Experimental characterization and modeling of the mechanical properties of Cu–Cu thermocompression bonds for three-dimensional integrated circuits Original Research Article

An analytical model is proposed which relates the bonding temperature, pressure and duration with the integrity of metal–metal thermocompression bonds. Unlike previous models, this approach takes into account the pressure-dependent time evolution of the thermocompression bond formation. The model allows calculation of the true contact area of rough surfaces, based on a creep-dominated plastic deformation. Verification of the model was provided through experiments on Cu–Cu thermocompression bonds of electroplated Cu on diced silicon wafers with chemically/mechanically polished surfaces. The samples were bonded at a range of temperatures, pressures and times. Shear strength measurements were used to characterize the effects of the bonding parameters on the interface bond strength. Calculated true contact area and bond shear strength can be related by a single proportionality factor. The model can be used to predict the thermocompression bond quality for given bonding parameters and process optimization for reliable bonds, thus assisting in the adoption of the Cu thermocompression bond process in three-dimensional integrated circuit applications.