3DVLSI with CoolCube process: An alternative path to scaling

Abstract

3D VLSI with a CoolCube™ integration allows vertically stacking several layers of devices with a unique connecting via density above a million/mm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> . This results in increased density with no extra cost associated to transistor scaling, while benefiting from gains in power and performance thanks to wire-length reduction. CoolCube™ technology leads to high performance top transistors with Thermal Budgets (TB) compatible with bottom MOSFET integrity. Key enablers are the dopant activation by Solid Phase Epitaxy (SPE) or nanosecond laser anneal, low temperature epitaxy, low k spacers and direct bonding. New data on the maximal TB bottom MOSFET can withstand (with high temperatures but short durations) offer new opportunities for top MOSFET process optimization.