Patent ID: 8567658
Filing Date: 2013-10-29
Classification: B23K,B32B,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing metallic contacts for interconnect bonding, the method comprising the steps of: applying a plasma-activated chemical reducing agent, via a room-ambient plasma applicator, to at least a first metallic contact, supported by a substrate, to remove oxidation and create a newly de-oxidized metal surface on the first metallic contact; and applying a plasma-activated chemical passivation agent, via the room-ambient plasma applicator, to the first metallic contact to convert the newly de-oxidized metal surface to create a metal nitride passivation layer on the first metallic contact to inhibit oxidation of the first metallic contact; wherein said applying steps are performed under room-ambient conditions; wherein said applying steps are performed by scanning said room-ambient plasma applicator across said first metallic contact on said substrate; and wherein the gap between said room-ambient plasma applicator and said first metallic contact during each said applying step is at most five millimeters.