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Abstract

A method of forming electrical conductors having sub-half-micron geometries and using a high yield process is described. Trenches provided with an overhang are positioned where a metal interconnection is to be formed. A composite insulator layer is deposited and is followed by laterally filling with metal the trench under the overhang. Excess metal is then chem-mech polished. Only the non-crucial neck of the metal wiring is left exposed during polishing. Since spacing between the exposed metal lines is increased, it requires longer distances for the metal to smear and cause unwanted shorts. Three methods are described to laterally fill the trenches under the overhang. A first method describes the process parameters to achieve lateral deposition by high surface mobility and low sticking coefficient. A second method teaches a technique of inducing micro-creep to laterally fill the trenches under the overhang. A third method shows metal layered structures where volume expansion takes place upon phase transformation.

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First Claim