Patent ID: 6835663
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: C23C,H01L

Abstract:
A process of using an a-C:H layer as a hardmask material in a RIE process when making a semiconductor device, comprising:providing a semiconductor substrate; adjusting the parameters of plasma enhancement used to deposit a layer of amorphous carbon-hydrogen (a-C:H) layer to obtain a selected etch resistance of said layer; depositing a mask layer of amorphous carbon-hydrogen (a-C:H) over said semiconductor substrate using said adjusted parameter of plasma enhancement, said mask layer having a top surface; forming an opening in the mask layer to form exposed sidewalls in said mask layer and an exposed surface portion of the semiconductor substrate; etching material from said amorphous carbon-hydrogen (a-C:H) mask layer and the exposed surface portion of the semiconductor substrate without the addition of a layer forming gas using RIE to from a trench feature defining sidewalls; and re-depositing a portion of the material etched from said mask layer to selectively passivate said sidewalls of said trench.