Lin, YeYeLinBex, PieterPieterBexSuhard, SamuelSamuelSuhardZhang, BoyaoBoyaoZhangUlu Okudur, FulyaFulyaUlu OkudurDiaz De Zerio, AmaiaAmaiaDiaz De ZerioReddy, NaveenNaveenReddyAltamirano Sanchez, EfrainEfrainAltamirano SanchezLi, YananYananLiJourdain, AnneAnneJourdainBeyer, GeraldGeraldBeyerBeyne, EricEricBeyne2026-01-222026-01-222025-01-01979-8-3315-3933-70569-5503https://imec-publications.be/handle/20.500.12860/58693To preserve the bonding surface quality, this paper proposes and demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating an inorganic protective layer in the direct die-to-wafer (D2W) hybrid bonding flow. The bonding surface is found well preserved even after wafer thinning and die singulation: Cu recess is kept ~2 nm, which is comparable to 1.5 nm after the initial CMP. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) inspection at the bonding interface confirms seamless bonding of SiCN-SiCN and Cu-Cu. The best electrical results of the 2 μm pitch structures show Kelvin yield > 95% and the daisy chain yield > 80%, indicating effective surface protection.eng2 μm Pitch Direct Die-To-Wafer Hybrid Bonding Using Surface Protection During Wafer Thinning And Die SingulationProceedings paper10.1109/ECTC51687.2025.00054WOS:001537918100045