Patent ID: 6989228

Claim:
A method of processing a semiconductor sample having a refractory metal film on a substrate, and an Al alloy film directly laminated on the refractory metal film, whereby electrolytic corrosion could be generated and accelerated due to battery action between the refractory metal film and the Al alloy film, comprising the steps of: (i) etching the Al alloy film directly laminated on the refractory metal film, and the refractory metal film, using a resist mask, by means of a first plasma formed in a first gas with first processing conditions while applying radio-frequency bias power to the sample, residual corrosive compounds being left on the refractory metal film and the Al alloy film after the etching, (ii) after step (i), ashing the resist mask on the Al alloy film and said surface of the refractory metal film and the Al alloy film etched in step (i) by means of a second plasma to remove at least the resist mask and said residual corrosive compounds formed in step (i), said second plasma being formed in a second gas and with second processing conditions, said ashing being carried out at a second location different from a first location where said etching is carried out, and wherein the semiconductor sample is transferred from said first location to said second location through a chamber forming an atmosphere having a pressure reduced from atmospheric pressure, (iii) contacting a surface of the refractory metal film and the Al alloy film etched in step (i) and ashed in step (ii) with at least one liquid which effects at least one of (a) removal of said residual corrosive compounds formed in step (i) which were not removed in step (ii) and (b) passivation of said surface etched in step (i) and ashed in step (ii), and (iv) after step (iii), drying the surface of the refractory metal film and the Al alloy film which is etched, wherein steps (i)–(iv) are performed using a sample processing apparatus having treatment chambers in which the steps (i)–(iv) are carried out, wherein the treatment chambers of said sample processing apparatus for steps (i)–(iv) are physically connected, and wherein each treatment chamber treats one sample at a time.