Manufacturing method of CMOS image sensor

By using the top metal interconnect layer as the stop layer and depositing the cap layer during the manufacturing process of CMOS image sensor, the problem of poor etching uniformity of the top trench is solved, ensuring the stable formation of color filters and microlenses, and improving device performance.

CN114242743BActive Publication Date: 2025-08-19SHANGHAI HUAHONG GRACE SEMICON MFG CORP
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111541260.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-16
Publication Date
2025-08-19
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the manufacturing process of existing CMOS image sensors, the etching uniformity of the top trenches is poor, resulting in the process of color filters and microlenses being affected and the performance is unstable.

Method used

When etching the top trench, a flat bottom surface is formed with the top surface of the top metal interconnect layer of the pixel region as the stop layer, and a first cap layer is deposited as a protective layer to ensure etch uniformity and uniformity of the thickness of the protective layer.

Benefits of technology

The etch uniformity of the top trench is improved, process fluctuations of color filters and microlens are prevented, and the overall performance of the device is improved.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN114242743B_ABST
    Figure CN114242743B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor, comprising: step 1, providing a semiconductor substrate, forming multiple metal interconnect layers on the semiconductor substrate in a pixel region, with interlayer films between the metal interconnect layers; forming a top interlayer film on the surface of the top metal interconnect layer in the pixel region; step 2, defining a region for forming a top trench; step 3, etching the top interlayer film in the pixel region using the top surface of the top metal interconnect layer in the pixel region as a stop layer to form a top trench; and step 4, depositing a first capping layer, the first capping layer covering at least the bottom surface of the top trench and serving as a protective layer for the pixel region. The present invention can improve the etching uniformity of the top trench in the pixel region, thereby preventing adverse effects on the process of forming color filters and microlenses formed in the top trench, and thereby improving device performance.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit, and in particular to a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor (CIS). Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of the semiconductor industry, integrated circuit manufacturing processes are advancing in line with Moore's Law (the number of integrated components on a chip doubles approximately every 18 months), resulting in increasing device density and performance. The widespread adoption of computers, communications, and consumer electronics has greatly improved economic productivity and quality of life. CMOS image sensor chips are widely used and in huge market demand, leading to higher performance requirements for CIS products. Existing CMOS image sensors consist of pixel unit circuits and CMOS circuits. The pixel unit circuits are located in the pixel area, while the CMOS circuits are logic circuits located in the logic area, which is the peripheral circuit area. Compared to CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors utilize standard CMOS manufacturing processes, offering greater integration flexibility. They can be integrated on the same chip with other digital and analog computing and control circuits, making them more adaptable to future developments.

[0003] According to the number of transistors contained in the pixel unit circuit of the existing CMOS image sensor, it is mainly divided into a 3T type structure and a 4T type structure.

[0004] like Figure 1 Figure 2 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel unit circuit of a conventional 3T-type CMOS image sensor. The pixel unit circuit of a conventional 3T-type CMOS image sensor includes a photodiode D1 and a CMOS pixel readout circuit. The CMOS pixel readout circuit is a 3T-type pixel circuit comprising a reset transistor M1, an amplifier transistor M2, and a select transistor M3, all of which are NMOS transistors.

[0005] The N-type region of the photodiode D1 is connected to the source of the reset tube M1.

[0006] The gate of reset transistor M1 is connected to a reset signal (Reset), which is a potential pulse. When Reset is high, reset transistor M1 conducts and absorbs electrons from photodiode D1 into the readout circuit's power supply (Vdd), achieving a reset. When exposed to light, photodiode D1 generates photogenerated electrons, raising its potential. This electrical signal is then transmitted through the amplifier circuit. The gate of select transistor M3 is connected to a row select signal (Rs), which selects the amplified electrical signal for output, namely, output signal Vout.

