Component having a metal carrier and method for producing components

A component having a metal carrier and a method for producing a component are disclosed. In an embodiment the component includes a carrier having a metallic carrier layer, an insulating layer and a first through-contact extending in a vertical direction throughout the carrier layer, wherein the through-contact is electrically isolated from the carrier layer via the insulating layer. The component further includes a semiconductor body and a wiring structure arranged in the vertical direction between the carrier and the semiconductor body at least places and electrically contacting the semiconductor body, wherein the wiring structure has a first connection area and a second connection area, wherein the connection areas adjoin the carrier and are assigned to different electrical polarities of the component, wherein the first through-contact is in electrical contact with one of the connection areas, and wherein the component is configured to be externally electrically connectable via the carrier.

This patent application is a national phase filing under section 371 of PCT/EP2016/066810, filed Jul. 14, 2016, which claims the priority of German patent application 10 2015 112 280.4, filed Jul. 28, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A component having a metal carrier and a method for producing a plurality of components are provided.

BACKGROUND

An optoelectronic component comprising a carrier, which contains a molded body made of a plastic, has an insufficient mechanical stability at least in places. With regard to thermal resilience and cycle stability, in particular with regard to cyclic temperature changes, the molded body made of a plastic, for instance, made from a casting compound, poses a potential risk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments provide a component having a high mechanical and thermal stability. Further embodiments provide a cost-effective method for producing one or a plurality of components.

According to at least one embodiment of a component, the component has a carrier and a semiconductor body arranged on the carrier. The carrier has a front side facing towards the semiconductor body and a rear side facing away from the semiconductor body. In particular, the carrier is produced directly on the semiconductor body, for example, on a semiconductor composite at wafer level. This means that the carrier is not produced, for instance, in a production step separate from the semiconductor body and is fixed to the semiconductor body, for example, by means of a connecting layer, but is produced directly on the semiconductor body, that is to say in the presence of the semiconductor body. For example, the carrier comprises a plurality of layers which are applied successively to the semiconductor body.

The semiconductor body has, for example, a first semiconductor layer of a first charge carrier type facing away from the front side of the carrier, a second semiconductor layer of a second charge carrier type facing towards the front side of the carrier, and an active layer arranged in vertical direction between the first and the second semiconductor layers. In particular, the active layer is a pn-junction zone, which is formed as a single layer or as a layer sequence of a plurality of layers. The active layer is preferably configured for emitting an electromagnetic radiation, for instance in the visible, ultraviolet or infrared spectral range, or for absorbing an electromagnetic radiation and converting the same into electrical signals or electrical energy. The semiconductor body can be applied layer-wise to a growth substrate by means of an epitaxy method. The growth substrate, however, can be removed from the semiconductor body in a subsequent method step so that the component is in particular free of a growth substrate.

A vertical direction is understood to mean a direction which is in particular perpendicular to a main extension area of the semiconductor body. In particular, the vertical direction is the growth direction of the semiconductor layers of the semiconductor body. A lateral direction is understood to mean a direction which runs in particular parallel to the main extension area of the semiconductor body. In particular, the vertical direction and the lateral direction are directed transversely, for instance perpendicular to one another.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the component has a wiring structure, which is arranged at least in regions between the carrier and the semiconductor body in the vertical direction. The wiring structure is configured for electrically contacting the semiconductor body. On a surface of the wiring structure facing towards the carrier, the wiring structure can comprise a first connection area and a second connection area, which are assigned, for example, to different electrical polarities. In particular, the front side of the carrier adjoins the first and/or the second connecting area of the wiring structure.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier has a metallic carrier layer. In particular, the carrier layer forms a main integral part of the carrier, wherein the metallic carrier layer mechanically carries and stabilizes the carrier and the entire component. In this case, at least 50%, for example, at least 60% or at least 70% of the volume and/or of the weight of the carrier may be formed by the carrier layer. For electrically contacting the semiconductor body, the carrier can have a first through-contact, which extends in the vertical direction in particular throughout the carrier layer. In this case, the first through-contact can be completely surrounded in lateral directions by the carrier layer and electrically insulated from the carrier layer by one insulating layer. At the front side of the carrier, the first through-contact is in physical and thus in electrical contact, for example, with one of the connection areas. The metallic carrier layer can be electrically conductively connected to one of the connection areas or can be electrically insulated both from the first connection area and from the second connection area. The component can be formed in such a way that it can be electrically connected externally via the carrier.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier has a metal proportion of at least 60% vol-% and/or wt-%. This means that the carrier is predominantly made of metal. Such a carrier has a particularly high mechanical stability. In addition, a carrier which essentially consists of metal is particularly suitable for heat dissipation. In particular, the metal proportion of the carrier can be at least 70, at least 80 and preferably at least 90 or 95 vol-% and/or wt-%. The carrier or the component is in particular free of a molded body made of a mold compound, for example, of epoxy, resin or silicone.

