High-rate-gas-flow microwave plasma etching of silicon

Abstract

A high-rate-gas-flow plasma etching technique using a very low gas pressure and very high pumping rate is described. The principle of high-flow etching is discussed. A high etch rate of 1300 nm/min at 0.5 mtorr has been obtained for the Cl/sub 2/ ECR high-flow system with a bias of -50 V. Low gas pressure discharge with high flow rate is applicable to VLSI processing. Highly directional, low-contamination etching is possible using this etching system.<>