Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the microelectronics industry, Sn is often electroplated as a protective layer on Cu conductors. Pure Sn layers on Cu develop whiskers that can cause component failures and have even been implicated in the loss of several satellites. Alloying Sn with Pb suppresses whisker formation, but the push towards Pb-free processing will make this unacceptable in the future. To understand the driving forces and mechanisms of whisker formation on pure Sn, we are measuring the kinetics of stress evolution and intermetallic formation in Sn/Cu layers. By using thin films of Sn and Cu, we can monitor the stress evolution in real time using wafer-curvature based techniques. Preliminary results of stress evolution in vapor-deposited films are presented showing the evolution of tensile stress in the Cu layers and compressive stress in the Sn layers.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.