Applied Materials, Inc.
Methods for etching a structure for semiconductor applications

Abstract:

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for forming and patterning features in a film stack disposed on a substrate. In one embodiment, a method for patterning a conductive layer on a substrate includes supplying a gas mixture comprising a chlorine containing gas at a first flow rate to etch a first conductive layer disposed on the substrate, lowing the chlorine containing gas in the first gas mixture to a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate to continue etching the first conductive layer, and increasing the chlorine containing gas in the first gas mixture to a third flow rate greater than the second flow rate to remove the first conductive layer from the substrate.