec-
`tion in the fourth sep.
`Also according to this method. the alloy layer having a
`high resistance can be prevented from being formed by the
`counter diifusion between the tungsten and the aluminum
`through the annealing process for the recovery of the dam—
`age.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIFI'ION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1(a) through 1(e) are sectional views for showing
`production procedures for a semiconductor apparatus of a
`first embodiment;
`FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the semiconductor apparatus
`of the first embodiment;
`FIGS. 3(a) through 3(a) are sectional views for showing
`production procedures for a semiconductor apparatus of a
`second embodiment;
`FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the semiconductor apparatus
`of the second embodiment;
`FIGS. 5(a) through 5(e) are sectional views for showing
`production procedures for a semiconductor apparatus of a
`third embodiment;
`FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the semiconductor apparatus
`of the third embodiment;
`FIG. 7 is a sectional View of a semiconductor apparatus of
`a fourth embodiment;
`FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are characteristic diagrams showing
`variation in an interconnection resistance against a line
`width in samples with and without a N2 plasma treatment;
`FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing data of X-ray
`difi‘raction in samples with and without
`the N2 plasma
`treatment;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of an XPS
`analysis in the area in the vicinity of the surface of the
`tungsten film in the semiconductor apparatus of the inven-
`tion;
`
`65
`
`8
`FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the results of an AES depth
`analysis in the area in the vicinity of the surface of the
`tungsten film in the semiconductor apparatus of the inven-
`tion;
`FIGS. 12(a) through 12(d) are sectional views for show-
`ing production procedures for a conventional semiconductor
`apparatus including an Al/W bilayer interconnection;
`FIGS. 13(a) through 13(d) are sectional views for show—
`ing production procedures for another conventional semi—
`conductor apparatus including a buried plug;
`FIGS. 14(a) through 14(d) are sectional views for show-
`ing production procedures for a still another conventional
`semiconductor apparatus utilizing tungsten adhesion tech-
`nique; and
`FIG. 15 is a TEM microphotograph of an area in the
`vicinity of the boundary between a tungsten film and an
`aluminum alloy film in the semiconductor apparatus of the
`first embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`(Embodiment 1)
`A production method for a semiconductor apparatus
`according to the first embodiment will now be described
`refen‘ing to FIGS. 1(a) through 1(a).
`In the procedure shown in FIG. 1(a). a first insulating film
`2 of a silicon oxide film is depos

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket