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US5234540A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Process for etching oxide films in a sealed photochemical reactor

Assignee: Primaxx Inc
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Filing: 1992-04-30
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Granted: 1993-08-10
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Expires: 2012-04-30
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Abstract

Abstract A process for etching oxide films on the semiconductor, or other substrates, in a sealed photochemical reactor. Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) gas, or other halogen containing gases, and alcohol vapor carried by an inert gas, such as nitrogen, are passed over the oxides to be etched. The UV radiation shines through a window, which passes the UV radiation onto the oxides while the gases are flowing, and enhances and controls etching of the oxides. The UV window is impervious to the etch process gases. The etch rates are modified, providing for improved oxide etching characteristics.

Inventors

  • 👤 Robert W. Grant
  • 👤 Kevin Torek
  • 👤 Richard E. Novak
  • 👤 Jerzy Ruzyllo

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-30 00:12
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10P; H10P50/00; H10P50/20; H10P50/28; H10P50/282; H10P50/283

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim 64 words
Process for etching at least one oxide film on the semiconductor or other substrates comprising the steps of: a. placing a substrate in a stand-alone chamber or chamber connected to a cluster tool; b. simultaneously or sequentially passing gaseous anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, or other halogen containing gases, and alcohol vapor through said chamber; and, c. illuminating the interior of said chamber with ultraviolet radiation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 64 words
Process for etching at least one oxide film on the semiconductor or other substrates comprising the steps of: a. placing a substrate in a stand-alone chamber or chamber connected to a cluster tool; b. simultaneously or sequentially passing gaseous anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, or other halogen containing gases, and alcohol vapor through said chamber; and, c. illuminating the interior of said chamber with ultraviolet radiation.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US5078832A Cited
US5022961A Cited
US5022961B1 Cited
US5112437A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1996-08-09 1997-02-08 1997-08-10 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2000-08-09 2001-02-08 2001-08-10 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2004-08-09 2005-02-08 2005-08-10 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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