Abstract:
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, includes i) a step of providing a transparent member above a main surface of a semiconductor substrate where a plurality of semiconductor elements is formed; ii) a first dividing step of dividing the transparent member corresponding to a designated area of the semiconductor element; iii) a second dividing step of dividing the transparent member corresponding to an external configuration of the semiconductor element; and iv) a dividing step of dividing the semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor elements corresponding to a dividing position of the transparent member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to manufacturing methods of semiconductor devices, and more specifically, to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device wherein a transparent member is provided above a light receiving part provided on a main surface of a semiconductor element. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A solid-state image sensing device formed by packaging and modularizing a solid-state image sensor with a transparent member such as glass, a wiring board, wiring connecting the solid-state image sensor and the wiring board, sealing resin, and others, is well-known. Here, the solid-state image sensing device is, for example, an image sensor such as a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS). 
     In such a solid-state image sensing device, if a foreign body such as dust is situated on a light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor, the foreign body blocks incident light so that the foreign body is reflected in a monitor picture as a black point. 
     Because of this, it is attempted to manufacture the solid-state image sensing device in a clean room in order to prevent entry of foreign bodies. However, it is difficult to realize the perfect situation. Hence, a structure is applied where a surface protection transparent member such as glass is provided above the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor so that the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor is sealed in an initial step of a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device. 
       FIG. 1  is a first view showing a manufacturing process of a related art solid-state image sensing device.  FIG. 2  is a second view showing the manufacturing process of the related art solid-state image sensing device. 
     While the subject of such a manufacturing process is a semiconductor wafer on which plural solid-state image sensors are formed, a single solid-state image sensor is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . Illustrations of other solid-state image sensing elements situated in the periphery of this solid-state image sensor are omitted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a back grinding process is applied to a rear surface of a semiconductor wafer  100  having a surface (main surface) where plural image sensors are formed via a designated wafer process. At this time, the surface of the semiconductor wafer  100  where a light receiving element area  2  is formed is protected by a BG (Back Grinding) tape  3 . In this state, the rear surface of the semiconductor wafer  100  is ground (See FIG.  1 -(A). 
     On the other hand, a glass plate  4  is prepared as a transparent member for protecting the light receiving element area  2 . 
     A large-sized glass plate is adhered to a dicing tape  5  and pieces of the large-sized glass plate are made by a cutting method using a blade so that the glass plate  4  is made (See FIG.  1 -(B)). 
     After that, while the BG tape  3  shown in FIG.  1 -(A) adhered on the surface of the semiconductor wafer  1  is removed, the dicing tape  5  is adhered on the rear surface of the semiconductor wafer  100  (See FIG.  1 -(C)). 
     Next, a transparent adhesive  6  is selectively applied on the light receiving element area  2  in the image sensors on the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer  100  (See FIG.  1 -(D)). 
     Then, the glass pate  4  being large sized is removed from the dicing tape  5  so as to be mounted above the light receiving element area  2  in the image sensor of the semiconductor wafer  100  via the transparent adhesive  6  (See FIG.  1 -(E)). This process is applied to a good semiconductor chip of the semiconductor wafer  100 . 
     After that, a dicing process is applied so that the semiconductor wafer  100  is diced into pieces. As a result of this a semiconductor chip  1  that is an image sensor is formed (See FIG.  2 -(F)). 
     The semiconductor chip  1  is die bonded on a supporting substrate (wiring board)  7  via die application material  8  (FIG.  2 -(G)). An electrode terminal  9  of the semiconductor chip  1  is connected to an electrode terminal  11  of the supporting substrate  7  by a bonding wire  10  (FIG.  2 -(H)). 
     After that, the semiconductor chip  1 , the bonding wire  10 , and others except an upper part of the glass plate  4 , are sealed by sealing resin  12  (See FIG.  2 -(I)) 
     Then, a solder ball as an outside connection terminal  13  is provided on a rear surface of the supporting substrate  7 , so that a solid-state image sensing device  14  is completed (See FIG.  2 -(J)). 
     Modified examples of the manufacturing processes discussed with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  have been suggested. 
