Ion Trap Via Structure With Conductive Etch Stop Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion trap manufacturing methods struggle to efficiently create electrical via connections through dielectric substrates, which is crucial for scaling and complex structuring in ion traps for quantum computing and precision metrology.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of an electrically conductive etch stop layer on a dielectric substrate, followed by etching a via hole and filling it with conductive material, ensuring electrical coupling between the metal layer and the etch stop layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional fabrication processes are used for ion traps, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability of through-substrate structures deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrough-substrate structuring precisionVSAvoidfabrication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fabrication process is divided into distinct sequential steps: forming the etch stop layer, creating via holes, depositing conductive materials, and forming metal layers. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, improving overall manufacturing precision while keeping the process manageable through clear阶段性 goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive etch stop layer is formed in advance before via hole etching. This preliminary action ensures that the etch stop layer is already in place to define the etching depth and provide electrical coupling, thereby improving manufacturing precision of the via holes without requiring complex real-time control during etching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If through-substrate structuring is implemented to meet increasing structural complexity demands, then device functionality is improved, but manufacturing reliability deteriorates due to process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically conductive etch stop layer serves as an intermediary element between the dielectric substrate and the via holes. It mediates the etching process by providing a clear depth reference and simultaneously provides electrical coupling between different conductive layers, thereby simplifying the overall process and improving manufacturing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The etch stop layer performs multiple functions: it acts as an etching depth reference, provides electrical conductivity for coupling, and serves as a structural support layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate layers or processes, thereby improving reliability while maintaining structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If via holes are etched through the entire dielectric substrate to create electrical connections, then electrical connectivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to etching control difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidvia hole etching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The etch stop layer is formed beforehand to establish a precise etching depth reference. During via hole etching, the process automatically stops when the etch stop layer is reached, ensuring consistent via hole depth and position without requiring complex real-time monitoring, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining electrical connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The etch stop layer acts as an intermediary that mediates the etching process. It provides a clear visual and physical endpoint for the etching process, ensuring that via holes are etched to the correct depth and position, thereby improving manufacturing precision while enabling reliable electrical connections through the substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4645178B1Ion trap manufacturing methods
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG
  • EP4645178B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2C
  • EP4645178B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2G
  • EP4645178B1 patent drawingFigure 2H~3C

AI summary

An ion trap device includes a dielectric substrate and a via hole extending through the dielectric substrate from a first main surface of the dielectric substrate to a second main surface of the dielectric substrate. The ion trap device further includes an electrically conductive etch stop layer arranged on the first main surface of the dielectric substrate, wherein the etch stop layer covers the via hole. The ion trap device further includes a metal layer of an ion trap at least partially arranged on the etch stop layer and an electrically conductive material arranged in the via hole, wherein the etch stop layer electrically couples the electrically conductive material and the metal layer.