Abstract:
Apparatus for etching a patterned layer of a noble metal such as platinum. The apparatus implements a process whereby exposed areas of the noble metal are first implanted with ions and are subsequently etched. Both the ion implantation step and the etching step occur sequentially in the same chamber in the presence of a plasma discharge. The apparatus uses either a dual output power supply or two distinct power supplies to sequentially supply a high power output required for the ion implantation step and a low power output required for the etching step. Multiple cycles of implantation followed by etching may be applied to achieve deep etching of thick layers. A programmed computer controls the process steps. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.
Abstract:
In a method of forming a microelectronic structure of a Pt/BSTO/Pt capacitor stack for use in a DRAM device, the improvement comprising substantially eliminating or preventing oxygen out-diffusion from the BSTO material layer, comprising: preparing a bottom Pt electrode formation; subjecting the bottom Pt electrode formation to an oxygen plasma treatment to form an oxygen enriched Pt layer on the bottom Pt electrode; depositing a BSTO layer on said oxygen enriched Pt layer; depositing an upper Pt electrode layer on the BSTO layer; subjecting the upper Pt electrode layer to an oxygen plasma treatment to form an oxygen incorporated Pt layer; and depositing a Pt layer on the oxygen incorporated Pt layer upper Pt elect.