Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved plasma ashing process for removing a photoresist and a postetched residue. SOLUTION: The method for removing the photoresist and the postetched residue comprises the steps of (a.) disposing a substrate having the photoresist and the postetched residue on the substrate, (b.) forming a reactive chemical species by adding a plasma gas composition containing a CHF3 as its one component, and (c.) exposing a surface of the substrate in a reaction chamber with its reactive chemical species.
Abstract:
A UV curing process for a dielectric material used in pre-metal and shallow trench isolation applications comprises coating a suitable dielectric material onto a substrate; and exposing the dielectric material to ultraviolet radiation in an amount effective to reduce an organic content and/or increase a density and/or increase a wet etch resistance of the dielectric material. Optionally, the UV cured dielectric material may be exposed to multiple ultraviolet radiation patterns.
Abstract:
A plasma ashing process for removing photoresist, polymers and/or residues from a substrate comprises placing the substrate including the photoresist, polymers, and/or residues into a reaction chamber; generating a plasma from a gas mixture comprising oxygen gas (O2) and/or an oxygen containing gas; suppressing and/or reducing fast diffusing species in the plasma; and exposing the substrate to the plasma to selectively remove the photoresist, polymers, and/or residues from the substrate, wherein the plasma is substantially free from fast diffusing species.
Abstract:
Processes for sealing porous low k dielectric film generally comprises exposing the porous surface of the porous low k dielectric film to ultraviolet (UV) radiation at intensities, times, wavelengths and in an atmosphere effective to seal the porous dielectric surface by means of carbonization, oxidation, and/or film densification. The surface of the surface of the porous low k material is sealed to a depth less than or equal to about 20 nanometers, wherein the surface is substantially free of pores after the UV exposure.
Abstract:
Plasma mediated ashing processes for removing organic material from a substrate generally includes exposing the substrate to the plasma to selectively remove photoresist, implanted photoresist, polymers and/or residues from the substrate, wherein the plasma contains a ratio of active nitrogen and active oxygen that is larger than a ratio of active nitrogen and active oxygen obtainable from plasmas of gas mixtures comprising oxygen gas and nitrogen gas. The plasma exhibits high throughput while minimizing and/or preventing substrate oxidation and dopant bleaching. Plasma apparatuses are also described.
Abstract:
Front end of line (FEOL) plasma mediated ashing processes for removing organic material from a substrate generally includes exposing the substrate to the plasma to selectively remove photoresist, implanted photoresist, polymers and/or residues from the substrate, wherein the plasma contains a ratio of active nitrogen and active oxygen that is larger than a ratio of active nitrogen and active oxygen obtainable from plasmas of gas mixtures comprising oxygen gas and nitrogen gas. The plasma exhibits high throughput while minimizing and/or preventing substrate oxidation and dopant bleaching. Plasma apparatuses are also described.