Modeling of Re-Sputtering Induced Bridge of Tungsten Bit-Lines for NAND Flash Memory Cell with 37nm Node Technology

Abstract

As the design rule is scaled down, the electrical isolation of metal lines becomes critical. In a high density flash memory with 37nm (pitch=74nm) technology, the threshold voltage shift of ∼0.3V is found to be caused by tungsten micro-bridge between adjacent bit-lines. Simulations and experimental data showed that tungsten re-sputtering is occurred during the deposition of HDP (High Density Plasma)-SiO₂ used as the filling dielectric between tungsten bit-lines. In this paper, the model for the tungsten re-sputtering is presented. The plasma simulations are performed to investigate the effects of process factors of HDP-SiO₂ deposition on the formation of micro-bridge using in-house tool, PIE simulator.