Study of Via-Typed Air-Gap for Logic Devices Applications below 45 nm Node

Back-end-of-line using ultra low-k (ULK; k < 2.5) has been required to reduce resistive capacitance beyond 45 nmtechnologies,because micro-processing units need higher speed and density. There are two strategies to manufacture ULK inter-layer dielectric (ILD) materials using an air-gap (k = 1). The former ULK and calcinations of ILD degrade the mechanical strength and induce a high cost due to the complication of following process, such as chemical mechanical polishing and deposition of the barrier metal. In contrast, the air-gap based low-k ILD with a relatively higher density has been researched on the trench-type with activity, but it has limited application to high density devices due to its high air-gap into the next metal layer. The height of air-gap into the next metal layer was reduced by changing to the via-typed air-gap, up to about 50% compared to that of the trench-typed air-gap. The controllable ULK was easily fabricated using the via-typed air-gap. It is thought that the via-type air-gap made the better design margin like via-patterning in the area with the dense and narrow lines. KCI Citation Count: 0