US Patent 7795740 Adhesion enhancement for metal/dielectric interface

An interconnect structure and method of fabricating the same in which the adhesion between a chemically etched dielectric material and a noble metal liner is improved are provided. In accordance with the present invention, a chemically etching dielectric material is subjected to a treatment step which modified the chemical nature of the dielectric material such that the treated surfaces become hydrophobic. The treatment step is performed prior to deposition of the noble metal liner and aides in improving the adhesion between the chemically etched dielectric material and the noble metal liner.