Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified
for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in
integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In certain
embodiments of the invention, there is provided a low-temperature process
to remove at least a portion of at least one pore-forming phase within a
multiphasic film thereby forming a porous film. The pore-forming phase
may be removed via exposure to at least one energy source, preferably an
ultraviolet light source, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.