KR101124770B1 - Plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing method and computer readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

In the method of periodically modulating the high frequency power used for plasma processing, variations in plasma impedance and reflection to the high frequency power supply are reduced as much as possible to ensure process stability, reproducibility, and safety protection of the high frequency power supply.

This plasma processing apparatus not only pulse modulates the power of the bias control high frequency LF with a characteristic according to the process, but also pulse modulates the frequency (LF frequency) in synchronization with the pulse modulation of the LF power. I.e. LF power and between the LF frequency, the period T _A of LF power to maintain the set point PA of the H-level in one cycle LF frequency also maintain a set value F _A of the H-level, and the LF power level of the set value P _B During the sustaining period T _B , the LF frequency also has the same synchronicity as maintaining the set value F _B of the L level.

Description

Plasma processing apparatus, plasma processing method and computer readable storage medium {PLASMA PROCESSING APPARATUS, PLASMA PROCESSING METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for processing a plasma on a substrate to be processed, and more particularly, to a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method that periodically modulate high frequency power used for plasma processing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the manufacturing process of semiconductor devices and flat panel displays (FPDs), plasma is widely used for processing such as etching, vapor deposition, oxidation, and sputtering to obtain a good reaction even at a relatively low temperature as a processing gas.

In recent years, the manufacturing rules of the manufacturing process have become increasingly finer, and in particular, plasma etching requires higher dimensional accuracy, and in etching, a selectivity to a mask and a base and an improvement in in-plane uniformity are required. Therefore, in order to lower the pressure and lower the ion energy of the process region in the chamber, a high frequency, which is much higher than the conventional frequency of 40 MHz or more, is used for plasma generation (high frequency discharge). In addition, in order to more precisely control the energy (bias) of ions pushed from the plasma to the substrate, a high frequency of relatively low frequency (usually 13.56 MHz or less) is often supplied to the electrode on which the substrate is mounted.

However, as the lower pressure and lower ion energy progress as described above, the effects of charging damage, which has not been a problem before, cannot be ignored. That is, in the conventional device having high ion energy, the plasma potential is not uniform in the plane. However, when the ion energy is lowered at a lower low pressure, the in-plane unevenness of the plasma potential is destroyed by charge accumulation in the gate oxide film, that is, charging. There is a problem that tends to cause damage.

Regarding this problem, Patent Literature 1 discloses that in the high frequency current path by the high frequency bias supplied to the wafer, the portion near the outer circumferential surface of the wafer is projected from the electrode surface facing the portion of the current path near the outer circumference of the wafer. It is specified to provide a current path correction method to be calibrated, or to provide an impedance adjustment method such that the impedance from the high frequency bias to the earth is almost uniform in the wafer surface. As a result, the uniformity in the wafer surface of the magnetic bias generated when the high frequency bias is supplied is increased, and microdamage can be suppressed.

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 requires the provision of a current path correcting means or an impedance adjusting means, and there is a problem that the device configuration is complicated and the in-plane uniformity of plasma processing is not necessarily sufficient.

In addition, in the plasma process, charging damage of the form that causes charging up of the gate oxide film due to a local electric field caused by the balance of ions and electrons in the wafer surface, leads to dielectric breakdown. For example, in plasma etching, ions are incident perpendicularly to the main surface of the wafer, but electrons are also incident in an oblique direction, so that the charge balance is locally broken, causing charge up. Is likely to occur randomly. Such charging damage depends not only on the in-plane nonuniformity of the self bias, but also on the profile of the etching pattern, and the like, and the generated position is not constant.

Patent Document 1: Patent Publication No. 2001-185542

In addition to preventing charging damage as described above, a method of modulating the high frequency power used for plasma generation by a duty variable H level / L level or an ON / OFF pulse is effective. .

However, in the method of pulse-modulating the high frequency power used in the plasma process as described above, the impedance of plasma or ion-sheath fluctuates periodically because the high frequency power is periodically changed at the pulse frequency. Auto-matching fails to perform its function, resulting in plasma generation / distribution characteristics in the processing vessel or variations in ion energy, making it impossible to reproduce the process, or due to problems such as overheating or failure of high-frequency power supply by reflected waves. It was difficult to apply to the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the conventional technical problems, and in the method of periodically modulating the high frequency power used for plasma processing, it is possible to minimize the variation in the impedance of the plasma or ion sheath and the reflection of the high frequency power supply as much as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide a highly practical plasma processing apparatus, a plasma processing method, and a computer-readable storage medium that ensure stability, reproducibility, and safe protection of a high frequency power supply.