       FIG. 3  is a view showing a first modified example of the manufacturing process shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a view showing a second modified example of the manufacturing process shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     In the first modified example shown in  FIG. 3 , a large-sized glass plate  4 ′ having an area equal to or greater than the area of the semiconductor wafer  100  is mounted and fixed above the semiconductor wafer  100  (See FIG.  3 -(E′)). 
     Next, a dicing process is applied to the glass plate  4 ′ and the semiconductor wafer  100  in a lump for making pieces so that the semiconductor chip  1  is formed (See FIG.  3 -(F′)-( 1 )). 
     After that, only the glass plate  4 ′ is cut so as to have a designate size corresponding to the light receiving element area  2  by applying the dicing process again (See FIG.  3 -(F′)-( 2 )). 
     On the other hand, in the second modified example shown in  FIG. 4 , after the large-sized glass plate  4 ′ having an area equal to or greater than the area of the semiconductor wafer  100  is mounted and fixed above the semiconductor wafer  100 , a dicing process is applied to only the glass plate  4 ′ so that the glass plate  4 ′ is cut into a designated size corresponding to the light receiving element area  2  (See FIG.  4 -(F″)-( 1 )) and then the semiconductor wafer  100  is divided for making the pieces of the semiconductor chips  1  (See FIG.  4 -(F″)-( 2 )). See in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2004-172249 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2004-296738. 
     Thus, in the manufacturing methods shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the transparent adhesive  6  is selectively applied on the light receiving element areas of plural semiconductor chips of the semiconductor wafer  100  so that the glass plate  4  being of large size is mounted by using the transparent adhesive  6 . See FIG.  1 -(D) and FIG.  1 -(E). 
     Since this process is implemented in a semiconductor chip unit, the number of processes is increased. This tendency is remarkable when the size of the semiconductor chip  1  is small. 
     In addition, since the glass plate  4  is provided above the light receiving element area on the surface of the semiconductor chip  1 , a manufacturing apparatus and method having high positioning precision are required. 
     In order to prevent position shift of the glass plate  4  after the glass plate  4  is mounted, it is necessary to control the amount of the transparent adhesive  6  applied to the surface of the semiconductor wafer  100 . In addition, voids should not be contained in the applied transparent adhesive  6 . 
     If it is attempted to solve the above-mentioned problems in the manufacturing processes shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the manufacturing cost for the solid-state image sensing device  14  may increase. 
     On the other hand, in the manufacturing process shown in  FIG. 3 , while the above-mentioned problems of the manufacturing processes shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  may be solved, since the dicing process is applied to plural different kinds of materials, glass plate  4 ′ and the semiconductor wafer  100  in the same step, the processing quality may be degraded. 
     If the processing speed is decreased in order to prevent this, the processing ability may be degraded. 
     Furthermore, in a process for dicing only the glass plate  4 ′, the transparent adhesive  6  is not provided in the vicinity of the end part of the glass plate  4 ′ so that the process is unstable and implemented where there is no support. Hence, the processing quality may be degraded. 
     In addition, in the process for dicing only the glass plate  4 ′, if the transparent resin  6  is spread to the outside of an area where the transparent resin should be provided, the transparent adhesive  6  is cut together with the glass plate  4 ′. Therefore, the dicing blade may become clogged due to the transparent adhesive so that unnecessary cracks may be formed in the glass plate  4 ′. 
     Furthermore, in the manufacturing process shown in  FIG. 4 , first the dicing process is applied to only the glass plate  4 ′ (See FIG.  4 -(F″)-( 1 )) and then the semiconductor wafer  100  is divided so that pieces of the semiconductor chips  1  are made (See FIG.  4 -(F″)-( 2 )). 
     Therefore, it is necessary to prepare both the dicing blade for cutting the glass plate  4 ′ and the dicing blade for cutting the semiconductor wafer  100  and process them in separated steps. Hence, the number of steps may be increased. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention may provide a novel and useful manufacturing method of a semiconductor device solving one or more of the problems discussed above. 
     Another and more specific object of the present invention may be to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device whereby the semiconductor device can be manufactured in a simple process without degradation of quality of the semiconductor device or processing ability. 
