Patent ID: 7163017
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method used to etch a conductive layer to result in a selected profile of the conductive layer, comprising: providing a semiconductor wafer substrate assembly comprising a semiconductor wafer; forming a conductive layer over the semiconductor wafer; etching through the conductive layer to expose the semiconductor wafer substrate assembly on first and second sides of the conductive layer and to form first and second vertically-oriented cross-sectional sidewalls, each sidewall comprising a lower portion and an upper portion continuous with the lower portion, with the upper portion being further away from the wafer than the lower portion; selecting a post-etch profile from first and second post-etch profiles, wherein: etching the conductive layer using an etch comprising a flow rate of between about 9 sccm and about 12 sccm He—O wherein the He—O wherein the He—O