Abstract: A method includes etching a first oxide layer in a wafer. The etching is performed in an etcher having a top plate overlapping the wafer, and the top plate is formed of a non-oxygen-containing material. The method further includes etching a nitride layer underlying the first oxide layer in the etcher until a top surface of a second oxide layer underlying the nitride layer is exposed. The wafer is then removed from the etcher, with the top surface of the second oxide layer exposed when the wafer is removed.

Abstract: A method includes etching a first oxide layer in a wafer. The etching is performed in an etcher having a top plate overlapping the wafer, and the top plate is formed of a non-oxygen-containing material. The method further includes etching a nitride layer underlying the first oxide layer in the etcher until a top surface of a second oxide layer underlying the nitride layer is exposed. The wafer is then removed from the etcher, with the top surface of the second oxide layer exposed when the wafer is removed.

Abstract: A method includes etching a first oxide layer in a wafer. The etching is performed in an etcher having a top plate overlapping the wafer, and the top plate is formed of a non-oxygen-containing material. The method further includes etching a nitride layer underlying the first oxide layer in the etcher until a top surface of a second oxide layer underlying the nitride layer is exposed. The wafer is then removed from the etcher, with the top surface of the second oxide layer exposed when the wafer is removed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate having a base and a fin structure over the base. The fin structure has sidewalls. The semiconductor device structure includes a passivation layer over the sidewalls. The passivation layer includes dopants. The dopants include at least one element selected from group 4A elements, and the dopants and the substrate are made of different materials. The semiconductor device structure includes an isolation layer over the base and surrounding the fin structure and the passivation layer. A first upper portion of the fin structure and a second upper portion of the passivation layer protrude from the isolation layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a gate electrode over the first upper portion of the fin structure and the second upper portion of the passivation layer.

Abstract: A method includes etching a first oxide layer in a wafer. The etching is performed in an etcher having a top plate overlapping the wafer, and the top plate is formed of a non-oxygen-containing material. The method further includes etching a nitride layer underlying the first oxide layer in the etcher until a top surface of a second oxide layer underlying the nitride layer is exposed. The wafer is then removed from the etcher, with the top surface of the second oxide layer exposed when the wafer is removed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a substrate having a base and a fin structure over the base. The fin structure has sidewalls. The semiconductor device structure includes a passivation layer over the sidewalls. The passivation layer includes dopants. The dopants include at least one element selected from group 4A elements, and the dopants and the substrate are made of different materials. The semiconductor device structure includes an isolation layer over the base and surrounding the fin structure and the passivation layer. A first upper portion of the fin structure and a second upper portion of the passivation layer protrude from the isolation layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a gate electrode over the first upper portion of the fin structure and the second upper portion of the passivation layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing etchant condensation on a wafer surface positioned in a wafer cool-down chamber after plasma etching. The apparatus of the process chamber includes a chamber enclosure of elongated shape with an aperture in a top plate, a heating means mounted on the top plate for heating a wafer through the aperture positioned in the cavity; and an exhaust means in fluid communication with an exhaust opening provided at a back end of the chamber enclosure for evacuating gaseous content in the cavity during and after the heating of the wafer, and for cooling the wafer after the radiant heater is turned off.