Patent · US Expired

Self-aligned dielectric assisted planarization process

US4996165A · kind A · utility

129Cited by
14References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 21, 1989
Grant dateFeb 26, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 21, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S148/075
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method for planarizing surfaces in multi-layered semiconductor structures using elevated features in the form of semiconductor materials, such as for forming heterojunctions, or interconnection metal. A process of forming the features includes leaving residual photoresist on the features. After feature formation and definition of transistor or other structure locations, dielectric material is deposited across the structure. Remaining photoresist is subsequently removed along with dielectric deposited thereon leaving dielectric between the features. A layer of polyimide is spun on the structure and into depressions between the dielectric and features. Typically material deposition, etching, dielectric backfilling and spin-coating steps are repeated until a predetermined number of contact or conductivity regions or interconnection metal layers are formed in the desired multi-layered structure. In addition, intermediate etching steps may be employed for defining one or more transistor base or collector locations and metal or alloys deposited therein. Height variations in the resulting planar surface are controllable to within a fraction of a micron or less.

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