Patent ID: 6297167
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An in-situ method for forming openings in a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of layers, the method comprising:using a single etching tool to etch through selected portions of a first underlying layer of a semiconductor wafer, wherein the selected portions of the first underlying layer are defined by etch windows formed by a mask resist layer on the first underlying layer;using the etching tool to substantially etch away polymer deposits produced during the etch of the selected portions of the first underlying layer and the mask resist layer of the semiconductor wafer, wherein biasing power is applied during the etching away of the mask layer and the biasing power is turned off before the etching away of the mask layer has been completed; and,using the etching tool to etch through selected portions of a second underlying stop layer that is below the first underlying layer, wherein the selected portions of the second underlying stop layer are defined by etched openings in the first underlying layer corresponding to the etch windows.