[0007] like Figure 2 , which is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a pixel unit circuit of an existing 4T-type CMOS image sensor; and Figure 1 The difference between the structures shown is that Figure 2 The structure shown here includes an additional transfer transistor, or transmission transistor M4. Its source region is connected to the N-type region of photodiode D1, its drain region is a floating active region (FD), and its gate is connected to the transmission control signal Tx. Photodiode D1 generates photogenerated electrons, which are transferred to the FD through transfer transistor M4. The FD then connects to the gate of amplifier M2, amplifying the signal.

[0008] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pixel unit circuit of the CMOS image sensor shown can be manufactured together with the logic circuit using the CMOS process, such as Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the device structure in each step of the conventional CMOS image sensor manufacturing method; the conventional CMOS image sensor manufacturing method includes:

[0009] Step 1: Provide a semiconductor substrate 101, in which a pixel region structure of a CMOS image sensor is formed. Multiple metal interconnect layers are formed on the semiconductor substrate 101 in the pixel region, with an interlayer film (ILD) separating each metal interconnect layer. Form a top interlayer film on the surface of the top metal interconnect layer 1052 in the pixel region. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the pixel region structure of the semiconductor substrate 101 includes a plurality of pixel unit circuits 102. The pixel unit circuits 102 can be Figure 1 The 3T-shaped structure shown in FIG. 1 is formed in the semiconductor substrate 101. Figure 1 The photodiode D1, reset tube M1, amplifier tube M2 and selection tube M3 shown in the figure are Figure 3 The area corresponding to the mark 103 is the formation area of the photodiode D1. Figure 4 The 4T-shaped structure shown in FIG. 1 is formed in the semiconductor substrate 101. Figure 3 The photodiode D1, reset tube M1, amplifier tube M2, selection tube M3 and transmission tube M4 shown in the figure.

[0010] A peripheral circuit region structure is also formed on the semiconductor substrate 101 , and the peripheral circuit region is located around the pixel region.

[0011] A light blocking (OB) region is further provided between the peripheral circuit region and the pixel region.

[0012] The structure of the light shielding area in the semiconductor substrate 101 is the same as that of the pixel area in the semiconductor substrate 101. The number of metal interconnect layers in the light shielding area is the same as that in the pixel area. A light shielding layer 1053a is also formed in the top interlayer film of the light shielding area. Generally, the light shielding layer 1053a is composed of a metal layer. Figure 3 As shown, the pixel unit circuit 102 is also provided in the light-shielding area. However, since the light-shielding layer 1053a is provided in the light-shielding area, the pixel unit circuit 102 in the light-shielding area will not be sensitive to light, so the performance of the image sensor when not sensitive to light can be tested.

[0013] The number of metal interconnection layers in the external circuit area is greater than the number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area.

[0014] Figure 3 In the embodiment, the number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area is 2, and the top metal interconnection layer 1052 in the pixel area is the second metal interconnection layer, namely, the M2 layer.

[0015] The number of metal interconnect layers in the peripheral circuit area is 3.

[0016] Figure 3 In the figure, the first metal interconnection layer is labeled 1051, the second metal interconnection layer is labeled 1052, and the third metal interconnection layer is labeled 1053. The interlayer film at the bottom of the first metal interconnection layer 1051 is the pre-metal interlayer film (PMD) and is labeled 1031. The interlayer film between the first metal interconnection layer 1051 and the second metal interconnection layer 1052 is labeled 1032. The interlayer film between the second metal interconnection layer 1052 and the third metal interconnection layer 1053 is labeled 1033. The interlayer film on top of the third metal interconnection layer 1053 is labeled 1034.

[0017] The first metal interconnect layer 1051 is connected to the doped region on the bottom semiconductor substrate 101 via a contact hole 104. The first metal interconnect layer 1051 is connected to the second metal interconnect layer 1052 via a through hole 1061, and the second metal interconnect layer 1052 is connected to the third metal interconnect layer 1053 via a through hole 1062.

[0018] Depend on Figure 3 As shown, the top interlayer film of the pixel area includes two layers of interlayer films 1033 and 1034 .

[0019] Typically, the thickness of the top interlayer film on the surface of the top metal interconnection layer 1052 in the pixel area is above.