In at least one embodiment of the component, the component comprises a carrier, a semiconductor body and a wiring structure arranged in the vertical direction between the carrier and the semiconductor body at least in places. The wiring structure is configured for electrically contacting the semiconductor body and has a first connection area and a second connection area. The connection areas of the wiring structure are assigned to different electrical polarities of the component and adjoin the carrier. The carrier has a metallic carrier layer and a first through-contact, wherein the first through-contact extends in the vertical direction throughout the carrier layer. Here, the first through-contact is electrically isolated from the carrier layer by means of an insulating layer and is in electrical contact with one of the connection areas at a front side of the carrier facing towards the wiring structure. The component is formed to be externally electrically connectable via the carrier. The carrier has a metal proportion of at least 60 vol-% and/or wt-%.

Such a component has a carrier which essentially consists of metal, as a result of which the component is formed in a particularly mechanically stable manner and heat dissipation is particularly promoted by the carrier.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier layer is formed in one piece and can be produced in a single method step. The carrier layer is formed in particular in a self-supporting manner. In this case, the carrier layer can have a vertical thickness which is for instance between 0.02 mm and 1 mm, inclusive, for example, between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm, for example, between 0.02 mm and 0.2 mm. The carrier layer comprises a metal, such as nickel, copper, aluminum, or consists of one of these metals. The carrier layer can also comprise another metal. Preferably, the carrier layer comprises nickel or consists thereof, since nickel has a particularly high modulus of elasticity and is thus particularly hard in comparison to other metals. Furthermore, nickel can be applied onto the wiring structure in a patterned or unstructured form, for instance by means of a galvanic coating method, in a simplified manner.

As a result of the single-piece structure and high thickness of the carrier layer, the component receives a broad mechanical support and can withstand high bending loads.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier layer extends along the lateral direction over at least 80% of a lateral edge length of the semiconductor body. In particular, in a plan view of the semiconductor body, the carrier layer can cover at least 60%, at least 70% or at least 80% of a main surface of the semiconductor body facing the carrier. The carrier layer can be formed in such a way that the latter extends along two mutually adjoining edges or along all lateral edges of the semiconductor body over at least 70%, for instance at least 80%, preferably over at least 90% of the associated respective lateral edge lengths of the semiconductor body.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier layer has a vertical thickness. In particular, the first through-contact protrudes in the vertical direction beyond the carrier layer about a vertical height, wherein the vertical thickness of the carrier layer is at least three times, for instance at least five times or at least ten times as large as the vertical height. The carrier layer can have an opening through which the first through-contact extends. Here, the first through-contact can be formed in such a way that, in a plan view of the semiconductor body, the latter completely covers the opening or completely fills the opening of the carrier layer. For electrically isolating the first through-contact, the insulating layer can be arranged between the carrier layer and the first through-contact. The insulating layer is preferably an oxidized metal layer and/or a nano-ceramic layer. Such insulating layers have a particularly high thermal conductivity, namely up to 7 or 8 W/(m·K). A nano-ceramic layer is understood to mean an electrically insulating layer which contains, for example, crystalline powders containing metal or metal oxide and having grain sizes in the nanoscale, for instance in a range between 5 nm and 100 nm, for example, between 20 nm and 40 nm. For example, the insulating layer is a nano-ceramic layer containing aluminum oxide. Apart from this, the insulating layer can be formed from other inorganic dielectrics such as silicon nitride or silicon dioxide.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier has, in addition to the first through-contact, a second through-contact. The first and the second through-contacts are electrically connectable in particular at a rear side of the carrier on the opposite side of the front side. It is also possible for the first and second through-contacts to be completely covered each by a first contact layer or by a second contact layer. On the rear side of the carrier, the through-contacts are thus electrically connectable via the contact layers. The contact layers can be formed in such a way that they each form a solderable surface on the rear side of the carrier. The component can thus be formed as a surface-mountable component which is externally electrically connectable via a rear side of the component, which can be the rear side of the carrier. Heat generated during operation of the component can be directed into the carrier immediately via the wiring structure and effectively dissipated into the surrounding via the carrier.

In the vertical direction, the second contact extends for instance throughout the carrier layer and can be electrically isolated from the carrier layer by the insulating layer. At the front side of the carrier, the first through-contact and the second through-contact are in electrical contact for instance with the first connection area and the second connection area, respectively. The carrier and the connection structure can thus have a common interface, at which the through-contacts of the carrier are in electrical contact with the connection areas of the wiring structure. The first through-contact and/or the second through-contact can be formed from an electrically highly conductive and thermally highly conductive metal such as copper, aluminum, silver or other metal. The carrier can comprise a plurality of first, and a plurality of second through-contacts.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the first through-contact and/or the second through-contact are formed from an electrically conductive and solderable material. Here, the carrier layer can have a plurality of openings, wherein in the respective openings the first or the second connection area of the wiring structure is exposed. The openings of the carrier layer can be filled with a solderable material, for instance in the form of solder balls. After a remelting step, the openings of the carrier layer can be completely filled with the solderable material. If the through-contacts are made of a solderable material, in particular in the form of solder balls protruding over the carrier layer, for the connection of the component to be produced for instance on a printed circuit board, it is sufficient only to provide a soldering flux, since upon its completion the component to be produced comprising the through-contacts already has a solder reservoir for a possible assembly. Thus, it is possible to dispense with applying additional solderable contact layers.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier has a further contact. The further contact is in particular in electrical contact with the carrier layer. This means that in this case the carrier layer is configured for electrically contacting the semiconductor body. The further contact can be electrically conductively connected to the second connection area for instance via the carrier layer. In particular at the front side of the carrier, the carrier layer can directly adjoin the second connection area and is thus in physical and electrical contact with the same.

