Abstract: A process for selectively etching silicon from a workpiece without etching silicon oxide or silicon nitride. The principal etchant gas is molecular fluorine gas (F2) that is not excited to a plasma state.

Abstract: A process for removing residue from the interior of a semiconductor process chamber using molecular fluorine gas (F2) as the principal precursor reagent. In one embodiment a portion of the molecular fluorine is decomposed in a plasma to produce atomic fluorine, and the resulting mixture of atomic fluorine and molecular fluorine is supplied to the chamber whose interior is to be cleaned. In another embodiment the molecular fluorine gas cleans the semiconductor process chamber without any plasma excitation. Molecular fluorine gas has the advantage of not being a global warming gas, unlike fluorine-containing gas compounds conventionally used for chamber cleaning such as NF3, C2F6 and SF6.

Abstract: A process for selectively etching silicon from a workpiece without etching silicon oxide or silicon nitride. The principal etchant gas is molecular fluorine gas (F2) that is not excited to a plasma state.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for etching an exposed region of a multi-layer metal having at least two layers: a layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and an underlying layer of refractory metal. The etching process includes at least two steps. In a first step, the aluminum layer is etched by processing the substrate with a first plasma chemistry that etches aluminum. Optionally a portion, but not all, of the refractory metal layer also is etched by the first plasma chemistry. In a subsequent second step, the remainder of the refractory metal layer is etched by a second plasma chemistry that etches the lower refractory metal much faster than it etches aluminum. The invention minimizes undercutting of the aluminum side wall as the refractory metal layer becomes depleted.

Abstract: A process for selectively etching silicon from a workpiece without etching silicon oxide or silicon nitride. The principal etchant gas is molecular fluorine gas (F2) that is not excited to a plasma state.

Abstract: A method of etching openings in a dielectric layer of a semiconductor device by utilizing a novel etchant gas system of sulfur hexafluoride/chlorine such that sloped sidewalls can be formed in the openings having a desired taper of between about 20.degree. and about 85.degree. for achieving improved step coverage and profile control of the TFT fabrication process.

Abstract: An RIE method and apparatus for etching through the material layer of a transparent-electrode (ITO) in a single continuous step at a rate better than 100 .ANG./min and with a selectivity better than 20 to 1 is disclosed. Chamber pressure is maintained at least as low as 60 mTorr. A reactive gas that includes ethyl iodide C.sub.2 H.sub.5 I) is used alone or in combination with another gas such as O.sub.2. Plasma-induced light emissions of reaction products and/or the reactants are monitored to determine the time point of effective etch-through.

Abstract: A method of etching openings in a dielectric layer of a semiconductor device by utilizing a novel etchant gas system of sulfur hexafluoride/chlorine such that sloped sidewalls can be formed in the openings having a desired taper of between about 20.degree. and about 85.degree. for achieving improved step coverage and profile control of the TFT fabrication process.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus has a vacuum container which contains a pair of electrodes for causing a discharge for generating a plasma, and a shielding plate for separating a plasma processing region including a space between the electrodes from a region in contact with the inner wall of the vacuum container in such a manner that both the regions communicate with each other. The apparatus includes a means for causing a pressure difference between the plasma processing region and the region in contact with the inner wall of the vacuum container.