SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING MATERIAL

摘要

As described above, an embodiment of the present invention provides for the removal of a process material crust, such an ion-implanted photoresist, from a treatment object. A halogen-free plasma is generated using a hydrocarbon gas in combination with oxygen gas to subject the crust to the plasma. Methane may be used as the hydrocarbon gas. This plasma may also be use to remove underlying unaltered photoresist and ion implantation related residues. The plasma may likewise be generated using a hydrogen containing gas, which may be pure hydrogen gas, in combination with oxygen gas. Several techniques are used which employ exposure of the treatment to a hydrogen/oxygen based plasma with subsequent exposure to a hydrocarbon/oxygen based plasma.