According to at least one embodiment of the component, the carrier is formed exclusively from metal layers and the insulating layer or insulating layers. In this case, the metal layers can be the carrier layer, the through-contacts, the further contact, the contact layers and/or also adhesive or seed layers, wherein the seed layers are provided, for example, for applying the carrier layer, the through-contacts or the contact layers by means of a galvanic coating method. The insulating layer or the plurality of insulating layers is/are formed, for example, from a metal oxide or from metal oxides. The insulating layer or the plurality of insulating layers preferably consists/consist of metal oxide or metal oxides. The insulating layer or the plurality of insulating layers can be formed from a metal layer which is transformed into a metal oxide layer or from a plurality of metal layers which are transformed into metal oxide layers. For example, for forming the insulating layer an aluminum layer can be transformed in an aluminum oxide layer. In particular, the carrier can be formed exclusively from metal layers and a metal oxide layer or a plurality of metal oxide layers. This means that up to 100% of the carrier can consist of metal and metal oxide. Here, the carrier can comprise different metals and/or different metal oxides.

According to at least one embodiment of a method for producing one or a plurality of components, the carrier having the carrier layer, the insulating layer and the first through-contact is formed on the semiconductor body or on a semiconductor composite, which can be singulated into a plurality of semiconductor bodies. For example, the carrier layer is first applied onto the semiconductor body, in particular onto the wiring structure. The carrier layer can be applied in a structured manner or can be applied in a planar manner and subsequently structured such that the carrier layer has one or a plurality of openings. In particular, the first connection area or the second connection area of the wiring structure is exposed in the opening or in the openings. The insulating layer can subsequently be formed on the carrier layer, before the through-contact is formed in the opening or a plurality of through-contacts are formed in the respective openings of the carrier layer. The carrier is thus not produced separately from the semiconductor body and then fixed thereto, for example, by means of a connecting layer. Instead, the carrier is formed in the presence of the semiconductor body, that is to say directly on the semiconductor body. The formation of such a carrier can be carried out at wafer level, that is to say in a wafer composite, before the wafer composite is singulated, for example, into a plurality of components. The production costs of the components can thus be reduced in total by means of the formation of carriers at wafer level.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, the carrier layer is deposited onto the wiring structure by means of a galvanic method. In particular, the carrier layer is applied to the wiring structure in a structured manner with the aid of a structured lacquer layer or a photoresist layer. In this case, a seed layer can first be applied to the wiring structure. The seed layer is then covered by a lacquer layer, wherein in a subsequent method step the lacquer layer can be structured, for example, photostructured, so that the lacquer layer remains in particular only in regions which are provided for the openings of the carrier layer. The carrier layer can subsequently be applied galvanically to the seed layer, wherein, in order to expose the openings of the carrier layer, the lacquer layer is removed in one subsequent method step. It is also conceivable for the carrier layer to be first applied to the seed layer over a large area and removed or etched in places for forming the openings in a subsequent method step.

According to at least one embodiment of the method, the insulating layer is formed on the carrier layer by an electrochemical process. In an electrochemical process, a metal oxide layer is formed as an insulating layer. In this case, one metal layer can be transformed into one metal oxide layer. The metal oxide layer can also be applied directly onto a metal layer. In particular, the carrier layer and the insulating layer can have the same material. By way of example, the carrier layer comprises aluminum or consists thereof. If aluminum is deposited to form the carrier layer, aluminum can then be transformed into aluminum oxide by an electrochemical process. Furthermore, aluminum oxide can be deposited directly onto an aluminum layer. In this case, no additional phototechnique is required for forming the insulation layer made of aluminum oxide on an aluminum carrier layer, since aluminum oxide, such as Al2O3, usually can be deposited only on aluminum or transformed therefrom.

It is also conceivable for the carrier layer to be a nickel layer and the insulating layer to be a nickel oxide layer, wherein the nickel oxide layer may be formed on the nickel layer by means of an electrochemical process. Alternatively, for forming the insulating layer, further inorganic dielectric materials can be applied onto the carrier layer by means of a coating method such as chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition.

