Aluminum alloy electrode for semiconductor devices

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrode for semiconductor devices capable of suppressing the generation of hillocks and reducing the resistivity, which is suitable for an active matrixed liquid crystal display and the like in which a thin film transistor is used; its fabrication method; and a sputtering target for forming the electrode film for semiconductor devices. The electrode for semiconductor devices is made of an Al alloy containing the one or more alloying elements selected from Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh and Ir, in a total amount from 0.1 to 10 At %, or one or more alloying elements selected from rare earth elements, in a total amount from 0.05 to 15 at %. The method of fabricating an electrode for semiconductor devices, includes the steps of: depositing an Al alloy film, in which the elements mentioned above are dissolved in an Al matrix, on a substrate; and precipitating part of all of the elements dissolved in the Al matrix as intermetallic compounds by annealing the Al alloy film at an annealing temperature ranging from 150° to 400° C.; whereby an electrode for semiconductor devices which is made of an Al alloy film with an electrical resistivity lower than 20 μΩcm is obtained. The target is made of an Al alloy containing the above elements. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination proceedings Nos. 90/007,822 and 90/007,883, filed Nov. 28, 2005 and Nov. 28, 2005 respectively, have been considered, and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e) forreexaminations, and/or the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 316 as provided in 37 CFR 1.997(e) forreexaminations.