     The above object of the present invention is achieved by a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, including: i) a step of providing a transparent member above a main surface of a semiconductor substrate where a plurality of semiconductor elements is formed; ii) a first dividing step of dividing the transparent member corresponding to a designated area of the semiconductor element; iii) a second dividing step of dividing the transparent member corresponding to an external configuration of the semiconductor element; and iv) a dividing step of dividing the semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor elements corresponding to a dividing position of the transparent member. 
     The above object of the present invention is achieved by a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device having a structure where a transparent member is provided above a semiconductor element, the manufacturing method including: i) a transparent member providing step of providing the transparent member having a size equal to or greater than an effective area of a semiconductor wafer, above the effective area of the semiconductor wafer; and ii) a piece making step of making pieces of the transparent member and the semiconductor wafer by applying a chemical process to a part of the transparent member and a part of the semiconductor wafer after the transparent member providing step. 
     According to the present invention, it is possible to provide the manufacturing method of the semiconductor device whereby the semiconductor device can be manufactured in a simple process without degradation of quality of the semiconductor device or processing ability. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be come more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a first view showing a manufacturing process of a related art solid-state image sensing device; 
         FIG. 2  is a second view showing the manufacturing process of the related art solid-state image sensing device; 
         FIG. 3  is a view showing a first modified example of the manufacturing process shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing a second modified example of the manufacturing process shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a solid-state image sensing device manufactured according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a first view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a second view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a third view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a solid-state image sensing device manufactured according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a first view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a second view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the second embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a third view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A description is given below, with reference to the  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 12  of embodiments of the present invention. 
     In the following explanation, a manufacturing method of a solid-state image sensing device is discussed as an example of the present invention. 
     First Embodiment 
     The first embodiment of the present invention is discussed with reference to  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a solid-state image sensing device  500  manufactured according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a first view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a second view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a third view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the first embodiment of the present invention. The processes shown in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 8  are a continuous process. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in a solid-state image sensing device  500  manufactured by the first embodiment of the present invention, a solid-state image sensor  24  is mounted on a wiring board  22  via die application material  23 . Plural outside connection terminals  21  are provided on a lower surface of the wiring board  22 . 
     A light receiving element area  25  is formed on an upper surface of the solid-state image sensor  24 . The light receiving element area  25  includes plural light receiving elements formed on a surface area of a semiconductor substrate and a micro lens provided on the light receiving elements. An outside connection terminal  26  of the solid-state image sensor  24  is connected to a connection terminal  28  of the wiring board  22  by a bonding wire  27 . In addition, a glass plate  30  as a transparent member is provided above the solid-state image sensor  24  via transparent adhesive  29 . 
     An upper surface of the wiring board  22  including the solid-state image sensor  24 , the bonding wires  27  and an external circumferential part of the glass plate  30  is sealed by sealing resin  31 . 
     In other words, the solid-state image sensor  24  is sealed by the glass plate  30  and the sealing resin  31  so that the solid-state image sensing device  500  is formed. 
     The solid-state image sensing device  500  is manufactured by processes discussed with reference to  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 8 . 
     While the subject of the process shown in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 8  is a semiconductor substrate (semiconductor wafer) where plural solid-state image sensors are formed, a single solid-state image sensor and its periphery part are illustrated in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 8 . Although other solid-state image sensors exist in the periphery of the solid-state image sensor, illustration of the sensors are omitted in  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 8 . 
     First, a first resist layer  40  is selectively formed, as seen in FIG.  6 -(A), on a semiconductor wafer  240 , which wafer  240  has a main surface where plural solid-state image sensors are formed, via a designated wafer process. 
     The first resist layer  40  has a pattern where areas corresponding to the light receiving element area  25  and a wafer piece-making line  35  discussed below are opened (not covered). 
     As the first resist layer  40 , a liquid resist or a film resist can be used. It is preferable that the resist have a thickness of 5 through 15 μm. The thickness of the resist layer  40  is selected so that a desired thickness of the adhesive  29  formed on the semiconductor wafer  240  in the next step can be achieved. 
     Next, the transparent adhesive  29  is applied on the light receiving element area  25  of the semiconductor wafer  240  as shown in FIG.  6 -(B) (Adhesive member providing process). 
     Here, the first resist layer  40  works as a dam so that the transparent adhesive  29  is prevented from flowing out to an area other than the area where the transparent adhesive  29  is applied. 
