US6300241B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Silicon interconnect passivation and metallization process optimized to maximize reflectance
Assignee: National Semiconductor Corp
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Filing: 1998-08-19
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Granted: 2001-10-09
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Expires: 2018-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A metal surface having optimized reflectance is created utilizing the following process steps alone or in combination: 1) CMP of dielectric layer underlying the metal following SOG planarization; 2) CMP of dielectric layer underlying the metal following formation of vias; 3) forming a metal adhesion layer composed of collimated titanium over the underlying dielectric; 4) depositing metal upon the adhesion layer at as low a temperature as feasible to maintain small grain size; 5) depositing at least the first layer of the reflectance enhancing coating on top of the freshly deposited metal prior to etching the metal; and 6) depositing the initial layer of the reflective enhancing coating at a temperature as close as possible to the temperature of formation of the metal electrode layer in order to suppress hillock formation in the metal. Deposition of the REC serves two distinct purposes. First, the REC coats the freshly deposited metal layer immediately following deposition, preserving the metal in its highly reflective state. Second, the REC generates constructive interference of light reflected by the metal layer. This constructive interference can generate reflectivity greater than that of the bare metal surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul M. Moore
- 👤 Kevin Carl Brown
- 👤 Richard Luttrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:29
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/1343; G02F1/1335; G02F1/133553; G02F1/13439; G02F2201/00; G02F2201/12; G02F2201/123
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A process of forming a reflective electrode comprising: forming a highest intermetal dielectric layer on top of a highest layer of interconnect metallization; planarizing the highest intermetal dielectric; creatine a via in the highest intermetal dielectric; lining the walls of the via with a liner layer; filling the via with an electrically conductive material; forming an electrode adhesion layer on top of the highest intermetal dielectric and the via; forming an electrode layer on top of the electrode adhesion layer; and forming a reflectance enhancing coating on top of the electrode layer, the reflectance enhancing coating generating constructive interference of light waves reflected by the electrode layer, and wherein the step of planarizing the highest intermetal dielectric includes the steps of forming SOG on top of the highest intermetal dielectric, etching the SOG and the intermetal dielectric, and chemical mechanical polishing the etched intermetal dielectric.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
A process of forming a reflective electrode comprising: forming a highest intermetal dielectric layer on top of a highest layer of interconnect metallization; planarizing the highest intermetal dielectric; creatine a via in the highest intermetal dielectric; lining the walls of the via with a liner layer; filling the via with an electrically conductive material; forming an electrode adhesion layer on top of the highest intermetal dielectric and the via; forming an electrode layer on top of the electrode adhesion layer; and forming a reflectance enhancing coating on top of the electrode layer, the reflectance enhancing coating generating constructive interference of light waves reflected by the electrode layer, and wherein the step of planarizing the highest intermetal dielectric includes the steps of forming SOG on top of the highest intermetal dielectric, etching the SOG and the intermetal dielectric, and chemical mechanical polishing the etched intermetal dielectric.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process according to claim 1 further comprising the step of chemical mechanical polishing a top surface of the filled via prior to forming the electrode adhesion layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process according to claim 2 wherein the step of forming an electrode adhesion layer includes forming a layer of collimated Titanium between approximately 100 Å and 400 Å thick.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The process according to claim 3 wherein the step of forming the electrode layer includes depositing metal at a first temperature, the first temperature maintained as low as possible such that the grain size and roughness of the electrode layer are minimized.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process according to claim 4 wherein the step of forming the electrode layer includes depositing a mixture of approximately 99.5% aluminum and 0.5% copper by weight at a temperature of approximately 50° C.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process according to claim 4 wherein the step of forming the electrode layer includes depositing a mixture of approximately 99.5% aluminum and 0.5% copper by weight at a temperature of approximately 175° C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process according to claim 4 wherein the step of forming the reflectance enhancing coating includes a step of forming a first dielectric film on top of the electrode layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process according to claim 7 wherein the step of forming the first dielectric film includes depositing the first dielectric film at a second temperature as close as possible to the first temperature, such that formation of hillocks in the electrode layer is suppressed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
The process according to claim 8 wherein the step of forming the electrode layer includes depositing a mixture of 99.5% aluminum and 0.5% copper by weight at approximately 50° C., and the step of forming the first dielectric film includes depositing the first dielectric film at a temperature of approximately 300° C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
The process according to claim 8 wherein the step of forming the electrode layer includes depositing a mixture of 99.5% aluminum and 0.5% copper by weight at a temperature of approximately 175° C., and the step of forming the first dielectric film includes depositing the first dielectric film at a temperature of approximately 300° C.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
84 words
The process according to claim 7 wherein the step of forming the reflectance enhancing coating further includes the steps of forming the first dielectric film of SiO 2 on top of the electrode layer, forming a second dielectric film of Si 3 N 4 on top of the first dielectric film, forming a third dielectric film of SiO 2 on top of the second dielectric film, and forming a fourth dielectric film of Si 3 N 4 on top of the third dielectric film.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-10-08 | 2005-04-09 | 2005-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-08 | 2009-04-09 | 2009-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-08 | 2013-04-09 | 2013-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |