PLASMA EDGE RING, PLASMA ETCHING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME, AND PLASMA ETCHING METHOD USING THE SAME

Disclosed are plasma edge rings, plasma etching apparatuses, and plasma etching methods. The plasma etching apparatus comprises a plasma electrode, a plasma edge ring on the plasma electrode, and a guide electrode outside an etching target on the plasma electrode. The plasma edge ring provides a placement hole that vertically penetrates a center of the plasma edge ring, and a recess on a portion of an inner lateral surface that defines the placement hole. The recess is outwardly recessed from the inner lateral surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0154720 filed on Nov. 11, 2021 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present inventive concepts relate to plasma edge rings, plasma etching apparatuses including the same, and plasma etching methods using the same, and more particularly, to plasma edge rings configured to control a mask backside etching, plasma etching apparatuses including the same, and plasma etching methods using the same.

A semiconductor device may be fabricated through various processes. For example, the semiconductor device may be manufactured by photolithography process, an etching process, and a deposition process performed on a silicon wafer. A mask may be used to form patterns in a photolithography process for fabricating a semiconductor device. The mask may be manufactured in various methods. For example, an etching process may be used to manufacture the mask.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts provide a plasma edge ring configured to reduce a mask backside etching, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and/or a plasma etching method using the same.

Some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts provide a plasma edge ring configured to control an ion flow, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and/or a plasma etching method using the same.

Some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts provide a plasma edge ring configured to increase a manufacturing yield, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and/or a plasma etching method using the same.

The object of the present inventive concepts is not limited to the mentioned above, and other objects which have not been mentioned above will be clearly understood to those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a plasma etching apparatus may comprise: a plasma electrode; a plasma edge ring on the plasma electrode; and a guide electrode outside an etching target on the plasma electrode. The plasma edge ring may include an inner sidewall surface that may include a first surface portion that at least partially defines a placement hole that vertically penetrates a center of the plasma edge ring, and a second surface portion that at least partially defines a recess on a portion of an inner lateral surface that is recessed away from the center of the plasma edge ring in relation to the first surface portion of the inner sidewall surface, for example such that the recess is further away from the center of the plasma edge ring than at least a portion of the first surface portion that is adjacent to the second surface portion.

According to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a plasma etching apparatus may comprise: a plasma electrode; a support member on a top surface of the plasma electrode; a plasma edge ring that surrounds the support member; a guide electrode; a plasma voltage supply that is configured to apply a first voltage to the plasma electrode; and a guide voltage supply that is configured to apply a second voltage to the guide electrode. The guide electrode may be outside the support member.

According to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a plasma etching ring may comprise a plate body having a central axis that extends vertically. The plate body may include an inner sidewall surface including a first surface portion that at least partially defines a placement hole that vertically penetrates the central axis of the plate body; and a second surface portion that at least partially defines a recess that is recessed away from the center of the plasma edge ring in relation to the first surface portion of the inner sidewall surface, for example such that the recess is further away from the center of the plate body than at least a portion of the first surface portion that is adjacent to the second surface portion and is recessed into an interior of the plate body. A recess top surface may be beneath a top surface of the plate body. The second surface portion may include a recess top surface that may define a portion of the recess.

According to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a plasma etching method may comprise: placing an etching target into a plasma etching apparatus; supplying the plasma etching apparatus with a process gas; applying a first voltage to a guide electrode; and applying a second voltage to a plasma electrode. The step of placing the etching target into the plasma etching apparatus may include inserting the etching target into a placement hole at least partially defined by an inner sidewall surface a plasma edge ring to dispose the etching target on the plasma electrode. The guide electrode may be outside the etching target.

Details of some example embodiments are included in the description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following will now describe some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may indicate like components throughout the description.

Elements and/or properties thereof (e.g., structures, surfaces, directions, or the like) that are “substantially perpendicular” with regard to other elements and/or properties thereof will be understood to be “perpendicular” with regard to the other elements and/or properties thereof within manufacturing tolerances and/or material tolerances and/or have a deviation in magnitude and/or angle from “perpendicular,” or the like with regard to the other elements and/or properties thereof that is equal to or less than 10% (e.g., a. tolerance of ±10%).

Elements and/or properties thereof (e.g., structures, surfaces, directions, or the like) that are “substantially parallel” with regard to other elements and/or properties thereof will be understood to be “parallel” with regard to the other elements and/or properties thereof within manufacturing tolerances and/or material tolerances and/or have a deviation in magnitude and/or angle from “parallel,” or the like with regard to the other elements and/or properties thereof that is equal to or less than 10% (e.g., a. tolerance of ±10%).

Elements and/or properties thereof (e.g., structures, surfaces, directions, or the like) that are “substantially coplanar” with regard to other elements and/or properties thereof will be understood to be “coplanar” with regard to the other elements and/or properties thereof within manufacturing tolerances and/or material tolerances and/or have a deviation in magnitude and/or angle from “coplanar,” or the like with regard to the other elements and/or properties thereof that is equal to or less than 10% (e.g., a. tolerance of ±10%).

