In situ selectivity monitor for dry etch of photomasks

Abstract

A method is described to monitor etch selectivity real time in Applied Materials' advanced Tetra TM mask etcher module. With the built-in Transmission Endpoint (TEP) capability, the transmission information for a wide range of spectra is collected. As resist thickness continues to be reduced during photomask etching process, interference fringes can be observed at selected wavelengths on the TEP spectrum. Based on known value from n & k simulation, the peak/valley positions of interference fringes can be defined. With the help from an algorithm developed to determine the corresponding time for each peak/valley position, the average resist etch rate can be obtained. In addition, the starting and ending resist thickness on the plate being etched can be calculated, so the incoming resist quality can be verified and being monitored. Combined with Cr etch rate derived from the endpoint time with plasma emission spectra, the Cr to photoresist etch selectivity can be monitored for each production plate automatically.