Patent ID: 6780762
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method for forming a vertical interconnect structure, the method comprising:forming a vertical interconnect structure within an insulating material, wherein the vertical interconnect structure is formed from one or more first conductive materials, and a top surface of the vertical interconnect structure is exposed at a top surface of the insulating material; forming a conductive layer above the insulating material, wherein the conductive layer is formed from one or more second conductive materials that are different from the first conductive materials, and the conductive layer physically connects with the top surface of the vertical interconnect structure; performing a first etching process that is relatively selective to the second conductive materials to pattern the conductive layer, wherein the first etching process results in a conductive layer opening that exposes a portion of the top surface of the insulating material; and performing a second etching process that is relatively selective to the first conductive materials, so that any portion of the vertical interconnect structure that is exposed within the opening is removed, and a shortest distance between the vertical interconnect structure and an unrelated metal portion of the conductive layer is increased, resulting in a modified vertical interconnect structure having a notch in a top surface of the vertical interconnect structure.