A method of forming an opening on a low-k dielectric layer using a polysilicon hard mask rather than a metal hard mask as used in prior art. A polysilicon hard mask is formed over a low-k dielectric layer and a photoresist layer is formed over the polysilicon hard mask. The photoresist layer is patterned and the polysilicon hard mask is etched with a gas plasma to create exposed portions of the low-k dielectric layer. The photoresist layer in stripped prior to the etching of the exposed portions of the low-k dielectric layer to avoid damage to the low-k dielectric layer.
