Patent ID: 8329585
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing line width roughness (LWR) of a feature in an etch layer below a patterned photoresist mask formed of a photoresist material and having mask features, the method comprising: non-etching plasma pre-etch treatment of the photoresist mask, comprising: stopping the treatment gas; and etching a feature in the etch layer through the pre-treated photoresist mask using an etching gas: wherein the non-etching plasma pre-etch treatment does not open or substantially etch the etch layer below the patterned photoresist mask through the patterned photoresist mask, and wherein the etching the feature in the etch layer through the pre-treated photoresist mask reduces the LWR compared with etching of a feature in the etch layer through the patterned photoresist mask without performing the non-etching plasma pre-etch treatment of the photoresist mask.