U.S. patent application number 16/168951 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-30 for three-dimensional (3d) metal-insulator-metal capacitor (mimcap) and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.. Invention is credited to Tibor Bolom, Thomas G. McKay, Robert V. Seidel.
Application Number | 20200135845 16/168951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70327318 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200135845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seidel; Robert V. ; et
al. |
April 30, 2020 |
THREE-DIMENSIONAL (3D) METAL-INSULATOR-METAL CAPACITOR (MIMCAP) AND
METHOD
Abstract
Disclosed are integrated circuit (IC) structure embodiments with
a three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP)
in back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal levels. The MIMCAP includes a
plurality of high aspect ratio trenches that extend through at
least one relatively thick dielectric layer within the metal
levels. Conformal layers of a metal, an insulator and another metal
line the trenches and cover the top of the dielectric layer in the
area of the MIMCAP. Different configurations for the bottom and top
electrode contacts can be used including, for example, one
configuration where the top electrode contact is a dual-damascene
structure within an ultra-thick metal (UTM) level above the MIMCAP
and another configuration where both the top and bottom electrode
contacts are such dual-damascene structures. Also disclosed are
method embodiments for forming IC structures with such a MIMCAP and
these method embodiments can be readily integrated into current
BEOL processing, including UTM-level dual-damascene processing.
Inventors: |
Seidel; Robert V.; (Dresden,
DE) ; McKay; Thomas G.; (Boulder Creek, CA) ;
Bolom; Tibor; (Litomerice, CZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC. |
GRAND CAYMAN |
|
KY |
|
|
Assignee: |
GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
GRAND CAYMAN
KY
|
Family ID: |
70327318 |
Appl. No.: |
16/168951 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 21/7681 20130101;
H01L 21/76813 20130101; H01L 28/91 20130101; H01L 23/5226 20130101;
H01L 21/7687 20130101; H01L 28/75 20130101; H01L 23/5223
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 49/02 20060101
H01L049/02; H01L 21/768 20060101 H01L021/768; H01L 23/522 20060101
H01L023/522 |
Claims
1. An integrated circuit structure comprising: a substrate; and a
metal level above the substrate and comprising: a first dielectric
layer; a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer; a
metal-insulator-metal capacitor comprising: trenches extending
through the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer;
and a metal-insulator-metal stack comprising: a first conformal
metal layer on the second dielectric layer and lining the trenches;
a conformal insulator layer on the first conformal metal layer; and
a second conformal metal layer on the conformal insulator layer; a
third dielectric layer on the second conformal metal layer and
filling the trenches; a fourth dielectric layer comprising a
conformal dielectric layer above and immediately adjacent to a top
surface of the third dielectric layer and further extending
laterally beyond the third dielectric layer and the
metal-insulator-metal capacitor so as to be above and immediately
adjacent to a top surface of the second dielectric layer; a fifth
dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric layer, wherein the fifth
dielectric layer has a planar top surface, wherein a first portion
of the fifth dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric layer
opposite the third dielectric layer has a first thickness and
wherein a second portion of the fifth dielectric layer on the
fourth dielectric layer opposite the second dielectric layer has a
second thickness that is greater than the first thickness; and a
top electrode contact that extends through the first portion of the
fifth dielectric layer, the fourth dielectric layer and the third
dielectric layer to a top surface of the second conformal metal
layer.
2. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein end walls
of the first conformal metal layer, the conformal insulator layer,
the second conformal metal layer and the third dielectric layer are
vertically aligned, wherein the fourth dielectric layer is
positioned laterally immediately adjacent to the end walls, wherein
the integrated circuit structure further comprises a bottom
electrode contact below the metal-insulator-metal capacitor, and
wherein a top surface of the bottom electrode contact is in contact
with a bottom surface of the first conformal metal layer at a
bottom of at least one of the trenches.
3. The integrated circuit structure of claim 2, wherein the top
electrode contact comprises any one of the following: a
dual-damascene top electrode comprising: a top electrode wire
extending through the first portion of the fifth dielectric layer
and the fourth dielectric layer such that a bottom of the top
electrode wire is immediately adjacent to a top surface of the
third dielectric layer; and at least one top electrode via
interconnect extending from the bottom of the top electrode wire
through the third dielectric layer to the top surface of the second
conformal metal layer; and a wire top electrode contact extending
through the first portion of the fifth dielectric layer, the fourth
dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer to the top surface
of the second conformal metal layer.
4. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein end walls
of the conformal insulator layer, the second conformal metal layer
and the third dielectric layer are vertically aligned, wherein an
end portion of the first conformal metal layer extends laterally
beyond the end walls of the conformal insulator layer, the second
conformal metal layer, and the third dielectric layer, wherein the
fourth dielectric layer is positioned laterally immediately
adjacent to the end walls and is further above and immediately
adjacent to a top surface of the end portion of the first conformal
metal layer, wherein a third portion of the fifth dielectric layer
on the fourth dielectric layer opposite the end portion of the
first conformal metal layer has a third thickness that is between
the first thickness and the second thickness, wherein the metal
level further comprises a dual-damascene bottom electrode contact
comprising: a bottom electrode wire extending through the third
portion of the fifth dielectric layer such that top surfaces of the
bottom electrode wire and the fifth dielectric layer are coplanar
and such that a bottom of the bottom electrode wire is adjacent to
a top surface of the fourth dielectric layer; and at least one
bottom electrode via interconnect extending from the bottom of the
bottom electrode wire to the top surface of the end portion of the
first conformal metal layer.
5. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the metal
level further comprises: an additional dual-damascene interconnect
structure comprising: an additional wire extending through the
second portion of the fifth dielectric layer and the fourth
dielectric layer such that a bottom of the additional wire is
immediately adjacent to the top surface of the second dielectric
layer; and at least one additional via interconnect extending from
the bottom of the additional wire through the second dielectric
layer and the first dielectric layer.
6. The integrated circuit structure of claim 5, further comprising
a metal element below and contacted by the additional
dual-damascene interconnect structure.
7. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the
trenches further extend through at least one additional dielectric
layer below the first dielectric layer.
8. The integrated circuit structure of claim 1, wherein the metal
level is a back-end-of-the-line metal level having a thickness of
at least 3 .mu.m.
9-20. (canceled)
21. An integrated circuit structure comprising: a substrate; and a
metal level above the substrate and comprising: a first dielectric
layer; a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer; a
metal-insulator-metal capacitor comprising: trenches extending
through the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer;
and a metal-insulator-metal stack comprising: a first conformal
metal layer on the second dielectric layer and lining the trenches;
a conformal insulator layer on the first conformal metal layer; and
a second conformal metal layer on the conformal insulator layer; a
third dielectric layer on the second conformal metal layer and
filling the trenches, wherein end walls of the conformal insulator
layer, the second conformal metal layer and the third dielectric
layer are vertically aligned and wherein an end portion of the
first conformal metal layer extends laterally beyond the end walls;
a fourth dielectric layer comprising a conformal dielectric layer
above and immediately adjacent to a top surface of the third
dielectric layer, positioned laterally immediately adjacent to the
end walls, above and immediately adjacent to a top surface of the
end portion of the first conformal metal layer and further
extending laterally beyond the metal-insulator-metal capacitor and
onto a top surface of the second dielectric layer; a fifth
dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric layer, wherein the fifth
dielectric layer has a planar top surface, wherein a first portion
of the fifth dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric layer
opposite the third dielectric layer has a first thickness, wherein
a second portion of the fifth dielectric layer on the fourth
dielectric layer opposite the second dielectric layer has a second
thickness that is greater than the first thickness, and wherein a
third portion of the fifth dielectric layer on the fourth
dielectric layer opposite the end portion of the first conformal
metal layer has a third thickness that is between the first
thickness and the second thickness; a top electrode contact
extending through the first portion of the fifth dielectric layer,
the fourth dielectric layer, and third dielectric layer to a top
surface of the second conformal metal layer; and a bottom electrode
contact extending through the third portion of the fifth dielectric
layer and the fourth dielectric layer to the top surface of the end
portion of the first conformal metal layer, wherein top surfaces of
the top electrode contact, the bottom electrode contact and the
fifth dielectric layer are coplanar.
22. The integrated circuit structure of claim 21, wherein the metal
level further comprises: an additional dual-damascene interconnect
structure comprising: an additional wire extending through the
second portion of the fifth dielectric layer and the fourth
dielectric layer such that a bottom of the additional wire is
adjacent to the top surface of the second dielectric layer; and at
least one additional via interconnect extending from the bottom of
the additional wire through the second dielectric layer and the
first dielectric layer to a metal element.
23. The integrated circuit structure of claim 22, wherein top
surfaces of the fifth dielectric layer, the top electrode contact,
the bottom electrode contact and the additional dual-damascene
interconnect structure are co-planar.
24. The integrated circuit structure of claim 22, wherein the metal
element comprises a metal wire.
25. The integrated circuit structure of claim 21, wherein the
trenches further extend through at least one additional dielectric
layer below the first dielectric layer.
26. The integrated circuit structure of claim 21, wherein the metal
level is a back-end-of-the-line metal level having a thickness of
at least 3 .mu.m.
