Development of design rules for reliable tungsten plugs using simulations

Design rules for the fabrication of reliable tungsten via plugs, produced using blanket tungsten deposition and etch-back, have been developed using experimental results and computer simulations. Fast computer simulations have been used to define the design rules for this process. The use of computer simulations greatly reduces the number of experiments required to develop a process or to establish design rules. The design rules ensure that the via plugs are void free and that they do not form a severe topography during the etch-back.< >