Wafer dicing using hybrid laser scribing and plasma etch approach with intermediate reactive post mask-opening clean

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9018079
SERIAL NO

14167318

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Abstract

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Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits involves forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer, the mask including a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The mask is patterned with a laser scribing process to provide a patterned mask with gaps, exposing regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. Subsequent to patterning the mask, the exposed regions of the semiconductor wafer are cleaned with a plasma process reactive to the exposed regions of the semiconductor wafer. Subsequent to cleaning the exposed regions of the semiconductor wafer, the semiconductor wafer is plasma etched through the gaps in the patterned mask to singulate the integrated circuits.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Eaton, Brad Menlo Park, US 112 1449
Kumar, Ajay Cupertino, US 489 10800
Lei, Wei-Sheng San Jose, US 131 1181
Yalamanchili, Madhava Rao Morgan Hill, US 56 646

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