Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for producing a conditioned immersion fluid for use in an immersion lithography process. The conditioned immersion fluid protects the immersion system lens and reduces or eliminates deposition of contaminants onto the lens that can adversely affect the lens transmission and durability of an immersion lithography system.

Abstract: A method for plasma processing a high-k layer includes providing a substrate having a high-k layer formed thereon, on a substrate holder in a process chamber, and creating a plasma in the process chamber to thereby expose the high-k layer to the plasma. RF power is applied to the substrate holder, the RF power having a characteristic to reduce a rate of formation of an oxide interface layer located between the substrate and the high-k layer. A device includes a feature etched in a high-k layer. The etch profile of the device can include a reduced bird's beak, and a surface of the substrate in an etched region can be substantially coplanar with a substrate under a non-etched area.

Abstract: A method and system is described for preparing a film stack, and forming a feature in the film stack using a plurality of dry etching processes. The feature formed in the film stack can include a gate structure having a critical dimension of approximately 25 nm or less. This critical dimension can be formed in the polysilicon layer using four mask layers.

Abstract: A method for plasma processing a high-k layer includes providing a substrate having a high-k layer formed thereon, on a substrate holder in a process chamber, and creating a plasma in the process chamber to thereby expose the high-k layer to the plasma. RF power is applied to the substrate holder, the RF power having a characteristic to reduce a rate of formation of an oxide interface layer located between the substrate and the high-k layer. A device includes a feature etched in a high-k layer. The etch profile of the device can include a reduced bird's beak, and a surface of the substrate in an etched region can be substantially coplanar with a substrate under a non-etched area.

Abstract: A method and system is described for etching a tunable etch resistant anti-reflective (TERA) coating. The TERA coating can be utilized, for example, as a hard mask, or as an anti-reflective coating for complementing a lithographic structure. The TERA coating can include a structural formula R:C:H:X, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of Si, Ge, B, Sn, Fe, Ti, and combinations thereof, and wherein X is not present or is selected from the group consisting of one or more of O, N, S, and F. During the formation of a structure in a film stack, a pattern is transferred to the TERA coating using dry plasma etching having a SF6-based etch chemistry.

Abstract: A method and system is described for preparing a film stack, and forming a feature in the film stack using a plurality of dry etching processes. The feature formed in the film stack can include a gate structure having a critical dimension of approximately 25 nm or less. This critical dimension can be formed in the polysilicon layer using four mask layers.