According to at least one embodiment for producing a plurality of components, a wafer composite is provided. The wafer composite can have a semiconductor composite and a plurality of metallic carrier layers. A plurality of separating trenches are formed, as a result of which the semiconductor composite is subdivided into a plurality of semiconductor bodies, each of which is assigned to one of the carrier layers. The wafer composite is singulated along the separating trenches into a plurality of components in such a manner that each component comprises a semiconductor body and a carrier with the associated carrier layer.

The wafer composite can have a growth substrate, onto which the semiconductor composite is applied for instance layer-wise by means of an epitaxy method. Prior to the singulation of the wafer composite, the growth substrate can be removed from the semiconductor composite or from the semiconductor bodies, so that the finished components are preferably free of a growth substrate. The through-contact or the plurality of through-contacts is/are formed preferably prior to the singulation, so that immediately after the singulation, each of the components comprises a carrier having at least one through-contact.

According to at least one embodiment of the method for producing a plurality of components, prior to the singulation the carrier layers are formed in such a way that they are mechanically connected to one another by support bars. Each of the support bars can connect two adjacent carrier layers. In particular, the support bars are produced after the formation of the separating trenches, so that the support arms in each case laterally bridge one of the separating trenches. In particular, the support bars are severed during the singulation of the wafer composite. By means of the support bars the carrier layers are mechanically connected to one another, such that the wafer composite is further mechanically supported by one contiguous structure, namely by the contiguous carrier layers, even after the growth substrate has been removed. The support bars and the carrier layers can be formed from the same materials and/or in the same method step.

According to at least one embodiment of a method, a converter layer is applied to the semiconductor body of the component to be produced. In particular, the converter layer contains a converter material which is configured for converting electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength into electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength, wherein the second wavelength is in particular greater than the first wavelength. In particular, the active layer is configured for emitting electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength. The converter layer can be formed on the semiconductor composite or on the semiconductor body prior to or after the singulation step.

The method described above is particularly suitable for the production of a component described here. Features described in connection with the component can therefore also be used for the method and vice versa.

Identical, equivalent or equivalently acting elements are indicated with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures are schematic illustrations and thus not necessarily true to scale. Comparatively small elements and particularly layer thicknesses can rather be illustrated exaggeratedly large for the purpose of better clarification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A composite200is shown inFIG. 1A. In particular, the composite200is a wafer composite. The composite200has a semiconductor composite20. The semiconductor composite20is arranged on a substrate9. In particular, the substrate9is a growth substrate, for example, a sapphire substrate, wherein the semiconductor composite20is preferably grown layerwise on the substrate9by means of an epitaxy method. The growth direction is in particular perpendicular to a main plane of extension of the substrate9. In particular, the growth direction is perpendicular to a first main surface201and/or a second main surface202of the semiconductor composite20. InFIG. 1A, the first main surface201faces towards the substrate9and the second main surface202faces away from the substrate9.

The semiconductor composite20can be formed from a III/V compound semiconductor material. An III/V compound semiconductor material has an element from the third main group, such as B, Al, Ga, In, and an element from the fifth main group, such as N, P, As. In particular, the term “III/V compound semiconductor material” comprises the group of binary, ternary or quaternary compounds which comprise at least one element from the third main group and at least one element from the fifth main group, for example, nitride and phosphide compound semiconductors. Such a binary, ternary or quaternary compound can additionally contain, for example, one or more dopants and additional constituents. The semiconductor composite20can also be formed from a II/VI compound semiconductor material.

The semiconductor composite20has a first semiconductor layer21, a second semiconductor layer22and an active layer23arranged in vertical direction between the semiconductor layers. The first main surface201can be formed by a surface of the first semiconductor layer21and the second main surface202can be formed by a surface of the second semiconductor layer22. For example, the first semiconductor layer is formed in an n-conducting manner and the second semiconductor layer22is formed in a p-conducting manner, or vice versa.

A wiring structure8is formed on the side of the second main surface202of the semiconductor composite20. The wiring structure8is configured in particular for electrically contacting the semiconductor composite20, wherein the wiring structure8can be electrically conductively connected for instance directly or indirectly to different semiconductor layers of the semiconductor composite20. The wiring structure can have sub-structures which are electrically separated from one another and each are electrically conductively connected to one of the semiconductor layers21and22(not explicitly shown here).

InFIG. 1A, the wiring structure8has a first connection area31and a second connection area32. In particular, in a vertical direction the wiring structure8terminates flush with the connection areas31and32. This means that the connection areas31and32delimit the wiring structure8regionally in the vertical direction. For example, the first connection area31and the second connection area32are provided for electrically contacting the first semiconductor layer21and the second semiconductor layer22, respectively, or vice versa. The wiring structure8can have a plurality of such first connection areas31and/or a plurality of such second connection areas32. The connection areas31and32can be closed with a noble metal, for instance with gold.

