Methods of forming air gaps between interconnects of integrated circuits
and structures thereof are disclosed. A first insulating material is
deposited over a workpiece, and a second insulating material having a
sacrificial portion is deposited over the first insulating material.
Conductive lines are formed in the first and second insulating layers.
The second insulating material is treated to remove the sacrificial
portion, and at least a portion of the first insulating material is
removed, forming air gaps between the conductive lines. The second
insulating material is impermeable as deposited and permeable after
treating it to remove the sacrificial portion. A first region of the
workpiece may be masked during the treatment, so that the second
insulating material becomes permeable in a second region of the workpiece
yet remains impermeable in the first region, thus allowing the formation
of the air gaps in the second region, but not the first region.