Impact of Film Stress and Film Thickness Process Control on GaAs-TiAu Metal Adhesion
Author(s)
Connors, Michael K.; Coletta, Jennifer P.; Sheehan, Michael J.
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The fabrication of GaAs-based optoelectronic ridge-waveguide devices requires deposition of a topside-contact metallization for proper device operation. Fabrication delays occurring during the processing of TiAu-contact pads have been linked to poor adhesion and metal blister formation, factors that negatively affect the final device yield. In this study, we examined sputter-deposited Ti and Au films to determine the impact of film-thickness process control and film stress as measured by wafer bow. We theorized that competing stress relaxation forces between the Ti and Au films would produce a post-deposition change in wafer bow, which affects the Au film, setting the stage for blister creation. We now report the development of a reduced-stress sputter-deposited TiAu-contact metallization and demonstrate the utility of the modified process with fabrication of blister-free ridge-waveguide devices with high device yield.
Date issued
2020-10Department
Lincoln LaboratoryJournal
Journal of Electronic Materials
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Citation
Connors, Michael K. et al. "Impact of Film Stress and Film Thickness Process Control on GaAs-TiAu Metal Adhesion." Journal of Electronic Materials 49, 12 (October 2020): 7219–7227 © 2020 Minerals, Metals & Materials Society
Version: Author's final manuscript
ISSN
0361-5235
1543-186X