Patent ID: 7754543

Claim:
A method of patterning a multiple-layered resist film, comprising: forming a lower layer resist film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a silicon-containing upper layer resist film on said lower layer resist film; patterning said silicon-containing upper layer resist film; and performing a Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) process for removing said lower layer resist film through a mask of said pattered silicon-containing upper layer resist film employing an etching gas containing oxygen gas and argon gas at pressure within a range of from 0.075 mTorr to 50 mTorr both inclusive, and flowing the oxygen gas at between about 100 and 200 sccm, wherein, in said performing said RIE process, due to a sputtering of said silicon-containing upper layer resist film during said RIE process, silicon-containing deposits are adhered onto a side surface of an opening formed by etching said lower layer resist film employing said silicon-containing upper layer resist film as a mask.