     Therefore, not only an adhesive having a viscosity of approximately 10 through 50 Pa·S but also an adhesive having a viscosity equal to or less than 1 Pa·S can be applied as the transparent adhesive  29  so that a void is not generated and efficiency of an application process can be improved. 
     The transparent adhesive  29  may be selectively applied by using a dispenser or the like. Furthermore, the amount (thickness) of the transparent adhesive  29  can be controlled by controlling the thickness of the first resist layer  40 . 
     In addition, thermosetting epoxy resin, ultraviolet curing resin, or both thermosetting resin and ultraviolet curing resin can be used as the transparent adhesive  29  as following a property of the solid-state image sensing device  500 . 
     Next, a glass plate  300  having an area equal to or greater than an effective area of the semiconductor wafer  240  is mounted above the semiconductor wafer  240  and fixed to the semiconductor wafer  240  by the transparent adhesive  29 , as shown in FIG.  6 -(C) (Transparent member providing step). 
     Here, the effective area of the semiconductor wafer is defined as an area formed on the semiconductor wafer where the solid-state image sensor functions. 
     The glass plate  300  is provided so as to cover upper parts of the first resist layer  40  and the transparent adhesive  29 . 
     There is no limitation on the configuration of the glass plate  300 . The configuration of the glass plate  300  may correspond to the external configuration of the semiconductor wafer  240  or may be a rectangular configuration. In addition, it is not necessary for the glass plate  300  to have the same size as the semiconductor wafer  240  as long as the glass plate  300  has an area equal to or greater than the effective area. 
     It is preferable to implement processes for mounting and fixing the glass plate  300  under a vacuum atmosphere so that air does not enter between the glass plate  300  and the first resist layer  40  and/or the transparent adhesive  29 , thereby preventing the generation of air bubbles. 
     If air does not enter, due to outside normal atmospheric pressure the glass plate  300  may become curved and pressed as though by a roller or the like while being adhered. The thickness of the glass plate  300  may be selected from a range of approximately 0.2 through 0.5 mm. 
     Because of such a process, the light receiving element area  25  on the surface of the semiconductor wafer  240  is sealed so that a foreign body such as dust is not adhered. Dust adhered on the outside surface of the glass plate  300  can be easily removed by air blowing, water washing, or the like. 
     Next, a back grinding process is applied to the rear surface of the semiconductor wafer  240  so that the semiconductor wafer  240  has a designated thickness as shown in FIG.  6 -(D) (Rear surface grinding process). 
     At this time, the semiconductor wafer  240  is united with the glass plate  300  via the transparent adhesive  29  and the first resist layer  40 . Therefore, while the semiconductor wafer  240  is made thin by the grinding process so that the mechanical strength of the semiconductor wafer  240  is reduced, the semiconductor wafer  240  is mechanically supported by the glass plate  300  so that the mechanical strength for realizing the solid-state image sensing device  500  is maintained. Hence, it is possible to make the solid-state image sensor small or thin. 
     According to this process, steps of adhering and removing back grinding tape to and from the surface of the semiconductor wafer are not required and therefore the manufacturing process can be simplified while adhesion of foreign bodies can be prevented. In addition, since the consumption of tape is not necessary, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the solid-state image sensing device. 
     Next, the second resist layer  41  is selectively formed on the upper surface of the glass plate  300  as shown in FIG.  7 -(E). 
     The second resist layer  41  includes a second resist layer  41 - 1  and a second resist layer  41 - 2 . The second resist layer  41 - 1  is provided on a surface area of the glass plate  300  corresponding to the area where the adhesive  29  is provided in the process shown in FIG.  6 -(B). The second resist layer  41 - 2  is provided via a gap part  42  so as to be separated from the second resist layer  41 - 1 . 
     The second resist layer  41 - 2 , as well as the first resist layer  40 , has a pattern where areas corresponding to the piece-making line  35  discussed below are opened. 
     As the second resist layer  41 , a liquid resist or a film resist can be used. There is no limitation on the thickness of the second resist layer  41 . 
     The next process can be applied where the semiconductor wafer  240  is mounted on a wafer set jig (not shown) or where a dicing tape (not shown) is adhered on the rear surface of the semiconductor wafer  240 . 