27. An integrated circuit structure comprising: a substrate; and a
metal level above the substrate and comprising: a first dielectric
layer; a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer; a
metal-insulator-metal capacitor comprising: trenches extending
through the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer;
and a metal-insulator-metal stack comprising: a first conformal
metal layer on the second dielectric layer and lining the trenches;
a conformal insulator layer on the first conformal metal layer; and
a second conformal metal layer on the conformal insulator layer; a
third dielectric layer on the second conformal metal layer and
filling the trenches, wherein end walls of the conformal insulator
layer, the second conformal metal layer and the third dielectric
layer are vertically aligned and wherein an end portion of the
first conformal metal layer extends laterally beyond the end walls;
a fourth dielectric layer comprising a conformal dielectric layer
above and immediately adjacent to a top surface of the third
dielectric layer, positioned laterally immediately adjacent to the
end walls, above and immediately adjacent to a top surface of the
end portion of the first conformal metal layer and further
extending laterally beyond the metal-insulator-metal capacitor onto
a top surface of the second dielectric layer; a fifth dielectric
layer on the fourth dielectric layer, wherein the fifth dielectric
layer has a planar top surface, wherein a first portion of the
fifth dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric layer opposite the
third dielectric layer has a first thickness, wherein a second
portion of the fifth dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric
layer opposite the second dielectric layer has a second thickness
that is greater than the first thickness, and wherein a third
portion of the fifth dielectric layer on the fourth dielectric
layer opposite the end portion of the first conformal metal layer
has a third thickness that is between the first thickness and the
second thickness; a dual-damascene top electrode contact
comprising: a top electrode wire extending through the first
portion of the fifth dielectric layer and into an upper portion of
the fourth dielectric layer such that a bottom of the top electrode
wire is above and physically separated from the top surface of the
third dielectric layer; and at least one top electrode via
interconnect extending from the bottom of the top electrode wire
through a lower portion of the fourth dielectric layer and further
through the third dielectric layer to a top surface of the second
conformal metal layer; and a dual-damascene bottom electrode
contact comprising: a bottom electrode wire extending through the
third portion of the fifth dielectric layer such that a bottom of
the bottom electrode wire is adjacent to a top surface of the
fourth dielectric layer; and at least one bottom electrode via
interconnect extending from the bottom of the bottom electrode wire
through the fourth dielectric layer to the top surface of the end
portion of the first conformal metal layer, wherein top surfaces of
the dual-damascene top electrode contact, the dual-damascene bottom
electrode contact and the fifth dielectric layer are coplanar.
28. The integrated circuit structure of claim 27, wherein the metal
level further comprises: an additional dual-damascene interconnect
structure comprising: an additional wire extending through the
second portion of the fifth dielectric layer and the fourth
dielectric layer such that a bottom of the additional wire is
adjacent to the top surface of the second dielectric layer; and at
least one additional via interconnect extending from the bottom of
the additional wire through the second dielectric layer and the
first dielectric layer to a metal element.
29. The integrated circuit structure of claim 28, wherein top
surfaces of the fifth dielectric layer, the dual-damascene top
electrode contact, the dual-damascene bottom electrode contact and
the additional dual-damascene interconnect structure are
co-planar.
30. The integrated circuit structure of claim 28, wherein bottoms
of the top electrode wire, the bottom electrode wire and the
additional wire are all at different levels such that a height of
the additional wire is greater than a height of the bottom
electrode wire and the height of the bottom electrode wire is
greater than a height of the top electrode wire.
31. The integrated circuit structure of claim 28, wherein the metal
element comprises a metal wire.
32. The integrated circuit structure of claim 27, wherein the
trenches further extend through at least one additional dielectric
layer below the first dielectric layer.
33. The integrated circuit structure of claim 27, wherein the metal
level is a back-end-of-the-line metal level having a thickness of
at least 3 .mu.m.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to metal-insulator-metal
capacitors (MIMCAPs) and, particularly, to a three-dimensional (3D)
metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP) and a method of forming
the 3D MIMCAP.
Description of Related Art
[0002] More specifically, smart or connected computing devices
(referred to in the art as the internet of things (IoT) devices)
are becoming more and more popular in the marketplace. Furthermore,
there is an ever-increasing demand for IoT devices to be smaller in
size and to have a longer lasting battery life. Power management of
such devices, thus, requires capacitors with high capacitance
densities. Those skilled in the art will recognize that capacitance
density refers to capacitance per chip surface area consumed by the
capacitor(s) (e.g., in units of femtofarads (fF)/micrometer squared
(.mu.m.sup.2)). Unfortunately, high capacitance density (e.g.,
approaching approximately 100 fF/.mu.m.sup.2 or higher) cannot be
achieved with conventional planar dual-electrode or
triple-electrode metal-insulator-metal capacitors (MIMCAPs).
Furthermore, while some three-dimensional (3D) MIMCAP structures
have been developed to provide increased capacitance density,
techniques for manufacturing these 3D MIMCAPS are not readily
integrated into current process flows and may be deemed
cost-prohibitive.
SUMMARY
[0003] In view of the foregoing, disclosed herein are embodiments
of an integrated circuit (IC) structure, which includes a
three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP)
that is incorporated into the back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal
levels to provide increased capacitance density. The MIMCAP can
include a plurality of high aspect ratio trenches that extend
essentially vertically through dielectric layer(s) within a lower
portion of an ultra-thick metal (UTM) level of the BEOL metal
levels. Stacked conformal layers of a metal, an insulator and
another metal can line the trenches and cover the top surface of
the dielectric material between the trenches. The bottom and top
electrode contacts can have various different configurations. For
example, in one configuration the top electrode contact is a
dual-damascene structure within an upper portion of the UTM level
above the MIMCAP; in another configuration both the top and bottom
electrode contacts are such dual-damascene structures; etc. Also
disclosed are embodiments of a method for forming an IC structure
with a UTM level MIMCAP and this method can be integrated into
current BEOL processing, including UTM-level dual-damascene
processing, to minimize costs.
[0004] More particularly, disclosed herein are embodiments of an
integrated circuit (IC) structure. The IC structure can include a
substrate and back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal levels above the
substrate. The BEOL metal levels can include a metal-in-metal
capacitor (MIMCAP) in a lower portion of an ultra-thick metal (UTM)
level. Specifically, the BEOL metal levels can include a UTM level.
The UTM level can include multiple dielectric layers. These
dielectric layers can include, but are not limited to, a first
dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer on the first
dielectric layer. The MIMCAP can include a plurality of trenches
that extend essentially vertically through the second and first
dielectric layers such that they have a relatively high aspect
ratio. The MIMCAP can also include a conformal
metal-insulator-metal stack on the top of the second dielectric
layer and lining the trenches. That is, the MIMCAP can include a
first conformal metal layer (i.e., a bottom electrode) on the
second dielectric layer and lining the trenches, a conformal
insulator layer on the first conformal metal layer, and a second
conformal metal layer (i.e., a top electrode) on the conformal
insulator layer. A third dielectric layer can be on the second
conformal metal layer and can fill the remaining space within the
trenches.
[0005] In the different embodiments of this IC structure, the
bottom and top electrode contacts can have different
configurations. Specifically, the top electrode contact can be
within an upper portion of the UTM level above the MIMCAP and can
be either a thick wire or dual-damascene top electrode contact,
which is in contact with a top surface of the second conformal
metal layer. The bottom electrode contact can be a wire bottom
electrode contact in a metal level immediately below the MIMCAP and
in contact with a bottom surface of the first conformal metal layer
at the bottoms of the trenches. Alternatively, the bottom electrode
contact can be either a thick wire or dual-damascene bottom
electrode contact, which is in contact with a top surface of the
first conformal metal layer at one end.
[0006] Optionally, the IC can include at least one additional
dual-damascene interconnect structure can be within the same UTM
level as the MIMCAP. The additional dual-damascene interconnect
structure can include an additional wire and at least one
additional via interconnect that extends essentially vertically
from the additional wire through the second dielectric layer and
the first dielectric layer to a metal element below. Thus, the
additional wire is positioned laterally adjacent to the electrode
contact(s) in the upper portion of the UTM level and the additional
via interconnect is positioned laterally adjacent to the MIMCAP in
the lower portion of the UTM level.
[0007] Also disclosed herein are method embodiments for forming
integrated circuit (IC) structures with such a
metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP).
[0008] The method can begin with a substrate. Back-end-of-the-line
(BEOL) metal levels, including an ultra-thick metal (UTM) level,
can be formed above the substrate. A metal-in-metal capacitor
(MIMCAP) can be formed within a lower portion of the UTM level.
Specifically, formation of the UTM level can include depositing a
first dielectric layer and depositing a second dielectric layer on
the first dielectric layer. The MIMCAP can be formed, after
deposition of the second dielectric layer, by forming trenches that
extend essentially vertically through at least the second
dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer and by depositing a
conformal metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stack. That is, a first
conformal metal layer (i.e., a bottom electrode) can be deposited
so as to line the trenches and cover the top surface of the second
dielectric layer. A conformal insulator layer can be deposited on
the first conformal metal layer and a second conformal metal layer
(i.e., a top electrode) can be deposited on the conformal insulator
layer. After the second conformal metal layer is deposited, a third
dielectric layer can be deposited on the second conformal metal
layer so as to fill any remaining spaces within the trenches. A
patterning process can subsequently be performed to define the
outer edges of the MIMCAP.
[0009] The method can also include forming a bottom electrode
contact and forming a top electrode contact. The embodiments can
vary with regard to how these electrode contacts are formed. For
example, the bottom electrode contact can be formed as a wire
bottom electrode contact prior to MIMCAP formation and the MIMCAP
can be formed such that the trenches extend to the wire bottom
electrode contact and further such that the bottom surface of the
first conformal metal layer is above and in contact with the wire
bottom electrode contact at the bottoms of the trenches.
Alternatively, the bottom electrode contact can be formed as either
a dual-damascene bottom electrode contact or a thick wire bottom
electrode contact in an upper portion of the UTM level above and in
contact with the top surface of the first conformal metal layer at
one end and, particularly, at an end that extends laterally beyond
the other layers of the MIM stack. In either case, the top
electrode contact can be formed as either a dual-damascene top
electrode contact or a thick wire top electrode contact in the
upper portion of the UTM level above and in contact with the top
surface of the second conformal metal layer.
[0010] One exemplary embodiment of the method can include providing
a substrate. Back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal levels, including an
ultra-thick metal (UTM) level, can be formed above the substrate. A
metal-in-metal capacitor (MIMCAP) can be formed within a lower
portion of the UTM level. Specifically, formation of the UTM level
can include depositing a first dielectric layer and depositing a
second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer. The MIMCAP
can be formed, after deposition of the second dielectric layer, by
forming trenches that extend essentially vertically through at
least the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer
and by depositing a conformal metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stack.