[0020] Step 2: Use a photolithography process to define a formation area of the top trench 107. The formation area of the top trench 107 is located at the top of the pixel area and is an area for forming a color filter (CF) or a microlens (ML).

[0021] Step 3: Etch the top interlayer film of the pixel area to form the top trench 107. A portion of the top interlayer film of the pixel area needs to be retained at the bottom of the top trench 107 to serve as a protective layer 108 of the pixel area.

[0022] Typically, the etching process for forming the top trench 107 is dry etching.

[0023] Since the depth of the top trench 107, i.e., the thickness of the top interlayer film that needs to be penetrated is relatively thick, etching differences will occur within the same wafer (wafer), i.e., the surface of the semiconductor substrate 101. Therefore, the etching uniformity of the top trench 107 will be poor, and the depth of the top trench 107 and the thickness d101 of the top interlayer film (i.e., the protective layer 108) retained in different areas will fluctuate. Generally, the thickness d101 of the protective layer 108 is required to be However, due to etching fluctuations, the thickness d101 of the protective layer 108 in the middle area and the edge area of the wafer will differ. about.

[0024] Since the top of the protective layer 108 of the top groove 107 will be used to form a color filter and a microlens, and the process of the color filter and the microlens is sensitive to the thickness of the top interlayer film retained at the bottom of the top groove 107, it will have an adverse effect on the process of the color filter and the microlens. For example, in the process of the color filter, it is easy to generate an optical short circuit in the edge area of the wafer. Summary of the Invention

[0025] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor, which can improve the etching uniformity of the top groove of the pixel area, thereby preventing adverse effects on the process of forming the color filter and microlens in the top groove, and thereby improving device performance.

[0026] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor, comprising:

[0027] Step 1: Provide a semiconductor substrate, in which a pixel area structure of a CMOS image sensor is formed, multiple metal interconnection layers are formed on the semiconductor substrate in the pixel area, and interlayer films are separated between the metal interconnection layers; and a top interlayer film is formed on the surface of the top metal interconnection layer in the pixel area.

[0028] Step 2: defining a top trench formation area, wherein the top trench formation area is located at the top of the pixel area and is an area for forming a color filter or a microlens.

[0029] Step three: Using the top surface of the top metal interconnect layer of the pixel area as a stop layer, etching the top interlayer film of the pixel area to form the top groove, and using the top surface of the top metal interconnect layer of the pixel area as a stop layer to ensure that the top groove has a flat bottom surface.

[0030] Step 4: Deposit to form a first capping layer, which at least covers the bottom surface of the top groove and serves as a protective layer for the pixel area. The deposition process makes the thickness of the first capping layer uniform, and the flat bottom surface of the top groove makes the top surface of the first capping layer flat, so as to facilitate the formation of the color filter or the microlens.

[0031] A further improvement is that the semiconductor substrate includes a silicon substrate, an SOI substrate.

[0032] A further improvement is that, in step 1, a peripheral circuit region structure is further formed on the semiconductor substrate, and the peripheral circuit region is located on the peripheral side of the pixel region.

[0033] A further improvement is that a light shielding area is provided between the peripheral circuit area and the pixel area.

[0034] A further improvement is that the structure of the shading area in the semiconductor substrate is the same as the structure of the pixel area in the semiconductor substrate, the number of metal interconnection layers in the shading area is the same as the number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area; and a shading layer is also formed in the top interlayer film of the shading area.

[0035] A further improvement is that the light-shielding layer is composed of a metal layer.

[0036] A further improvement is that the number of metal interconnect layers in the external circuit area is greater than the number of metal interconnect layers in the pixel area.

[0037] A further improvement is that the number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area is two, and the top metal interconnection layer in the pixel area is the second metal interconnection layer.

[0038] A further improvement is that, in step 2, a photolithography process is used to define the formation area of the top trench.

[0039] A further improvement is that, in step three, the etching process for forming the top trench adopts dry etching.

[0040] A further improvement is that, in step four, the first capping layer also covers the side surfaces of the top groove and the surface of the top interlayer film outside the top groove.

