Applied Materials, Inc.

Jason Regis

Walter R Merry

Cynthia B Brooks

James A Stinnett

An oxide etching method, particularly applicable to forming through an oxide layer a wineglass shaped contact or via hole of controlled shape. The wineglass hole is particularly useful for eased metal hole filling. The bowl is etched by first etching an anisotropic hole through a mask aperture, and then isotropically etching through the same mask aperture. The relative periods of the anisotropic and isotropic etch determine the lateral-to-vertical dimensions of the bowl. The stem is then etched through the same mask aperture with a strongly anisotropic etch. The isotropic etch may be performed in the same chamber as the anisotropic etch or may advantageously be performed in a separate etch chamber having a remote plasma source.

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Amesbury, MA, United States of America

Jason Regis