Patent ID: 8067305
Filing Date: 2011-11-29
Classification: B33Y,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming an electrically conductive structure of a desired three-dimensional shape on a substantially planar surface of a semiconductor substrate, comprising: (a) depositing a loose layer of a selected generally uniform thickness of a selected powder on substantially the entire substantially planar surface of the semiconductor substrate; (b) scanning a particulate matter dispenser over the powder layer and depositing binder droplets of particulate matter therefrom on the powder layer at selected locations relative to locations of the substrate surface wherein the powder at such locations becomes bonded to the substrate surface at those locations where said electrically conductive structure is not to be formed to produce a mold having at least one cavity therein defined by an interior surface of said bonded powder that extends from a substantially planar base opening abutting the substrate surface and exhibits the desired three-dimensional shape where the powder in said at least one cavity was not bonded to the substrate surface; (c) removing the loose powder from said at least one cavity to clear the mold; (d) filling the mold by electroplating an electrically conductive material onto the semiconductor substrate surface within said at least one cavity to form an electrically conductive structure of the desired three-dimensional shape; and (e) removing the mold from the substrate surface without altering the shape of or displacing the conductive structure from the substrate surface.