Cu-Cu Thermocompression Bonding using Ultra Precision Cutting of Cu Bumps for 3D-SIC

We have developed a new Cu-Cu thermocompression bonding technique by using cut Cu bumps in order to achieve high density 3D-stacked IC (3D-SIC). Currently, Sn layer is formed between Cu bumps, and then solid-liquid bonding is made by tin melting to connect Cu bumps. But using Sn layer can cause undesirable issues, such as electro-migration and Kirkendall voids formation between Cu/Sn interfaces, which could decrease bonding reliability. Therefore we believe that Cu-Cu thermocompression bonding is an essential technology especially in 3D interconnection. In the present study, cut Cu bumps were obtained by ultra-precision cutting using a single crystal diamond bite that would give a highly smooth Cu surface (Ra:7nm). A major advantage of cut Cu bumps is that they have an amorphous-like layer on the surface. In TEM observation, it was found that about 120nm thick amorphous-like layer was formed after cutting of Cu bumps. This layer has a potential to connect bumps each other at a low temperature similar to solder bonding because amorphous-like layer accelerates a recrystallization reaction of Cu crystal. Cut Cu bumps on both sides of LSI and substrate have been successfully bonded at 250 degrees C condition. From the analysis of crystal orientation by EBSD, it was found that the bonding interface had disappeared, which means solid diffusion was occurred and crystal grain grew across the interface.