Patent ID: 8749057
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: B82Y,G01Q,H01L

Abstract:
1. A structure for use with an atomic force microprobe in probing a conductive feature embedded in a dielectric layer, the structure comprising: an insulator layer localized on a top surface of the dielectric layer, the insulator layer having a top surface, and the insulator layer positioned on the top surface of the dielectric layer so as to overlie the conductive feature; and a first conductive stud penetrating from the top surface of the insulator layer through the insulator layer to contact the conductive feature, the first conductive stud having a portion exposed at the top surface of the insulator layer for direct physical contact by a probe tip of the atomic force microprobe, and the portion of the first conductive stud including a top surface projecting above the top surface of the insulator layer by less than or equal to 5 nanometers, wherein the insulator layer has an outer perimeter so that only a portion of the dielectric layer proximate to the conductive feature is overlaid by the insulator layer.