3D EBSD characterizations on copper TSV for 3D interconnections

Microstructure analysis plays an important role in the reliability study of copper Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs). While conventional 2-dimensional (2D) Electron Back-Scatter Diffraction (EBSD) is a useful technique, 3-dimensional (3D) EBSD characterization provides a more accurate picture of the TSV microstructure. Information that is missing in 2D observations, such as grain shape and volume, can be obtained from the 3D technique. In this study, we did 3D characterizations by serial sectioning of the TSV samples and mapped the microstructure on each slice. These maps were then reconstructed into 3D images. From the result, it showed that the increase in Cu grain volume after thermal annealing can be up to 99%, as compared with 55% and 67% increase in calculated grain volume as determined from single and averaged 2D EBSD maps, respectively.