TiN Metal Hardmask Etch Residue Removal on Advanced Porous Low-k and Cu Device with Corner Rounding Scheme

A novel wet cleaning formulation approach was developed with a TiN etch rate of more than 30 Å/min at room temperature and more than 100 Å/min at 50°C. The chemicals are compatible with Cu and low-k materials, and are suitable for Cu dual damascene interconnect 28 nm and smaller technology node applications. The chemicals offer a route to in situ controlled TiN pullback or even complete removal of the TiN mask during the cleaning process in single wafer tool applications. The chemicals do not contain NH 4 OH or TMAH and so are very user-friendly.