Modern three-dimensional integrated circuit design is rapidly evolving to more complex architecture. With continuous downscaling of devices, there is a pressing need for metrology tool development for rapid but efficient process and material characterization. In this dissertation work, application of a novel multiple internal reflection infrared spectroscopy metrology is discussed in various semiconductor fabrication process development. Firstly, chemical bonding structure of thin fluorocarbon polymer film deposited on patterned nanostructures was elucidated. Different functional groups were identified by specific derivatization reactions and model bonding configuration was proposed for the first time. In a continued effort, wet removal of these fluorocarbon polymer was investigated in presence of UV light. Mechanistic hypothesis for UV-assisted enhanced polymer cleaning efficiency was put forward supported by detailed theoretical consideration and experimental evidence. In another endeavor, plasma-induced damage to porous low-dielectric constant interlayer dielectric material was studied. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of dielectric degradation in terms of increased silanol content and carbon depletion provided directions towards less aggressive plasma etch and strip process development. Infrared spectroscopy metrology was also utilized in surface functionalization evaluation of very thin organic films deposited by wet and dry chemistries. Palladium binding by surface amine groups was examined in plasma-polymerized amorphous hydrocarbon films and in self-assembled aminosilane thin films. Comparison of amine concentration under different deposition conditions guided effective process optimization. A time- and cost-effective method such as current FTIR metrology that provides in-depth chemical information about thin films, surfaces, interfaces and bulk layers can be increasingly valuable as critical dimensions continue to scale down and subtle process variances begin to have a significant impact on device performance.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc849649 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Mukherjee, Tamal |
| Contributors | Chyan, Oliver Ming-Ren, Acree, William E. (William Eugene), D'Souza, Francis, Slaughter, LeGrande M. |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | xiv, 135 pages : illustrations, Text |
| Rights | Public, Mukherjee, Tamal, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. |
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