The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 27, 2004
Filed:
Feb. 03, 2003
Chih-Ning Wu, Hsin-Chu, TW;
United Microelectronics Corporation, Hsin-Chu, TW;
Abstract
First of all, a breakthrough process is performed for removing the polymer and oxidized residues remained on top surface of the hard-mask layers, wherein the breakthrough process utilizes a CF -based mixed-gas, such as Ar/O /CF , to slightly flush out the top surface of the hard-mask layers so as to strip the polymer and oxidized residues remained thereon. Afterward, an etching process is performed to etch through the hard-mask layers until a predetermined thickness of the dielectric layer. Finally, another etching process is performed to etch through the hard-mask layer and the dielectric layer and form the damascene structure in the dielectric layer, wherein this etching process utilizes the mixed gas having chlorine, such as O /Cl .