Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a vertical hard mask/conductive pattern profile. The process begins by forming a polysilicon or more preferably a polysilicon and silicide conductive layer over a semiconductor substrate. A silicon oxynitride hard mask layer is formed over the conductive layer. The silicon oxynitride hard mask layer is patterned to form a hard mask pattern. The conductive layer is patterned to form a conductive pattern using Cl2/He—O2/N2 etch chemistry, thereby forming a hard mask/conductive pattern profile that is vertical.