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Laser-induced etching of multilayer materials

  • US 5,874,011 A
  • Filed: 08/01/1996
  • Issued: 02/23/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/01/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of etching a multilayer structure in a laser-induced, reactive halogen etching ambient, the method comprising:

  • disposing a multilayer structure, comprising at least a ceramic layer and a metallic layer deposited upon the ceramic layer, said ceramic and metal layers formed of materials having different etching characteristics, in a controlled environment chamber,introducing a reactive halogen-containing gas into the chamber;

    introducing a suppressant gas into the chamber, the suppressant gas chosen for its ability to reduce the difference in etch rates of the ceramic and metallic layers when the multilayer structure is exposed to the reactive halogen-containing gas;

    selecting a wavelength of laser radiation within the range from about 550 nm to about 190 nm to further reduce the difference in etch rates of the ceramic and metallic layers during laser induced halogen etching; and

    irradiating selected portions of the multilayer structure with the selected wavelength of laser radiation to induce reactive halogen etching of at least a portion of the ceramic and metallic layers.

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