That is, a first conformal metal layer (i.e., a bottom electrode)
can be deposited so as to line the trenches and cover the top
surface of the second dielectric layer. A conformal insulator layer
can be deposited on the first conformal metal layer and a second
conformal metal layer (i.e., a top electrode) can be deposited on
the conformal insulator layer. After the second conformal metal
layer is deposited, a third dielectric layer can be deposited on
the second conformal metal layer so as to fill any remaining spaces
within the trenches.
[0011] A multi-step patterning process can subsequently be
performed to define the outer edges of the MIMCAP and to further
ensure that an end of the first conformal metal layer extends
laterally beyond the other layers in the MIMCAP (i.e., beyond the
conformal insulator layer and the second conformal metal layer) and
the third dielectric layer. Additional dielectric layers for the
UTM level can be formed immediately above the MIMCAP and
dual-damascene top and bottom electrodes can be formed in these
additional dielectric layers. Specifically, a dual-damascene top
electrode contact can be formed such that it is in contact with the
top surface of the second conformal metal layer. Additionally, a
dual-damascene bottom electrode contact can be formed such that it
is in contact with the top surface of the first conformal metal
layer at one end (i.e., the end that extends beyond the other
layers of the MIMCAP).
[0012] Optionally, the method can include, during formation of the
MIMCAP and electrode contact(s) thereon, also forming an additional
dual-damascene interconnect structure with the same UTM level. The
additional dual-damascene interconnect structure can be formed so
as to include an additional wire and at least one additional via
interconnect that extends essentially vertically from the
additional wire through the second dielectric layer and the first
dielectric layer to a metal element below. Thus, the additional
wire will be positioned laterally adjacent to the electrode
contact(s) in the upper portion of the UTM level and the additional
via interconnect will be positioned laterally adjacent to the
MIMCAP in the lower portion of the UTM level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will be better understood from the
following detailed description with reference to the drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which:
[0014] FIGS. 1A-1C are cross-section diagrams of alternative
configurations of an embodiment of an integrated circuit (IC)
structure that incorporates an ultra-thick metal (UTM) level
three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP), a
below-MIMCAP bottom electrode contact and an above-MIMCAP top
electrode contact;
[0015] FIGS. 2A-2C are cross-section diagrams of alternative
configurations of an embodiment of an integrated circuit (IC)
structure that incorporates an ultra-thick metal (UTM) level
three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP), an
above-MIMCAP bottom electrode contact and an above-MIMCAP top
electrode contact;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of forming
the embodiment of the IC structure shown in FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIGS. 4-11 are cross-section diagrams of partially completed
IC structures formed according to the flow diagram of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-section diagram of a partially completed
IC structure showing an alternative process step that can be
employed to form the IC structure shown in FIG. 1B;
[0019] FIGS. 13-14 are cross-section diagrams of partially
completed IC structures showing alternative process steps that can
be employed to form the IC structure shown in FIG. 1C;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of forming
the embodiment of the IC structure shown in FIG. 2A;
[0021] FIGS. 16-23 are cross-section diagrams of partially
completed IC structures formed according to the flow diagram of
FIG. 15;
[0022] FIG. 24 is a cross-section diagram of a partially completed
IC structure showing an alternative process step that can be
employed to form the IC structure shown in FIG. 2B; and
[0023] FIGS. 25-26 are cross-section diagrams of partially
completed IC structures showing alternative process steps that can
be employed to form the IC structure shown in FIG. 2C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] More specifically, smart or connected computing devices
(referred to in the art as the internet of things (IoT) devices)
are becoming more and more popular in the marketplace. Furthermore,
there is an ever-increasing demand for IoT devices to be smaller in
size and to have a longer lasting battery life. Power management of
such devices, thus, requires capacitors with high capacitance
densities. Those skilled in the art will recognize that capacitance
density refers to capacitance per chip surface area consumed by the
capacitor(s) (e.g., in units of femtofarads (fF)/micrometer squared
(.mu.m.sup.2)). Unfortunately, high capacitance density (e.g.,
approaching approximately 100 fF/.mu.m.sup.2 or higher) cannot be
achieved with conventional planar dual-electrode or
triple-electrode metal-insulator-metal capacitors (MIMCAPs).
Furthermore, while some three-dimensional (3D) MIMCAP structures
have been developed to provide increased capacitance density,
techniques for manufacturing these 3D MIMCAPS are not readily
integrated into current process flows and may be deemed
cost-prohibitive.
[0025] In view of the foregoing, disclosed herein are embodiments
of an integrated circuit (IC) structure, which includes a
three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP)
that is incorporated into the back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal
levels to provide increased capacitance density. The MIMCAP can
include a plurality of high aspect ratio trenches that extend
essentially vertically through dielectric layer(s) within a lower
portion of an ultra-thick metal (UTM) level of the BEOL metal
levels. Stacked conformal layers of a metal, an insulator and
another metal can line the trenches and cover the top surface of
the dielectric material between the trenches. The bottom and top
electrode contacts can have various different configurations. For
example, in one configuration the top electrode contact is a
dual-damascene structure within an upper portion of the UTM level
above the MIMCAP; in another configuration both the top and bottom
electrode contacts are such dual-damascene structures; etc. Also
disclosed are embodiments of a method for forming an IC structure
with a UTM level MIMCAP and this method can be integrated into
current BEOL processing, including UTM-level dual-damascene
processing, to minimize costs.
[0026] More particularly, referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C
disclosed herein are various embodiments 100A-100C and 200A-200C of
an integrated circuit (IC) structure.
[0027] The IC structure can include a substrate 101, 201. The
substrate 101, 201 can include, for example, a bulk semiconductor
structure or a semiconductor-on-insulator structure with
front-end-of the line (FEOL) features (e.g., active semiconductor
devices, passive semiconductor devices, etc.) and
middle-of-the-line (MOL) features (e.g., contact, etc.). The IC
structure can further include back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal
levels (M0-Mx) above the substrate 101, 201. The BEOL metal levels
can include various metal features (e.g., wires and via
interconnects including single or dual-damascene structures, metal
pads, passive devices, etc.) contained with dielectric layers. For
purposes of this disclosure, a "dual-damascene" structure refers to
a structure formed using a dual-damascene technique where
patterning and etch processes are used to create wire trench(es)
and one or more via holes below each wire trench. Then, a single
metal deposition process is used to simultaneously fill the wire
trench(es) and via hole(s), thereby forming contiguous metal
structure (referred to herein as a dual-damascene structure). As
discussed in greater detail below, the present invention is
directed toward a BEOL three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal
capacitor (MIMCAP) 150, 250 structure and the top and bottom
electrode contacts for that MIMCAP 150, 250. Therefore, the FEOL
features, MOL features and other BEOL features have been omitted
from the description and drawings in order to allow the reader to
focus on the salient aspects of the disclosed IC structure
embodiments.
[0028] The BEOL metal levels can include both standard metal levels
(referred to here as non-ultra-thick metal (non-UTM) levels) and,
above the standard metal levels, at least one ultra-thick metal
(UTM) level. The non-UTM levels may have stepped increases in
thicknesses from the M0 level to the top (i.e., uppermost) standard
metal level (M.sub.T). For example, at the 22 nm technology node,
the non-UTM levels may have thicknesses ranging from about 0.07
.mu.m to about 1.5 .mu.m with stepped increases from the M0 level
at 0.07 .mu.m thick to the M.sub.T level at 1.5 .mu.m. The UTM
level(s) may have thicknesses of 1 .mu.m or more and, typically,
may have thicknesses of 3 .mu.m or more (e.g., a thickness of
approximately 4 .mu.m). Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the number of metals levels (including non-UTM and UTM levels)
and the thicknesses of those metal levels may vary depending on the
technology node.
[0029] The IC structure can further include a metal-in-metal
capacitor (MIMCAP) 150, 250 in a UTM level within the BEOL metal
levels (M0-Mx). As illustrated, this UTM level can be, for example,
a first UTM level above the top standard metal level (M.sub.T).
[0030] The lower portion of this UTM level can include multiple
dielectric layers. These dielectric layers can include, but are not
limited to, a first dielectric layer 121, 221 and a second
dielectric layer 122, 222 on the first dielectric layer. The first
dielectric layer 121, 221 can be, for example, a barrier low-K
dielectric layer (e.g., a dielectric layer of amorphous,
hydrogenated, silicon carbide or a BloK.TM. layer) or a dielectric
layer of any other suitable low-K or ultra-low-K dielectric
material. For purposes of this disclosure, a low-K dielectric
material refers to a dielectric material with a dielectric constant
that is less than 3.9 and an ultra-low K material refers to a
dielectric material with a dielectric constant of less than 2.5.
The second dielectric layer 122, 222 can be, for example, a silicon
dioxide layer. This silicon dioxide layer can be a TEOS silicon
dioxide layer. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a TEOS
silicon dioxide layer is a silicon dioxide layer deposited by
plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using tetraethyl
orthosiliciate (TEOS) as the silicon source. In any case, the
second dielectric layer 122, 222 can be relatively thick as
compared to the first dielectric layer 121, 221. For example, the
first dielectric layer 121, 221 can have a thickness ranging from
approximately 50 to 100 nm and the second dielectric layer 122, 222
can have a thickness ranging from approximately 500 to 1000 nm.
[0031] The lower portion of the UTM level can further include the
MIMCAP 150, 250. The MIMCAP 150, 250 can include a plurality of
trenches 155, 255 that extend essentially vertically through the
second dielectric layer 122, 222 and further through the first
dielectric layer 121, 221. Thus, the depth of each of these
trenches 155, 255 (as measured in the Y-direction) will be at least
be equal to the combined thicknesses of the first dielectric layer
121, 221 and the second dielectric layer 122, 222 (i.e., ranging
from approximately 550 to 1100 nm). The width of each of these
trenches 155, 255 (as measured in the X-direction) can range, for
example, from approximately 100 to 400 nm. Thus, the each of the
trenches 155, 255 has a relatively high aspect ratio.
[0032] Depths of the trenches vary in the exemplary embodiments
shown in the Figures. For example, in the embodiments 100A of FIG.
