Abstract: A semiconductor processing method may include providing a fluorine-containing precursor to a processing region of a semiconductor processing chamber. A substrate may be disposed within the processing region. The substrate may include an exposed region of silicon-and-oxygen-containing material. The substrate may include an exposed region of a liner material. The methods may include providing a hydrogen-containing precursor to the semiconductor processing region. The methods may include contacting the substrate with the fluorine-containing precursor and the hydrogen-containing precursor. The methods may include selectively removing at least a portion of the exposed silicon-and-oxygen-containing material.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems of semiconductor processing may include etching a portion of a silicon-containing material from a substrate disposed within a processing region of a semiconductor processing chamber. Methods may include forming a low quality oxide within one or more of the recesses, where the low quality oxide and a silicon-containing material each contain an exposed surface. Methods include contacting the low quality oxide and the high quality semiconductor material with a passivating agent selective to a surface defect of the low quality oxide. Methods include contacting the substrate with an etching agent and/or a cleaning agent, where the contacting with the cleaning agent removes the high quality semiconductor material at an equal or faster rate than the low quality oxide.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing method may include providing a fluorine-containing precursor to a processing region of a semiconductor processing chamber. A substrate may be disposed within the processing region. The substrate may include an exposed region of silicon-and-oxygen-containing material. The substrate may include an exposed region of a liner material. The methods may include providing a hydrogen-containing precursor to the semiconductor processing region. The methods may include contacting the substrate with the fluorine-containing precursor and the hydrogen-containing precursor. The methods may include selectively removing at least a portion of the exposed silicon-and-oxygen-containing material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling wafer uniformity in plasma-based process is disclosed. In one example, a device for plasma-based processes is disclosed. The device includes: a housing defining a process chamber and a gas distribution plate (GDP) arranged in the process chamber. The housing comprises: a gas inlet configured to receive a process gas, and a gas outlet configured to expel processed gas. The GDP is configured to distribute the process gas within the process chamber. The GDP has a plurality of holes evenly distributed thereon. The GDP comprises a first zone and a second zone. The first zone is closer to the gas outlet than the second zone. At least one hole in the first zone is closed.

Abstract: A novel method for eliminating or reducing the accumulation of electrostatic charges on semiconductor wafers during spin-rinse-drying of the wafers is disclosed. The method includes rinsing a wafer; applying an ionic solution to the wafer; and spin-drying the wafer. During the spin-drying step, the ionic solution neutralizes electrostatic charges on the wafer as the wafer is rotated. This reduces the formation of defects in devices fabricated on the wafer, as well as prevents or reduces electrostatic interference with processing equipment during photolithographic and other fabrication processes.