Intel Corporation
Vias and gaps in semiconductor interconnects

Abstract:

This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for maskless gap integration in interconnects having one or more vias above one or more interconnect lines (for example, metal interconnect lines). In various embodiments, the systems and methods described in the disclosure may serve to reduce electrical shorting between adjacent vias in the interconnects. In one embodiment, a spacer layer may be provided to mask portions of an interlayer dielectric (ILD) in the interconnect. These masked portions of the ILD can protect regions between adjacent interconnect lines from electrical shorting during subsequent metal layer depositions in a fabrication sequence of the interconnects. Further, in various embodiments, the vias may enclose a gap (for example, an air gap) without the need for additional masking steps, for example, without the need for additional lithography steps.