Lam Research Corporation

Denis Syomin

Katrina Mikhaylichenko

Qian Fu

Mark Henry Wilcoxson

Shenjian Liu

Glenn W Gale

A method is provided for processing a wafer used in fabricating semiconductor devices. The method can comprise forming high-aspect ratio features on the wafer, which is followed by wet processing and drying. During drying, pattern collapse can occur. This pattern collapse can be repaired to allow for additional processing of the wafer. In some instance, pattern collapse can be repaired via etching where the etching breaks bonds that can have formed during pattern collapse.

Method and apparatus for pattern collapse free wet processing of semiconductor devices

A method for removing silicon oxide based residue from a stack with a doped silicon oxide layer with features with diameters less than 100 nm is provided. A wet clean solution of between 25% to 60% by weight of NHF, and between 0.05% and 5% by weight of phosphoric acid, and between 0.05% and 5% by weight citric acid, in a water solvent is provided to an area on a surface of the stack. The wet clean solution is removed from the area on the surface of the stack between 0.5 to 10 seconds after the area on the surface of the stack was exposed to the wet clean solution.

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Denis Syomin