Characterization of Chemical-Vapor-Deposited Low-K Thin Films Using X-Ray Porosimetry

Published

February 1, 2003

Author(s)

V. J. Lee, Eric K. Lin, Barry J. Bauer, Wen-Li Wu, B K. Hwang, W D. Gray

Abstract

Trimethylsilane based carbon doped silica films prepared with varying chemical vapor deposition process conditions were characterized using x-ray reflectivity and porosimetry to measure the film thickness, average film density, density depth profile, wall density, and porosity. Samples deposited under single or dual frequency conditions with either N2O or O2 as an oxidant were compared. The structural parameters were correlated with the chemical bond structure measured by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The density profiles of the porous films were uniform with a slight densification at the film surface. The distribution of pores was also uniform through the film. Films prepared under a single frequency and/or N2O atmosphere had the lowest film density, wall density and dielectric constant. The porosities of the films were similar and the pore sizes were less than 10 .

Citation

Applied Physics Letters

Volume

82

Issue

No. 7

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

CVD low-k dielectric material, porosity, porous thin film, small angle neutron scattering, x-ray porosimetry, x-ray reflectivity

Citation

Lee, V. , Lin, E. , Bauer, B. , Wu, W. , Hwang, B. and Gray, W. (2003), Characterization of Chemical-Vapor-Deposited Low-K Thin Films Using X-Ray Porosimetry, Applied Physics Letters, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=852082 (Accessed October 13, 2025)