Patent · US Expired

Supercritical solutions for cleaning photoresist and post-etch residue from low-k materials

US6764552B1 · kind B1 · utility

65Cited by
47References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 21, 2002
Grant dateJul 20, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 21, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC11D2111/22
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed formulations of supercritical solutions are useful in wafer cleaning processes. Supercritical solutions of the invention may be categorized by their chemistry, for example, basic, acidic, oxidative, and fluoride chemistries are used. Such solutions may include supercritical carbon dioxide and at least one reagent dissolved therein to facilitate removal of waste material from wafers, particularly for removing photoresist and post-etch residues from low-k materials. This reagent may include an ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate, and combinations of such reagents. The solution may include one or more co-solvents, chelating agents, surfactants, and anti-corrosion agents as well.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.