     Next, the glass plate  300  is selectively etched by using the second resist layer  41  as a mask so that the glass plate  300  is divided and pieces  30  of the glass plate  300  are made corresponding to the image sensor (piece-making process) as shown in FIG.  7 -(F). 
     As this etching process, a wet type etching process using chemical liquid made of a mixture of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, or the like or a dry type etching process such as anisotropic plasma etching or the like using fluoride group gas such as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas or the like can be used. 
     By applying the etching process using Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas, the glass plate  300  is divided into an area masked by the second resist layer  41 - 1  and an area masked by the second resist layer  41 - 2 . 
     In the area defined by the second resist layer  41 - 2 , an area corresponding to the wafer piece-making line  35  defined by the first resist layer  40  of the semiconductor wafer  240  is exposed. 
     On the other hand, in the gap part  42 , while the etching process is applied to the glass plate  300 , the semiconductor wafer  240  is not exposed due to the first resist layer  40 . 
     Next, the semiconductor wafer  240  is selectively etched (piece-making process) as shown in FIG.  7 -(G). 
     By continuing the etching process using Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas, etching the semiconductor wafer  240  at the wafer piece-making line  35  is done by using the first resist layer  40  as the mask, and the semiconductor wafer  240  is divided so that plural solid-state image sensors  24  are formed. In other words, etching the glass substrate  300  and etching the semiconductor wafer  240  are continuously performed. 
     After that, a part of the glass plate  300  unnecessary for forming the solid-state image sensing device  500 , namely the part having a surface where the second resist layer  41 - 2  is provided, is removed by vibrating the semiconductor wafer  240  or using the vacuum suction method so that the part falls off. 
     Next, as shown in FIG.  7 -(H), the second resist layer  41 - 1  on the glass plate  30  and the first resist layer  40  on the semiconductor wafer  240  (solid-state image sensor  24 ) are removed. 
     As a method for removing the second resist layer  41 - 1  and the first resist layer  40 , a wet type melting or a dry type ashing process is applied. 
     As a result of this, the glass plate  30  is provided above the light receiving element area  25  so that the solid-state image sensor  24  is formed. 
     Next, the solid-state image sensor  24  is fixed (die bonded) on the wiring board  22  via die application material  23  (FIG.  8 -(I)). An outside connection terminal  26  of the solid-state image sensor  24  is connected to a connection terminal  28  of the wiring board  22  by a bonding wire  27  (FIG.  8 -(J)). 
     After that, the solid-state image sensor  24 , the bonding wire  27 , and an external circumferential side surface part of the glass plate  30  are sealed by sealing resin  31  (See FIG.  8 -(K)). 
     Then, a solder ball as an outside connection terminal  21  is provided on a rear surface of the wiring board  22 , so that a solid-state image sensing device  500  is completed (See-FIG.  8 -(L)). 
     In a case where a large size wiring board is used as the wiring board  22  and plural solid-state image sensors  24  are formed on the wiring board  22 , the outside connection terminals  21  are provided and then the sealing resin  31  and the wiring board  22  between the solid-state image sensors are cut and separated so that individual solid-state image sensing device  500  is formed. 
     Thus, in this embodiment, the semiconductor wafer  240  and the glass plate  300  having the same size of the semiconductor wafer  240  and fixed to the semiconductor wafer  240  are cut into pieces in a lump by a chemical process, so that the solid-state image sensing device  500  having a structure where the glass plate  30  is provided above the light receiving element area  25  is formed. 
     A piece-making process in a lump can be implemented by a chemical process such as etching so that the mechanical strength of the solid-state image sensor  24  can be maintained without mechanically damaging the solid-state image sensor  24 . 
     Particularly, since the etching process of the glass plate  300  and the semiconductor wafer  240  can be implemented by applying the same etchant, it is easy to control the etching amount by controlling the etching process time. 
     In addition, since a process of making pieces of the glass plate  300  in advance and then mounting the piece of the glass plate  300  above the solid-state image sensor  24  is not provided, it is possible to improve manufacturing efficiency. Especially, this effect is remarkable when the chip size is small. 
