Abstract:
A method for etching features in a low-k dielectric layer disposed below an organic mask is provided by an embodiment of the invention. Features are etched into the low-k dielectric layer through the organic mask. A fluorocarbon layer is deposited on the low-k dielectric layer. The fluorocarbon layer is cured. The organic mask is stripped.
Abstract:
A method for forming a feature in a layer with reduced line edge roughening is provided. A photoresist layer is formed over the layer. The photoresist layer is patterned to form photoresist features with photoresist sidewalls. A sidewall layer with a thickness less than 100 nm is formed over the sidewalls of the photoresist features by performing for a plurality of cycles. Each cycle comprises depositing a layer on the photoresist layer wherein the deposited layer has a thickness between a monolayer to 20 nm. Features are etched into the layer through the photoresist features. The photoresist layer and sidewall layer are stripped.
Abstract:
A method for etching a dielectric layer over a substrate and disposed below a mask is provided. The substrate is placed in a plasma processing chamber. An etchant gas comprising O2 and a sulfur component gas comprising at least one of H2S and a compound containing at least one carbon sulfur bond is provided into the plasma chamber. A plasma is formed from the etchant gas. Features are etched into the etch layer through the photoresist mask with the plasma from the etchant gas.
Abstract:
A feature in a layer (308) is provided. A photoresist layer is formed over the layer (308). The photoresist layer is patterned to form photoresist features (312) with photoresist sidewalls, where the photoresist features (312) have a first critical dimension (316). A conformal layer (320) is deposited over the sidewalls of the photoresist features (312) to reduce the critical dimensions of the photoresist features (312). Features are etched into the layer (308), wherein the layer (308) features have a second critical dimension (324), which is less than the first critical dimension (316).
Abstract:
A method for etching a feature in a low-k dielectric layer through a photoresist etch mask over a substrate. A gas-modulated cyclic stripping process is performed for more than three cycles for stripping a single photoresist mask. Each cycle of the gas-modulated cyclic stripping process comprises performing a protective layer formation phase and a stripping phase. The protective layer forming phase uses first gas chemistry with a deposition gas chemistry, wherein the protective layer forming phase is performed in about 0.005 to 10 seconds for each cycle. The stripping phase for stripping the photoresist mask uses a second gas chemistry using a stripping gas chemistry, where the first gas chemistry is different than the second gas chemistry, wherein the etching phase is performed in about 0.005 to 10 seconds for each cycle.
Abstract:
A method for etching features in a low-k dielectric layer disposed below an organic mask is provided by an embodiment of the invention. Features are etched into the low-k dielectric layer through the organic mask. A fluorocarbon layer is deposited on the low-k dielectric layer. The fluorocarbon layer is cured. The organic mask is stripped.
Abstract:
A method for etching features in an etch layer is provided. A patterned photoresist mask is formed over the etch layer with photoresist features with sidewalls wherein the sidewalls of the photoresist features have irregular profiles along depths of the photoresist features. The irregular profiles along the depths of the photoresist features of the sidewalls of the photoresist features are corrected comprising at least one cycle, where each cycle comprises a sidewall deposition phase and a profile shaping phase. Feature is etched into the etch layer through the photoresist features. The mask is removed.
Abstract:
A method for forming features in an etch layer is provided. A first mask is formed over the etch layer where the first mask defines a plurality of spaces with widths. The first mask is laterally etched where the etched first mask defines a plurality of spaces with widths that are greater than the widths of the spaces of the first mask. A sidewall layer is formed over the etched first mask where the sidewall layer defines a plurality of spaces with widths that are less than the widths of the spaces defined by the etched first mask. Features are etched into the etch layer through the sidewall layer, where the features have widths that are smaller than the widths of the spaces defined by the etched first mask. The mask and sidewall layer are removed.
Abstract:
A method of forming a feature in a low-k (k 2 is provided. A plasma is formed from the stripping gas comprising CO 2 . The plasma from the stripping gas comprising CO 2 is used to strip the patterned photoresist mask.
Abstract:
A method for etching a high aspect ratio feature through a mask into a layer to be etched over a substrate is provided. The substrate is placed (404) in a process chamber, which is able to provide RF power at a first frequency, a second frequency different than the first frequency, and a third frequency different than the first and second frequency. An etchant gas is provided (408) to the process chamber. A first etch step is provided (412) where the first frequency, the second frequency, and the third frequency are at power settings for the first etch step. A second etch step is provided (416), where the first frequency, the second frequency, and the third frequency are at a different power setting. Optionally, a third etch step may also be provided (420).