Patent ID: 8940642
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of patterning a low-k dielectric film, the method comprising: forming and patterning a first mask layer above a low-k dielectric layer, the low-k dielectric layer disposed above a substrate; forming and patterning a second mask layer above the first patterned mask layer; transferring a pattern of the second patterned mask layer at least partially into the low-k dielectric layer by first exposing and then modifying first portions of the low-k dielectric layer with a first plasma process, and then removing the modified portions of the low-k dielectric layer with a third plasma process having a plasma chemistry different from the first plasma process; and subsequently, transferring a pattern of the first patterned mask layer at least partially into the low-k dielectric layer by first exposing and then modifying second portions of the low-k dielectric layer with a second plasma process, and then removing the modified portions of the low-k dielectric layer with a fourth plasma process having a plasma chemistry different from the second plasma process.