Inventors:
Kurt K. Christenson - Minnetonka MN
Thomas J. Wagener - Shorewood MN
Neil Bruce Rosengren - Plymouth MN
Brent D. Schwab - Burnsville MN
Assignee:
FSI International, Inc. - Chaska MN
International Classification:
H01L 21461
Abstract:
A process for etching high dielectric constant (high-k) films (e. g. , Zr Si O , Hf Si O , Zr Hf O , Hf Al O , and Zr Al O ) more rapidly than coexisting SiO , polysilicon, silicon and/or other films is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the films with an aqueous solution comprising a fluoride containing species at a concentration sufficiently dilute to achieve a desired selective etch of the high-k film. The etching solution is preferably used above ambient temperature to further increase the etch selectivity of the high-k films relative to coexisting SiO and/or other films. The etch rate of the solution can also be adjusted by controlling the pH of the etching solution, e. g. , by the addition of other acids or bases to the solution (for example, HCl or NH OH).