Textures of thin copper films

The textures of thin copper films were determined quantitatively by measuring (111) pole figures with x-ray diffraction. Measurements were performed on a variety of samples, differing in copper film thickness and deposition technique, diffusion barrier material, and the presence or absence of a cap layer. Texture changes due to an annealing treatment were also recorded and correlated with stress measurements by the wafer-curvature technique. It is found that the deposition method (PVD vs CVD) has a strong effect on texture, barrier layer effects range from negligible to significant depending on the barrier material, and the effect of a cap layer is insignificant.