Musson L.C., Ho P., Plimpton S.J., Schmidt R.C.
Sandia National Laboratories, US
Keywords: CVD, feature-scale, level set method, LPCVD, MEMS, PECVD
The surface micromachining processes used to manufacture MEMS devices and integrated circuits transpire at such small length scales and are sufficiently complex that theoretical analysis of them is particularly inviting. Under development at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is Chemically Induced surface Evolution with Level Sets (ChISELS), a level-set based feature-scale modeler of such processes. The theoretical models used, a description of the software and some example results are presented here. The focus to date has been of low-pressure and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD & PECVD) processes. Both are employed in SNL’s SUMMiT V technology though as of this writing the PECVD process model includes only unbiased wafers. Examples of step coverage of SiO2 into a trench by each of he LPCVD and PECVD process are presented.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2004 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: March 7, 2004
Pages: 239 - 242
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9728422-8-4