Hitachi, Ltd.

Yoshimi Torii

Yoshiaki Sato

Hironobu Kawahara

Ryooji Fukuyama

Kazuo Nojiri

Yoshinao Kawasaki

Masayuki Kojima

Takashi Yamada

Kazuyuki Suko

Michimasa Hunabashi

Keizo Kuroiwa

Yutaka Kakehi

Makoto Nawata

Akira Kawaraya

Yoshie Sato

Disclosed is apparatus for treating samples, and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes processing apparatus (a) for treating the samples (e.g., plasma etching apparatus), (b) for removing residual corrosive compounds formed by the sample treatment, (c) for wet-processing of the samples and (d) for dry-processing the samples. A plurality of wet-processing treatments of a sample can be performed. The wet-processing apparatus can include a plurality of wet-processing stations. The samples can either be passed in series through the plurality of wet-processing stations, or can be passed in parallel through the wet-processing stations.

Method and apparatus for processing samples

Apparatus for processing samples

A post-etch treatment method capable of imparting high corrosion prevention performance to the aluminum-containing wiring films. The sample of aluminum-containing wiring material that is etched using the halogen-type gas is treated with the plasma of a gas that has the oxygen component, and the resist formed on the aluminum-containing wiring material is reacted with oxygen and is removed. Further, the plasma is generated using a gas having the hydrogen component or this gas is liquefied into droplets thereof on the sample surface, so that halogen components (Cl, Br, etc.) adhered to the aluminum-containing wiring material through the etching treatment are reacted with hydrogen and are effectively removed in the form of hydrogen chloride (HCl) or hydrogen bromide (HBr). This makes it possible to obtain the aluminum-containing wiring material having high corrosion prevention performance.

Apparatus for treating samples

Disclosed is apparatus for treating samples, and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes processing apparatus (a) for treating the samples (e.g., plasma etching apparatus, the samples being selectively etched through use of a resist mask), (b) for removing (ashing) the resist mask, (c) for wet-processing of the samples and (d) for dry-processing the samples. Samples are passed sequentially from a supply cassette (containing a plurality of samples) to the plasma etching apparatus, through the other apparatus and to a discharge cassette (which can hold a plurality of the samples). At least two of the samples can be processed simultaneously in a path from (and including), the plasma etching apparatus to (and including) the wet-processing structure.

Apparatus for processing a sample having a metal laminate

Method for processing samples

Method of treating samples

A method of processing a sample comprises etching the sample by means of an etching plasma, and then treating the sample by means of a second plasma to remove residual corrosive compounds formed by the etching plasma. Removal of the residual corrosive compounds and prevention of corrosion is much improved by contacting the surface of the sample after the second plasma treatment with at least one liquid in order to effect at least one of (a) removal of the residual corrosive compounds and (b) passivation of the surface, and drying the sample.

Sample processing method and apparatus

A sample is plasma etched and then treated with a second plasma to remove residual corrosive compounds formed by the etching plasma. Removal of the residual corrosive compounds and prevention of corrosion is improved by washing the surface of the sample after the second plasma treatment with at least one liquid in order to effect at least one of (a) removal of the residual corrosive compounds and (b) passivation of the surface, the step of washing is followed by drying the sample.

Method of removing residual corrosive compounds by plasma etching

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Tachikawa, Japan

Yoshimi Torii