While the term “same,” “equal” or “identical” may be used in description of some example embodiments, it should be understood that some imprecisions may exist. Thus, when one element is referred to as being the same as another element, it should be understood that an element or a value is the same as another element within a desired manufacturing or operational tolerance range (e.g., ±10%).

As described herein, when an operation is described to be performed “by” performing additional operations, it will be understood that the operation may be performed “based on” the additional operations, which may include performing said additional operations alone or in combination with other further additional operations.

FIG.1Aillustrates a cross-sectional view showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

In this description, symbol D1may indicate a first direction, symbol D2may indicate a second direction that intersects the first direction D1, and symbol D3may indicate a third direction that intersects each of the first and second directions D1and D2. The first direction D1may be called an upward direction, and a direction reverse to the first direction D1may be called a downward direction. In addition, the first direction D1may be called a vertical direction, and each of the second and third directions D2and D3may be called a horizontal direction.

Referring toFIG.1A, a plasma etching apparatus A may be provided. The plasma etching apparatus A may be configured such that plasma is used to etch an etching target. The plasma etching apparatus A may etch various etching targets. For example, the plasma etching apparatus A may etch a wafer or a mask. The plasma etching apparatus A may etch one surface of a wafer or a mask to form a pattern on the wafer or the mask. The mask may mean a photomask. For example, the mask may include an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photomask used from an EUV photolithography process that use an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. The present inventive concepts, however, are not limited thereto, and the mask may mean a mask used for different processes other than the EUV photolithography process.

The plasma etching apparatus A may use various modes to generate the plasma to etch the etching target. For example, the plasma etching apparatus A may generate the plasma by using a capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) mode, an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mode, or a magnetically enhanced reactive ion etching (MERIE) mode. The following description will focus on the plasma etching apparatus A based on the ICP mode for the purpose of convenience of explanation.

The plasma etching apparatus A may include a chamber housing CH, a stage ST, a plasma voltage supply VS1, a guide voltage supply VS2, a gas supply GS, a pin driver PM, an upper electrode UC, an upper layer UL, and an upper voltage supply UVS.

The chamber housing CH may provide an internal space Cih. The stage ST may be positioned in the internal space Cih. The etching target may be etched with the plasma in a state that the etch-target is disposed on the stage ST in the internal space Cih. The chamber housing CH may provide a gas inlet GI and an etching-target inlet MI. The gas inlet GI may be connected to the gas supply GS. A process gas provided from the gas supply GS may be introduced through the gas inlet GI into the internal space Cih. The gas introduced into the internal space Cih may be converted into the plasma. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below. The gas inlet GI may be provided in plural. A plurality of gas inlets GI may be disposed spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction. The present inventive concepts, are not, limited thereto, and differently from that shown, the gas inlet GI may be shaped like a shower head. Depending on whether the etching-target inlet MI is opened or not, the internal space Cih may be connected to outside. The etching target may be introduced through the etching-target inlet MI into the internal space Cih. For example, a robot arm (not shown) may cause the etching target, such as wafer or mask, to lie on the stage ST after passing through the etching-target inlet MI.

The stage ST may be disposed in the chamber housing CH. The stage ST may support the etching target. For example, a wafer or a mask may be etched while being loaded on the stage ST. The stage ST may include a lower supporter9, a plasma electrode5, a lift pin7, a guide electrode3, and a plasma edge ring ER.

The lower supporter9may support the plasma electrode5. Various components may be positioned within the lower supporter9. For example, the lower supporter9may be provided therein with a voltage delivery member, a lift pin driving member, a heating member, a thermal transfer gas supply path, and the like.

The plasma electrode5may generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field to create the plasma from a process gas introduced into the internal space Cih. Alternatively, the plasma electrode5may generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field to control behavior of the plasma. The plasma electrode5may include a conductive material. For example, the plasma electrode5may include a metallic material. The plasma electrode5may be connected to the plasma voltage supply VS1. The plasma electrode5may include a plateau51and an electrode body53. The plateau51may be positioned on the electrode body53. A length in a horizontal direction of the plateau51may be less than that of the electrode body53. The etching target may be disposed on the plateau51. The electrode body53may be positioned beneath the plateau51. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below.

The lift pin7may raise and lower the etching target. For example, the lift pin7may unload a wafer or a mask from a robot arm, and may load the wafer or the mask on the stage ST. Alternatively, the lift pin7may raise a wafer or a mask disposed on the stage ST, and may move the wafer or the mask onto a robot arm. The lift pin7may vertically extend. In addition, the lift pin7may move up and down. For example, the lift pin7may be connected to the pin driver PM, and the pin driver PM may drive the lift pin7to ascend and descend. The lift pin7may penetrate the plasma electrode5and optionally a portion of the plasma edge ring ER. The lift pin7may be provided in plural. For example, three lift pins7may be provided. For convenience, the following will describe a single lift pin7.

