Catalog Description: The key processes for the fabrication of integrated circuits. Optical, X-ray, and e-beam lithography, ion implantation, oxidation and diffusion. Thin film deposition. Wet and dry etching and ion milling. Effect of phase and defect equilibria on process control.

Units: 3

Prerequisites: EL ENG 143; and either EL ENG 140 or EL ENG 141.

Formats:
Fall: 3 hours of lecture per week
Spring: 3 hours of lecture per week

Grading basis: letter

Final exam status: Written final exam conducted during the scheduled final exam period

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Class homepage on inst.eecs

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Department Notes: This course emphasizes the physical principles and models used in IC fabrication technology. It starts with an overview of the CMOS fabrication sequence, its key technology modules, and the issues that limit these processes. We then cover the front-end of the line (FEOL) processes: mechanisms and models for implantation, oxidation, and diffusion. We will discuss advanced models for optical image formation and resolution enhancement, resist response, defect printability, inspection and next generation nm-scale printing. Back end of the line (BEOL) processes include etching, physical depositions (sputtering) and chemical deposition (ALD and Epi), CMP, multilevel metallization, and heterogeneous integration. Contemporary issues such as high-k dielectric and strain engineering will be use as case studies of the modules. Extension of these process modules for flat panel displays, MEMS, Photovoltaics, and Nanotechnology will be discussed. The last 3 weeks cover basic statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE) as used to support high yield manufacturing.

Related Areas:

• Physical Electronics (PHY)