Abstract: A process for etching a PPMS layer that increases the etch selectivity of PPMS relative to PPMSO from an initial low etch selectivity to a higher etch selectivity at a later stage of the etching process. In some embodiments, the etch selectivity used during a first etching step of the process is less than 4:1 and the etch selectivity used during a second etching step, subsequent to the first step, is greater than 5:1. In some other embodiments, the etch selectivity of the first step is between 2-3:1 and the etch selectivity of the second step is greater than 8:1. Optionally, in still other embodiments a third etching step, performed between the first and second etching steps may be employed where the etch selectivity is between 3-8:1.

Abstract: A process for patterning a feature on a substrate using a plasma polymerized methylsilane (PPMS) photoresist layer or similar organosilicon film. The process includes the step of depositing a PPMS film having upper and lower strata such that the upper stratum is more photosensitive to ultraviolet radiation than is the lower stratum. In one embodiment, the upper and lower strata are formed in a multistep deposition process that, preferably, takes place in a single deposition chamber. In another embodiment, the upper and lower strata are formed by a process in which deposition parameters are modified to deposit a PPMS layer having a photosensitivity gradient between the upper and lower strata. In still another embodiment, various intermediate strata are formed. Preferably, each intermediate stratum has a photosensitivity that is higher than the stratum directly beneath it.

Abstract: The process for etching a polycrystalline Si1−xGex layer or a stack includes a polycrystalline Si1−xGex layer and of a polycrystalline Si layer, deposited on a substrate and including, at its surface, a mask of inorganic material, includes main etching step in which the said layer or the said stack is anisotropically etched, using the said mask, by means of a high-density gas plasma of a gas mixture consisting of chlorine (Cl2) and of either nitrogen (N2) or ammonia (NH3) or of a nitrogen/ammonia mixture.

Abstract: A process for patterning a feature on a substrate using; a plasma polymerized methylsilane (PPMS) photoresist layer or similar organosilicon film. The process includes the step of depositing a PPMS film having upper and lower strata such that the upper stratum is more photosensitive to ultraviolet radiation than is the lower stratum. In one embodiment, the upper and lower strata are formed in a multistep deposition process that, preferably, takes place in a single deposition chamber. In another embodiment, the upper and lower strata are formed by a process in which deposition parameters are modified to deposit a PPMS layer having a photosensitivity gradient between the upper and lower strata. In still another embodiment, various intermediate strata are formed. Preferably, each intermediate stratums has a photosensitivity that is higher than the stratum directly beneath it.