The guide electrode3may partially control behavior of the plasma. For example, the guide electrode3may generate an electric field or a magnetic field to guide a flow of ion particles. The guide electrode3may include a conductive material. For example, the guide electrode3may include a metallic material similar to that of the plasma electrode5. The guide electrode3may be positioned outside the etching target disposed on the plasma electrode5. For example, the guide electrode3may be positioned outside the plateau51. For more detail, the guide electrode3may be positioned outside a support member (see2ofFIG.1B) which will be discussed below. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below.

The plasma edge ring ER may surround the etching target disposed on the plasma electrode5. The plasma edge ring ER may partially control a plasma distribution on the etching target. For example, the plasma edge ring ER may cause the plasma formed in the internal space Cih to concentrate on a top surface of the etching target. The plasma edge ring ER may be disposed on the plasma electrode5. For example, the plasma edge ring ER may be disposed on the electrode body53. When viewed in plan, the plasma edge ring ER may surround the plateau51. The plasma edge ring ER may include a plate body1. The plate body1may include one or more of alumina (Al2O3), yttria (Y2O3), and silicon (Si), but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The plate body1may provide a placement hole1hand a recess1r. The placement hole1hmay vertically penetrate a center of the plate body1(e.g., represented by center C inFIG.1A, which may also represent the center of the plasma edge ring ER, where center C is represented as a central axis which may represent a central axis of the plate body and/or of the plasma edge ring ER). For example, the placement hole1hmay extend in the first direction D1and may penetrate the plate body1. The plate body1, and thus the plasma edge ring ER, may have an inner sidewall surface1ssthat at least partially defines the placement hole1h, and a portion of the inner sidewall surface1ssmay be outwardly recessed to form the recess1r. For example, the recess1rmay be a space that extends outwardly (e.g., away from the center of the plasma edge ring ER in the D2and/or D3direction) from the placement hole1h. For example, the inner sidewall surface1ssmay include a first surface portion1s1(e.g., including inner lateral surface is which may be considered to be a portion of inner sidewall surface1ss) that at least partially defines the placement hole1h, and a second surface portion1s2(e.g., including a recess top surface1ru, a recess lateral surface1rs, and a recess bottom surface1rbthat at least partially define the recess1r) that at least partially defines a recess1rthat is outwardly recessed from the first surface portion1s1of the inner sidewall surface1ss(e.g., outwardly recessed from inner lateral surface1s). As shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the second surface portion1s2at least partially defines the recess1rso that the recess1ris outwardly recessed away from the center C of the plasma edge ring ER and/or of the plate body1(e.g., outwardly recessed radially and/or recessed away from the center C), so that the recess1rand/or the second surface portion1s2is further away from the center C of the plasma edge ring ER and/or of the plate body1(e.g., in the D2direction and/or in the D3direction) than a smallest distance (e.g., in the D2and/or D3direction) of the first surface portion1s1from the center C of the plasma edge ring ER and/or of the plate body1. Accordingly, the recess1rmay be recessed further away from the center C than at least a portion of the first surface portion1s1(e.g., further away from the center C than at least a portion of the first surface portion1s1that is closest to the second surface portion1s2(e.g., the portion of the inner lateral surface is that is adjacent to the recess top surface1ru). Additionally, and as shown in at leastFIG.1B, the recess1rmay be understood to be recessed inwardly toward an interior (e.g., internal structure) of the plate body1. Therefore, the recess1rmay be spatially connected to the placement hole1h. The plate body1may include a capture ring11and a cover ring13. The capture ring11may be positioned on the cover ring13. The capture ring11and the cover ring13may be detachable. The capture ring11may provide a first placement hole11h. The cover ring13may provide a second placement hole13h. The first and second placement holes11hand13hmay be spatially connected to form the placement hole1h. The recess1rmay be provided in the capture ring11. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below with reference toFIG.2.

The plasma voltage supply VS1may be connected to the plasma electrode5. The plasma voltage supply VS1may be connected to the plasma electrode5. For example, the plasma voltage supply VS1may apply a first voltage to the plasma electrode5. A radio-frequency (RF) power may be given as power transmitted from the plasma voltage supply VS1to the plasma electrode5. The plasma voltage supply VS1may include components capable of generating and transmitting the RF power.

The guide voltage supply VS2may be connected to the guide electrode3. The guide voltage supply VS2may apply a voltage to the guide electrode3. For example, the guide voltage supply VS2may provide the guide electrode3with a second voltage different from the first voltage. A radio-frequency (RF) power may be given as power transmitted from the guide voltage supply VS2to the guide electrode3. The guide voltage supply VS2may include components capable of generating and transmitting the RF power. The following will describe in detail the plasma voltage supply VS1and the guide voltage supply VS2.

The gas supply GS may be connected to the gas inlet GI. The gas supply GS may supply the internal space Cih with a process gas. The process gas may be converted into plasma that etches the etching target. The gas supply GS may include a gas tank, a compressor, and a pipe line.

The pin driver PM may drive the lift pin7. For example, the pin driver PM may provide power to raise and lower the lift pin7. The pin driver PM may include an actuator, such as a hydraulic motor or an electric motor.

