Patent ID: 8262921

Claim:
A substrate processing method adopted when executing processing on a processing target substrate that includes a low dielectric constant insulating film, an etching mask formed on said low dielectric constant insulating film and a recessed portion formed by etching with said etching mask, the recessed portion having a dielectric constant which is increased from an initial value of said low dielectric constant insulating film before said etching, the method comprising: an ashing process step in which the processing target substrate is heated to sustain a predetermined temperature, and said etching mask is removed through ashing with hydrogen radicals delivered to said processing target substrate; and a restoration process step in which an area of said low dielectric constant insulating film exposed at said recessed portion, having been rendered hydrophobic and having an increased dielectric constant value induced by said etching, is restored such that the dielectric constant of the area is decreased toward said initial value with a β-diketone compound-containing gas that contains a β-diketone compound with an ignition point equal to or higher than 300° C. that is delivered to said processing target substrate having undergone said ashing process, wherein said ashing process and said restoration process are executed within a single processing chamber.