FIG. 1Bshows the composite200illustrated inFIG. 1Ain a plan view. The first connection area31and the second connection area32are exposed on a surface of the wiring structure8remote from the semiconductor composite200and thus are directly electrically connectable. The first connection area31and the second connection area32are in particular assigned to different electrical polarities of a component to be produced. For example, the first connection area31is assigned to the cathode and the second connection area32is assigned to the anode of the component, or vice versa. InFIG. 1B, the connection areas31and32are illustrated in a circular shape. Deviating therefrom, the connection areas31and32can each have any arbitrary shape, for example, square, elliptical, strip-shaped, polygonal or other shapes.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1Ccorresponds substantially to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A. In contrast to this, the wiring structure8is schematically illustrated in a somewhat more detailed manner. The first connection area31can be in electrical contact with a through-via81of the wiring structure8. In particular, the first connection area31can be a surface of the through-via81. It is also possible for the first connection area31to be a surface of a further layer which is electrically conductively connected to the through-via81. In the vertical direction, the through-via81extends at least from the second main surface202throughout the second semiconductor layer22and the active layer23into the first semiconductor layer21. In the lateral direction, the through-via81is thus completely enclosed by the semiconductor composite20. For electrically insulating the through-via81from the second semiconductor layer22and from the active layer23, the through-via is laterally enclosed by a passivation layer83. The first semiconductor layer21can thus be electrically connected to the first connection area31via the through-via81.

The wiring structure8has a connection layer82. The connection layer82is provided for electrically contacting the second semiconductor layer22. In this case, the connection layer82can be adjacent to the semiconductor layer22. The second connection area32can be a surface of the connection layer82or surface of a further layer, which, for example, is adjacent to the connection layer82or for instance is electrically conductively connected adjacent to the connection layer82.

Deviating fromFIG. 1C, the wiring structure8can have a plurality of such through-vias81and/or a plurality of such connection layers82. It is also possible for the wiring structure to have one radiation-reflective layer, for example, a mirror layer, which is arranged on the second main surface202of the semiconductor composite20. The reflective layer is particularly configured for reflecting an electromagnetic radiation, which, during operation of the component to be produced, is emitted in the direction of the first main surface201of the semiconductor composite20. Here, the reflective layer of the wiring structure8can be formed to be electrically conductive. In particular, for lateral current spreading the reflective layer can be electrically conductively connected to a plurality of connection layers82or to a plurality of through-vias81. The wiring structure8can have a plurality of reflective layers, which in each case are assigned to, for example, one of the components to be produced. It is also possible for the component, which is to be produced, to be formed as a multi-junction chip. Such a component can have a segmented semiconductor body and, for example, more than two connection areas for electrically contacting different segments of the semiconductor body.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1Dsubstantially corresponds to one of the exemplary embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1A to 1C. In contrast to this, the composite shown here has a plurality of first connection areas31and a plurality of second connection areas32. The composite200has a plurality of separating trenches60, by means of which the composite200is divided into a plurality of partial regions, wherein each partial region of the composite200has a wiring structure8comprising at least one first connection area31and a second connection area32. The separating trenches60extend in the vertical direction at least partially into the semiconductor composite20or throughout the semiconductor composite20. As a result of which the semiconductor composite20can be divided into a plurality of semiconductor bodies2. The separating trenches are preferably formed prior to the formation of the wiring structure8. It is also conceivable, however, that the separating trenches60are formed only after the formation of the wiring structure8. In one subsequent method step, the composite200can be singulated along the separating trenches60into a plurality of components100.

InFIG. 2A, a carrier layer4on the side of the wiring structure8is formed on the semiconductor composite20. The carrier layer4can comprise a metal or a plurality of metals, for example, in the form of a metal alloy. The carrier layer4illustrated inFIG. 2Ais, for example, a partial region of the composite200, wherein the partial region is assigned to one of the components to be produced. In particular, the carrier layer4is formed in a contiguous manner, for example, in one piece. The carrier layer illustrated inFIG. 2Ais structured and has two openings. A connection area31or32of the wiring layer8is exposed in each opening. In particular, the connection areas31and32are electrically isolated from the carrier layer4.

The carrier layer4can be formed as an electroplating layer in a structured lacquer layer, such as a photoresist layer. InFIG. 2A, the structured lacquer layer is not shown. Such a structured lacquer layer can, however, cover regions of the openings of the carrier layer4and side surfaces of the carrier layer4. It is also possible for the carrier layer4to be first applied to the wiring structure8over a large area and, in a subsequent method step, to be removed or etched in places for forming the openings. The carrier layer4is preferably applied to the wiring structure8by means of a galvanic coating method. Metals such as nickel, copper, aluminum, silver, gold or other electro-depositable metals are particularly suitable as materials for the carrier layer4. The carrier layer4has a vertical thickness D4, which is for instance between 0.02 mm and 1 mm, in particular between 0.02 mm and 0.5 mm, for example, between 0.02 mm and 0.2 mm.

Deviating fromFIG. 2A, it is possible for a plurality of carrier layers4to be formed on the semiconductor composite20. For example, the partial regions of the composite200, as shown inFIG. 1D, can each have an associated carrier layer4comprising at least one opening.