The upper electrode UC may be positioned on the chamber housing CH. The upper electrode UC may generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field to create the plasma from the process gas in the internal space Cih. The upper electrode UC may have a coil shape, but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The upper layer UL may be positioned between the upper electrode UC and the chamber housing CH. The upper layer UL may hermetically seal the internal space Cih.

The upper voltage supply UVS may apply power to the upper electrode UC. For example, the upper voltage supply UVS may provide the upper electrode UC with a radio-frequency (RF) power to generate the plasma. The upper voltage supply UVS may include components capable of generating and transmitting the RF power.

Still referring toFIG.1A, it will be understood that the plasma etching apparatus A according to any of the example embodiments may be communicatively coupled to a control device, referred to herein as a plasma etching apparatus control device900, which may be an electronic device which may be configured to control the plasma etching apparatus A to perform one or more operations (also referred to herein as steps and/or processes), and/or any operations, of another of the plasma etching methods according to any of the example embodiments, including some or all operations of any of the methods shown inFIGS.4,5to10, or any combination thereof.

As shown inFIG.1A, a plasma etching apparatus control device900may include a processor, a memory, a power supply (e.g., an AC power supply device), and an interface that are electrically coupled together via a bus. The interface may be a communication interface (e.g., a wired or wireless communication transceiver).

The interface of the plasma etching apparatus control device900may be communicatively coupled with one or more portions of the plasma etching apparatus A, but it will be understood that the interface, and thus the plasma etching apparatus control device900, may be communicatively coupled with one or more portions of the plasma etching apparatus A according to any of the example embodiments. As shown inFIG.1A, the interface of the plasma etching apparatus control device900, and thus the plasma etching apparatus control device900itself, may be communicatively (e.g., electrically) coupled with one or more portions of the plasma etching apparatus A, including but not limited to the plasma voltage supply VS1, the guide voltage supply VS2, the gas supply GS, the pin driver PM, and the upper voltage supply UVS. The plasma etching apparatus control device900may be configured to control (e.g., adjustably control) the operation of some, any, and/or all of the portions of the plasma etching apparatus A to which the plasma etching apparatus control device900is communicatively coupled, such that the plasma etching apparatus control device900may be configured to control the plasma etching apparatus A to cause one or more operations, steps, processes or the like according to any methods of any of the example embodiments to be performed, including for example some or all operations of any of the methods shown inFIGS.4,5to10, or any combination thereof.

The memory of the plasma etching apparatus control device900may be a non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., a solid-state drive SSD) storing a program of instructions. The processor of the plasma etching apparatus control device900(e.g., a central processing unit CPU) may be configured to execute the program of instructions stored at the memory of the plasma etching apparatus control device900to cause one or more, or all, of the operations of any of the methods according to any of the example embodiments to be performed (e.g., based on generating a command signal and causing the command signal to be transmitted to one or more portions of the communicatively coupled plasma etching apparatus A via the interface of the plasma etching apparatus control device900.

In some example embodiments, the plasma etching apparatus A may include an actuator, for example a servo actuator, servo arm, robotic arm, or the like which may be configured to move one or more etching targets EO into and/or out of the plasma etching apparatus A, for example to load one or more etching targets EO on the support member2.

In some example embodiments, a plasma etching apparatus control device900according to any of the example embodiments may be communicatively coupled to one or more portions of the plasma etching apparatus A. The plasma etching apparatus control device900may be configured to (based on, for example, the processor of the plasma etching apparatus control device900executing a program of instructions stored at the memory of the plasma etching apparatus control device900) cause one or more operations of any of the methods of the example embodiments to be performed based on generating one or more command signals and transmitting the command signals, and/or selectively and/or adjustably controlling a supply of electrical power, to one or more of the plasma voltage supply VS1, the guide voltage supply VS2, the gas supply GS, the pin driver PM, and the upper voltage supply UVS, or the like of the communicatively coupled plasma etching apparatus A to cause one or more operations to be performed based on operation of the one or more of the plasma voltage supply VS1, the guide voltage supply VS2, the gas supply GS, the pin driver PM, and the upper voltage supply UVS, or the like in response to the one or more command signals.

As described herein, any devices, systems, blocks, modules, units, controllers, circuits, apparatus, and/or portions thereof according to any of some example embodiments (including, without limitation, any of the example embodiments of a plasma etching apparatus, the plasma etching apparatus control device900, any portion thereof, or the like) may include, may be included in, and/or may be implemented by one or more instances of processing circuitry such as hardware including logic circuits; a hardware/software combination such as a processor executing software; or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application processor (AP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural network processing unit (NPU), an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), an Image Signal Processor (ISP), and the like. In some example embodiments, the processing circuitry may include a non-transitory computer readable storage device (e.g., a memory), for example a solid state drive (SSD), storing a program of instructions, and a processor (e.g., CPU) configured to execute the program of instructions to implement the functionality and/or methods performed by some or all of any devices, systems, blocks, modules, units, controllers, circuits, apparatuses, and/or portions thereof according to any of some example embodiments, and/or any portions thereof, including for example some or all operations of any of the methods shown inFIGS.4,5to10, or any combination thereof.

