ICP ETCHING OF TUNGSTEN FOR X-RAY MASKS

In this article the effects of process parameters of inductively coupled plasma etching with $SF_6$ /$N_2$/Ar mixture gas and mask materials on the etched profile of W were investigated. While the etched profile was improved by $N_2$-addition, low working presure, and reduced $SF_6$ flow rate, the etching selectity (W against SAL resist) was decreased. Due to the difficulty of W etching with single layer resist, sputter deposited $Al_2O_3$ film was used as a hardmask. Reduction of required EB resist thickness through $Al_2O_3$ mask application could reduce proximity effect during e-beam patterning, but the etch anisotropy was degraded by decreased sidewall passiviation effect.