Air Gap

10 BEOL Interconnect & Metallization

Definition

An intentionally formed void between interconnect structures that acts as an extremely low-effective-k insulating region and reduces capacitive coupling between nearby metal lines.

Application

Used in advanced BEOL interconnect schemes to reduce capacitance and RC delay, with added integration, mechanical and thermal-management tradeoffs.

Related search terms

Interconnect air gap

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Related concepts

Evidence and further reading

  • Evidence from imec-int.comhttps://www.imec-int.com/en/press/imec-introduces-intermetallics-and-airgaps-advanced-interconnect-metallization-schemes
  • Evidence from research.ibm.comhttps://research.ibm.com/publications/performance-and-reliability-of-airgaps-for-advanced-beol-interconnects