Integrated circuit metallization with zero contact enclosure requirements and method of making the same
US5270254A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S438/97
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming aluminum metallization for contacting a conductive element in an integrated circuit, and an integrated circuit formed according to the same, is disclosed. According to a first disclosed embodiment, a first aluminum alloy layer is formed within the contact, optionally with a barrier layer between it and the underlying electrode. An etch stop layer is formed thereover, of a material which has a low etch rate to an aluminum etchant species. A second, thicker, aluminum alloy layer is formed thereover. The second aluminum layer is etched until the etch stop layer is reached; the mask for defining the metal line may have an edge within the dimensions of the contact opening. After removal of the exposed etch stop layer, a timed etch removes the first aluminum alloy layer, without exposing the bottom of the contact. The metal line may thus be safely formed, without requiring an enclosure around the contact opening. According to an alternate embodiment, conductive or semiconductive sidewall spacers may be formed, upon which the metal etch can stop, leaving a metal line within the contact dimensions. A further alternative embodiment uses a conductive etch stop layer whic…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.