Patent · US Expired

Intermetallic compound layer in thin films for improved electromigration resistance

US4017890A · kind A · utility

49Cited by
2References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 24, 1975
Grant dateApr 12, 1977
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 24, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/12486
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method and resulting structure for forming narrow intermetallic stripes which will carry high currents on bodies such as semiconductors, integrated circuits, magnetic bubbles structures, etc. The conductive stripe includes aluminum or aluminum copper with at least one transition metal. The aluminum and at least one transition metal are deposited onto a supporting body at a very low pressure in a substantially oxygen-free high vacuum. The composite is then annealed at a temperature between about 200.degree. C and 525.degree. C for a time sufficient to form an aluminum and transition metal compound within the aluminum. The conductive stripes are then formed by masking and removing portions of the annealed metallic material. The resulting conductive stripes, which may be of a width of about 6.times.10.sup.-.sup.4 inches or less, have a significantly improved electromigration performance without significantly increasing resistance in the conductive stripe.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.