It will be understood that, in some example embodiments, a device manufactured according to any of the example embodiments (e.g., any of the plasma-etching methods) may be incorporated into an electronic device having similar structure as the plasma etching apparatus control device900shown inFIG.1A(e.g., an electronic device, including a processor, memory, power supply, and/or interface communicatively coupled via a bus may include a device manufactured according to any of the example embodiments in any of the processor, memory, power supply, and/or interface of the electronic device).

FIG.1Billustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A.

Referring toFIG.1B, a support member2may be positioned on the plasma electrode5. The support member2may be positioned on a top surface5uof the plasma electrode5. For example, the support member2may be located at a higher level than that of a top surface51uof the plateau51. The support member2may support the etching target while being in contact with the etching target disposed on the plasma electrode5. The support member2may have a curved shape at a top surface thereof, but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. When viewed in plan, the support member2may have an area less than that of the top surface51uof the plateau51. The support member2and the plasma electrode5may be integrally formed into a single unitary piece, but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

In the present specification, the term ‘level’ may mean a vertical height and/or a distance from a reference location (e.g., a top surface9uand/or bottom surface9bof the lower supporter9) in a vertical direction (e.g., the first direction D1). For example, when a first element is described herein to be at a level higher than a second element, the first element may be further from the reference location in the vertical direction than the second element. In another example, when a first element is described herein to be at a level lower than a second element, the first element may be closer to the reference location in the vertical direction than the second element. In another example, when a first element is described herein to be at a same level as a second element, the first element may be equally distant from/close to the reference location in the vertical direction as the second element.

The plasma edge ring ER may be disposed on a top surface53uof the electrode body53. The plasma edge ring ER may surround the plateau51. For example, the plateau51may be interested into the placement hole1h. The plasma edge ring ER may be outwardly spaced apart from an outer lateral surface51eof the plateau51. For example, an inner lateral surface13sof the cover ring13may be outwardly spaced apart from (e.g., radially outwardly isolated from direct contact with) the outer lateral surface51eof the plateau51.

An inner lateral surface is of the plasma edge ring ER may be partially and outwardly recessed to form the recess1r. For example, an inner lateral surface11sof the capture ring11may be partially and outwardly recessed to form the recess1r. The recess1rmay be spatially connected to the placement hole1h. The recess1rmay be positioned beneath a top surface1uof the plasma edge ring ER. For example, the recess1rmay be downwardly spaced apart from a top surface111uof the capture ring11. The recess1rmay be covered with the top surface1uof the plasma edge ring ER, and thus may be isolated from exposure to an exposure to an exterior of the plasma edge ring ER in a vertical direction (e.g., direction D1) by the top surface1uof the plasma edge ring ER. Therefore, the recess1rmay not be exposed on the top surface1uof the plasma edge ring ER.

A portion of the inner lateral surface11sof the capture ring11may be outwardly recessed to form a recess top surface1ru, a recess lateral surface1rs, and a recess bottom surface1rbthat define the recess1r. The recess top surface1rumay be located at a lower level than that of the top surface1uof the plasma edge ring ER. The recess top surface1rumay be parallel to the second direction D2and the third direction D3. The recess lateral surface1rsmay be parallel to the first direction D1. The recess bottom surface1rbmay face the recess top surface1ru. The recess bottom surface1rbmay be located at a lower level than that of the support member2. In addition, the recess bottom surface1rbmay be positioned above a bottom surface of the plate body1. The present inventive concepts, however, are not limited thereto, and the recess bottom surface1rbmay be connected to the bottom surface of the plate body1.

The capture ring11may include a capture ring body111and a base member113. The recess1rmay be provided in the capture ring body111. The capture ring body111may have a thickness greater than that of the base member113. The base member113may extend inwardly from the capture ring body111(e.g., closer to the center C of the plate body1and/or of the plasma edge ring ER than the capture ring body11). The base member113may be positioned beneath the recess1r. The base member113may have a top surface113uconnected to the recess bottom surface1rb. The top surface113uof the base member113may have a level that slopes downwardly and inwardly. The present inventive concepts, however, are not limited thereto. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below.

The guide electrode3may be positioned beneath and/or outside the recess1r. For example, as illustrated inFIG.1B, the guide electrode3may be positioned in the cover ring13. The cover ring13, and thus the plasma edge ring ER, may include one or more inner surfaces13ithat at least partially define a guide electrode insertion hole13jwithin the plasma edge ring ER. The guide electrode3may be positioned in the guide electrode insertion hole13j. The present inventive concepts, however, are not limited thereto, and the position of the guide electrode3may be changed. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below.

FIG.2illustrates a perspective view showing a plasma edge ring and a plasma electrode according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.2, the capture ring11may have a circular shape when viewed in plan. The capture ring11may have a ring shape whose axis CA is parallel to the first direction D1. When viewed in plan, each of the first and second placement holes11hand13hmay have a tetragonal shape. The capture ring11may be opened at one side thereof. For example, one side of the first placement hole11hmay be opened to outside. For more detail, the first placement hole11hmay be opened toward a direction reverse to the third direction D3.