     For example, in a case where a solid-state image sensor whose chip size is 5 mm×5 mm is formed by using a semiconductor wafer whose wafer size is 8 inches, a process of mounting approximately 1000 pieces of the glass plate is required in the conventional method. In this case, it takes approximately 3 seconds for mounting a single glass plate and therefore approximately 3000 seconds are required per each semiconductor wafer. 
     On the other hand, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it takes approximately 1200 seconds for the etching process for the piece-making process after the glass plate  21  and the semiconductor wafer  240  are unified. Thus, it is possible to dramatically reduce process time as compared with the conventional art. 
     In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the process of making pieces of the glass plate  300  in advance is not required. Therefore, dicing tape is not necessary. Hence, since the tape is consumption material that is not necessary, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the solid-state image sensing device. Furthermore, equipment or a jig necessary for mounting the pieces of the glass plate above the semiconductor wafer  240  is not required. 
     In addition, in the back grinding process of the semiconductor wafer  240  shown in FIG.  6 -(D), the glass plate  300  fixed by the semiconductor wafer  240  mechanically supports the semiconductor wafer  240 . Therefore, it is possible to easily grind the semiconductor wafer  240  so that the semiconductor wafer  240  is made thin, and thereby it is possible to easily make the solid-state image sensing device  500  small and thin. 
     Furthermore, according to this process, steps of adhering and removing the back grinding tape to and from the surface of the semiconductor wafer are not required and therefore the manufacturing process can be simplified and adhesion of foreign bodies can be prevented. In addition, since consumption of the tape is not necessary, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the solid-state image sensing device. 
     In addition, the transparent adhesive  29  is used for attaching the glass plate  300  to the semiconductor wafer  240 . Control of the amount and quality of application of the transparent adhesive  29  can be done not in units of chips (pieces) but in units of semiconductor wafers. Hence, it is possible to improve the process efficiency. 
     Furthermore, the first resist layer  40  works as a dam so that the transparent adhesive  29  is prevented from flowing into an area other than the area where the adhesive  29  is applied. Therefore, since the amount of the transparent adhesive  29  can be easily controlled and an adhesive having a low viscosity can be used, it is possible to effectively prevent the generation of voids. 
     In addition, a liquid body such as the transparent adhesive  29  and the first resist layer  40  is adhered to a concave and convex pattern surface. Hence, entry or adhesion of foreign bodies to or on the semiconductor wafer  240  or cracks of the semiconductor wafer  240  due to concave and convex steps formed on a pattern surface of the semiconductor wafer  240  can be avoided. 
     Second Embodiment 
     The second embodiment of the present invention is discussed with reference to  FIG. 9  through  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a solid-state image sensing device  600  manufactured according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a first view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  is a second view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the second embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12  is a third view showing a manufacturing process of the solid-state image sensing device of the second embodiment of the present invention. The processes shown in  FIG. 10  through  FIG. 12  are a continuous process. 
     While the subject of the process shown in  FIG. 10  through  FIG. 12  is a semiconductor substrate (semiconductor wafer) where plural solid-state image sensors are formed, a single solid-state image sensor and its periphery part are illustrated in  FIG. 10  through  FIG. 12 . 
     Although other solid-state image sensors exist in the periphery of the solid-state image sensor, illustration of the sensors are omitted in  FIG. 10  through  FIG. 12 . In the second embodiment, parts that are the same as the parts of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted. 
     In the solid-state image sensing device  600  of this embodiment, the glass plate  30  provided above the light receiving element area  25  of the solid-state image sensor  24  is supported by the adhesive provided in the periphery of the light receiving element area  25 , so that a space forming part  55  is formed between the light receiving element area  25  and the glass plate  30 . 
     In other words, the glass plate  30  is provided above the light receiving element area  25  via the space forming part  55  and air exists in the space forming part  55 . Here, the light receiving element area  25  includes plural light receiving elements formed on a surface area of the semiconductor substrate and the micro lens provided above the light receiving element. 
     Therefore, the light passing through the glass plate  30  is efficiently incident on the light receiving element part due to the difference of refractive indexes of the air in the space forming part  55  and the micro lens. That is, high concentration rate of light is achieved so that an image signal having a high resolution can be obtained. 
