Patent ID: 6309972
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:forming at least one diffused region in a semiconductor substrate;depositing at least one dielectric layer and at least one conductive layer stacked on the at least one diffused region;patterning by masking and etching the at least one dielectric layer and the at least one conductive layer, at least one of the depositing and etching steps being carried out in a plasma by placing the semiconductor substrate on a wafer support defining an electrode that is biased in gases ionized at a sub-atmospheric pressure with respect to another electrode;forming protective junctions in the semiconductor substrate functionally connected to conductive portions of the at least one conductive layer exposed to the plasma for providing electrical discharge paths for electrical charges picked up by the exposed conductive portions to limit a level of induced voltages to preserve the integrity of the at least one dielectric layer coupled; andilluminating a surface of the semiconductor substrate during the at least one plasma step with electromagnetic radiation to enhance a reverse current through the protective junctions.