[0041] A further improvement is that after step 4 is completed, the following is also included:

[0042] The color filter and the microlens are sequentially formed in the top trench.

[0043] A further improvement is that the thickness of the top interlayer film on the surface of the top metal interconnect layer in the pixel area is above.

[0044] A further improvement is that the thickness of the first capping layer is .

[0045] A further improvement is that the material of the first capping layer includes an oxide layer.

[0046] Since the top groove of the pixel area needs to pass through a very thick top interlayer film, the existing method usually directly etches the top interlayer film and retains the protective layer of the pixel area at the bottom of the top groove while obtaining the top groove. Since the depth of the top groove, that is, the thickness of the top interlayer film that needs to be passed through is relatively thick, this will cause etching differences within the surface of the same wafer, that is, the semiconductor substrate. Therefore, the etching uniformity of the top groove will be poor, and the depth of the top groove and the thickness of the retained top interlayer film in different areas will fluctuate. The processes of color filters and microlenses are relatively sensitive to the thickness of the top interlayer film retained at the bottom of the top groove, which will have an adverse effect on the processes of color filters and microlenses.

[0047] Unlike the existing methods, the present invention does not need to retain part of the top interlayer film as a protective layer for the pixel area when etching the top groove, but directly uses the top surface of the top metal interconnection layer of the pixel area as an etching stop layer. In this way, although the etching rates in different areas may vary to a certain extent, they will all stop on the top surface of the top metal interconnection layer of the pixel area, so the bottom surface of the top groove finally formed is a flat structure; thereafter, a first cap layer is formed on the bottom surface of the top groove through a deposition process, and the deposition process can easily control the thickness of the first cap layer; at the same time, since the bottom surface of the top groove is flat and the thickness of the first cap layer is uniform, the top surface of the first cap layer will also be very flat, which can prevent fluctuations in the formation process of the color filter and the microlens, thereby being beneficial to the formation of the color filter and the microlens, and ultimately improving the performance of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0049] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a pixel unit circuit of an existing 3T-type CMOS image sensor;

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a pixel unit circuit of an existing 4T-type CMOS image sensor;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the device structure after the top trench of the pixel area is formed in the existing CMOS image sensor manufacturing method;

[0052] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figures 5A-5C Schematic diagram of the device structure in each step of the manufacturing method of the CMOS image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] like Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Figures 5A to 5C FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the device structure in each step of the manufacturing method of the CMOS image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing method of the CMOS image sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0055] Step 1: Figure 5AAs shown, a semiconductor substrate 201 is provided, in which a pixel area structure of a CMOS image sensor is formed, and multiple metal interconnection layers are formed on the semiconductor substrate 201 in the pixel area, with interlayer films between the metal interconnection layers; and a top interlayer film is formed on the surface of the top metal interconnection layer 2052 in the pixel area. Figure 5A In the embodiment, the pixel region structure of the semiconductor substrate 201 includes a plurality of pixel unit circuits 202. In some embodiments, the pixel unit circuit 202 adopts Figure 1 The 3T-shaped structure shown in FIG. 1 is formed in the semiconductor substrate 201. Figure 1 The photodiode D1, reset tube M1, amplifier tube M2 and selection tube M3 shown in the figure are Figure 5A The area corresponding to the mark 203 is the formation area of the photodiode D1. In other embodiments, the pixel unit circuit 202 adopts Figure 4 The 4T-shaped structure shown in FIG. 1 is formed in the semiconductor substrate 201. Figure 3 The photodiode D1, reset tube M1, amplifier tube M2, selection tube M3 and transmission tube M4 are shown in FIG. In other embodiments, the pixel unit circuit 202 can also adopt other types of structures.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present invention, the semiconductor substrate 201 includes a silicon substrate or an SOI substrate.

[0057] A peripheral circuit region structure is also formed on the semiconductor substrate 201 , and the peripheral circuit region is located around the pixel region.

[0058] A light shielding area is provided between the peripheral circuit area and the pixel area.

