A method for forming a porous insulative structure on a semiconductor
device structure includes forming a layer of unconsolidated electrically
insulative, or dielectric, material with microcapsules dispersed
therethrough on at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor
device structure. The microcapsules may be hollow or include a removable
filler. Once the layer has been formed, the unconsolidated material is at
least partially consolidated. Filler, if any, may be removed from the
microcapsules to provide a porous insulative layer or structure. This
layer or structure may be configured to support conductive elements or
other features of the semiconductor device.