1A, 100C of FIG. 1C, 200A of FIG. 2A and 200C of FIG. 2C, the
trenches 155, 255 can be contained within the UTM level. That is,
they can extend through the second dielectric layer 122, 222 and
the first dielectric layer 121, 221 so that the bottoms of these
trenches 155, 255 are approximately level with the bottom surface
of the first dielectric layer 121, 221 (i.e., at the interface
between the first dielectric layer 121, 221 of the UTM level and
the metal level immediately below). Thus, the depth of the trenches
155, 255 in these embodiments is essentially equal to the combined
thicknesses of the first and second dielectric layers. However, in
the embodiments 100B of FIG. 1B and 200B of FIG. 2B, the trenches
155, 25 can extend deeper into a metal level below. Specifically,
the UTM level can be on the top standard metal level (M.sub.T),
which includes another TEOS silicon dioxide layer 120, 220 on
another low-K dielectric layer 127, 227; M.sub.T can be on a lower
standard metal level (M.sub.T-1), which includes yet another TEOS
silicon dioxide layer and another low-K dielectric layer; and so
on. Thus, for a higher aspect ratio, the trenches 155, 255 can be
etched down through dielectric layers 120, 220 and 127, 227 of
M.sub.T, as illustrated, and optionally even deeper (i.e., into the
dielectric layers of M.sub.T-1).
[0033] It should be noted that the length of each of these trenches
155, 255 (in the Z-direction not shown) can range, for example,
from approximately 10 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m.
[0034] The MIMCAP 150, 250 can also include a conformal
metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stack on the top of the second
dielectric layer 122, 222 and lining the trenches 155, 255.
Specifically, the MIMCAP 150, 250 can include: a first conformal
metal layer 151, 251 on the second dielectric layer 122, 222 and
lining the trenches 155, 255; a conformal insulator layer 152, 252
on the first conformal metal layer 151, 251; and a second conformal
metal layer 153, 253 on the conformal insulator layer 152, 252. The
first conformal metal layer 151, 251 can be a metal or metal alloy
such as titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten or any other
suitable metal or metal alloy that can, during processing, be
deposited so as to line the high aspect ratio trenches 155, 255.
The conformal insulator layer 152, 252 can include one or more
layers of high-K dielectric material(s). For purposes of this
disclosure, a high-K dielectric material refers to a dielectric
material with a dielectric constant that is greater 7. Exemplary
high-K dielectric materials include, but are not limited to,
hafnium (Hf)-based dielectrics (e.g., hafnium oxide, hafnium
silicon oxide, hafnium silicon oxynitride, hafnium aluminum oxide,
etc.) or other suitable high-k dielectrics (e.g., aluminum oxide,
tantalum oxide, zirconium oxide, etc.) that can, during processing,
be deposited on the first conformal metal layer 151, 251 so as to
also line the high aspect ratio trenches 155, 255. The second
conformal metal layer 153, 253 can be made of a metal or metal
alloy (e.g., titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten or any
other suitable metal or metal alloy) that can, during processing,
be deposited onto the conformal insulator layer so as to also line
the high aspect ratio trenches 155, 255. It should be noted that
the metal or metal alloy materials of the first and second
conformal metal layers may be the same or different.
[0035] In exemplary structures, where the width of each trench 155,
255 is 200-300 nm and the depth of each trench is 600 nm (e.g.,
given a 50 nm first dielectric layer and a 550 nm second dielectric
layer), the thickness of the first conformal metal layer 151, 251
can be 30-50 nm, the thickness of the conformal insulator layer
152, 252 can be 5-8 nm and the thickness of the second conformal
metal layer 153, 253 can be 30-50 nm.
[0036] The UTM level can further include a third dielectric layer
123, 223 and, particularly, a conformal third dielectric layer on
the second conformal metal layer 153, 253 and filling any remaining
space within the trenches 155, 255. The third dielectric layer can
be, for example, a silicon nitride layer with a thickness of 30-70
nm (e.g., approximately 50 nm). The third dielectric layer 123, 223
and the portions of the MIM stack on the top surface of the second
dielectric layer 122, 222 below can be patterned and etched during
processing to define the outer edges and, thereby, the surface area
of the MIMCAP 150, 250.
[0037] The IC structure can further include at least one bottom
electrode contact 160, 260 in contact with the first conformal
metal layer 151, 251 (i.e., the bottom electrode) of the MIMCAP
150, 250 and at least one top electrode contact 170, 270 in contact
with the second conformal metal layer 153, 253 (i.e., the top
electrode) of the MIMCAP 150, 250. In the different embodiments of
this IC structure, the bottom and top electrode contacts of the
MIMCAP can have different configurations. For example, the top
electrode contact 170, 270 can be within an upper portion of the
UTM level above the MIMCAP and can be either a dual-damascene top
electrode contact (see the embodiments 100A-100B and 200A-200B) or
a wire top electrode contact (see the embodiments 100C or 200C),
which is in contact with a top surface of the second conformal
metal layer. The bottom electrode contact 160, 260 can be a wire
bottom electrode contact in a metal level immediately below the
MIMCAP and in contact with a bottom surface of the first conformal
metal layer at the bottoms of the trenches (see the embodiments
100A-100C). Alternatively, the bottom electrode contact 160, 260
can be within the upper portion of the UTM level and, like the top
electrode contact, can be either a dual-damascene bottom electrode
contact (see the embodiments 200A-200B) or a wire bottom electrode
contact (see the embodiment 200C), which is in contact with a top
surface of the first conformal metal layer 251 at one end 256. It
should be noted that in these embodiments 200A-200C where the
bottom electrode contact 260 is contained within the upper portion
of the UTM level, one end 256 of the first conformal metal layer
251 can extend laterally beyond the other layers of the MIM stack
(i.e., beyond the conformal insulator layer 252 and the second
conformal metal layer 253) and further beyond the third dielectric
layer 223 so as to provide a landing spot for the bottom electrode
contact.
[0038] More specifically, the upper portion of the UTM level can
further include a fourth dielectric layer 124, 224 and,
particularly, a conformal fourth dielectric layer that covers the
top surface of the third dielectric layer 123, 223 and further
extending laterally beyond the outer edges of the MIMCAP 150, 250
and down onto the top surface of the second dielectric layer 122,
222. It should be noted that in the embodiments 200A-200C where the
bottom electrode contact is contained with the upper portion of the
UTM, the fourth dielectric layer 224 will also cover the end 256 of
the first conformal metal layer 251 that extends laterally beyond
the other layers of the MIMCAP 250. In any case, the fourth
dielectric layer 124, 224 can be made of the same dielectric
material as the third dielectric layer 123, 223. For example, the
fourth dielectric layer can be another silicon nitride layer.
Furthermore, the fourth dielectric layer 124, 224 can be thicker
than the third dielectric layer 123, 223. For example, the fourth
dielectric layer 124, 224 can have a thickness of 100-200 nm (e.g.,
approximately 120 nm).
[0039] The upper portion of the UTM level can also include a fifth
dielectric layer 125, 225 and, particularly, a blanket fifth
dielectric layer 125, 225 with a planarized top surface. The fifth
dielectric layer 125, 225 can be the uppermost dielectric layer in
the UTM level and can be another silicon dioxide layer and,
particularly, another TEOS silicon dioxide layer. This fifth
dielectric layer 125, 225 can be relatively thick. For example, the
minimum thickness of the fifth dielectric layer 125, 225 in the
region of the IC structure above the MIMCAP 150, 250 can be, for
example, greater than 2500 nm such that the overall thickness of
the UTM level is at least 3 .mu.m (e.g., approximately 4 .mu.m)
from the bottom surface of the first dielectric layer 121, 221 to
the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer 125, 225.
[0040] Referring specifically, to the embodiments 100A-100C of the
IC structure shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the bottom electrode contact 160
can be a wire bottom electrode contact within one of the metal
levels below the UTM level and aligned below and in direct contact
with the first conformal metal layer 151 of the MIMCAP 150. For
example, as illustrated in the embodiments 100A and 100C, a wire
trench can be in the top surface of the TEOS silicon dioxide layer
120 of the metal level M.sub.T, can optionally be lined with
diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers, and can be filled with a
metal or metal alloy conductor, thereby forming a metal wire (i.e.,
a wire bottom electrode contact). Similarly, as illustrated in the
embodiment 100B, a wire trench can be in the TEOS silicon dioxide
layer of the metal level M.sub.T-1, can optionally be lined with
diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers, and can be filled with a
metal conductor, thereby forming a metal wire (i.e., the wire
bottom electrode contact). In either case, the top surface of the
wire bottom electrode contact 160 can be in contact with the bottom
surface of the first conformal metal layer 151 of the MIMCAP 150 at
the bottoms of one or more of the trenches 155.
[0041] Alternatively, referring to the embodiments 200A-200C of the
IC structure shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the bottom electrode contact 260
can be within an upper portion of the UTM level above and in direct
contact with the top surface of one end 256 of the first conformal
metal layer 251 (see the detailed discussion below).
[0042] In any case, the top electrode contact(s) 170, 270 can be
within the upper portion of the UTM level aligned above the MIMCAP
150, 250. This top electrode contact 170, 270 can be a
dual-damascene top electrode contact (e.g., as shown in the
embodiments 100A-100B of FIGS. 1A-1B and 200A-200B of FIGS. 2A-2B).
The dual-damascene top electrode contact can include a wire trench
that extends from the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer
125, 225 down into or through the fourth dielectric layer 124, 224
and one or more via holes that extend essentially vertically from
the bottom of the wire trench through the third dielectric layer
down to the top surface of the second conformal metal layer 153,
253 of the MIMCAP 150, 250. The wire trench and via hole(s) can
optionally be lined with diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers
and filled with a metal conductor, thereby forming a metal wire
172, 272 and via interconnect(s) 171, 271 (i.e., the dual-damascene
top electrode contact). Alternatively, the top electrode contact
170, 270 can be a wire top electrode contact (e.g., as shown in the
embodiments 100C of FIG. 1C and 200C of FIG. 2C). The wire top
electrode contact can include a wire trench that extends from the
top surface of the fifth dielectric layer 125, 225 down through the
fourth dielectric layer 124, 224 and through the third dielectric
layer 123, 223 such that the bottom surface of the wire trench
exposes the top surface of the second conformal metal layer 153,
253 of the MIMCAP 150, 250. The wire trench can optionally be lined
with diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers and filled with a
metal conductor, thereby forming a metal wire 172, 272 (i.e., a
wire top electrode contact).
