Three-Layer Amorphous Argon Composite Substrate Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Composite substrates in existing technologies have insufficient adhesion strength between piezoelectric and support substrates due to amorphous layers composed of only one or two layers.

Innovation Solution

A composite substrate with a three-layer amorphous layer structure, containing argon, where the first layer has a larger amount of the piezoelectric substrate's constituent element, the second layer has a higher argon content, and the third layer has a larger amount of the support substrate's constituent element, specifically using single-crystal lithium tantalate or niobate and silicon substrates, and a neutral argon atom beam for surface irradiation and subsequent annealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a two-layer amorphous layer is used to join piezoelectric and support substrates, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the adhesion strength between substrates is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamorphous layer structure simplicityVSAvoidadhesion strength between substrates
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The amorphous layer is segmented into three distinct layers with different compositions: a first layer rich in piezoelectric substrate elements, a second layer rich in argon, and a third layer rich in support substrate elements. This segmentation creates gradient transitions that enhance interfacial bonding while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through sequential deposition processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each layer of the amorphous structure is assigned local quality characteristics tailored to its function: the first layer provides chemical compatibility with the piezoelectric substrate, the second layer provides mechanical cushioning and stress distribution, and the third layer provides chemical compatibility with the support substrate. This localized optimization of material properties maximizes overall adhesion strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a three-layer amorphous layer structure is used to improve adhesion strength, then the adhesion strength between substrates is sufficiently high, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strength between substratesVSAvoidamorphous layer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complexity is managed by controlling key parameters of the three-layer structure: the thickness of each layer (typically 1-10 nm), the argon concentration gradient (0-50 atomic percent), and the composition ratios of piezoelectric and support substrate elements. By establishing specific parameter ranges, the invention achieves high adhesion strength while maintaining manufacturability through standardized deposition processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stress or pressure

If the amorphous layer is made thinner to reduce thermal stress, then thermal stress is reduced, but the heat resistance at high temperatures decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stressVSAvoidheat resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The amorphous layer employs local quality differentiation across three layers, where each layer's composition is optimized for specific functions: the first and third layers provide chemical bonding and stress distribution, while the argon-rich second layer provides mechanical cushioning. This localized optimization allows the total thickness to be reduced for lower thermal stress while maintaining sufficient heat resistance through enhanced interfacial bonding quality in each layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The three-layer amorphous structure functions as a composite material system combining elements from both substrates with argon. This composite structure achieves superior performance by combining the benefits of thin-layer stress reduction with enhanced interfacial bonding, where the gradient composition provides both mechanical compliance and thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The three-layer amorphous structure significantly enhances adhesion strength and provides heat resistance up to 400°C, reducing thermal stress and contamination risks, thereby improving the reliability of SAW devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first substrate and a second substrate are laminated to prepare a composite substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentEP2787637B1Composite substrate and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP2787637B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2787637B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2787637B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a composite substrate comprising a piezoelectric substrate that is a single-crystal lithium tantalate or lithium niobate substrate, a support substrate that is a single-crystal silicon substrate, and an amorphous layer containing argon and joining together the piezoelectric substrate and the support substrate. The amorphous layer includes, in order from the piezoelectric substrate toward the composite substrate, a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer contains a larger amount of a constituent element of the piezoelectric substrate than the second and third layers, the third layer contains a larger amount of a constituent element of the support substrate than the first and second layers, and the second layer contains a larger amount of argon than the first and third layers.