The capture ring11may further provide an insertion hole11h2. The insertion hole11h2may extend in the third direction D3from the first placement hole11h. The insertion hole11h2may have a tetragonal shape when viewed in plan. A portion of a robot arm may be inserted into the insertion hole11h2.

The cover ring13may include a cover ring body131, a first insertion member133, and a second insertion member135. The cover ring body131may have a circular shape when viewed in plan. The cover ring body131may have a ring shape with the axis CA. The cover ring body131may be positioned on the electrode body53. The cover ring body131may surround the plateau51. The first insertion member133may be inserted into the opened portion of the first placement hole11h. The second insertion member135may be inserted into the insertion hole11h2. An inner lateral surface of each of the first and second insertion members133and135may also be partially and outwardly recessed to form a recess. In a state that the capture ring11is rest on the cover ring13, the recess provided from each of the first and second insertion members133and135may be connected to the recess (see1rofFIG.1B) of the capture ring11. In this case, it appears that four recesses are provided. Each of the four recesses may extend along a horizontal direction. In addition, in a state that the capture ring11is rest on the cover ring13, the top surface11uof the capture ring11may be positioned on substantially the same plane on which is positioned a top surface of each of the first insertion member133and the second insertion member135.

FIG.3illustrates a plan view showing a plasma edge ring and a plasma electrode according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.3, the guide electrode3may have a tetragonal shape when viewed in plan. For example, when viewed in plan, the guide electrode3may have a tetragonal shape that surrounds the base member113. The present inventive concepts, however, are not limited thereto, and the guide electrode3may have a circular shape. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below with reference toFIGS.15and16.

FIG.4illustrates a flow chart showing a plasma etching method according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.4, a plasma etching method S may be provided. The plasma etching method S may mean a method of etching one surface of the etching target by using the plasma etching apparatus A discussed with reference toFIGS.1A to3. The plasma etching method S may include a step S1of placing an etching target into a plasma etching apparatus, a step S2of supplying the plasma etching apparatus with a process gas, a step S3of applying a first voltage to a guide electrode, a step S4of applying a second voltage to a plasma electrode, a step S5of releasing the second voltage applied to the plasma electrode, and a step S6of releasing the first voltage applied to the guide electrode.

With reference toFIGS.5to10, the following will describe in detail the plasma etching process S ofFIG.4.

FIGS.5,6,7,8,9, and10illustrate diagrams showing a plasma etching method according to the flow chart ofFIG.4.

Referring toFIGS.4,5, and6, the etching-target placement step S1may include placing an etching target EO on the stage ST. For example, the etching target EO, which is introduced by a robot arm into the internal space Cih, may be disposed on the capture ring11that is raised by the lift pin7. For example, the etching target EO may be disposed on the top surface113uof the base member113(seeFIG.1B). Afterwards, when the robot arm is pulled out, the lift pin7may descend to cause the capture ring11to move onto the cover ring13. Therefore, the etching target EO may be placed on the plasma electrode5.

Referring toFIGS.4,7, and8, the process-gas supply step S2may include allowing the gas supply GS to supply a process gas PG to the internal space Cih. The process gas PG may be provided onto the etching target EO. As illustrated inFIG.8, the support member2may support a bottom surface EOb of the etching target EO. In this case, the bottom surface EOb of the etching target EO may be upwardly spaced apart from the top surface5uof the plasma electrode5. The etching target EO may have a top surface EOu that is upwardly exposed. In addition, the etching target EO may have an outer lateral surface Eos that is spaced apart from the capture ring11.

Referring toFIGS.4and9, one or both of the upper electrode UC and the plasma electrode5may convert the process gas (see PG ofFIG.7) into plasma PS. For example, a radio-frequency (RF) power applied to the upper electrode UC may generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field in the internal space Cih, and thus the process gas PG may be converted into the plasma PS.

The first-voltage apply step S3may include allowing the guide voltage supply VS2to apply a first voltage to the guide electrode3.

The second-voltage apply step S4may include allowing the plasma voltage supply VS1to apply a second voltage to the plasma electrode5. The second voltage may be applied to the plasma electrode5concurrently with the first voltage being applied to the guide electrode3. In some example embodiments, the second voltage may be less than the first voltage. For example, the first voltage may be greater than the second voltage. The plasma PS on the top surface EOu of the etching target EO may descend toward the etching target EO. For example, the second voltage applied to the plasma electrode5may generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field in a space where the plasma PS is present, and thus the plasma PS may be pulled down. Therefore, the etching target EO may be etched with particles of the plasma PS.

Referring toFIG.10, in a procedure where the particles of the plasma PS move toward the etching target EO, portions PSL of the particles of the plasma PS may move downwardly from outside the outer lateral surface EOs of the etching target EO. An electric field and/or a magnetic field formed by the guide electrode3may allow the recess1rto receive the portions PSL of the particles of the plasma PS that moves downwardly from outside the outer lateral surface Eos of the etching target EO. When the first voltage is greater than the second voltage, the portions PSL of the particles of the plasma PS may be reduced or prevented from moving toward the plateau51. For example, because the guide electrode3creates a stronger force, the portions PSL of the particles of the plasma PS, which migrates downwardly from outside the outer lateral surface Eos of the etching target EO, may move not toward the plateau51but toward the guide electrode3. The portions PSL of the particles of the plasma PS pulled toward the guide electrode3may be gathered into the recess1r. Thereafter, the portions PSL of the particles of the plasma PS may be reduced or prevented from moving toward the bottom surface EOb of the etching target EO.

In some example embodiments, the first-voltage apply step S3may be performed followed by the second-voltage apply step S4. For example, before the plasma electrode5drives the particles of the plasma PS to start moving toward the etching target EO, a flow guide of the particles of the plasma PS may be performed by the guide electrode3. Therefore, in a procedure where the particles of the plasma PS are migrated by the plasma electrode5, the particles of the plasma PS may be reduced or prevented from moving toward the bottom surface EOb of the etching target EO.

Referring back toFIG.4, the second-voltage release step S5may include interrupting the supply of the RF power that the plasma voltage supply VS1transmits to the plasma electrode5. Therefore, it may be possible to stop the movement of the particles of the plasma PS toward the etching target EO.

The first-voltage release step S6may include interrupting the supply of the RF power that the guide voltage supply VS2transmits to the guide electrode3. The first-voltage release step S6, which may include releasing the first voltage applied to the guide electrode3, may be performed subsequently to performing the second voltage release step S5, which may include releasing the second voltage applied to the plasma electrode5.

In some example embodiments, the second-voltage release step S5may be performed followed by the first-voltage release step S6. Therefore, a flow control by the guide electrode3may continue for a longer time. Accordingly, the particles of the plasma PS may be reduced or prevented from moving, by the plasma electrode5, toward the bottom surface EOb of the etching target EO.

According to a plasma edge ring, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and a plasma etching method using the same in accordance with some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a guide electrode may induce an outward movement of plasma ion particles which are intended to move toward a bottom surface of an etching target. When a voltage applied to the guide electrode is greater than that applied to a plasma electrode, the plasma ion particles may be effectively reduced or prevented from moving toward the bottom surface of the etching target. Therefore, even when the bottom surface of the etching target is exposed, the bottom surface of the etching target may have reduced etching or may be prevented from being etched with the plasma ion particles. In addition, a voltage may be applied earlier to the guide electrode than to the plasma electrode and released later from the guide electrode than from the plasma electrode, and thus at an earlier or later time of process, the plasma ion particles may be at least partially mitigated or completely prevented from moving toward the bottom surface of the etching target. Therefore, the etching target may be prevented from being undesirably etched on the bottom surface thereof, or such undesirable etching may be at least reduced. As a result, the average quality of the resultant etched etching target may be improved as a result of the reduction or prevention of undesirable etching, which may be improve the quality, reliability, and/or performance of a resultant device manufactured to include at least a portion of the etched etching target (e.g., the reduction or prevention of undesirable etching of the etching target may reduce the likelihood of electrical shorts in a device having conductive lines, layers, or the like and/or insulating lines, layers or the like that are at least partly based on the structure of the etched etching target; reduction or prevention of structural failure of the etching target during a later manufacturing operation that processes the etching target or incorporates the etching target into a manufactured electronic device; reduction or prevention of structural failure of at least a portion of an electronic device that includes at least a portion of the etched etching target; any combination thereof, or the like). Accordingly, it may be possible to control the quality of the bottom surface of the etching target. When the etching target is a photomask, it may be possible to control the quality of a bottom surface of the photomask. In conclusion, a yield may be increased when testing quality of top and bottom surfaces of the photomask before an exposure process.

According to a plasma edge ring, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and a plasma etching method using the same in accordance with some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a recess may be used to gather the plasma ion particles. For example, the recess may provide a parking space for the plasma ion particles that are outwardly guided by the guide electrode, and thus the plasma ion particles may be reduced or prevented from moving toward the bottom surface of the etching target.

For convenience of description, the following will omit an explanation of features substantially the same as or similar to those discussed with reference toFIGS.1to10.

FIG.11illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.11, a plasma edge ring ERa may include a capture ring11a. The capture ring11amay provide a recess1arwhose shape is different from that discussed with reference toFIG.1B. For example, a recess top surface lam may be inclined. For more detail, the recess top surface1arumay be located at a level that slopes downwardly and outwardly (e.g., outwardly away from the center C of the plasma edge ring Era and/or of the plate body1, which may be represented by the center C shown inFIG.1A). Therefore, plasma ion particles may be guided by and move along the recess top surface1arutoward the guide electrode3. A recess lateral surface Lars and a recess bottom surface1arbmay be similar to those shown inFIG.1B.