[0043] As discussed in detail above and illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C,
the bottom electrode contact 160 is a wire bottom electric contact
in a metal level below the UTM level. Alternatively, however, the
bottom electrode contact 270, like the top electrode contact, can
be with the upper portion of the UTM level. That is, this bottom
electrode contact 260 can be a dual-damascene bottom electrode
contact (e.g., as shown in the embodiments 200A-200B of FIGS.
2A-2B). The dual-damascene bottom electrode contact can include a
wire trench that extends from the top surface of the fifth
dielectric layer 225 down to fourth dielectric layer 224 and one or
more via holes that extend essentially vertically from the bottom
of the wire trench through the fourth dielectric layer 224 down to
the top surface of the first conformal metal layer 251 at that end
256 which extends laterally beyond the other layers of the MIM
stack. The wire trench and via hole(s) can optionally be lined with
diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers and filled with a metal
conductor, thereby forming a metal wire 262 and via interconnect(s)
261 (i.e., the dual-damascene bottom electrode contact).
Alternatively, the bottom electrode contact 260 can be a wire
bottom electrode contact (e.g., as shown in the embodiment 200C of
FIG. 2C). The wire bottom electrode contact can include a wire
trench that extends from the top surface of the fifth dielectric
layer 225 down through the fourth dielectric layer 224 and exposes
the top surface of the first conformal metal layer 251 at that end
256 which extends laterally beyond the other layers of the MIM
stack. The wire trench can optionally be lined with diffusion
barrier and/or adhesion layers and filled with a metal conductor,
thereby forming a metal wire 262 (i.e., a wire bottom electrode
contact).
[0044] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments
described above and illustrated in the figures with dual-damascene
electrode contacts and, particularly, with dual-damascene electrode
contacts having a limited number of via interconnects (e.g., 1 or
2) so as to minimize parasitic capacitance over the embodiments
with wire electrode contacts.
[0045] In addition to the MIMCAP 150, 250 and the other features,
described above, the IC structure can also include an additional
dual-damascene interconnect structure 190, 290 within the UTM level
positioned laterally adjacent to the MIMCAP 150, 250 and any
electrode contact(s) thereon. Specifically, the dual-damascene
interconnect structure 190, 290 can include an additional wire
trench in the upper portion of the UTM level. The additional wire
trench can extend from the top surface of the fifth dielectric
layer 125, 225 down through fourth dielectric layer 124, 224 to the
top surface of the second dielectric layer 122, 222. The
dual-damascene interconnect structure 190, 290 can further include
at least one additional via hole that extends essentially
vertically from the bottom of the additional wire trench through
the second dielectric layer 122, 222 and the first dielectric layer
121, 221. The additional wire trench and additional via hole can
optionally be lined with diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers
and filled with a metal conductor, thereby forming an additional
metal wire 192, 292 and an additional via interconnect 191, 291
(i.e., the dual-damascene structure). Thus, the additional metal
wire 192, 292 is positioned laterally adjacent to the electrode
contact(s) in the upper portion of the UTM level and the additional
via interconnect 191, 291 is positioned laterally adjacent to the
MIMCAP 150 in the lower portion of the UTM level.
[0046] In this case, the IC structure can further include a metal
element 195, 195 in the metal level (M.sub.T) below the UTM level
(e.g., in and at the top surface of the TEOS silicon dioxide layer
120, 220), aligned directly below the additional dual-damascene
interconnect structure 190, 290, and contacted by the additional
via interconnect 191, 291. The metal element 195, 295 can be, for
example, a metal wire (as illustrated), a metal pad, a via
interconnect, or any other BEOL metal element.
[0047] The metal conductors used for the above-described top
electrode contact 170, 270, bottom electrode contact 160, 260, the
additional dual-damascene interconnect structure 195, 295, and the
metal element 195, 295 can be the same or different and can be any
of the following: copper, aluminum, or any other suitable BEOL
metal or metal alloy. The diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers
can be relatively thin conformal layers of, for example, tantalum,
tantalum nitride, titanium, titanium nitride, or any other suitable
metal interconnect liner material. For example, in an exemplary
embodiment, the above-described BEOL metal features (i.e., the
electrode contacts, damascene structures, metal elements, etc.) can
be made of copper with a tantalum nitride/tantalum liner. In
another exemplary embodiment, the BEOL metal features can be made
of aluminum with a titanium/titanium nitride liner.
[0048] It should be noted that the embodiments 100A-100C, 200A-200C
of the IC structure, discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C
and 2A-2C are provided for illustration purposes and are not
intended to be limiting. Alternative embodiments with different
combinations of the above-described features are anticipated. For
example, although not illustrated or discussed above, other
embodiments could include a combination of trenches 155, 255 that
extend into a lower metal level (e.g., into M.sub.T, as shown in
the embodiments 100B and 200B) and wire electrode contacts in the
upper portion of the UTM level (e.g., as shown in embodiments 100C
and 200C).
[0049] Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for
forming an integrated circuit (IC) structure, as described above,
that includes a three-dimensional (3D) metal-insulator-metal
capacitor (MIMCAP) in an ultra-thick metal (UTM) level of the
back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal levels. The flow diagram of FIG.
3 and the cross-section drawings of FIGS. 4-11 illustrate an
embodiment of the method that results in the embodiment 100A of the
IC structure shown in FIG. 1A. FIGS. 12-14 illustrate alternative
process steps that can be used to form the embodiments 100B and
100C of the IC structure shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, respectively.
FIG. 15 and the cross-section drawings of FIGS. 16-23 illustrate an
embodiment of the method that results in the embodiment 200A of the
IC structure shown in FIG. 2A. FIGS. 24-26 illustrate alternative
process steps that can be used to form the embodiments 200B and
200C of the IC structure shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C,
respectively.
[0050] In any case, the method can begin with a substrate 101, 201
(see process step 302 of FIG. 3 and process step 402 of FIG. 15).
The substrate can include, for example, a bulk semiconductor
structure or a semiconductor-on-insulator structure. The method can
further include performing front-end-of the line (FEOL) processing
(e.g., formation active semiconductor devices, passive
semiconductor devices, etc.) and middle-of-the-line (MOL) (e.g.,
formation of MOL contacts, etc.) of the substrate 101, 201 (see
process step 304 of FIG. 3 and process step 404 of FIG. 15). The
method can further include, after FEOL and MOL processing,
performing back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) processing in order to form
BEOL metal levels (M0-Mx) above the substrate 101, 201 (see process
step 306 of FIG. 3 and 406 of FIG. 15). The BEOL metal levels can
be formed so as to include various metal features (e.g., wires and
via interconnects including single or dual-damascene structures,
passive devices, etc.) contained within dielectric layers. For
purposes of this disclosure, a "dual-damascene" structure refers to
a structure formed using a dual-damascene technique where
patterning and etch processes are used to create wire trench(es)
and one or more via holes below each wire trench. Then, a single
metal deposition process is used to simultaneously fill the wire
trench(es) and via hole(s), thereby forming contiguous metal
structure (referred to herein as a dual-damascene structure). As
discussed in greater detail below, the present invention is
directed toward formation of a BEOL three-dimensional (3D)
metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP) structure and the top and
bottom electrode contacts for that MIMCAP 150, 250. Therefore,
discussion and illustration of the formation of the FEOL features,
MOL features and other BEOL features have been omitted in order to
allow the reader to focus on the salient aspects of the disclosed
IC structure embodiments.
[0051] In any case, in each of the method embodiments, the BEOL
processing can include formation of standard metal levels (referred
to here as non-ultra-thick metal (non-UTM) levels) (see process
step 310 of FIG. 3 and process step 410 of FIG. 15) and also
formation of at least one ultra-thick metal (UTM) level above the
standard metal levels (see process step 312 of FIG. 3 and process
step 412 of FIG. 15). The non-UTM levels may be formed so as to
have stepped increases in thicknesses from the M0 level to the top
(i.e., uppermost) standard metal level (M.sub.T). For example, at
the 22 nm technology node, the non-UTM levels may be formed so as
to have thicknesses ranging from about 0.07 .mu.m to about 1.5
.mu.m with stepped increases from the M0 level at 0.7 .mu.m thick
to the M.sub.T level at 1.5 .mu.m. The UTM level(s) may be formed
so as to have thicknesses of 1 .mu.m or more and, typically,
thicknesses of 3 .mu.m or more (e.g., a thickness of approximately
4 .mu.m). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number
of metals levels (including non-UTM and UTM levels) and the
thicknesses of those metal levels may vary depending on the
technology node.
[0052] Referring specifically to the flow diagram of FIG. 3 and the
process steps for forming the embodiment 100A of the IC structure
shown in FIG. 1A, process step 310 can include forming standard
metal levels including a bottom standard metal level (M0) (not
shown), which is the lowermost metal level closest to the substrate
101, up to a top standard metal level (M.sub.T), which is the
uppermost standard metal level and farthest from the substrate 101
(see FIG. 4). Formation of each of the standard metal levels can
include formation of multiple dielectric layers including a thin
barrier low-K dielectric layer and a thick silicon dioxide layer
(e.g., see the layers 127 and 120 of the top standard metal level
(M.sub.T) shown in FIG. 4). The thin barrier low-K dielectric layer
can be, for example, a dielectric layer of amorphous, hydrogenated,
silicon carbide or a BloK.TM. layer, or a dielectric layer of any
other suitable low-K dielectric material or ultra-low K material
For purposes of this disclosure, a low-K dielectric material refers
to a dielectric material with a dielectric constant that is less
than 3.9 and an ultra-low K material refers to a dielectric
material with a dielectric constant of less than 2.5. The thick
silicon dioxide layer can be a TEOS silicon dioxide layer. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that a TEOS silicon dioxide layer
is a silicon dioxide layer deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical
vapor deposition (PECVD) using tetraethyl orthosiliciate (TEOS) as
the silicon source.
