Patent ID: 7691754

Claim:
A method for removing a photoresist layer suitable for a dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer has a patterned photoresist layer formed thereon and a metal silicide layer disposed thereunder and there is an etching stop layer disposed between the dielectric layer and the metal silicide layer, the method comprising: removing a portion of the dielectric layer by using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask so as to form an opening, wherein the opening exposes a portion of the etching stop layer above the metal silicide layer, and the thickness of the exposed portion of the etching stop layer is about 50˜100 angstroms; and removing the patterned photoresist layer with a use of an oxygen-free plasma, wherein during removing the patterned photoresist layer, the metal silicide layer under a bottom of the opening is not exposed by the opening and is still covered with the etching stop layer.