Patent ID: 6746615
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: C03C,H01L

Abstract:
A method of selectively etching an in-process microelectronics device comprising the steps of:providing an in-process microelectronics device comprising a first oxide and a second oxide; applying liquid water at a predetermined temperature to the surface of the in-process microelectronics device; removing a portion of the liquid water from the surface of the in-process microelectronics device, at least a portion of the liquid water remaining on the in-process microelectronics device; and selectively etching at least a portion of the surface of the in-process microelectronics device by applying anhydrous HF gas and optionally water vapor to the surface of the in-process microelectronics device, wherein the temperature of the liquid water is predetermined to facilitate selectively etching one of the oxides relative to the other oxide during the selectively etching step.