Patent ID: 6380096
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
An integrated etch process performed upon a substrate having formed sequentially in an upward direction (a) a feature in said substrate to be contacted, (b) a first stop layer, (c) a first dielectric layer, and (d) a patterned mask, said process comprising the steps of:a first plasma etching step utilizing a first etching gas mixture comprising a first fluorocarbon etching gas and a carrier gas and operating with a first plasma source power and a first plasma bias power, wherein said first etching step etches through said first dielectric layer and stops on said first stop layer; and a first plasma treatment utilizing a first oxygen-containing gas and operating with a second plasma source power value and a second plasma bias power value that is effectively zero, said first plasma treatment removing polymeric residues produced by said first fluorocarbon etching gas; a second plasma etching step utilizing a second etching gas mixture comprising a second fluorocarbon etching gas and an oxygen-containing gas and operating with a third plasma source power value and a third plasma bias power value less than said first plasma bias power value, said second plasma etching step removing an exposed portion of said first stop layer; and a second plasma treatment utilizing a second oxygen-containing gas and operating with a fourth plasma source power value and a fourth plasma bias power value that is effectively zero, said second plasma treatment removing polymeric residues produced by said second fluorocarbon etching gas.