The microstructure characterization of ultrasmall eutectic Bi-Sn solder bumps on Au/Cu/Ti and Au/Ni/Ti under-bump metallization

The microstructure of the ultrasmall eutectic Bi-Sn solder bumps on Au/Cu/Ti and Au/Ni/Ti under-bump metallizations (UBMs) was investigated as a function of cooling rate. The ultrasmall eutectic Bi-Sn solder bump, about 50 μm in diameter, was fabricated by using the lift-off method and reflowed at various cooling rates using the rapid thermal annealing system. The microstructure of the solder bump was observed using a backscattered electron (BSE) image and the intermetallic compound was identified using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and an x-ray diffractometer (XRD). The Bi facet was found at the surface of the ultrasmall Bi-Sn solder bumps on the Au/Cu/Ti UBM in almost all specimens, and the interior microstructure of the bumps was changed with the solidification rate. The faceted and polygonal intermetallic compound was found in the case of the Bi-Sn solder bump on the Au (0.1 µm)/Ni/Ti UBM, and it was confirmed to be the (Au1−x−yBixNiy)Sn2 phase by XRD. The intermetallic compounds grown form the Au (0.1 μm)/Ni/Ti UBM interface, and they interrupted the growth of Bi and Sn phases throughout the solder bump. The ultrasmall eutectic Bi-Sn solder bumps on the Au (0.025 µm)/Ni/Ti UBM showed similar microstructures to those on the Au/Cu/Ti UBM.