Grantee Research Project Results
Metal Deposition for Microelectronics Using CO2 as a Solvent
EPA Contract Number: EPD04042Title: Metal Deposition for Microelectronics Using CO2 as a Solvent
Investigators: DeYoung, James P.
Current Investigators: DeYoung, James P. , Taylor, Doug
Small Business: MiCell Technologies Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2004 through August 31, 2004
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , SBIR - Nanotechnology , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
MiCell Technologies, Inc., proposes a new process for the deposition of metallic thin films of copper, ruthenium, titanium, and other metals used as barrier layers, seed layers, and interconnects. This process would replace the current electroplating approach used in filling deep trenches and forming thin films in microelectronic circuit manufacturing. The electroplating process generates large quantities of aqueous wastes with copper ions and other dangerous chemicals that must be treated in place. The process being proposed utilizes liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent. In addition to being environmentally benign, this process also will provide additional control of the metal deposition processes to create high-quality films and electrical interconnects. This project is part of an overall strategy to replace all aqueous and organic solvents in microelectronics fabrication.
The proposed fluid displacement deposition process utilizes a two-step approach to the formation of the deposited metallic layers. In the first step, organometallic precursors will be dissolved in either liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide. The wafer to be coated will be immersed in either the liquid or supercritical solvent. This solution will be displaced either with carbon dioxide itself or by a second fluid, such as helium, in the supercritical state. This displacement step will cause the formation of a thin film that will result in the deposition of the organometallic precursor on the wafer surface. Because of the low surface tension and viscosity of the carbon dioxide phase, the precursor will penetrate uniformly into the narrow gaps on the surface of the circuit. After this film displacement step, the system can be heated and a reducing agent, such as hydrogen, can be introduced to remove the organic ligands bound to the metal atoms. After the reduction step, a solid metallic layer will remain on the surface, which will form the desired interconnect or thin layer structures.
Phase I will determine the more important operating variables in both the liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide surface deposition processes. Phase II will involve the design of a metallization tool that will meet the operating requirements of industrial microelectronics fabrication. Because of the demand for faster, more sophisticated structures in modern electronic products, copper interconnects and metallic barrier and seed layers will play an increasing role in device fabrication. This environmentally benign process will have a preferred place in the marketplace.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, metal deposition, surface deposition, microelectronics fabrication, CO2, solvent, barrier layer, seed layer, supercritical carbon dioxide, fluid displacement deposition process, organic ligands, EPA., RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Sustainable Industry/Business, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, Technology, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Chemicals Management, pollution prevention, Environmental Engineering, supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) technology, clean technologies, cleaner production, environmentally conscious manufacturing, green design, clean technology, alternative solvents, alternative materials, electroplating, industrial process, carbon dioxide, electronics industry, environmentally benign alternative, alternative metal finishing, alternative electroplating, green chemistryProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Wafer Level Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Based Metal Deposition for Microelectronics ApplicationsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.