     The solid-state image sensing device  600  is manufactured by processes discussed with reference to  FIG. 10  through  FIG. 12 . 
     First, an adhesive tape  60  is selectively formed on a semiconductor wafer  240  which wafer has a main surface where plural solid-state image sensors are formed via a designated wafer process, as shown in FIG.  10 -(A) (Adhesive member providing process). 
     The adhesive tape  60  has a sheet-shaped configuration wherein adhesive layers are provided on both surfaces of the adhesive tape  60 . The adhesive tape  60  surrounds the light receiving element areas  25  of plural solid-state image sensors formed on the main surface of the semiconductor wafer  240 . The thickness of the adhesive tape  60  is selected so that the space forming part  55  discussed below can be formed between the light receiving element area  25  and the glass plate  30  in a later process. 
     At this time, the adhesive tape  60  surrounding each of the light receiving element areas  25  for every solid-state image sensor may be adhered. Alternatively, a large-sized adhesive tape may be manufactured in advance and then adhered to the semiconductor wafer  240 . Here, the large-sized adhesive tape has the substantially same size as that of the semiconductor wafer  240 , covers plural solid-state image sensors formed on the semiconductor wafer  240 , and has an opening corresponding to the light receiving element area  25  on the solid-state image sensor. 
     Next, a first resist layer  70  is selectively formed so that the semiconductor wafer area positioned outside of the adhesive tape  60  is covered as shown in FIG.  10 -(B). 
     The first resist layer  70 , in a semiconductor wafer area situated outside of the adhesive tape  60 , has a pattern where areas corresponding to the light receiving element area  25  and a wafer piece-making line  35  discussed below are opened. 
     As the first resist layer  70 , a liquid resist or a film resist can be used. It is preferable that the resist have thickness equal to the thickness of the adhesive tape  60 . 
     Next, a glass plate  300  having an area equal to or greater than an effective area of the semiconductor wafer  240  is mounted above the semiconductor wafer  240  and fixed to the semiconductor wafer  240  by the adhesive tape  60 , as shown in FIG.  10 -(C) (Transparent member providing step). 
     Here, the effective area of the semiconductor wafer is defined as an area formed on the semiconductor wafer where the solid-state image sensor functions. 
     The glass plate  300  is provided so as to cover upper parts of the first resist layer  70  and the adhesive tape  60 . 
     There is no limitation on a configuration of the glass plate  300 . The configuration may correspond to an external configuration of the semiconductor wafer  240  or may be a rectangular configuration. In addition, it is not necessary for the glass plate  300  to have the same size as the semiconductor wafer  240  as long as the glass pate  300  has an area equal to or greater than the effective area. 
     As a result of the transparent member providing step, the space forming part  55  is formed between the glass plate  21  and the light receiving element area  29 . 
     After this, processes similar to the processes in the first embodiment of the present invention are applied. That is, next, a back grinding process is applied to the rear surface of the semiconductor wafer  240  so that the semiconductor wafer  240  has a designated thickness as shown in FIG.  10 -(D). 
     At this time, the semiconductor wafer  240  is united with the glass plate  300  via the adhesive tape  60  and the first resist layer  70 . Therefore, while the semiconductor wafer  240  is made thin by the grinding process so that the mechanical strength of the semiconductor wafer  240  is reduced, the semiconductor wafer  240  is mechanically supported by the glass plate  300  so that the mechanical strength for realizing the solid-state image sensing device  600  is maintained. Hence, it is possible to make the solid-state image sensor small or thin. 
     According to this process, steps of adhering and removing the back grinding tape to and from the surface of the semiconductor wafer  240  are not required and therefore the manufacturing process can be simplified and adhesion of foreign bodies can be prevented. In addition, since consumption of the tape material is not necessary, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the solid-state image sensing device. 
     Next, the second resist layer  71  is selectively formed on the upper surface of the glass plate  300  as shown in FIG.  11 -(E). 
     The second resist layer  71  includes a second resist layer  71 - 1  and a second resist layer  71 - 2 . The second resist layer  71 - 1  is provided on a surface area of the glass plate  300  corresponding to the area where the adhesive tape  60  is provided in the process shown in FIG.  11 -(B). The second resist layer  71 - 2  is provided via a gap part  72  so as to be separated from the second resist layer  71 - 1 . 
