Abstract: A method of removing photoresist material from a semiconductor substrate includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a patterned photoresist mask. A layer comprised of polymer material is formed over the patterned photoresist mask. The layer comprised of polymer material and a portion of the patterned photoresist mask are then removed. The layer comprised of polymer material is preferably formed by introducing a process gas into a plasma environment and is preferably formed with less thickness in a low aspect ratio area relative to a high aspect ratio area.

Abstract: A method of performing a shallow trench isolation etch in a silicon layer of a layer stack is disclosed. The layer stack includes a silicon layer being disposed below a pad oxide layer, the pad oxide being disposed below a nitride layer, and the nitride layer being disposed below a photoresist mask. The etching takes place in a plasma processing chamber. The method includes flowing a first etchant source gas into the plasma processing chamber, forming a first plasma from the first etchant source gas, and etching through the nitride layer with the first plasma. The method further includes flowing a second etchant source gas into the plasma processing chamber, forming a second plasma from the second etchant source gas, and substantially removing the photoresist mask with the second plasma, wherein a substantial portion of the photoresist mask is removed from above the nitride layer before the silicon layer.

Abstract: A method of removing photoresist material from a semiconductor substrate includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a patterned photoresist mask. A layer comprised of polymer material is formed over the patterned photoresist mask. The layer comprised of polymer material and a portion of the patterned photoresist mask are then removed. The layer comprised of polymer material is preferably formed by introducing a process gas into a plasma environment and is preferably formed with less thickness in a low aspect ratio area relative to a high aspect ratio area.

Abstract: A method of removing photoresist material from a semiconductor substrate includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a patterned photoresist mask. A layer comprised of polymer material is formed over the patterned photoresist mask. The layer comprised of polymer material and a portion of the patterned photoresist mask are then removed. The layer comprised of polymer material is preferably formed by introducing a process gas into a plasma environment and is preferably formed with less thickness in a high aspect ratio area relative to a low aspect ratio area.