Abstract: A bonded structure can comprise a first element and a second element. The first element has a first dielectric layer including a first bonding surface and at least one first side surface of the first element. The second element has a second dielectric layer including a second bonding surface and at least one second side surface of the second element. The second bonding surface of the second element is directly bonded to the first bonding surface of the first element without an adhesive.

Abstract: Representative techniques provide process steps for forming a microelectronic assembly, including preparing microelectronic components such as dies, wafers, substrates, and the like, for bonding. One or more surfaces of the microelectronic components are formed and prepared as bonding surfaces. The microelectronic components are stacked and bonded without adhesive at the prepared bonding surfaces.

Abstract: Layer structures for making direct metal-to-metal bonds at low temperatures and shorter annealing durations in microelectronics are provided. Example bonding interface structures enable direct metal-to-metal bonding of interconnects at low annealing temperatures of 150° C. or below, and at a lower energy budget. The example structures provide a precise metal recess distance for conductive pads and vias being bonded that can be achieved in high volume manufacturing. The example structures provide a vertical stack of conductive layers under the bonding interface, with geometries and thermal expansion features designed to vertically expand the stack at lower temperatures over the precise recess distance to make the direct metal-to-metal bonds. Further enhancements, such as surface nanotexture and copper crystal plane selection, can further actuate the direct metal-to-metal bonding at lowered annealing temperatures and shorter annealing durations.

Abstract: Devices and techniques including process steps make use of recesses in conductive interconnect structures to form reliable low temperature metallic bonds. A fill layer is deposited into the recesses prior to bonding. First conductive interconnect structures are bonded at ambient temperatures to second metallic interconnect structures using direct bonding techniques, with the fill layers in the recesses in one or both of the first and second interconnect structures.

Abstract: Devices and techniques including process steps make use of recesses in conductive interconnect structures to form reliable low temperature metallic bonds. A fill layer is deposited into the recesses prior to bonding. First conductive interconnect structures are bonded at ambient temperatures to second metallic interconnect structures using direct bonding techniques, with the fill layers in the recesses in one or both of the first and second interconnect structures.

Abstract: A method of direct hybrid bonding first and second semiconductor elements of differential thickness is disclosed. The method can include patterning a plurality of first contact features on the first semiconductor element. The method can include second a plurality of second contact features on the second semiconductor element corresponding to the first contact features for direct hybrid bonding. The method can include applying a lithographic magnification correction factor to one of the first patterning and second patterning without applying the lithographic magnification correction factor to the other of the first patterning and the second patterning. In various embodiments, a differential expansion compensation structure can be disposed on at least one of the first and the second semiconductor elements.

Abstract: A bonded structure can comprise a first element and a second element. The first element has a first dielectric layer including a first bonding surface and at least one first side surface of the first element. The second element has a second dielectric layer including a second bonding surface and at least one second side surface of the second element. The second bonding surface of the second element is directly bonded to the first bonding surface of the first element without an adhesive.

Abstract: Representative implementations of techniques and methods include processing singulated dies in preparation for bonding. A plurality of semiconductor die components may be singulated from a wafer component, the semiconductor die components each having a substantially planar surface. Particles and shards of material may be removed from edges of the plurality of semiconductor die component. Additionally, one or more of the plurality of semiconductor die components may be bonded to a prepared bonding surface, via the substantially planar surface.

Abstract: Representative implementations of techniques, methods, and formulary provide repairs to processed semiconductor substrates, and associated devices, due to erosion or “dishing” of a surface of the substrates. The substrate surface is etched until a preselected portion of one or more embedded interconnect devices protrudes above the surface of the substrate. The interconnect devices are wet etched with a selective etchant, according to a formulary, for a preselected period of time or until the interconnect devices have a preselected height relative to the surface of the substrate. The formulary includes one or more oxidizing agents, one or more organic acids, and glycerol, where the one or more oxidizing agents and the one or more organic acids are each less than 2% of formulary and the glycerol is less than 10% of the formulary.

Abstract: A bonded structure is disclosed. The bonded structure includes a first element and a second element that is bonded to the first element along a bonding interface. The bonding interface has an elongate conductive interface feature and a nonconductive interface feature. The bonded structure also includes an integrated device that is coupled to or formed with the first element or the second element. The elongate conductive interface feature has a recess through a portion of a thickness of the elongate conductive interface feature. A portion of the nonconductive interface feature is disposed in the recess.

Abstract: Devices and techniques including process steps make use of recesses in conductive interconnect structures to form reliable low temperature metallic bonds. A fill layer is deposited into the recesses prior to bonding. First conductive interconnect structures are bonded at ambient temperatures to second metallic interconnect structures using direct bonding techniques, with the fill layers in the recesses in one or both of the first and second interconnect structures.

