A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first region and a second region, first metal lines spaced apart from each other at a first interval on the first region, second metal lines spaced apart from each other at a second interval on the second region, the second interval being less than the first interval, and a passivation layer on the semiconductor substrate and covering the first and second metal lines, the passivation layer including sidewall parts covering sidewalls of the first metal lines and the second metal lines, the sidewall parts including a porous dielectric layer, upper parts covering top surfaces of the first metal lines and the second metal lines, and an air gap defined by the sidewall parts between the second metal lines.

A semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of first interconnecting structures in the first dielectric layer, forming at least a trench in the first dielectric layer and between the first interconnecting structures, performing a sputtering deposition process to form a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, wherein the second dielectric layer at least partially seals an air gap in the trench, and forming a third dielectric layer on the second dielectric layer.

Methods and devices for forming a conductive line disposed over a substrate. A first dielectric layer is disposed over the substrate and coplanar with the conductive line. A second dielectric layer disposed over the conductive line and a third dielectric layer disposed over the first dielectric layer. A via extends through the second dielectric layer and is coupled to the conductive line. The second dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer are coplanar and the second and third dielectric layers have a different composition. In some embodiments, the second dielectric layer is selectively deposited on the conductive line.

An integrated circuit structure includes a first low-k dielectric layer having a first k value, and a second low-k dielectric layer having a second k value lower than the first k value. The second low-k dielectric layer is overlying the first low-k dielectric layer. A dual damascene structure includes a via with a portion in the first low-k dielectric layer, and a metal line over and joined to the via. The metal line includes a portion in the second low-k dielectric layer.

A semiconductor device is provided. A semiconductor device includes: a lower metal layer including first, second, and third conductive patterns spaced apart from each other in a first insulating film; first and second interlayer insulating films between the first and second conductive patterns and between the second and third conductive patterns, respectively, so as to be spaced apart from each other; a via metal layer inside a recess on the lower metal layer and electrically connected to the lower metal layer; and a second insulating film at least partially surrounding side surfaces of the via metal layer and having a first insulating film portion on a concave portion between the first and second interlayer insulating films and a second insulating film portion on the first insulating film portion, wherein a carbon concentration in the first insulating film portion is higher than a carbon concentration in the second insulating film portion.

An etch stop layer is located on top of a first dielectric layer. A conductive line is located on top of the etch stop layer. A second dielectric layer is located above the first dielectric layer. The second dialect layer is in contact with the first dielectric layer.

A copper interconnect with an embedded dielectric cap between lines comprises a plurality of interconnect lines formed in a dielectric layer of a semiconductor device. The copper interconnect further comprises a first dielectric cap formed between each interconnect line of the plurality of interconnect lines. The copper interconnect further comprises a second dielectric cap formed on top of the plurality of interconnect lines and the first dielectric cap, wherein the second dielectric cap formed on top of the first dielectric cap forms a bi-layer dielectric cap between the plurality of interconnect lines.

The present application discloses a method for fabricating a semiconductor device with a connection structure. The method includes providing a first semiconductor structure comprising a plurality of first conductive features adjacent to a top surface of the first semiconductor structure; forming a connection structure comprising a connection insulating layer on the top surface of the first semiconductor structure, a connection layer in the connection insulating layer, and a plurality of first porous interlayers on the plurality of first conductive features and in the connection insulating layer; and forming a second semiconductor structure comprising a plurality of second conductive features on the plurality of first porous interlayers.

A metal interconnect structure includes a first metal interconnection in an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer on a substrate, a second metal interconnection on the first metal interconnection, and a cap layer between the first metal interconnection and the second metal interconnection. Preferably, a top surface of the first metal interconnection is even with a top surface of the IMD layer and the cap layer is made of conductive material.

Adjacent interconnect lines are in staggered, vertically spaced positions, which accordingly reduces their capacitive coupling within one level of interconnect metallization. Short and tall interconnect via openings are landed on the vertically staggered interconnect lines. Cap material selectively deposited upon upper ones of the staggered interconnect lines limits over etch of the short vias while the tall vias are advanced toward lower ones of the staggered interconnect lines. The via openings of differing depth may be filled, for example with a single damascene metallization process that defines a co-planar top surface for all via metallization over the staggered, vertically spaced interconnect lines.