Abstract: A method for etching features of different aspect ratios in a tungsten containing layer is provided. An etch gas is provided containing a tungsten etch component and a deposition component. A plasma is formed from the provided etch gas. A tungsten containing layer patterned with wide and narrow features is etched with the provided plasma.

Abstract: Methods for wet cleaning quartz surfaces of components for plasma processing chambers in which semiconductor substrates are processed, such as etch chambers and resist stripping chambers, include contacting the quartz surface with at least one organic solvent, a basic solution and different acid solutions, so as to remove organic and metallic contaminants from the quartz surface. The quartz surface is preferably contacted with one of the acid solutions at least two times.

Abstract: A method for forming a photoresist mask may comprise providing a ultra-violet (UV) producing gas to a vacuum chamber having a substrate, ionizing the UV producing gas to produce UV rays to irradiate the substrate, and etching features into the substrate through the photoresist mask.

Abstract: A method of producing plurality of etched features in an electronic device is disclosed that avoids micro-loading problems thus maintaining more uniform sidewall profiles and more uniform critical dimensions. The method comprises performing a first time-divisional plasma etch process step within a plasma chamber to a first depth of the plurality of etched features, and performing a flash process step to remove any polymers from exposed surfaces of the plurality of etched features without requiring an oxidation step. The flash process step is performed independently of the time-divisional plasma etch step. A second time-divisional plasma etch process step is performed within the plasma chamber to a second depth of the plurality of etched features. The method may be repeated until a desired etch depth is reached.

Abstract: A method of forming devices is provided. A phase change layer is provided. The phase change layer is etched by providing an etch gas comprising a bromine containing compound and forming a plasma from the etch gas. The phase change layer is of a material that may be heated by a current and then when cooled, either forms an amorphous material or a crystalline material, depending on how fast the material is cooled. In addition, the amorphous material has a resistance at least several times greater than the crystalline material.

Abstract: A method for etching features of different aspect ratios in a conductive layer is provided. The method comprises: depositing over the conductive layer with an aspect ratio dependent deposition; etching features into the conductive layer with an aspect ratio dependent etching of the conductive layer; and repeating the depositing and the etching at least once.

Abstract: A method for selectively etching a high-k dielectric layer with respect to a polysilicon material is provided. The high-k dielectric layer is partially removed by Ar sputtering, and then the high-k dielectric layer is etched using an etching gas comprising BCl3. The high-k dielectric layer and the polysilicon material may be formed on a substrate. In order to partially remove the high-k dielectric layer, a sputtering gas containing Ar is provided into an etch chamber in which the substrate is placed, a plasma is generated from the sputtering gas, and then the sputtering gas is stopped. In order to etch the high-k dielectric layer, the etching gas is provided into the etch chamber, a plasma is generated from the etching gas, and then the etching gas is stopped.

Abstract: A method of forming devices is provided. A phase change layer is provided. The phase change layer is etched by providing an etch gas comprising a bromine containing compound and forming a plasma from the etch gas. The phase change layer is of a material that may be heated by a current and then when cooled, either forms an amorphous material or a crystalline material, depending on how fast the material is cooled. In addition, the amorphous material has a resistance at least several times greater than the crystalline material.

Abstract: A method for etching features of different aspect ratios in a conductive layer is provided. The method comprises: depositing over the conductive layer with an aspect ratio dependent deposition; etching features into the conductive layer with an aspect ratio dependent etching of the conductive layer; and repeating the depositing and the etching at least once.

Abstract: The embodiments provides an improved tungsten silicide etching process with reduced etch rate micro-loading effect. In one embodiment, a method for etching a layer formed on a substrate is provided. The method includes providing a substrate into a plasma processing chamber, the substrate having a metal silicide layer formed thereon and a patterned mask defined over the metal silicide layer. The method also includes supplying an etching gas mixture of a fluorine-containing gas, a chlorine-containing gas, a nitrogen-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas to the plasma processing chamber, wherein the ratio of the nitrogen-containing gas to the fluorine-containing gas is between about 5 to about 15.

Abstract: Two methods of extending the lifetime of yttrium oxide as a plasma chamber material are provided. One method comprises making a three-layer component of a plasma processing chamber by co-sintering a dual-layer green body where one layer comprises ceramic particles and a second layer comprises yttria particles. The two layers are in intimate contact during the sintering process. In a preferred embodiment, the three layer component comprises an outer layer of yttria, an intermediate layer of YAG, and a second outer layer of alumina. Optionally, the disks are pressed together during the sintering process. The resulting three-layer component is very low in porosity. Preferably, the porosity of any of the outer layer of yttria, the intermediate layer of YAG, and the second outer layer of alumina, is less than 3%.

Abstract: A method of forming conductive connections for semiconductor devices is provided. An organic low-k dielectric layer is formed over a wafer. A conductive aluminum containing layer is formed over the organic low-k dielectric layer. The wafer is placed in an etch chamber. An etch gas comprising HBr is provided into the etch chamber. A plasma is formed from the etch gas comprising HBr. The plasma from the etch gas comprising HBr is used to selectively etch the conductive aluminum containing layer with respect to the low-k dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for selectively etching a high k layer with respect to a silicon based material is provided. The high k layer is placed into an etch chamber. An etchant gas is provided into the etch chamber, wherein the etchant gas comprises H2. A plasma is generated from the etchant gas to selectively etch the high k layer with respect to a silicon based material.

Abstract: The embodiments provides an improved tungsten silicide etching process with reduced etch rate micro-loading effect. In one embodiment, a method for etching a layer formed on a substrate is provided. The method includes providing a substrate into a plasma processing chamber, the substrate having a metal silicide layer formed thereon and a patterned mask defined over the metal silicide layer. The method also includes supplying an etching gas mixture of a fluorine-containing gas, a chlorine-containing gas, a nitrogen-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas to the plasma processing chamber, wherein the ratio of the nitrogen-containing gas to the fluorine-containing gas is between about 5 to about 15.

Abstract: Methods for wet cleaning quartz surfaces of components for plasma processing chambers in which semiconductor substrates are processed, such as etch chambers and resist stripping chambers, include contacting the quartz surface with at least one organic solvent, a basic solution and different acid solutions, so as to remove organic and metallic contaminants from the quartz surface. The quartz surface is preferably contacted with one of the acid solutions at least two times.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for reducing halogen gasses and byproducts in post-etch applications. The method consists of exposing the substrate to O2/N2 plasma and water vapor in a process chamber.