Methods and arrangements for determining an endpoint for an in-situ local interconnect etching process
First Claim
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1. An arrangement for determining endpoints in an etching process within a plasma etching chamber, the arrangement comprising:
- a sensor configured to measure a first intensity of optical emissions having a first wavelength, and a second intensity of optical emissions having a second wavelength as emitted from within the plasma chamber during a first etching process and a subsequent second etching process of a semiconductor wafer; and
a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to determine an endpoint for the first etching process based on a ratio signal generated from the first intensity and the second intensity, and stop the first etching process at the endpoint for the first etching process, and wherein the controller is further configured to start the second etching process after the endpoint for the first etching process, and the controller is further configured to determine an endpoint for the second etching process based on the ratio signal of the first intensity and the second intensity, and stop the second etching process at the endpoint for the second etching process.
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Abstract
An arrangement is provided for collecting, measuring and analyzing at least two specific wavelengths of optical emissions produced while etching a semiconductor wafer in a plasma chamber to determine an optimal endpoint for the etching process. The arrangement includes a sensor for gathering optical emissions, an interface for converting the intensity of optical emissions into corresponding electrical signals, and a controller for determining an optimal endpoint based on the corresponding electrical signals for the two specific wavelengths and other predetermined threshold data.
27 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An arrangement for determining endpoints in an etching process within a plasma etching chamber, the arrangement comprising:
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a sensor configured to measure a first intensity of optical emissions having a first wavelength, and a second intensity of optical emissions having a second wavelength as emitted from within the plasma chamber during a first etching process and a subsequent second etching process of a semiconductor wafer; and
a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to determine an endpoint for the first etching process based on a ratio signal generated from the first intensity and the second intensity, and stop the first etching process at the endpoint for the first etching process, and wherein the controller is further configured to start the second etching process after the endpoint for the first etching process, and the controller is further configured to determine an endpoint for the second etching process based on the ratio signal of the first intensity and the second intensity, and stop the second etching process at the endpoint for the second etching process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification