Patent ID: 6461971
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: G03F,H01L

Abstract:
A method of removing photoresist over an Al or Al alloy structure, comprising the steps of:providing an Al or Al alloy structure over a substrate; forming a patterned photoresist layer over the Al or Al alloy structure; etching the Al or Al alloy structure with a chlorine based plasma using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask; treating the patterned photoresist layer, Al or Al alloy structure, and the substrate in-situ with organic solvent vapors in the absence of plasma excitation at a first temperature and pressure; whereby molecules of the organic solvent vapors are adsorbed at least on the surface of the Al or Al alloy structure and link with any AlCl3 formed during the etching of the Al or Al alloy structure; and then removing said treated patterned photoresist layer with a plasma activated oxygen flow at a second temperature and pressure whereby the linkage of the formed AlCl3 with the organic solvent vapors molecules on the surface of the Al or Al alloy structure facilitates removal of the formed AlCl3.