The present invention provides a low dielectric constant copper diffusion
barrier film suitable for use in a semiconductor device and methods for
fabricating such a film. Some embodiments of the film are formed of a
silicon-based material doped with boron. Other embodiments are formed, at
least in part, of boron nitride. Some such embodiments include a moisture
barrier film that includes oxygen and/or carbon. Preferred embodiments of
the copper diffusion barrier maintain a stable dielectric constant of
less than 4.5 in the presence of atmospheric moisture.