[0059] The structure of the light shielding area in the semiconductor substrate 201 is the same as that of the pixel area in the semiconductor substrate 201. The number of metal interconnection layers in the light shielding area is the same as that in the pixel area. A light shielding layer 2053a is also formed in the top interlayer film of the light shielding area. Preferably, the light shielding layer 2053a is composed of a metal layer. Figure 5A As shown, the pixel unit circuit 202 is also provided in the light-shielding area. However, since the light-shielding layer 2053a is provided in the light-shielding area, the pixel unit circuit 202 in the light-shielding area will not be sensitive to light, so the performance of the image sensor when not sensitive to light can be tested.

[0060] The number of metal interconnection layers in the external circuit area is greater than the number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area.

[0061] Figure 5AIn the embodiment, the number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area is 2, and the top metal interconnection layer 2052 in the pixel area is the second metal interconnection layer, namely, the M2 layer.

[0062] The number of metal interconnect layers in the peripheral circuit area is 3.

[0063] Figure 5A In the figure, the first metal interconnection layer is labeled 2051, the second metal interconnection layer is labeled 2052, and the third metal interconnection layer is labeled 2053. The interlayer film at the bottom of the first metal interconnection layer 2051 is labeled 2031, the interlayer film between the first metal interconnection layer 2051 and the second metal interconnection layer 2052 is labeled 2032, the interlayer film between the second metal interconnection layer 2052 and the third metal interconnection layer 2053 is labeled 2033, and the interlayer film on top of the third metal interconnection layer 2053 is labeled 2034.

[0064] The first metal interconnect layer 2051 is connected to the doped region on the bottom semiconductor substrate 201 via a contact hole 204. The first metal interconnect layer 2051 is connected to the second metal interconnect layer 2052 via a through hole 2061, and the second metal interconnect layer 2052 is connected to the third metal interconnect layer 2053 via a through hole 2062.

[0065] Depend on Figure 5A As shown, the top interlayer film of the pixel area includes two layers of interlayer films 2033 and 2034.

[0066] In some embodiments, the thickness of the top interlayer film on the surface of the top metal interconnection layer 2052 in the pixel area is above.

[0067] Step 2: Figure 5B As shown, a formation area of a top trench 207 is defined. The formation area of the top trench 207 is located at the top of the pixel area and is a region for forming a color filter or a microlens.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present invention, a photolithography process is used to define the formation area of the top trench 207 .

[0069] Step 3: Figure 5B As shown, the top surface of the top metal interconnection layer 2052 of the pixel area is used as a stop layer, and the top interlayer film of the pixel area is etched to form the top groove 207. The top surface of the top metal interconnection layer 2052 of the pixel area is used as a stop layer to ensure that the top groove 207 has a flat bottom surface.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present invention, the etching process for forming the top trench 207 is dry etching.

[0071] Step 4: Figure 5C As shown, a first capping layer 2058 is formed by deposition, which covers at least the bottom surface of the top groove 207 and serves as a protective layer for the pixel area. The deposition process makes the thickness of the first capping layer 2058 uniform and the flat bottom surface of the top groove 207 makes the top surface of the first capping layer 2058 flat, so as to facilitate the formation of the color filter or the microlens.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first capping layer 2058 also covers the side surfaces of the top trench 207 and the surface of the top interlayer film outside the top trench 207 .

[0073] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first capping layer 2058 is .

[0074] The material of the first capping layer 2058 is an oxide layer.

[0075] In some embodiments, after step 4 is completed, the following steps are further included:

[0076] The color filter and the microlens are sequentially formed in the top trench 207 .

[0077] Since the top groove 207 of the pixel area needs to pass through a very thick top interlayer film, the existing method usually directly etches the top interlayer film and retains the protective layer of the pixel area at the bottom of the top groove 207 while obtaining the top groove 207. Since the depth of the top groove 207, that is, the thickness of the top interlayer film that needs to be passed through is relatively thick, this will cause etching differences within the surface of the same wafer, that is, the semiconductor substrate 201, so the etching uniformity of the top groove 207 will be poor. The depth of the top groove 207 and the thickness of the retained top interlayer film in different areas, such as the middle area and edge area of the wafer will fluctuate. The process of color filter and microlens is relatively sensitive to the thickness of the top interlayer film retained at the bottom of the top groove 207, so it will have an adverse effect on the process of color filter and microlens.

