Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation

Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc

Cera M Gmbh

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Wei Pan

Sheng Teng Hsu

Tingkai Li

Seshu B Desu

Dilip P Vijay

David Russell Evans

A method of patterning layered structure oxide thin films involving placing the layered structure thin film (with or without a mask) laid on a substrate into a chamber which is partially filled with CHC1FCF.sub.3 gas and producing a glow discharge to cause the etching of the thin film ferroelectric material. The method provides high etch rates, good etch anisotropy and good etch uniformity. For example, for SBT and SBN thin films, the etch process provides etch rates in the range of 2.5 to 17.5 nm/min depending on the etch conditions and minimal etch residues at the end of the etch process is removed easily by low temperature (250.degree. C.) baking. Also, the method provides good etch selectivity in the films and minimal surface damage.

Dry etching of layer structure oxides

A method of reactive ion etching both a lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric dielectric and a RuO.sub.2 electrode, and a semiconductor device produced in accordance with such process. The dielectric and electrode are etched in an etching gas of O.sub.2 mixed with either CClF.sub.2 or CHClFCF.sub.3.

Reactive ion etching of lead zirconate titanate and ruthenium oxide thin

A method of reactive ion etching both a lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric dielectric and a RuO.sub.2 electrode, and a semiconductor device produced in accordance with such process. The dielectric and electrode are etched in an etching gas of O.sub.2 mixed with either CHCl.sub.2 CF.sub.3 or CHClFCF.sub.3.

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Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

Wei Pan