Dense dry etched multi-level metallurgy with non-overlapped vias

Claim 1

A double level metal interconnection structure having an etch-stop on the first level metal to prevent overetching thereof when forming the second level metal line in a via hole thereover, comprising: a first metal layer formed on a substrate in the shape of a conductor line; a reactive ion etch resistant chromium metal layer formed on the surface of, aligned over and in the shape of said first layer of metal; an insulating layer formed over said etch resistant metal layer with a via hole having a first diameter formed therethrough over said first level metal layer; a third metal layer reactively ion etched in a pattern on said insulating layer and in said via hole said pattern having a width less than said first diameter in said via hole, electrically contacting said etch resistant metal layer; whereby said first metal layer is protected from over-etching beneath said via hole.