low-k
In semiconductor technology, dielectrics are divided into two groups, namely those whose permittivity is greater than that of silicon dioxide( SiO2) and a second group whose dielectric constants are lower than those of silicon dioxide.
The first group is referred to as high-k dielectrics, the second as low-k dielectrics. The permittivity of low-k dielectrics is lower than the reference value for the permittivity of silicon dioxide, which is 3.9. If the permittivity is less than 2.4, it is referred to as ultra-low-k. Low-k dielectrics are used in integrated circuits to compensate for the parasitic capacitances between the current-carrying conductors by means of a lower dielectric constant.