Patent ID: 8847409
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming compliant micro-sockets on an integrated circuit (IC) to enable said IC to be joined to a mating IC to form a hybrid device, comprising: providing a first IC, the surface of which includes at least one electrical contact for connection to a mating IC; depositing and patterning a first metal layer over said at least one electrical contact; depositing an insulating layer on said first patterned metal layer and over said at least one electrical contact; patterning and etching said insulating layer to provide recesses in said insulating layer above each of said electrical contacts; depositing metal such that the sidewalls of said recesses and the areas immediately surrounding said recesses are coated with said metal such that electrical continuity is provided between the top of each recess and the electrical contact it is above; backfilling said recesses with a sacrificial planarization material; planarizing said planarization material such that said metal in the areas immediately surrounding said recesses is at least partially exposed; depositing metal on said planarization material to form a second metal layer over each of said backfilled recesses such that there is electrical continuity between said second metal layer and said at least one electrical contact; patterning and etching said second metal layer to form openings in said second metal layer over each of said recesses; and removing the sacrificial planarization material to form mechanically compliant structures overhanging the recesses and thereby create micro-sockets capable of receiving corresponding conductive pins associated with a mating IC.