Abstract:
Method and apparatus for cleaning ceramic surfaces of parts used, for example, and without limitation, in semiconductor processing equipment. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention is a method for cleaning a ceramic part that includes steps of: (a) treating the surface using one or more first mechanical processes; (b) treating the surface using one or more chemical processes; (c) plasma conditioning the surface; and (d) treating the surface using one or more second mechanical processes.
Abstract:
A fluorine-free integrated process for plasma etching aluminum lines in an integrated circuit structure including an overlying anti-reflection coating (ARC) and a dielectric layer underlying the aluminum, the process being preferably performed in a single plasma reactor. The ARC open uses either BCl3/Cl2 or Cl2 and possibly a hydrocarbon passivating gas, preferably C2H4. The aluminum main etch preferably includes BCl3/Cl2 etch and C2H4 diluted with He. The dilution is particularly effective for small flow rates of C2H4. An over etch into the Ti/TiN barrier layer and part way into the underlying dielectric may use a chemistry similar to the main etch. A Cl2/O2 chamber cleaning may be performed, preferably with the wafer removed from the chamber and after every wafer cycle.
Abstract:
A process for etching a substrate and removing etch residue deposited on the surfaces in the etching chamber has two stages. In the first stage, an energized first process gas is provided in the chamber, and in the second stage, an energized second process gas is provided in the chamber. The energized first process gas comprises SF6 and Ar, the volumetric flow ratio of SF6 to other components of the first process gas being from about 5:1 to about 1:10. The energized second process gas comprises CF4 and Ar, the volumetric flow ratio of CF4 to other components of the second process gas being from about 1:0 to about 1:10.
Abstract:
A method of cleaning process residues formed on surfaces in a chamber during processing of a substrate in the chamber includes first and second steps. In a first cleaning step, a first energized cleaning gas having a first chlorine-containing gas and oxygen is provided in the chamber and then exhausted. In a second cleaning step, a second energized cleaning gas having a second chlorine-containing gas and oxygen is provided in the chamber and then exhausted.
Abstract:
One embodiment of the present invention is a process for etching an organic anti-reflective coating on a base of a substrate, the process including steps of: (a) placing the substrate into a processing chamber; (b) introducing into the processing chamber a processing gas including one or more of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur oxide (SO2); and (c) forming a plasma from the processing gas to etch the organic anti-reflective coating layer.