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 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 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).
Abstract:
A method for etching a layer over a substrate is provided. A gas-modulated cyclic process is performed for more than three cycles. Each cycle comprises performing a protective layer forming phase using first gas chemistry with a deposition gas chemistry, which is performed in about 0.0055 to 7 seconds for each cycle and performing an etching phase for the feature through the etch mask using a second gas chemistry using a reactive etching gas chemistry, which is performed in about 0.005 to 14 seconds for each cycle. The protective layer forming phase comprises providing the deposition gas and forming a plasma from the deposition gas. Each etching phase comprises providing a reactive etching gas and forming a plasma from the reactive etching gas.
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 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 plasma processing apparatus for processing a substrate is provided. A plasma processing chamber with chamber walls is provided. A substrate support is provided within the chamber walls. At least one confinement ring is provided, where the confinement ring and the substrate support define a plasma volume. A magnetic source for generating a magnetic field for magnetically enhancing physical confinement provided by the at least one confinement ring is provided.
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.