Abstract: An apparatus for etching a dielectric layer contained by a substrate is provided. An etch reactor comprises a top electrode and a bottom electrode. An etch gas source supplies an etch gas into the etch reactor. A first Radio Frequency (RF) source generates a first RF power with a first frequency and supplies the first RF power into the etch reactor, whereas the first frequency is between 100 kilo Hertz (kHz) and 600 kHz. A second RF source generates a second RF power with a second frequency and supplies the second RF power into the etch reactor, whereas the second frequency is at least 10 mega Hertz (MHz).

Abstract: A method for processing recess etch operations in substrates is provided including forming a hard mask over the substrate and etching a trench in the substrate using the hard mask, and forming a dielectric layer over the hard mask and in the trench, where the dielectric layer lines the trench. A conductive material is then applied over the dielectric layer such that a blanket of the conductive material lies over the hard mask and fills the trench, and the conductive material is etched to substantially planarize the conductive material. The etching of the conductive material triggers an endpoint just before all of the conductive material is removed from over the dielectric layer that overlies the bard mask. The conductive material is recess etched to remove the conductive material over the dielectric layer that overlies the hard mask and removes at least part of the conductive material from within the trench.

Abstract: A method for etching features in a dielectric layer is provided. A mask is formed over the dielectric layer. A protective silicon-containing coating is formed on exposed surfaces of the mask. The features are etched through the mask and protective silicon-containing coating. The features may be partially etched before the protective silicon-containing coating is formed.

Abstract: Methods for stripping resist from a semiconductor substrate in a resist stripping chamber are provided. The methods include producing a remote plasma containing reactive species and cooling the reactive species inside the chamber prior to removing the resist with the reactive species. The reactive species can be cooled by being passed through a thermally-conductive gas distribution member. By cooling the reactive species, damage to a low-k dielectric material on the substrate can be avoided.

Abstract: A gas chamber contains upper and lower chamber bodies forming a cavity, a heating chuck for a wafer, a remote gas source, and an exhaust unit. Gas is injected into the cavity through channels in an injector. Each channel has sections that are bent with respect to each other at a sufficient angle to substantially eliminate entering light rays entering the channel from exiting the channel without reflection. The channels have funnel-shaped nozzles at end points proximate to the chuck. The injector also has thermal expansion relief slots and small gaps between the injector and mating surfaces of the chamber and gas source. The temperature of the injector is controlled by a cooling liquid in cooling channels and electrical heaters in receptacles of the injector. The upper chamber body is funnel-shaped and curves downward at an end of the upper chamber body proximate to the chuck.

Abstract: Methods of etching a carbon-rich layer on organic photoresist overlying an inorganic layer can utilize a process gas including CxHyFz, where y?x and z?0, and one or more optional components to generate a plasma effective to etch the carbon-rich layer with low removal of the inorganic layer. The carbon-rich layer can be removed in the same processing chamber, or alternatively can be removed in a different processing chamber, as used to remove the bulk photoresist.

Abstract: Methods of etching a carbon-rich layer on organic photoresist overlying an inorganic layer can utilize a process gas including CxHyFz, where y?x and z?0, and one or more optional components to generate a plasma effective to etch the carbon-rich layer with low removal of the inorganic layer. The carbon-rich layer can be removed in the same processing chamber, or alternatively can be removed in a different processing chamber, as used to remove the bulk photoresist.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a substrate includes a camera and a light source. The camera is oriented toward a field of view. The field of view encompasses at least a first portion of a first surface of the substrate. The light source is oriented toward the field of view at a first angle ? relative to the first surface of the substrate. A method for inspecting a substrate is also included.

Abstract: Methods of etching a carbon-rich layer on organic photoresist overlying an inorganic layer can utilize a process gas including a fluorine-containing gas, an oxygen-containing gas, and a hydrocarbon gas, and one or more optional components to generate a plasma effective to etch the carbon-rich layer with low removal of the inorganic layer. The carbon-rich layer can be removed in the same processing chamber, or alternatively can be removed in a different processing chamber, as used to remove the bulk photoresist.

Abstract: Methods of etching a carbon-rich layer on organic photoresist overlying an inorganic layer can utilize a process gas including CxHyFz, where y≧x and z≧0, and one or more optional components to generate a plasma effective to etch the carbon-rich layer with low removal of the inorganic layer. The carbon-rich layer can be removed in the same processing chamber, or alternatively can be removed in a different processing chamber, as used to remove the bulk photoresist.