FIG.12illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.12, a plasma edge ring ERb may include a capture ring11b. The capture ring11bmay provide a recess1brwhose shape is different from that discussed with reference toFIG.1B. For example, a recess top surface1brumay be connected to a top surface1uof the plasma edge ring ERb. In this case, no recess lateral surface may be present, and the capture ring11bmay have no inner lateral surface positioned on the recess1br. A recess bottom surface1brbmay be similar to that shown inFIG.1B.

FIG.13illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.13, a plasma edge ring ERc may include a capture ring11c. The capture ring11cmay provide a recess1crwhose shape is different from that discussed with reference toFIG.1B. For example, a recess top surface1cruand a recess lateral surface1crsmay constitute a stepwise structure.FIG.13depicts a two-step structure, but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, the step structure may have three or more steps.

FIG.14illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.14, a plasma edge ring ERd may include a capture ring11d. A base member113dmay be different from that discussed with reference toFIG.1B. For example, the base member113dmay have a top surface113duat a level that slopes upwardly and inwardly. In this case, plasma ion particles gathered in a recess1drmay be effectively reduced or prevented from moving inwardly toward the plateau51.

FIG.15illustrates a plan view showing a plasma edge ring and a plasma electrode according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.15, a guide electrode3ein a plasma edge ring Ere may have a circular shape. The circular guide electrode3emay surround the base member113.

FIG.16illustrates a plan view showing a plasma edge ring and a plasma electrode according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.16, a guide electrode3fin a plasma edge ring ERf may have a circular shape as a whole. However, differently from that shown inFIG.15, the guide electrode3fmay include a plurality of pieces that are divided along a circumferential direction. For example, as shown inFIG.16, the guide electrode3fmay include four pieces that are divided along a circumferential direction. The guide electrode3f, which are divided into a plurality of pieces, may be possible to independently control an electric field for each region. Therefore, it may be possible to precisely control the electric field.

FIG.17illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.17, a plasma edge ring ERg may not be divided into a capture ring and a cover ring. For example, the plasma edge ring Erg may be formed of a single plate body1g. The plate body1gmay provide a recess1gr. The plate body1gmay have an inner lateral surface1gswhose portion is outwardly recessed to form the recess1gr. A certain component other than the plasma edge ring ERg may drive an etching target to move upwardly and downwardly. For example, the etching target may ascend and descend while being in contact with a lift pin.

FIG.18illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.18, a plasma edge ring ERh may not be divided into a capture ring and a cover ring. For example, the plasma edge ring ERh may provide a recess1hr. In addition, a support member2hmay be positioned outside a plateau51h. For example, the support member2hmay be provided separately from a plasma electrode5h. The support member2hmay be inserted into a support member insertion hole2hsformed in an electrode body53h. The support member2hmay have a top surface at a higher level than that of a top surface51huof the plateau51h. The support member2hmay also serve as the lift pin (see7ofFIG.1A) discussed with reference toFIG.1A.

FIG.19illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.19, a plasma edge ring ERi may be similar to that discussed with reference toFIG.1B. However, a guide electrode3imay be located at a different position from that of the guide electrode3shown inFIG.1B. For example, the guide electrode3imay be positioned outside a recess1ir. When viewed in plan, the guide electrode3imay not overlap the recess1ir.

FIG.20illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view (e.g., an enlarged cross-sectional view showing section X ofFIG.1A) partially showing a plasma etching apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.20, a plasma edge ring ERj may be similar to that discussed with reference toFIG.1B. However, a guide electrode3jmay be located at a different position from that of the guide electrode3shown inFIG.1B. For example, the guide electrode3jmay be positioned beneath a recess1jr. When viewed in plan, the guide electrode3jmay overlap the recess1jr. For example, when viewed in plan, the guide electrode3jmay not be exposed outside the recess1jr.

FIG.21illustrates a plan view showing a plasma edge ring and a plasma electrode according to some example embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.21, a guide electrode3kin a plasma edge ring ERk may have a tetragonal shape when viewed in plan. Different from that shown inFIG.3, the guide electrode3kmay be provided in plural. For example, the guide electrode3kmay be divided into four pieces as shown inFIG.21. The guide electrode3k, which is divided into a plurality of pieces, may be possible to independently control an electric field for each region. For example, an independent control of the electric field may be possible for each side of the tetragonal shape. Therefore, it may be possible to precisely control the electric field.

According to a plasma edge ring, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and a plasma etching method using the same in accordance with the present inventive concepts, it may be possible to reduce an etching on a bottom surface of a mask.

According to a plasma edge ring, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and a plasma etching method using the same in accordance with the present inventive concepts, it may be possible to control an ion flow.

According to a plasma edge ring, a plasma etching apparatus including the same, and a plasma etching method using the same in accordance with the present inventive concepts, it may be possible to increase a manufacturing yield.

Effects of the present inventive concepts are not limited to the mentioned above, other effects which have not been mentioned above will be clearly understood to those skilled in the art from the following description.

Although the present inventive concepts have been described in connection with the embodiments of the present inventive concepts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical spirit and essential feature of the present inventive concepts. It therefore will be understood that the embodiments described above are just illustrative but not limitative in all aspects.