Lam Research Corporation

Chris G N Lee

Alan Jeffrey Miller

C Robert Koemtzopoulos

Shibu Gangadharan

Wendy Nguyen

Yousun Kim Taylor

Broadly speaking, methods and an apparatus are provided for removing an inorganic material from a substrate. More specifically, the methods provide for removing the inorganic material from the substrate through exposure to a high density plasma generated using an inductively coupled etching apparatus. The high density plasma is set and controlled to isotropically contact particular regions of the inorganic material to allow for trimming and control of a critical dimension associated with the inorganic material.

Method for hard mask CD trim

A method for etching a wafer having a pattern of photoresist material thereon is disclosed. The method includes curing the photoresist material with a bromine containing plasma. Then a main etch of the wafer is carried out. A method for curing a pattern of photoresist material on a wafer is also disclosed. The curing method includes providing a bromine containing plasma and exposing the photoresist material to the plasma, such that a layer of the wafer below the photoresist material is not etched through. A composition of a plasma for curing a photoresist material on a wafer in a high density plasma processing device includes bromine.

Growing community of inventors

Kensington, CA, United States of America

Chris G N Lee