Abstract: A method of etching or removing an organic hardmask overlying a low dielectric constant film in a lithographic process. The method includes providing a dielectric film having thereover an organic hardmask to be removed, the dielectric film having a dielectric constant no greater than about 4.0, introducing over the organic hardmask an ionizable gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas, and applying energy to the mixture to create a plasma of the mixture. The method further includes contacting the organic hardmask with the plasma, with the organic hardmask being at a temperature in excess of 200° C., to remove the organic hardmask without substantially harming the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A method of etching or removing an amorphous carbon organic hardmask overlying a low dielectric constant film in a lithographic process. The method includes providing a dielectric film having thereover an amorphous carbon organic hardmask to be removed, the dielectric film having a dielectric constant no greater than about 4.0, introducing over the amorphous carbon organic hardmask an ionizable gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas, and applying energy to the mixture to create a plasma of the mixture. The method further includes contacting the amorphous carbon organic hardmask with the plasma, with the amorphous carbon organic hardmask being at a temperature in excess of 200° C., to remove the amorphous carbon organic hardmask without substantially harming the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A method of etching or removing an organic hardmask overlying a low dielectric constant film in a lithographic process. The method includes providing a dielectric film having thereover an organic hardmask to be removed, the dielectric film having a dielectric constant no greater than about 4.0, introducing over the organic hardmask an ionizable gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas, and applying energy to the mixture to create a plasma of the mixture. The method further includes contacting the organic hardmask with the plasma, with the organic hardmask being at a temperature in excess of 200° C., to remove the organic hardmask without substantially harming the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A method of etching or removing an amorphous carbon organic hardmask overlying a low dielectric constant film in a lithographic process. The method includes providing a dielectric film having thereover an amorphous carbon organic hardmask to be removed, the dielectric film having a dielectric constant no greater than about 4.0, introducing over the amorphous carbon organic hardmask an ionizable gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas, and applying energy to the mixture to create a plasma of the mixture. The method further includes contacting the amorphous carbon organic hardmask with the plasma, with the amorphous carbon organic hardmask being at a temperature in excess of 200° C., to remove the amorphous carbon organic hardmask without substantially harming the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A method of etching or removing an amorphous carbon organic hardmask overlying a low dielectric constant film in a lithographic process. The method includes providing a dielectric film having thereover an amorphous carbon organic hardmask to be removed, the dielectric film having a dielectric constant no greater than about 4.0, introducing over the amorphous carbon organic hardmask an ionizable gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas, and applying energy to the mixture to create a plasma of the mixture. The method further includes contacting the amorphous carbon organic hardmask with the plasma, with the amorphous carbon organic hardmask being at a temperature in excess of 200° C., to remove the amorphous carbon organic hardmask without substantially harming the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A method of etching or removing an amorphous carbon organic hardmask overlying a low dielectric constant film in a lithographic process. The method includes providing a dielectric film having thereover an amorphous carbon organic hardmask to be removed, the dielectric film having a dielectric constant no greater than about 4.0, introducing over the amorphous carbon organic hardmask an ionizable gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas, and applying energy to the mixture to create a plasma of the mixture. The method further includes contacting the amorphous carbon organic hardmask with the plasma, with the amorphous carbon organic hardmask being at a temperature in excess of 200° C., to remove the amorphous carbon organic hardmask without substantially harming the underlying substrate.

Abstract: A method of etching or removing an amorphous carbon organic hardmask overlying a low dielectric constant film in a lithographic process. The method includes providing a dielectric film having thereover an amorphous carbon organic hardmask to be removed, the dielectric film having a dielectric constant no greater than about 4.0, introducing over the amorphous carbon organic hardmask an ionizable gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas, and applying energy to the mixture to create a plasma of the mixture. The method further includes contacting the amorphous carbon organic hardmask with the plasma, with the amorphous carbon organic hardmask being at a temperature in excess of 200° C., to remove the amorphous carbon organic hardmask without substantially harming the underlying substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for removing etch byproducts inside a contact hole while minimizing lateral etching of the contact hole. After an etching process, a wafer having a contact hole is placed inside a plasma reaction chamber. The contact hole contains etch byproducts that may degrade the quality of electrical connections. A radio frequency (RF) source creates a RF field inside the reaction chamber. A gas mixture containing chemicals that are reactive with the etch byproducts is introduced into the reaction chamber. The gas mixture becomes ionized by the RF field and reacts with the etch byproducts in the contact hole, removing the etch byproducts. The gas mixture may include approximately 10-60 vol. % hydrogen gas, a gas that reacts with the etch byproducts (e.g., NF3), and nitrogen. The hydrogen gas at least significantly reduces lateral etching of the contact hole by the reactive gas.