In a plan view, the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2Bsubstantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2A. In particular, a section or a partial region of the composite200is illustrated inFIG. 2B, wherein the section or the partial region of the composite200corresponds to a component100to be produced. The carrier layer4is formed in one piece. In a plan view, the wiring structure8has an edge region which is frame-shaped and laterally encloses the carrier layer4. The edge region of the wiring structure8is thus not covered by the carrier layer4. In particular, the area of the edge region is at most 20%, in particular at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, of a total area of the associated wiring structure8. InFIG. 2B, the wiring structure8comprises a region in the respective opening of the carrier layer4, which is not covered by the carrier layer4and encloses the first connection area31or the second connection area32. This region of the wiring structure8within the opening of the carrier layer can have an electrically insulating material or be covered by an insulating material.

InFIG. 3A, an insulating layer5is formed on the carrier layer4. In particular, the insulating layer5is produced by an electrochemical process. Preferably, aluminum as the material of the carrier layer4is galvanically deposited onto the wiring structure8. Aluminum can be transformed into aluminum oxide by an electrochemical process. Aluminum oxide can also be deposited directly onto an aluminum layer formed as a carrier layer4. Since the aluminum oxide is deposited in a reliable manner only on aluminum, in this case, no additional phototechnique is required. It is also possible for the carrier layer to comprise nickel. In this case, nickel can be applied to the wiring structure8by means of a galvanic process. In a subsequent method step, nickel can be transformed in regions into nickel oxide. It is also conceivable for nickel oxide to be deposited directly on the carrier layer4, comprising for instance nickel, by an electrochemical process. It is also conceivable for the metal oxide layer made of magnesium, titanium, zirconium, tantalum or beryllium to be formed by an electrochemical process. Alternatively, inorganic dielectrics can be applied to the carrier layer4for instance by chemical or physical vapor deposition.

The use of electrochemically deposited metal oxides, for example, of aluminum oxide or nickel oxide, results in a mechanically particularly stable connection between a metal layer and a metal oxide layer, for example, between an aluminum layer and an aluminum oxide layer, as a result of which a particularly high thermal conductivity is achieved within the entire carrier on the one hand and, on the other hand, compared to conventional metal-dielectrics connections, a high adhesive strength is achieved. In addition, the deposition process can ensure that the steps of the carrier layer4, which are formed on account of the comparatively large vertical thickness D4of the carrier layer4, can be coated in an isolation-proof manner. A metal oxide layer, which is produced electrochemically, usually has a higher porosity degree than a corresponding metal layer. Based on the degree of porosity of the metal oxide layer, it can be determined whether the metal oxide layer has been produced by means of an electrochemical process or not. For forming the insulating layer5, it is also possible for the carrier layer4to be ceramic-coated. In the case of ceramic coating, a surface of the carrier layer4can likewise be oxidized partially. Both a ceramic coating layer and an aluminum oxide layer have a particularly high thermal conductivity. In particular, the thermal conductivity of a metal oxide layer may be for instance between 4 and 8 W/(K·m), inclusive. A ceramic coating layer can likewise have a thermal conductivity between 4 and 8 W/(K·m), inclusive. For example, the insulating layer5comprising aluminum oxide or an aluminum nanoceramic may have a thermal conductivity of greater than 7 W/(K·m). Preferably, the insulating layer5has a thermal conductivity of at least 4, at least 6 or at least 7 W/(K·m).

FIG. 3Bshows the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3Ain a plan view. In a plan view, the insulating layer5completely covers the carrier layer4. The insulating layer5is formed in particular contiguously and has at least one opening, in which the first connecting area31or the second connecting area32is exposed. In comparison to the metal layer4, the insulating layer5has a smaller thickness, so that the insulating layer5coats the carrier layer4and, in particular, imitates a contour of the carrier layer4.

InFIG. 4A, a first through-contact61and a second through-contact62are formed. The through-contacts61and62fill out the respective openings of the carrier layer4. The first through-contact61and/or the second through-contact62extend/extends in the vertical direction throughout the carrier layer4and are/is electrically conductively connected to the first connection area31or the second connection area32in the region of the openings of the carrier layer4. The through-contacts61and62can be applied to the carrier layer4by means of a coating method, for instance by means of a galvanic or electroless method. The through-contacts61and62can also be formed by means of physical or chemical vapor deposition. The carrier layer4and the through-contacts61and62can comprise the same material, for example, an identical metal such as aluminum, copper, nickel, gold or silver. If the carrier layer4and the through-contacts61and62comprise the same material, a carrier1formed therefrom can have a particularly high thermal resilience due to thermal expansion reasons.

In the vertical direction, the first through-contact61and the second through-contact62project beyond the carrier layer4by a vertical height D6. In particular, the carrier layer4and the through-contacts61and62are formed in such a way that the vertical thickness D4of the carrier layer4is at least three times, preferably at least five times or at least ten times as large as the vertical height D6. The vertical height D6is for instance between 0.001 mm and 0.5 mm inclusive, in particular between 0.001 mm and 0.3 mm, for example, between 0.001 mm and 0.15 mm.

