Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution
This study explores the development and characterization of plasma etching for sub-micron features using a nonlinear evolution of parameter in a three-step cyclic Bosch process. Comparing this nonlinear approach with traditional linear parameter evolution, we aimed to address issues such as bowing a...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Micro and Nano Engineering |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590007224000510 |
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| author | Arjun Moothedath Zhong Ren |
| author_facet | Arjun Moothedath Zhong Ren |
| author_sort | Arjun Moothedath |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study explores the development and characterization of plasma etching for sub-micron features using a nonlinear evolution of parameter in a three-step cyclic Bosch process. Comparing this nonlinear approach with traditional linear parameter evolution, we aimed to address issues such as bowing at the top of the features and narrowing at the bottom. Constant parameter etching produced tapered profiles, undercutting, and non-uniform scallops due to particle deflection. Linear parameter evolution partially mitigated these problems by balancing etch and deposition cycles and gradually increasing radio frequency power, achieving high selectivity to the photoresist. One nonlinear exponential evolution method resulted in a higher etch rate but caused slight damage to the top-side wall, while the etch depth was reduced. The other nonlinear method balanced the etch and deposition steps more effectively, achieving a comparable etch rate and selectivity to the linear method. Further optimization of this second method led to improved vertical profiles and controlled scallops, achieving greater depth, smoother sidewalls, and higher etch rates. This optimized technique successfully fabricated high aspect ratio periodic sub-micron structures with excellent uniformity across the wafer, demonstrating its potential for achieving even higher aspect ratios with thicker masks. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c0fec81996d14d5aaba495f04fafaeb5 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2590-0072 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Micro and Nano Engineering |
| spelling | doaj-art-c0fec81996d14d5aaba495f04fafaeb52025-08-20T02:34:20ZengElsevierMicro and Nano Engineering2590-00722024-12-012510028810.1016/j.mne.2024.100288Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolutionArjun Moothedath0Zhong Ren1Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, Govier Way, Western Approach Distribution Park, Severn Beach, Bristol BS35 4GG, United KingdomCorresponding author.; Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, Govier Way, Western Approach Distribution Park, Severn Beach, Bristol BS35 4GG, United KingdomThis study explores the development and characterization of plasma etching for sub-micron features using a nonlinear evolution of parameter in a three-step cyclic Bosch process. Comparing this nonlinear approach with traditional linear parameter evolution, we aimed to address issues such as bowing at the top of the features and narrowing at the bottom. Constant parameter etching produced tapered profiles, undercutting, and non-uniform scallops due to particle deflection. Linear parameter evolution partially mitigated these problems by balancing etch and deposition cycles and gradually increasing radio frequency power, achieving high selectivity to the photoresist. One nonlinear exponential evolution method resulted in a higher etch rate but caused slight damage to the top-side wall, while the etch depth was reduced. The other nonlinear method balanced the etch and deposition steps more effectively, achieving a comparable etch rate and selectivity to the linear method. Further optimization of this second method led to improved vertical profiles and controlled scallops, achieving greater depth, smoother sidewalls, and higher etch rates. This optimized technique successfully fabricated high aspect ratio periodic sub-micron structures with excellent uniformity across the wafer, demonstrating its potential for achieving even higher aspect ratios with thicker masks.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590007224000510Inductively coupled plasma (ICP)Deep silicon etchThrough silicon via (TSV)High aspect ratioTime-multiplex process |
| spellingShingle | Arjun Moothedath Zhong Ren Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution Micro and Nano Engineering Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) Deep silicon etch Through silicon via (TSV) High aspect ratio Time-multiplex process |
| title | Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution |
| title_full | Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution |
| title_fullStr | Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution |
| title_full_unstemmed | Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution |
| title_short | Enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution |
| title_sort | enhanced plasma etching using nonlinear parameter evolution |
| topic | Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) Deep silicon etch Through silicon via (TSV) High aspect ratio Time-multiplex process |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590007224000510 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT arjunmoothedath enhancedplasmaetchingusingnonlinearparameterevolution AT zhongren enhancedplasmaetchingusingnonlinearparameterevolution |