Process and apparatus for use in extracting negative ions from a plasma which is particularly useful in reactive ion etching of metals, silicon and oxides and nitrides of silicon in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. A magnetic field is employed in the apparatus and, herein, is created by a novel grid, through which negative ions pass to a surface, such as one to be etched, while free electrons are prevented from passing through the grid and out of the plasma. The novel process utilizes negative ions which have a large fraction in the atomic state.