A study of pulsed laser planarization of aluminum for VLSI metallization

Pulsed laser melting of Al to improve the contact via coverage in VLSI metallization has been investigated for various laser fluences and substrate temperatures. The authors have characterized how the Al flow phenomenon progresses: from melting (recrystallization and grain growth) to planarization (via covered but not necessarily filled), then to via-fill (solidly plugged), and finally from localized to systematic ablation (material loss). The laser energy densities for these conditions have been quantified and the useful range for VLSI application extracted. Without antireflective coating, the process window is +or-6-8% for 0.5- mu m Al film to fill a 1- mu m via with a vertical wall. Localized ablation of the Al film at the high energy limit has been found to be the key factor that controls the process window. This limitation can be explained by the estimated temperature rise of the Al film from melting to planarization and via-fill conditions: very high at 400-500 degrees C and 700-800 degrees C above the melting temperature, respectively. The issues of VLSI applications such as pattern density sensitivity and device integrity have been examined.<>