[0053] Process step 310 can further include forming metal elements,
including a wire bottom electrode contact 160 and, optionally, at
least one additional metal element 195, with the same or different
metal levels of the standard metal levels. For example, wire
trenches for a wire bottom electrode contact and an additional wire
can be lithographically patterned and anisotropically etch into the
top surface of the TEOS silicon dioxide layer 120 of M.sub.T. A
metallization process can then be performed so as to line the
trenches with diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers and to fill
the trenches with a metal or metal alloy conductor. A polishing
process (e.g., a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process) can
then be performed so as to remove any conductive material from
above the top surface of the TEOS silicon dioxide layer 120,
thereby forming a pair of metal wires including the wire bottom
electrode contact 160 and the additional metal element 195.
[0054] Process step 312 can include forming an ultra-thick metal
(UTM) level above the top standard metal level (M.sub.T) such that
this UTM level includes a metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP)
150 in a lower portion of the UTM level above the bottom electrode
contact 160, a dual-damascene top electrode contact 170 in an upper
portion of the UTM level above the MIMCAP 150 and, optionally, an
additional dual-damascene interconnect structure 190 positioned
laterally adjacent to the MIMCAP 150 and top electrode contact 170
thereon.
[0055] Specifically, formation of the UTM level at process step 312
can include depositing a first dielectric layer 121 and depositing
a second dielectric layer 122 on the first dielectric layer 121
(see process step 321 and FIG. 5). The first dielectric layer 121
can be, for example, a barrier low-K dielectric layer (e.g., a
dielectric layer of amorphous, hydrogenated, silicon carbide or a
BloK.TM. layer) or a dielectric layer of any other suitable low-K
or ultra-low-K dielectric material. The second dielectric layer 122
can be, for example, a TEOS silicon dioxide layer. In any case,
these dielectric layers can be deposited so that the second
dielectric layer 122 is relatively thick as compared to the first
dielectric layer 121. For example, the first dielectric layer 121
can have a thickness ranging from approximately 50 to 100 nm and
the second dielectric layer 122 can have a thickness ranging from
approximately 500 to 1000 nm.
[0056] The MIMCAP 150 can then be formed in the first and second
dielectric layers 121-122 of the UTM level (see process step 322).
Specifically, trenches 155 can be formed (e.g., lithographically
patterned and anisotropically etched) such that they extend
essentially vertically at least through the second dielectric layer
122 and the first dielectric layer 121 (see FIG. 5). Thus, the
depth of each of these trenches 155 (as measured in the
Y-direction) will be at least be equal to the combined thicknesses
of the first dielectric layer 121 and the second dielectric layer
122 (i.e., ranging from approximately 550 to 1100 nm). The width of
each of these trenches 155 (as measured in the X-direction) can
range, for example, from 100 to 400 nm. Thus, each of the trenches
155 is formed so as to have a relatively high aspect ratio. The
length of each of these trenches 155 (in the Z-direction not shown)
can range, for example, from 10 to 200 .mu.m.
[0057] Next, a conformal metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stack can be
deposited onto the top of the second dielectric layer 122 and so as
to line the trenches 155 (see FIG. 6). Specifically, a first
conformal metal layer 151 of a metal or metal alloy (e.g., titanium
nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten or any other suitable metal or
metal alloy) can be conformally deposited (e.g., by chemical vapor
deposition, plasma vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition) so
as to line the trenches 155. A conformal insulator layer 152
including at least one layer of a high-K dielectric material (e.g.,
an oxide of hafnium, zirconium, aluminum, or tantalum or any other
suitable high-K dielectric material) can be conformally deposited
(e.g., by atomic layer deposition or plasma-enhanced atomic layer
deposition) onto the first conformal metal layer 151 so as to also
line the trenches 155. A second conformal metal layer 153 of a
metal or metal alloy (e.g., titanium nitride, tantalum nitride,
tungsten or any other suitable metal or metal alloy) can be
conformally deposited (e.g., by chemical vapor deposition, plasma
vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition) onto the conformal
insulator layer so as to also line the trenches 155. It should be
noted that the metal or metal alloy materials of the first and
second conformal metal layers may be the same or different. In
exemplary embodiments, where the trenches 155 are patterned and
etched so as to have a width of 200-300 nm and a depth of 600 nm
(e.g., given a 50 nm first dielectric layer and a 550 nm second
dielectric layer), then the thickness of the first conformal metal
layer 151 can be 30-50 nm, the thickness of the conformal insulator
layer 152 can be 5-8 nm and the thickness of the second conformal
metal layer 153, 253 can be 30-50 nm.
[0058] After deposition of the MIM stack, a third dielectric layer
123 and, particularly, a conformal third dielectric layer (e.g., a
silicon nitride layer) can be deposited on the second conformal
metal layer 153 so as to fill any remaining space within the
trenches 155. The third dielectric layer 123 can be deposited so as
to have a thickness of, for example, 30-70 nm (e.g., approximately
50 nm). Then, the third dielectric layer 123 and the portions of
the MIM stack on the top surface of the second dielectric layer 122
can be lithographically patterned and anisotropically etched to
define the outer edges and, thereby, the surface area of the MIMCAP
150 (see FIG. 7). It should be noted that, although not illustrated
in the FIG. 7, etching of the third dielectric layer and MIM stack
may result in a slight recessing of the exposed top surface of the
second dielectric layer 122.
[0059] Formation of the UTM level can further include deposition of
a fourth dielectric layer 124 and, particularly, a conformal fourth
dielectric layer so as to cover the top surface of the third
dielectric layer 123 and the exposed top surface of the second
dielectric layer 122 (see process step 323 and FIG. 8). The fourth
dielectric layer 124 can be made of the same dielectric material as
the third dielectric layer 123. That is, the fourth dielectric
layer 124 can be another silicon nitride layer. Furthermore, the
fourth dielectric layer 124 can be deposited so that it is thicker
than the third dielectric layer 123. That is, the fourth dielectric
layer 124 can be deposited so as to have a thickness of, for
example, 100-200 nm (e.g., approximately 120 nm).
[0060] During subsequent dual-damascene processing, this fourth
dielectric layer 124 can be used for a buried via hole mask.
Specifically, via holes 971 and 991 for dual-damascene structures
within the UTM level, including a dual-damascene top electrode
contact and an additional dual-damascene interconnect structure,
respectively, can be lithographically patterned and anisotropically
etched through the fourth dielectric layer 124 (see process step
324 and FIG. 9). The lithographic patterning and etch processes can
be performed such that at least one via hole 971 for the
dual-damascene top electrode contact extends through the fourth
dielectric layer 124 and is aligned vertically above at least one
portion of the MIMCAP 150 on the top surface of the second
dielectric layer 122. Additionally, the lithographic patterning and
etch processes can be performed such that at least one additional
via hole 991 for the additional dual-damascene interconnect
structure extends through the fourth dielectric layer 124, lands on
the top surface of the second dielectric layer 122, and is aligned
above the additional metal interconnect 195. As illustrated,
etching should stop when the top surface of the second dielectric
layer 122 within the additional via hole 991 is exposed and may
result in the via hole(s) 971 for the dual-damascene top electrode
contact extending at least partially into the third dielectric
layer 123.
[0061] Formation of the UTM level can further include deposition of
a fifth dielectric layer 125 and, particularly, a blanket fifth
dielectric layer over the fourth dielectric layer 124 so as to fill
the via holes 971 and 991 (see process step 325 and FIG. 10). A
polishing process (e.g., a CMP process) can then be performed such
that the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer is essentially
planar. The fifth dielectric layer 125 can be the uppermost
dielectric layer in the UTM level and can be, for example, another
TEOS silicon dioxide layer. In any case, this fifth dielectric
layer 125 can be deposited and polished so that it remains
relatively thick and so that the UTM level has a desired thickness
of at least 3 .mu.m. For example, polishing can be performed such
that the minimum thickness of the fifth dielectric layer 125 in the
region above the MIMCAP 150 is greater than 2500 nm and further
such that the overall thickness of the UTM level will be
approximately 4 .mu.m from the bottom surface of the first
dielectric layer 121 to the top surface of the fifth dielectric
layer 125.
[0062] After the fifth dielectric layer 125 is deposited, wire
trenches 972 and 992 for the dual-damascene top electrode contact
and the additional dual-damascene interconnect structure can be
lithographically patterned and anisotropically etched in the fifth
dielectric layer 125 and fourth dielectric layer 124 so as to be
aligned above the via holes 971 and 991, respectively (see process
step 326 and FIG. 11). Specifically, the lithographic patterning
and etch processes can be performed such that a wire trench 972 for
the dual-damascene top electrode contact is aligned above the via
hole(s) 971 and extends from the top surface of the fifth
dielectric layer 125 into or through the fourth dielectric layer
124. Additionally, the lithographic patterning and etch processes
can be performed such that at least one additional wire trench 992
for the additional dual-damascene interconnect structure is aligned
above the additional via hole 991 and extends from the top surface
of the fifth dielectric layer 125 to the top surface of the second
dielectric layer 122. As illustrated, the etch process will be
performed so that via hole(s) 971 for the dual-damascene top
electrode are further extended downward completely through the
third dielectric layer 123, thereby exposing the top surface of the
second conformal metal layer 153 (i.e., the top electrode). The
etch process will also be performed so that the additional via hole
991 for the dual-damascene interconnect structure 190 is extended
downward completely through the second dielectric layer 122,
thereby exposing the top surface of the additional metal element
195. It should be noted that this etch process can be selective for
the silicon dioxide of the second dielectric layer 122 over the
silicon nitride of the third dielectric layer 123 so that the etch
rate of the silicon dioxide is faster than that of the silicon
nitride. This etch process should also be highly selective for the
silicon dioxide of the second dielectric layer 122 over the metal
or metal alloys of the MIMCAP to prevent damage to these materials
when exposed. Etch processes that are selective for silicon dioxide
over silicon nitride and that are highly selective for silicon
oxide over metal are well known in the art and, thus, the details
of these etch processes have been omitted from the specification in
order to allow the reader to focus on the salient aspects of the
disclosed method.
