The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 21, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 14, 2000
Robin Lee, Hsinchu Hsien, TW;
United Microelectronics Corp., Hsinchu, TW;
Abstract
A fabrication method for an air-gap, in which method hard mask is used, is described. A patterned hard mask layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. Taking advantage of the etching selectivity of the hard mask layer to the dielectric layer, an opening with a high aspect ratio is formed in the dielectric layer. A conductive plug is then formed in the opening, followed by forming a conductive layer on the hard mask layer to cover the conductive plug. The hard mask layer is further removed. A silicon oxide layer with poor step coverage is formed to cover the substrate. Using the space remaining after the removal of the hard mask layer, an air-gap is formed between the conductive layer and the dielectric layer to enhance the insulation effect.