InFIG. 4A, both the through-contacts61and62and the connection areas31and32are electrically isolated from the carrier layer4by the insulating layer5. In such a configuration, the carrier layer4does not contribute to the electrical contacting of the semiconductor composite20.

FIGS. 4B and 4Cshow different variants of configuration of the through-contacts61and62in a plan view. The through-contacts61and62completely cover the respective openings of the carrier layer4. The through-contacts61and62can be formed in such a way that, in a plan view, they cover for instance at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 60% or at least 80% of one surface of the associated wiring structure8in total. The through-contacts61and62, as shown inFIG. 4B, can cover the insulating layer5completely along one lateral direction. The through-contacts61and62can also be configured in such a way that they have a lateral width which is smaller than a lateral width of the insulating layer5. In a plan view, the through-contacts61and62have overlaps with the insulating layer5both inside and outside the openings of the carrier layer4.

InFIG. 4A, the openings of the carrier layer4each have a cross section which increases with increasing distance from the wiring structure8. Such a configuration simplifies the formation of the through-contacts and the application of the insulating layer to the carrier layer4. In contrast to this, it is also possible for the cross-section to decrease with increasing distance from the wiring structure8or to remain constant.

InFIG. 5A, the contact layers71and72are formed. The contact layers can be applied to the through-contacts61and62by a galvanic or electroless deposition process. For example, the contact layers71and72comprise a metal such as nickel, palladium or gold. In particular, the contact layers71and72each have a surface which faces away from the through-contacts and is formed to be solderable and electrically connectable. In particular, the component to be produced has a mounting surface which comprises the solderable and electrically contactable surfaces of the contact layers71and72. The contact layers can be ENEPIG-layers (Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold). In particular, the component to be produced is configured to be surface-mountable.

The exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS. 5B and 5Csubstantially correspond to the exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS. 4B and 4C. In contrast to these, the contact layers71and72are shown here. In a plan view, a first contact layer71can completely cover the first through-contact61. In a plan view, a second contact layer72can completely cover the second through-contact62.

FIG. 6shows the growth substrate9, which is removed from the semiconductor composite20or from the semiconductor bodies2, for instance by a mechanical method, an etching method or by a laser liftoff method. The separation of the growth substrate9can be carried out prior to the singulation or after the singulation of the composite200into a plurality of components100.

For increasing the coupling-in or coupling-out efficiency, a surface exposed in the course of the removal of the growth substrate, in particular the first main surface201of the semiconductor composite20or of the semiconductor body2, can be structured. Here, the structured surface may form a radiation passage area of the component100. A converter layer7can be applied to the radiation passage area of the component. In this case, the converter layer7can imitate a contour of the structured radiation passage area and thus can also be structured. In contrast toFIG. 6, the converter layer7can be unstructured.

After the growth substrate9has been removed, the remaining composite200is mechanically supported, for example, mainly by the carrier layer4. After the removal of the growth substrate9, the composite200can be singulated into a plurality of components100in such a way that the singulated components100each have a carrier1and a semiconductor body2arranged on the carrier1, wherein the semiconductor body2contains one portion of the semiconductor composite20and the carrier1contains one carrier layer4having at least one through-contact61. The composite200can be singulated along the separating trenches60, as shown, for example, inFIG. 1D. In particular, the separating trenches60are free of the carrier layer4. It is also possible for the separating trenches60to be covered at least in places by an electrically isolating layer, wherein the electrically isolating layer can be part of the wiring structure8or part of the insulating layer5, wherein in the region of the separating trenches60, the electrically isolating layer covers, for example, side surfaces of the semiconductor body2partially or completely.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7for a component100substantially corresponds to a component which is produced according to the method described inFIGS. 1A to 6.

The component100has a radiation passage area101, which is formed for instance by a surface of the converter layer7. The component100comprises a rear side102facing away from the radiation passage surface101. In particular, the rear side102of the component100is formed by a rear side12of the carrier1. The carrier1has a front side11facing away from the rear side12. In particular, the front side11of the carrier is an interface between the carrier1and the wiring structure8of the component100. In other words, the carrier1and the wiring structure8directly adjoin one another at the front side11. In particular, the first through-contact61and the second through-contact62directly adjoin the first connection area31and the second connection area32of the wiring structure8, respectively, at the front side11.

The rear side12is formed in places by a surface of the insulating layer5and in places by surfaces of the contact layers71and72. The component100is formed to be mountable, for instance solderable, and electrically connectable via the rear side12of the carrier1or via the rear side102of the component100.

