Patent ID: 6254398
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
A method of performing a dry etching procedure, comprising a particle detection cycle, to define a pattern in a conductive layer on a semiconductor wafer, using photoresist as a mask, comprising the steps of:providing a dry etching chamber comprised with an electrostatic chuck, (ESC), with openings in a portion of the top surface of said ESC, and with said openings connected to a helium sourceplacing said semiconductor wafer, comprised with a photoresist pattern on an underlying conductive layer, on said portion of the top surface of said ESC;performing a non-etching, first cycle of said dry etching procedure, at a first set of dry etching conditions, which initiates the flow of helium gas from said helium source, to said openings in said portion of the top surface of said ESC;monitoring of said helium gas in said dry etching chamber, for said particle detection; andrecording of an absence of helium gas in said dry etching system during said non-etching, first cycle of said dry etching procedure, perform an in situ, second cycle of said dry etching procedure, at a second set of conditions, resulting in definition of said pattern in said conductive layer.