[0063] Finally, a metallization process can be performed so as to
line the wire trenches 972 and 992 and the via hole(s) 971 and 991
below with diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers and then to
fill those trenches with a metal or metal alloy conductor (see
process step 327 and the embodiment 100A of the IC structure shown
in FIG. 1A). A polishing process (e.g., a CMP process) can then be
performed so as to remove any conductive material from above the
top surface of the fifth dielectric layer. The metallization
process results in a dual-damascene top electrode contact 170 in
the upper portion of the UTM level above the MIMCAP 150 with a
metal wire 172 in the wire trench 972 and via interconnect(s) 171
in the via hole(s) 971. As illustrated, the bottom surface of the
via interconnects 171 at the bottoms of the via hole(s) 971 are in
contact with the top surface of the second conformal metal layer
153. The metallization process also results in an additional
dual-damascene interconnect structure 190, which includes: an
additional metal wire 192 in the additional wire trench 992 and
positioned laterally adjacent to the dual-damascene top electrode
contact; and an additional via interconnect 191 in the additional
via hole 991 and positioned laterally adjacent to the MIMCAP 150.
As illustrated, the bottom surface of the via interconnect 191 at
the bottom of the additional via hole 991 is in contact with the
top surface of the additional metal element 195.
[0064] It should be understood that one or more additional and/or
alternative process steps to those set forth in the flow diagram of
FIG. 3 could be performed in order to form the embodiments 100B and
100C of the IC structure shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, respectively.
For example, during process step 310, the wire bottom electrode
contact 160 can be formed in some metal level below the top
standard metal (i.e., below M.sub.T) and, during MIMCAP 150
formation, the trenches 155 can be etched so that they extend
completely through the M.sub.T metal level (e.g., down to the wire
bottom electrode contact 160 in the TEOS silicon dioxide layer 126
within the M.sub.T-1 metal level) (see FIG. 12). The remaining
process steps will then result in the embodiment 100B of the IC
structure shown in FIG. 1B. Additionally, instead of forming the
top electrode contact 170 as a dual-damascene top electrode
contact, it can be formed at process step 312 as a wire top
electrode contact. In this case, only the via hole 991 would be
lithographically patterned and etched into the fourth dielectric
layer 124 at process step 324 (see FIG. 13). Subsequently, a wire
trench 972 would be formed at process step 326 so that it extends
from the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer 125 down to the
bottom surface of the third dielectric layer 123, thereby exposing
the top surface of the second conformal metal layer 153 (see FIG.
14). In this case, metallization at process step 327 will result in
a wire top electrode contact in direct contact with the top surface
of the second conformal metal layer 153 and the embodiment 100C of
the IC structure shown in FIG. 1C.
[0065] Referring specifically to the flow diagram of FIG. 15 and
the process steps for forming the embodiment 200A of the IC
structure shown in FIG. 2A, process step 410 can include forming
standard metal levels including a bottom standard metal level (M0)
(not shown), which is the lowermost metal level closest to the
substrate 201, up to a top standard metal level (M.sub.T), which is
the uppermost standard metal level and farthest from the substrate
201 (see FIG. 16). Formation of each of the standard metal levels
can include formation of multiple dielectric layers including a
thin barrier low-K dielectric layer and a thick silicon dioxide
layer (e.g., see the layers 227 and 220 of the top standard metal
level (M.sub.T) shown in FIG. 16). The thin barrier low-K
dielectric layer can be, for example, a dielectric layer of
amorphous, hydrogenated, silicon carbide or a BloK.TM. layer, or a
dielectric layer of any other suitable low-K dielectric material or
ultra-low K material For purposes of this disclosure, a low-K
dielectric material refers to a dielectric material with a
dielectric constant that is less than 3.9 and an ultra-low K
material refers to a dielectric material with a dielectric constant
of less than 2.5. The thick silicon dioxide layer can be a TEOS
silicon dioxide layer. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
a TEOS silicon dioxide layer is a silicon dioxide layer deposited
by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using
tetraethyl orthosiliciate (TEOS) as the silicon source.
[0066] Process step 410 can further include forming one or more
metal elements in the standard metal levels including, for example,
a metal element 295 in the top standard metal level (M.sub.T), as
illustrated. For example, a wire trench can be lithographically
patterned and anisotropically etched into the top surface of the
TEOS silicon dioxide layer 220 of the metal level M.sub.T. A
metallization process can then be performed so as to line the
trench with diffusion barrier and/or adhesion layers and to fill
the trench with a metal or metal alloy conductor. A polishing
process (e.g., a CMP process) can then be performed so as to remove
any conductive material from above the top surface of the TEOS
silicon dioxide layer 220, thereby forming the additional metal
element 295.
[0067] Process step 412 can include forming an ultra-thick metal
(UTM) level above the top standard metal level (M.sub.T) such that
this UTM level includes a metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCAP)
250 in a lower portion of the UTM level, a dual-damascene top
electrode contact 270 in an upper portion of the UTM level above
the MIMCAP 250, a dual-damascene bottom electrode contact 260 in
the upper portion of the MIMCAP 250 and, optionally, an additional
dual-damascene interconnect structure 290 positioned laterally
adjacent to the MIMCAP 250 and the electrode contacts 270, 260
thereon.
[0068] Specifically, formation of the UTM level at process step 412
can begin with essentially the same process steps and materials
described in detail above with regard to processes 321-322 (unless
otherwise noted). That is, the method can include depositing a
first dielectric layer 221 (e.g., a 50-100 nm low-k dielectric
layer) and depositing a second dielectric layer 222 (e.g., a
500-100 nm TEOS silicon dioxide layer) on the first dielectric
layer 221 (see process step 421 and FIG. 16).
[0069] The MIMCAP 250 can then be formed in the first and second
dielectric layers 221-222 of the UTM level (see process step 422).
Specifically, trenches 255 can be formed (e.g., lithographically
patterned and anisotropically etched) such that they extend
essentially vertically at least through the second dielectric layer
222 and the first dielectric layer 221 (see FIG. 16). Next, a
conformal metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stack can be deposited onto
the top of the second dielectric layer 222 and so as to line the
trenches 255 (see FIG. 17). Specifically, a first conformal metal
layer 251 of a metal or metal alloy (e.g., titanium nitride,
tantalum nitride, tungsten or any other suitable metal or metal
alloy) can be conformally deposited (e.g., by chemical vapor
deposition, plasma vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition) so
as to line the trenches 255. A conformal insulator layer 252
including at least one layer of a high-K dielectric material (e.g.,
an oxide of hafnium, zirconium, aluminum, or tantalum or any other
suitable high-K dielectric material) can be conformally deposited
(e.g., by atomic layer deposition or plasma-enhanced atomic layer
deposition) onto the first conformal metal layer 251 so as to also
line the trenches 255. A second conformal metal layer 253 of a
metal or metal alloy material (e.g., titanium nitride, tantalum
nitride, tungsten or any other suitable metal or metal alloy) can
be conformally deposited (e.g., by chemical vapor deposition,
plasma vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition) onto the
conformal insulator layer so as to also line the trenches 255. The
second conformal metal layer 253 may be the same material as the
first conformal metal layer 251 or a different material. In
exemplary embodiments, where the trenches 255 are patterned and
etched so as to have a width of 200-300 nm and a depth of 600 nm
(e.g., given a 50 nm first dielectric layer and a 550 nm second
dielectric layer), then the thickness of the first conformal metal
layer 151 can be 30-50 nm, the thickness of the conformal insulator
layer 152 can be 30-40 nm and the thickness of the second conformal
metal layer 153, 253 can be 30-50 nm.
[0070] After deposition of the MIM stack, a third dielectric layer
223 and, particularly, a conformal third dielectric layer (e.g., a
silicon nitride layer) can be deposited on the second conformal
metal layer 253 so as to fill any remaining space within the
trenches 255.
[0071] Then, the third dielectric layer 223 and the portions of the
MIM stack on the top surface of the second dielectric layer 222 can
be lithographically patterned and etched to define the outer edges
and, thereby, the surface area of the MIMCAP 250 (see FIGS. 18-19).
In this embodiment, however, instead of performing a patterning
step where sidewalls of all the MIMCAP layers and the third
dielectric layer at the outer edges are all vertically aligned as
in the previously performed to define the outer edges of the MIMCAP
and to further ensure that at least one end 256 of the first
conformal metal layer 253 extends laterally beyond the other layers
in the MIMCAP (i.e., beyond the conformal insulator layer 252 and
the second conformal metal layer 253) and the third dielectric
layer 223. It should be noted that, although not illustrated in the
FIG. 19, etching of the third dielectric layer and MIM stack may
result in a slight recessing of the exposed top surface of the
second dielectric layer 222.
[0072] Formation of the UTM level can further include deposition of
a fourth dielectric layer 224 and, particularly, a conformal fourth
dielectric layer so as to cover the top surface of the third
dielectric layer 223, the exposed end of the first conformal metal
layer 251 and the exposed top surface of the second dielectric
layer 222 (see process step 423 and FIG. 20). The fourth dielectric
layer 224 can be made of the same dielectric material as the third
dielectric layer 223 (e.g., silicon nitride). Furthermore, the
fourth dielectric layer 224 can be deposited so that it is thicker
than the third dielectric layer 223. That is, the fourth dielectric
layer 224 can be deposited so as to have a thickness of, for
example, 100-200 nm (e.g., approximately 150 nm).
[0073] During subsequent dual-damascene processing, this fourth
dielectric layer 224 can be used for a buried via hole mask.
