Patent · US Active

Method of pattern etching a silicon-containing hard mask

US7504338B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
25References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 9, 2006
Grant dateMar 17, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 5, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L21/32139
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a method of pattern etching a layer of a silicon-containing dielectric material. The method employs a plasma source gas including CF4 to CHF3, where the volumetric ratio of CF4 to CHF3 is within the range of about 2:3 to about 3:1; more typically, about 1:1 to about 2:1. Etching is performed at a process chamber pressure within the range of about 4 mTorr to about 60 mTorr. The method provides a selectivity for etching a silicon-containing dielectric layer relative to photoresist of 1.5:1 or better. The method also provides an etch profile sidewall angle ranging from 88° to 92° between said etched silicon-containing dielectric layer and an underlying horizontal layer. in the semiconductor structure. The method provides a smooth sidewall when used in combination with certain photoresists which are sensitive to 193 nm radiation.

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