Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave plasma processing method and apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a microwave plasma processing method and apparatus of the type wherein a waveguide section includes electric discharge means isolated from a waveguide for the propagation of microwaves and having a plasma generation region therein, which method and apparatus are well suited for subjecting samples, such as semiconductor device substrates, to an etching process, a film forming process, etc.According to the present invention, the microwaves are introduced into the electric discharge means in correspondence with only the traveling direction thereof, whereby uniformity in a plasma density distribution corresponding to the surface to-be-processed of the sample can be sharply enhanced, so that the sample processed by utilizing such plasma can attain an enhanced processing homogeneity within the surface to-be-processed.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus has a waveguide along which microwaves are propagated from a microwave generator to a plasma-forming region in a low-pressure processing chamber. The waveguide has a large cross-sectional area, to enable a large region of plasma to be achieved. Uniformity and stability of the plasma are improved by a mode restrictor which inhibits mixing of propagation modes which is otherwise liable to occur in a wide waveguide. The mode restrictor consists of electrically-conductive dividers which divide the waveguide cross-section into an array of sub-guides before the plasma-forming region.

Abstract: A microwave plasma processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber which is evacuated to a predetermined pressure and into which processing gas is introduced, a sample table, disposed in the vacuum chamber, to which an AC voltage is applied, a microwave generating device for generating microwaves and introducing the microwaves towards a surface to be processed of a sample located on the sample table, a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field in the vacuum chamber, an insulator disposed on a part of the vacuum chamber exposed to a plasma produced in the vacuum chamber by interaction of the processing gas, the microwaves, and the magnetic field, and a ground electrode disposed in the vacuum chamber at a place which is on a microwave introduction side of the vacuum chamber with respect to the surface of the sample table on which the sample is placed, a surface of the ground electrode being covered by a semiconducting thin film.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a semiconductor integrated circuit device fabricating process for forming MISFETs over the principal surface in those active regions of a substrate, which are surrounded by inactive regions formed of an element separating insulating film and channel stopper regions, comprising: the step of for forming a first mask by a non-oxidizable mask and an etching mask sequentially over the principal surface of the active regions of the substrate; the step of forming a second mask on and in self-alignment with the side walls of the first mask by a non-oxidizable mask thinner than the non-oxidizable mask of the first mask and an etching mask respectively; the step of etching the principal surface of the inactive regions of the substrate by using the first mask and the second mask; the step of forming the element separating insulating film over the principal surface of the inactive regions of the substrate by an oxidization using the first mask and the second mask; and the step of forming the channel s

Abstract: A microwave plasma processing device is composed of a vacuum chamber which is evacuated to a predetermined pressure and into which processing gas is introduced; a sample table disposed in the vacuum chamber to which an AC voltage is applied; a microwave generating apparatus which generates microwaves and introduces the microwaves towards a surface to be processed of a sample located on the sample table; a magnetic field generating apparatus for generating a magnetic field in the vacuum chamber; an insulator disposed on a part exposed to plasma produced in the vacuum chamber; and a ground electrode disposed at a place which is on a microwave introduction side with respect to the surface of the sample table on which the sample is placed. The ground electrode arranged in an insulator exposed to the plasma is protected by covering the surface of the ground electrode by an insulating film which is so thin that application of an AC voltage is not prevented.

Abstract: In a microwave plasma generating method and apparatus according to the present invention, a slow wave structure is disposed in the propagation region of microwaves, and the microwaves are introduced at a delayed phase velocity into a discharge chamber so that treating gases are transformed into plasma. Thus, the phase velocity of the microwaves is adjusted to a relatively low velocity, at which charged particles are distributed most densely in the plasma, so that the energy may be efficiently transformed to many more charged particles in the plasma. Thus, the plasma of high density is generated to improve a plasma treating rate.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a semiconductor integrated circuit device fabricating process for forming MISFETs over the principal surface in those active regions of a substrate, which are surrounded by inactive regions formed of an element separating insulating film and channel stopper regions, comprising: the step of for forming a first mask by a non-oxidizable mask and an etching mask sequentially over the principal surface of the active regions of the substrate; the step of forming a second mask on and in self-alignment with the side walls of the first mask by a non-oxidizable mask thinner than the non-oxidizable mask of the first mask and an etching mask respectively; the step of etching the principal surface of the inactive regions of the substrate by using the first mask and the second mask; the step of forming the element separating insulating film over the principal surface of the inactive regions of the substrate by an oxidization using the first mask and the second mask; and the step of forming the channel s

Abstract: A method of processing a sample comprises etching the sample by means of an etching plasma, and then treating the sample by means of a second plasma to remove residual corrosive compounds formed by the etching plasma. Removal of the residual corrosive compounds and prevention of corrosion is much improved by contacting the surface of the sample after the second plasma treatment with at least one liquid in order to effect at least one of (a) removal of the residual corrosive compounds and (b) passivation of the surface, and drying the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma treating method and apparatus therefor, the plasma treating method comprising the steps of supplying a liquid refrigerant whose temperature is not higher than 0.degree. C. into a specimen table having a specimen place surface, cooling a specimen placed on the specimen place surface, treating the cooled specimen utilizing a gas plasma, and recovering the liquid refrigerant, in its liquid state, retained in the specimen table from the specimen table. The plasma treating apparatus comprised means for producing a gas plasma, a specimen table on which is placed a specimen to be treated utilizing the gas plasma and interiorly formed with a space for retaining a liquid refrigerant whose temperature is not higher than 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A sample is plasma etched and then treated with a second plasma to remove residual corrosive compounds formed by the etching plasma. Removal of the residual corrosive compounds and prevention of corrosion is improved by washing the surface of the sample after the second plasma treatment with at least one liquid in order to effect at least one of (a) removal of the residual corrosive compounds and (b) passivation of the surface, the step of washing is followed by drying the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for detecting an end point of plasma treatment of a specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma treating method and apparatus therefor. The plasma treating method comprises the steps of forming a treating gas into a plasma under reduced pressure, utilizing the plasma to treat a specimen cooled to a low temperature less than 0.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma treating method and apparatus therefor. The plasma treating method comprises rendering a gas having a critical potential plasmic under a reduced pressure and changing an acceleration voltage for accelerating ions in the plasma towards a sample interposing the critical potential. The plasma treating apparatus comprises means for rendering a gas having a critical potential plasmic under a reduced pressure and means for changing an acceleration voltage for accelerating ions in the plasma towards a sample interposing the critical potential. According to the present invention, the etching step and the film formation step can be carried out alternately and the plasma treating time can be shortened.