WSiN films were produced through hybrid pulse direct current/radio frequency magnetron co-sputtering and evaluated as diffusion barriers for Cu metallization. The Cu/WSiN/Si assemblies were annealed for 1 h in a vacuum at 500–900 °C. The structural stability and diffusion barrier performance of the WSiN films were explored through X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, and sheet resistance measurement. The results indicated that the Si content of WSiN films increased from 0 to 9 at.% as the power applied to the Si target was increased from 0 to 150 W. The as-deposited W76N24, W68Si0N32, and W63Si4N33 films formed a face-centered cubic W2N phase, whereas the as-deposited W59Si9N32 film was near-amorphous. The lattice constants of crystalline WSiN films decreased after annealing. The sheet resistance of crystalline WSiN films exhibited a sharp increase as they were annealed at 800 °C, accompanied by the formation of a Cu3Si compound. The failure of the near-amorphous W59Si9N32 barrier against Cu diffusion was observed when annealed at 900 °C.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.