Abstract: A method for etching a wafer having a pattern of photoresist material thereon is disclosed. The method includes curing the photoresist material with a bromine containing plasma. Then a main etch of the wafer is carried out. A method for curing a pattern of photoresist material on a wafer is also disclosed. The curing method includes providing a bromine containing plasma and exposing the photoresist material to the plasma, such that a layer of the wafer below the photoresist material is not etched through. A composition of a plasma for curing a photoresist material on a wafer in a high density plasma processing device includes bromine.

Abstract: A method for etching a stack with at least one silicon germanium layer over a substrate in a processing chamber is provided. A silicon germanium etch is provided. An etchant gas is provided into the processing chamber, wherein the etchant gas comprises HBr, an inert diluent, and at least one of O2 and N2. The substrate is cooled to a temperature below 40° C. The etching gas is transformed to a plasma to etch the silicon germanium layer.