Patent ID: 9536842
Date: 2017-01-03
CPC Classifications: H01L

Claim:
1. A structure comprising: a first interconnect level comprising a first metal interconnect embedded in a first dielectric layer and a first dielectric capping layer directly on top of the first dielectric layer and directly on top of the first metal interconnect; a first crack stop partially embedded in the first interconnect level, the first crack stop is an air gap which intersects an interface between the first dielectric layer and the first dielectric capping layer and partially extends into the first dielectric layer, a height or depth of the first crack stop is less than a height or thickness of the first interconnect level; and a through substrate via extending through the first interconnect level adjacent to, but not in physical contact with, the first crack stop, the first crack stop is positioned directly between the first metal interconnect and the through substrate via to prevent cracks caused during fabrication from propagating away from the through substrate via and damaging the first metal interconnect, wherein the first crack stop completely surrounds the through substrate via with a continuous air gap.