Papers by Author: Simona Spadoni

Abstract: The interest towards Copper RDL (Re-Distribution Layer) is due to some advantages related to this approach. First of all it is cheaper than conventional Damascene approach; moreover it allows thicknesses as high as 10µm or more whereas with Damascene architecture Cu thickness is limited to <5µm. Figure 1 introduces the architecture concept, which is based on a quite long ECD growth on a substrate with patterned PhotoResist.

Abstract: GST is an alloy composed by Ge, Sb, Te whose importance is increasing more and more in semiconductors manufacturing due to its usage in Phase Change Memories (PCM) architecture, as a charge storage element. As a consequence its integration in PCM architectures requires a deeper understanding of the effect that commonly used wet cleanings may have on the surface of the alloy.

Abstract: Tungsten importance in semiconductor manufacturing is renewed more and more due to its usage not only as metallization for plugs, but also in metal gates architectures. As the scaling down of the devices is becoming aggressive, the metal interfaces become more critical. Hence, a deeper understanding of the evolution of the W surface after wet cleaning processes is becoming increasingly more important.

Abstract: In damascene architecture, widely used both in flash memories and in DRAM as interconnect scheme since 90 nm node, copper surface is exposed after via etch. A deep understanding of the effect of different wet cleanings on Cu surface is therefore mandatory, not only to ensure an efficient post etch polymer removal, but also to provide a better surface termination, capable to minimize Cu oxidation kinetic and to reduce the growth of Cu-rich precipitates which may negatively effect contact resistance. In this work we have analyzed the Cu surface after processing with several cleaning chemistries -often present in BEOL cleaning processes- using XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and ToF-SIMS (Time of Flight – Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy), fast and powerful techniques widely used in Cu surface characterization [1]. In addition, the evolution of the surface with storage time has been monitored using the same techniques, in order to better understand the effect of the different cleaning chemistries. XPS has been proven to be very sensitive to monitor Cu oxidation, while ToF-SIMS has been used to reveal organic species adsorbed on the surface.