Patent ID: 7637269
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for removing a mask layer from a substrate, comprising: disposing said substrate in a plasma processing system, said substrate having: a dielectric layer formed thereon, and a mask layer overlying said dielectric layer, wherein said mask layer comprises a pattern formed therein, said dielectric layer comprises a feature formed therein as a result of an etching process used to transfer said pattern in said mask layer to said dielectric layer, and said feature comprises a sidewall with a first roughness resulting from said etching process; introducing a process gas comprising CO forming a plasma from said process gas; removing said mask layer from said substrate by exposing said substrate to said plasma; and producing a second roughness on the sidewall, wherein the second roughness is less than said first roughness by selecting a flow rate of said CO which is less than a flow rate of said CO