Patent ID: 7087498
Filing Date: 2006-08-08
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting an end point of a silicon etch process performed in an etch chamber, comprising: providing a silicon substrate; forming a stack of one or more material layers over the silicon substrate, wherein an upper layer of the stack comprises an anti-reflective coating layer; etching a region of the anti-reflective coating layer to form an opening in the region; etching the silicon substrate by action of an etchant according to the opening in the anti-reflective coating layer to form a structure in the silicon substrate; wherein during the step of etching the silicon substrate the anti-reflective coating layer is exposed to the etching causing etching of the anti-reflective coating layer; and monitoring an etch chamber environment to determine when the anti-reflective coating layer has been substantially removed by the etchant, wherein the end point is responsive to the monitoring step.