Patent ID: 7879730
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: C23F,H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for etch selectivity enhancement during electron beam activated chemical etch (EBACE), comprising: exposing a target or portion thereof to a gas composition, wherein the gas composition is of a type that etches the target when the gas composition and/or target are exposed to an electron beam; directing an electron beam toward the target in the vicinity of the gas composition, whereby an interaction between the electron beam and the gas composition etches a portion of the target exposed to both the gas composition and the electron beam; and enhancing a selectivity of etching of the target due to interaction between the electron beam and gas composition wherein the target includes a first region containing a first material and a second region containing a second material, wherein enhancing the selectivity of etching of the target includes converting the first material into the second material, whereby the first and second regions etch at substantially the same rate.