摘要 |
The present invention provides an improved method for forming a memory element having a chalcogenide layer such as Ge2Sb2Te5. A substrate having a dielectric etch stop layer, a chalcogenide layer, an anti-reflective layer and a mask layer is placed in a vacuum chamber having a high density plasma source. At least one chlorine containing gas, such as a mixture of BCl3 and Cl2, is introduced into the vacuum chamber for etching the chalcogenide layer and the anti-reflective layer to the dielectric etch stop layer. The etch process is discontinued based on an endpoint detection system. Upon completion of the etch process, the substrate is removed from the vacuum chamber and the mask layer is stripped from the substrate.
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