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Characterization of Temporary Extrusion Failures in Quarter-Micron Copper Interconnects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Yan Zhang ,
Junho Choy ,
Glenn H. Chapman  and
Karen L. Kavanagh
Yan Zhang
Affiliation:
School of Engineering
Junho Choy
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5H 3H3, Canada.
Glenn H. Chapman
Affiliation:
School of Engineering
Karen L. Kavanagh
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5H 3H3, Canada.
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Abstract

We report an unusual circuit failure mode induced by short-lived extrusions observed during DC and AC electromigration (EM) tests of quarter-micron damascene copper interconnects. This novel “soft” failure mode consists of extrusions forming, then self-dissolving before the traditional permanent void or extrusion failure. These failures shorten the lifetime significantly and bring new challenges to reliability tests. Two self-dissolution mechanisms under DC test conditions are discussed and extrusion shape evolution is modeled assuming both capillary and electron wind forces are present. Our model confirms that the electrical stress will accelerate the shape evolution process.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 863: Symposium B – Materials, Technology and Reliability of Advanced Interconnects , 2005 , B9.7
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2005

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