Patent ID: 6027861
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method for forming an opening in an insulative layer on a semiconductor wafer using DUV photolithograghy comprising:(a) providing a substrate having an insulative layer in which said opening is to be formed;(b) depositing a layer of hardmask material over said insulative layer;(c) depositing a between about 0.1 and 0.8 micron thick photoresist layer whereby the thickness of said photoresist layer is less than or about equal to the depth of focus of said DUV photolithography;(d) patterning said photoresist by means of a DUV stepper, thereby defining an opening;(e) etching said hardmask material, thereby forming a hardmask; and(f) etching said insulative layer with an etchant containing fluorocarbons and O.sub.2, thereby forming said opening.