[0078] Unlike the existing methods, when etching the top groove 207, the embodiment of the present invention does not need to retain part of the top interlayer film as a protective layer for the pixel area, but directly uses the top surface of the top metal interconnection layer 2052 in the pixel area as an etching stop layer. In this way, although the etching rates in different areas may vary to a certain extent, they will all stop on the top surface of the top metal interconnection layer 2052 in the pixel area, so the bottom surface of the top groove 207 finally formed is a flat structure; thereafter, a first capping layer 2058 is formed on the bottom surface of the top groove 207 through a deposition process, and the deposition process can easily control the thickness of the first capping layer 2058; at the same time, since the bottom surface of the top groove 207 is flat and the thickness of the first capping layer 2058 is uniform, the top surface of the first capping layer 2058 will also be very flat, which can prevent fluctuations in the formation process of the color filter and the microlens, thereby being beneficial to the formation of the color filter and the microlens, and ultimately improving the performance of the device.

[0079] The present invention has been described in detail above by means of specific embodiments, but these do not constitute limitations of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make many variations and improvements, which should also be considered as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor, characterized in that: include: Step 1: providing a semiconductor substrate, in which a pixel region structure of a CMOS image sensor is formed, forming multiple metal interconnection layers on the semiconductor substrate in the pixel region, with interlayer films between the metal interconnection layers; and forming a top interlayer film on the surface of the top metal interconnection layer in the pixel region; Step 2: defining a top groove formation area, where the top groove formation area is located at the top of the pixel area and is an area for forming a color filter or a microlens; Step 3: Using the top surface of the top metal interconnect layer in the pixel area as a stop layer, etching the top interlayer film in the pixel area to form the top trench, and ensuring that the top trench has a flat bottom surface by using the top surface of the top metal interconnect layer in the pixel area as the stop layer; Step 4: Deposit to form a first capping layer, which at least covers the bottom surface of the top groove and serves as a protective layer for the pixel area. The deposition process makes the thickness of the first capping layer uniform, and the flat bottom surface of the top groove makes the top surface of the first capping layer flat, so as to facilitate the formation of the color filter or the microlens.

2. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The semiconductor substrate includes a silicon substrate and an SOI substrate.

3. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 1, wherein: In step 1, a peripheral circuit region structure is further formed on the semiconductor substrate, and the peripheral circuit region is located on the peripheral side of the pixel region.

4. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 3, wherein: A light shielding area is provided between the peripheral circuit area and the pixel area.

5. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The structure of the shading area in the semiconductor substrate is the same as that of the pixel area in the semiconductor substrate, and the number of metal interconnection layers in the shading area is the same as that in the pixel area; a shading layer is also formed in the top interlayer film of the shading area.

6. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The light-shielding layer is composed of a metal layer.

7. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 4, wherein: The number of metal interconnection layers in the external circuit area is greater than the number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area.

8. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The number of metal interconnection layers in the pixel area is 2, and the top metal interconnection layer in the pixel area is the second metal interconnection layer.

9. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 8, wherein: In step 2, a photolithography process is used to define the formation area of the top trench.

10. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 9, wherein: In step three, the etching process for forming the top trench adopts dry etching.

11. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 1 , wherein: In step four, the first capping layer also covers the side surfaces of the top trench and the surface of the top interlayer film outside the top trench.

12. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 1, wherein: After step 4 is completed, it also includes: The color filter and the microlens are sequentially formed in the top trench.

13. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 8, wherein: The thickness of the top interlayer film on the surface of the top metal interconnect layer in the pixel area is above.

14. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 13, wherein: The thickness of the first capping layer is 15. The method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the first capping layer includes an oxide layer.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Fabrication method of image sensor

    CN107221541A

  • Method for manufacturing of CMOS image sensor

    US20080157142A1