Specifically, via holes 2171, 2161 and 2191 for dual-damascene
structures within the UTM level, including a dual-damascene top
electrode contact, a dual damascene bottom electrode contact, and
an additional dual-damascene interconnect structure, respectively,
can be lithographically patterned and anisotropically etched
through the fourth dielectric layer 224 (see process step 424 and
FIG. 21). The lithographic patterning and etch processes can be
performed such that at least one via hole 2171 for the
dual-damascene top electrode contact extends through the fourth
dielectric layer 224 and is aligned vertically above at least one
portion of the MIMCAP 250 on the top surface of the second
dielectric layer 222. The lithographic patterning and etch
processes can be performed such that at least one via hole 2161 for
the dual-damascene bottom electrode contact extends through the
fourth dielectric layer 224, is aligned vertically above the end
256 of the first conformal metal layer 251, and exposes the top
surface of the first conformal metal layer 251 at that end 256.
Additionally, the lithographic patterning and etch processes can be
performed such that at least one additional via hole 2191 for the
additional dual-damascene interconnect structure extends through
the fourth dielectric layer 224, lands on the top surface of the
second dielectric layer 222, and is aligned above the additional
metal interconnect 295. As illustrated, etching of the via holes
should stop when the top surface of the first conformal metal layer
251 at the end 256 and the top surface of the second dielectric
layer 222 are exposed and may result in the via hole(s) 2171 for
the dual-damascene top electrode contact extending at least
partially into the third dielectric layer 223.
[0074] Formation of the UTM level can further include deposition of
a fifth dielectric layer 225 and, particularly, a blanket fifth
dielectric layer over the fourth dielectric layer 224 so as to fill
the via holes 2171, 2161 and 2191 (see process step 425 and FIG.
22). A polishing process (e.g., a CMP process) can then be
performed such that the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer
is essentially planar. The fifth dielectric layer 225 can be the
uppermost dielectric layer in the UTM level and can be, for
example, another TEOS silicon dioxide layer. In any case, this
fifth dielectric layer 225 can be deposited and polished so that it
remains relatively thick and so that the UTM level has a desired
thickness of at least 3 .mu.m. For example, polishing can be
performed such that the minimum thickness of the fifth dielectric
layer 225 in the region above the MIMCAP 250 is greater than 2500
nm and further such that the overall thickness of the UTM level
will be approximately 4 .mu.m from the bottom surface of the first
dielectric layer 221 to the top surface of the fifth dielectric
layer 225.
[0075] After the fifth dielectric layer 225 is deposited, wire
trenches 2172, 2162 and 2192 for the dual-damascene top electrode
contact, the dual-damascene bottom electrode contact and the
additional dual-damascene interconnect structure can be
lithographically patterned and anisotropically etched in the fifth
dielectric layer 225 and fourth dielectric layer 224 so as to be
aligned above the via holes 2171, 2161, and 2191, respectively (see
process step 426 and FIG. 23). Specifically, the lithographic
patterning and etch processes can be performed such that a wire
trench 2172 for the dual-damascene top electrode contact is aligned
above the via hole(s) 2171 and extends from the top surface of the
fifth dielectric layer 225 into or through the fourth dielectric
layer 224. The lithographic patterning and etch processes can be
performed such that a wire trench 2162 for the dual-damascene
bottom electrode contact is aligned above the via hole(s) 2161 and
extends from the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer 225 to
the top surface of the fourth dielectric layer 224. Additionally,
the lithographic patterning and etch processes can be performed
such that at least one additional wire trench 2192 for the
additional dual-damascene interconnect structure is aligned above
the additional via hole 2191 and extends from the top surface of
the fifth dielectric layer 225 to the top surface of the second
dielectric layer 222. As illustrated, the etch process will be
performed so that via hole(s) 2171 for the dual-damascene top
electrode are further extended downward completely through the
third dielectric layer 223, thereby exposing the top surface of the
second conformal dielectric layer 253 (i.e., the top electrode).
The etch process will also be performed so that the additional via
hole 2191 for the dual-damascene interconnect structure 290 is
extended downward completely through the second dielectric layer
222, thereby exposing the top surface of the additional metal
element 295. It should be noted that this etch process can be
selective for the silicon dioxide of the second dielectric layer
222 over the silicon nitride of the third dielectric layer 223 so
that the etch rate of the silicon dioxide is faster than that of
the silicon nitride. This etch process should also be highly
selective for the silicon dioxide of the second dielectric layer
222 over the metal or metal alloys of the MIMCAP to prevent damage
to these materials when exposed. Etch processes that are selective
for silicon dioxide over silicon nitride and that are highly
selective for silicon oxide over metal are well known in the art
and, thus, the details of these etch processes have been omitted
from the specification in order to allow the reader to focus on the
salient aspects of the disclosed method.
[0076] Finally, a metallization process can be performed so as to
line the wire trenches 2172, 2162, and 2192 and the via hole(s)
2171, 2161, and 2191 below with diffusion barrier and/or adhesion
layers and then fill those trenches with a metal or metal alloy
conductor (see process step 427 and the embodiment 200A of the IC
structure shown in FIG. 2A). A polishing process (e.g., a CMP
process) can then be performed so as to remove any conductive
material from above the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer
225. The metallization process results in a dual-damascene top
electrode contact 270 in the upper portion of the UTM level above
the MIMCAP 250 with a metal wire 272 in the wire trench 2172 and
via interconnect(s) 271 in the via hole(s) 2171. As illustrated,
the bottom surface of the via interconnects 271 at the bottoms of
the via hole(s) 2171 are in contact with the top surface of the
second conformal metal layer 253.
[0077] The metallization process results in a dual-damascene bottom
electrode contact 260 in the upper portion of the UTM level above
the MIMCAP 250 with a metal wire 262 in the wire trench 2162 and
via interconnect(s) 261 in the via hole(s) 2161. As illustrated,
the bottom surface of the via interconnects 261 at the bottoms of
the via hole(s) 2161 are in contact with the top surface of the
first conformal metal layer 251 at the end 256 that extends
laterally beyond the other MIM stack layers. The metallization
process also results in an additional dual-damascene interconnect
structure 290, which includes: an additional metal wire 292 in the
additional wire trench 2192 and positioned laterally adjacent to
the dual-damascene electrode contacts 260, 270; and an additional
via interconnect 291 in the additional via hole 2191 and positioned
laterally adjacent to the MIMCAP 250. As illustrated, the bottom
surface of the via interconnect 291 at the bottom of the additional
via hole 2191 is in contact with the top surface of the additional
metal element 295.
[0078] It should be understood that one or more additional and/or
alternative process steps to those set forth in the flow diagram of
FIG. 15 could be performed in order to form the embodiments 200B
and 200C of the IC structure shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C,
respectively. For example, during MIMCAP formation at process step
422, the trenches 255 can be etched so that they extend completely
through the M.sub.T metal level (e.g., down to or into the
M.sub.T-1 metal level) (see FIG. 24. The remaining process steps
will result in the embodiment 200B of the IC structure shown in
FIG. 2B. Additionally, instead of forming the top electrode contact
270 as a dual-damascene top electrode contact and the bottom
electrode contact 260 as a dual-damascene bottom electrode contact,
these contacts could each be formed at process step 412 wire
electrode contacts. In this case, only the via hole 2191 would be
patterned and etched into the fourth dielectric layer 224 at
process step 424 (see FIG. 25). Subsequently, the wire trench 2172
and wire trench 2162 would be formed at process step 426, where the
wire trench 2172 extends from the top surface of the fifth
dielectric layer 225 down to the bottom surface of the third
dielectric layer 223, thereby exposing the top surface of the
second conformal metal layer 253 and where the wire trench 2162
extends from the top surface of the fifth dielectric layer 225 down
to the bottom surface of the fourth dielectric layer 224, thereby
exposing the top surface of the first conformal metal layer 251 at
the end 256 (see FIG. 26). In this case, metallization at process
step 427 will result in wire top and bottom electrode contacts in
the upper portion of the UTM level and in direct contact with the
top surface of the second conformal metal layer 253 and the top
surface of the first conformal metal layer 251, respectively and,
thus, the embodiment 200C of the IC structure shown in FIG. 2C.
[0079] The method embodiments described above refer to various
metallization process steps (e.g., to form BEOL wires and
dual-damascene structures). Metallization processing is well known
in the art and, thus, the details of that metallization processing
has been omitted from this specification in order to allow the
reader to focus on the salient aspects of the disclosed method.
However, as discussed above such metallization processes typically
include conformal deposition of diffusion barrier and/or adhesion
layer(s) to line wire trench(es) and/or via hole(s) and deposition
of a conductor and, particularly, a conductive fill material to
fill the wire trench(es) and/or via hole(s). The diffusion barrier
and/or adhesion layers can be any suitable material that blocks ion
diffusion and/or facilitates adhesion. Such materials can include,
for example, tantalum, tantalum nitride, titanium, titanium
nitride, or any other suitable metal interconnect liner material.
The conductor can include, for example, copper, aluminum or any
other suitable BEOL metal or metal alloy. For example, in an
exemplary embodiment, the above-described BEOL metal features
(i.e., the electrode contacts, damascene structures, metal
elements, etc.) can include a copper conductor with a tantalum
nitride/tantalum liner. In another exemplary embodiment, the BEOL
metal features can include an aluminum conductor with a
titanium/titanium nitride liner.
[0080] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is
for the purpose of describing the disclosed structures and methods
and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein,
the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the
plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "comprises"
"comprising", "includes" and/or "including" specify the presence of
stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein,
terms such as "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "upper", "lower", "under", "below", "underlying", "over",
"overlying", "parallel", "perpendicular", etc., are intended to
describe relative locations as they are oriented and illustrated in
the drawings (unless otherwise indicated) and terms such as
"touching", "in direct contact", "abutting", "directly adjacent
to", "immediately adjacent to", etc., are intended to indicate that
at least one element physically contacts another element (without
other elements separating the described elements). The term
"laterally" is used herein to describe the relative locations of
elements and, more particularly, to indicate that an element is
positioned to the side of another element as opposed to above or
below the other element, as those elements are oriented and
illustrated in the drawings. For example, an element that is
positioned laterally adjacent to another element will be beside the
other element, an element that is positioned laterally immediately
adjacent to another element will be directly beside the other
element, and an element that laterally surrounds another element
will be adjacent to and border the outer sidewalls of the other
element. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed.
[0081] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are
not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used
herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the
embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement
over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed
herein.
* * * * *