Abstract: A method of repairing a bonded structure is disclosed. The method can include debonding from a carrier a first semiconductor element that is bonded to a bonding site of the carrier, cleaning the bonding site of the carrier; and bonding a second semiconductor element to the bonding site of the carrier. The bonding can also include directly bonding the second semiconductor element and the carrier. The method can further include reducing the dielectric bond energy via a surface modification between the first semiconductor element and the carrier. Debonding the bonded structure can include delivering a fluid from one or more nozzles to a bonding interface between the first semiconductor element and the carrier to reduce the bond energy. A temperature adjustment pad can also be included to debond the bonded structure.

Abstract: Mitigating surface damage of probe pads in preparation for direct bonding of a substrate is provided. Methods and layer structures prepare a semiconductor substrate for direct bonding processes by restoring a flat direct-bonding surface after disruption of probe pad surfaces during test probing. An example method fills a sequence of metals and oxides over the disrupted probe pad surfaces and builds out a dielectric surface and interconnects for hybrid bonding. The interconnects may be connected to the probe pads, and/or to other electrical contacts of the substrate. A layer structure is described for increasing the yield and reliability of the resulting direct bonding process. Another example process builds the probe pads on a next-to-last metallization layer and then applies a direct bonding dielectric layer and damascene process without increasing the count of mask layers.

Abstract: Direct bonded stack structures for increased reliability and improved yields in microelectronics are provided. Structural features and stack configurations are provided for memory modules and 3DICs to reduce defects in vertically stacked dies. Example processes alleviate warpage stresses between a thicker top die and direct bonded dies beneath it, for example. An etched surface on the top die may relieve warpage stresses. An example stack may include a compliant layer between dies. Another stack configuration replaces the top die with a layer of molding material to circumvent warpage stresses. An array of cavities on a bonding surface can alleviate stress forces. One or more stress balancing layers may also be created on a side of the top die or between other dies to alleviate or counter warpage. Rounding of edges can prevent stresses and pressure forces from being destructively transmitted through die and substrate layers. These measures may be applied together or in combinations in a single package.

Abstract: Representative techniques and devices including process steps may be employed to mitigate the potential for delamination of bonded microelectronic substrates due to metal expansion at a bonding interface. For example, a metal pad having a larger diameter or surface area (e.g., oversized for the application) may be used when a contact pad is positioned over a TSV in one or both substrates.

Abstract: A method of direct hybrid bonding first and second semiconductor elements of differential thickness is disclosed. The method can include patterning a plurality of first contact features on the first semiconductor element. The method can include second a plurality of second contact features on the second semiconductor element corresponding to the first contact features for direct hybrid bonding. The method can include applying a lithographic magnification correction factor to one of the first patterning and second patterning without applying the lithographic magnification correction factor to the other of the first patterning and the second patterning. In various embodiments, a differential expansion compensation structure can be disposed on at least one of the first and the second semiconductor elements.

Abstract: Mitigating surface damage of probe pads in preparation for direct bonding of a substrate is provided. Methods and layer structures prepare a semiconductor substrate for direct bonding processes by restoring a flat direct-bonding surface after disruption of probe pad surfaces during test probing. An example method fills a sequence of metals and oxides over the disrupted probe pad surfaces and builds out a dielectric surface and interconnects for hybrid bonding. The interconnects may be connected to the probe pads, and/or to other electrical contacts of the substrate. A layer structure is described for increasing the yield and reliability of the resulting direct bonding process. Another example process builds the probe pads on a next-to-last metallization layer and then applies a direct bonding dielectric layer and damascene process without increasing the count of mask layers.

Abstract: Representative techniques and devices including process steps may be employed to mitigate the potential for delamination of bonded microelectronic substrates due to metal expansion at a bonding interface. For example, a metal pad having a larger diameter or surface area (e.g., oversized for the application) may be used when a contact pad is positioned over a TSV in one or both substrates.

Abstract: Direct bonded stack structures for increased reliability and improved yields in microelectronics are provided. Structural features and stack configurations are provided for memory modules and 3DICs to reduce defects in vertically stacked dies. Example processes alleviate warpage stresses between a thicker top die and direct bonded dies beneath it, for example. An etched surface on the top die may relieve warpage stresses. An example stack may include a compliant layer between dies. Another stack configuration replaces the top die with a layer of molding material to circumvent warpage stresses. An array of cavities on a bonding surface can alleviate stress forces. One or more stress balancing layers may also be created on a side of the top die or between other dies to alleviate or counter warpage. Rounding of edges can prevent stresses and pressure forces from being destructively transmitted through die and substrate layers. These measures may be applied together or in combinations in a single package.

Abstract: A bonded structure is disclosed. The bonded structure includes a first element and a second element that is bonded to the first element along a bonding interface. The bonding interface has an elongate conductive interface feature and a nonconductive interface feature. The bonded structure also includes an integrated device that is coupled to or formed with the first element or the second element. The elongate conductive interface feature has a recess through a portion of a thickness of the elongate conductive interface feature. A portion of the nonconductive interface feature is disposed in the recess.