     The second resist layer  71 - 2 , as well as the first resist layer  70 , has a pattern where areas corresponding to the piece-making line  35  discussed below are opened. 
     As the second resist layer  71 , a liquid resist or a film resist can be used. There is no limitation on the thickness of the second resist layer  71 . 
     Next, the glass plate  300  is selectively etched by using the second resist layer  71  as a mask so that the glass plate  300  is divided and pieces  30  of the glass plate  300  are made corresponding to the image sensor (piece-making process) as shown in FIG.  11 -(F). 
     As this etching process, a wet type etching process using chemical liquid made of a mixture of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, or the like or a dry type etching process such as anisotropic plasma etching or the like using fluoride group gas such as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas or the like can be used. 
     By applying the etching process using Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas, the glass plate  300  is divided into an area masked by the second resist layer  71 - 1  and an area masked by the second resist layer  71 - 2 . 
     In the area defined by the second resist layer  71 - 2 , an area corresponding to the wafer piece-making line  35  defined by the first resist layer  70  of the semiconductor wafer  240  is exposed. 
     On the other hand, in the gap part  72 , while the etching process is applied to the glass plate  300 , the semiconductor wafer  240  is not exposed due to the first resist layer  70 . 
     Next, the semiconductor wafer  240  is selectively etched (piece-making process) as shown in FIG.  11 -(G). 
     By continuing the etching process using Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF 6 ) gas, etching the semiconductor wafer  240  at the wafer piece-making line  35  is performed by using the first resist layer  70  as the mask, and the semiconductor wafer  240  is divided so that plural solid-state image sensors  24  are formed. In other words, etching the glass substrate  300  and etching the semiconductor wafer  240  are continuously performed. 
     After that, a part unnecessary for forming the solid-state image sensing device  600  of the glass plate  300 , namely a part having a surface where the second resist layer  71 - 2  is provided, is removed by vibrating the semiconductor wafer  240  or vacuum suction so that the part is removed. 
     Next, as shown in FIG.  11 -(H), the second resist layer  71 - 1  on the glass plate  30  and the first resist layer  70  on the semiconductor wafer  240  (solid-state image sensor  28 ) are removed. 
     As a method for removing the second resist layer  71 - 1  and the first resist layer  70 , a wet type melting or a dry type ashing process is applied. 
     As a result of this, the glass plate  30  is provided above the light receiving element area  25  so that the solid-state image sensor  24  is formed. 
     Next, the solid-state image sensor  24  is fixed (die bonded) on the wiring board  22  via die application material  23  (FIG.  12 -(I)). An outside connection terminal  26  of the solid-state image sensor  24  is connected to a connection terminal  28  of the wiring board  22  by a bonding wire  27  (FIG.  11 -(J)) 
     After that, the solid-state image sensor  24 , the bonding wire  27 , and an external circumferential side surface part of the glass plate  30  are sealed by sealing resin  31  (See FIG.  11 -(K)). 
     Then, a solder ball as an outside connection terminal  21  is provided on a rear surface of the wiring board  22 , so that a solid-state image sensing device  600  is completed (See FIG.  11 -(L)). 
     In a case where a large size wiring board is used as the wiring board  22  and plural solid-state image sensors  24  are formed on the wiring board  22 , the outside connection terminals  21  are provided and then the sealing resin  30  and the wiring board  22  between the solid-state image sensors are cut and separated so that individual solid-state image sensing device  600  is formed. 
     Thus, in this embodiment, the same effect as the effect of the first embodiment of the present invention is achieved. Without degradation of quality and/or processing ability, with a simple process, it is possible to manufacture the solid-state image sensing device  600  having the space forming part  55  formed between the lower surface of the glass plate  30  and the light receiving element surface  25 . 
     The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     For example, in the above-discussed embodiments, the solid-state image sensing device is explained as an example of the semiconductor device of the present invention, and the solid-state image sensor is explained as an example of the semiconductor element forming the semiconductor device of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The semiconductor element is not limited to the solid-state image sensor such as an image sensor but may be, for example, a fingerprint sensor using glass. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a semiconductor device such as an optical module or Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM). 
     This patent application is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2006-41025 filed on Feb. 17, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.