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Title: Visible-laser etching of refractory metals by surface modification

Journal Article · · J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.583624· OSTI ID:6200237

A two-step laser etching technique for Mo and W films is described. In the first step, the laser modifies the chemical composition of the metal surface; in the second, deep etching of the pre-exposed areas is by broad-area heating in a reactive ambient. The surface modification takes place in the presence of Cl/sub 2/, which etches the native-metal oxide and replaces it with a more volatile metal halide. Deep etching is performed with NF/sub 3/. Since the native oxide is resistant toward etching with NF/sub 3/, the second step is selective with respect to the laser-halogenated area and is, in effect, a chemical amplification of the surface modification. Well-delineated, high-contrast patterns are obtained with this method.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts 02173
OSTI ID:
6200237
Journal Information:
J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B; (United States), Vol. 5:5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English