In particular, the carrier1has a metal proportion of at least 60, at least 80 or at least 90% by volume and/or by weight. If the insulating layer5is a metal oxide layer, all layers of the carrier1can contain metal. In particular, the metal proportion of the carrier1can be between 90 and 98% by volume and/or by weight. In particular, the carrier1or the component100is free from a mold body made of a potting compound, for instance made of epoxy, resin or silicone. Thus, heat spreading along the lateral direction between the first through-contact and the second through-contact can be improved significantly.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8Asubstantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5Afor a method for producing one or a plurality of components. In contrast to this, the composite has a plurality of support bars40. Such support bars40are shown in particular inFIGS. 8B and 8Cin a plan view. The carrier layers4, which are assigned, for example, to different components100to be produced, are mechanically connected to one another by means of the support bars40. In particular, the carrier layers4together with the support bars40form a contiguous structure. Such a contiguous structure can mechanically stabilize the composite200, for instance after the growth substrate9has been removed.

The support bars40can be of the same material as the carrier layers4. In particular, the support bars40and the carrier layers4can be produced during a common method step. In lateral directions, the support bars40project for instance over a side surface or beyond side edges of the carrier layers4and can in each case interconnect for instance two adjacent carrier layers4. In a plan view, a support bar40can laterally bridge a separating trench60arranged between two adjacent carrier layers. Here, the support bars40can have a lateral width which is at least five times, for example, at least ten times, at least 15 times or preferably at least 20 times smaller than an associated lateral width of the carrier layer4. During the singulation of the composite200, the support bars are severed, for example, sawn through, in particular in the region of the separating trenches60. In a plan view, the support bars40are preferably completely covered by the insulating layer5. A complete covering of the support bars40by the insulating layer5can result in a reduction of possible metal contamination, for example, on the radiation passage area101of the component100to be produced.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9Asubstantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5A. In contrast thereto, the openings of the carrier layer4are filled for instance with a solderable material for forming the through-contacts61and62. In particular, the solderable material, for instance in the form of solder balls, can be applied to the openings of the carrier layer4. The solder balls can be prefabricated and placed in the corresponding openings of the carrier layer4. The carrier layer4can have more than two openings, for example, three or four or more than four openings. Due to the three-point support it is preferred that each carrier layer4has at least three openings which are filled with a solderable material.

FIG. 9Bshows the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9Ain a plan view. The carrier layer4has two openings, in which one connecting area31is exposed in each case, wherein the openings are filled with a solderable material for forming the first through-contacts61. Furthermore, the carrier layer4has two further openings which are likewise filled with a solderable and electrically conductive material for forming the second through-contacts62.

FIG. 9Cshows a further exemplary embodiment of a component which is produced for instance according to an exemplary embodiment for a method illustrated inFIG. 9A. This exemplary embodiment substantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7. In contrast thereto, the component100is free from the contact layers71and72. The through-contacts61and62are formed from an electrically conductive and solderable material. As illustrated inFIG. 9A, the through-contacts61and62can be formed after a step of remelting the solder balls. After the step of remelting, the through-contacts61and62can completely fill out the corresponding openings of the carrier layer4. In a plan view, the through-contacts61and62have overlaps with the insulating layer5only within the openings of the carrier layer4. However, it is also conceivable for the through-contacts61and62to have overlaps with the insulating layer5also outside the openings of the carrier layer4. The component shown inFIG. 9Chas a substrate which is in particular radiation-transmissive, in particular a growth substrate, for instance a sapphire substrate.

Deviating fromFIG. 9C, it is possible for the component100to have a structured radiation passage area101and/or a converter layer7arranged on the radiation passage area101. It is also possible for the substrate9to be completely removed from the component100, so that the component100is free of a growth substrate.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10for a component100substantially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7. In contrast thereto, the wiring structure8comprising the connection layer82, the through-via81and the passivation layer83is illustrated analogously toFIG. 1C. Furthermore, the carrier1is formed in such a way that the carrier layer4contributes to the electrical contacting of the semiconductor body2. InFIG. 10, the carrier1has one or a plurality of first through-contacts61. Instead of the second through-contact, the carrier has a further contact62which is formed on the carrier layer4. In particular, the further contact62is electrically conductively connected to the carrier layer4. At the front side11, the carrier layer4is in electrical contact with the second connection area32. The further contact62can thus be electrically conductively connected to the second connection area32via the carrier layer4, and thus to the connection layer82and the second semiconductor layer22. In comparison toFIG. 5A, the insulating layer5inFIG. 10is formed in a structured manner, so that the further contact62is in direct electrical contact for instance with the carrier layer4.

In contrast toFIG. 10, the carrier1can be formed in such a way that at the front side11, the carrier layer4is in electrical contact with the first connection area31and in this case is isolated from the second connection area32.

FIG. 11shows an exemplary embodiment of a component100in a plan view of the radiation passage area101. The component100can comprise a plurality of through-vias81, which—for electrically contacting the first semiconductor layer21—extend for instance from the second main surface202of the semiconductor body throughout the second semiconductor layer22and the active layer23into the first semiconductor layer21.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments by the description of the invention made with reference to exemplary embodiments. The invention rather comprises any novel feature and any combination of features, including in particular any combination of features in the claims, even if this feature or this combination is not itself explicitly indicated in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.