In order to achieve the above object, in the first aspect of the present invention, a plasma processing apparatus includes a vacuum evacuable processing vessel, a first electrode supporting a substrate to be processed in the processing vessel, and the first processing vessel in the processing vessel. A processing gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas to a processing space set on one electrode, a plasma excitation unit for exciting the processing gas in the processing vessel to generate a plasma, and to push ions in the plasma to the substrate to be processed; A first high frequency power supply unit for supplying a first high frequency to the first electrode, a first high frequency power modulator for modulating power of the first high frequency at a predetermined period, and substantially synchronous with power modulation of the first high frequency It has a first frequency modulator for modulating the frequency of the first high frequency.

In the above device configuration, the first high frequency power modulator modulates the power of the first high frequency wave to push the ions in the plasma to the substrate at a predetermined period, and controls the energy of the ions incident on the substrate to be processed in time. The frequency modulator modulates the frequency of the first high frequency substantially in synchronism with the power modulation of the first high frequency, thereby eliminating variations in sheath capacitance due to power modulation, suppressing variations in plasma impedance and hence reflection from the plasma, Stability and reproducibility can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first high frequency power modulator divides one cycle into first, second, third, and fourth states, and the power of the first high frequency maintains the first power set value at the first state. In the second state, the second power setpoint is changed from the first power setpoint higher than that in the second state, the second power setpoint is maintained in the third state, and the second power setpoint is changed from the second power setpoint in the fourth state. Control the power of the first high frequency. On the other hand, the first frequency modulator maintains the frequency of the first high frequency at the first state in the first state, changes from the first frequency to the second higher frequency in the second state, and the second in the third state. The frequency setpoint is held, and the frequency of the first high frequency is controlled to change from the second frequency setpoint to the first frequency setpoint in the fourth state. By having the above synchronization relationship between the first high frequency power and the frequency, even if the power modulation of the first high frequency is arbitrarily set in order to obtain desired process characteristics or process performance, the plasma accompanying the power modulation by frequency modulation The impedance variation or reflection can be effectively compensated (suppressed).

Also in a preferred embodiment, the first high frequency power supply includes a first high frequency power supply generating a first high frequency and a variable reactance element electrically connected between an output terminal of the first high frequency power supply and a first electrode. A matching state including a matching circuit, a sensor for measuring a load impedance including the matching circuit, a controller for varying the variable reactance element so that the load impedance is matched with the reference impedance in response to an output signal of the sensor, and a first state. Or there is a matching control unit that controls the matcher so that the impedance is matched well in either side of the third state. Also, a reflected wave measuring unit for measuring the power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the first electrode side to the first high frequency power source may be provided.

Preferably, when the impedance is matched in the third state, the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period set during the third state. In this case, the first frequency modulator selects the first frequency set value such that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the first state becomes a minimum value or a value thereof.

Preferably, when the impedance is matched at the first state, the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period set during the first state. In this case, the first frequency modulator selects the third frequency set value so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the third state becomes a value at or near the minimum value.

Regarding the second state, preferably, the first high frequency power modulating unit sets the power of the first high frequency to a predetermined rising characteristic so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the second state becomes a value at or near the minimum value. By changing the first power set value from the second power set value, the first frequency modulator changes the frequency of the first high frequency from the first frequency set value to the second frequency set value with a predetermined rising characteristic.

Regarding the fourth state, preferably, the first high frequency power modulating unit sets the first high frequency power to a predetermined falling characteristic so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the fourth state is at or near the minimum value. While changing from the second power set point to the first power set point, the first frequency modulator changes the frequency of the first high frequency from the second frequency set point to the first frequency set point with a predetermined falling characteristic.

In another preferred form, the first high frequency power modulator is a load supplied to the load during the subsequent first state based on a measurement (preferably a moving average value) of the reflected wave power obtainable by the reflected wave measurement unit during the first state. Correct the first power setpoint so that power matches the target value. Further, the first high frequency power modulator is configured to match the target load with the load power supplied to the load during the subsequent third state based on the measured value of the reflected wave power (preferably the moving average value) obtained from the reflected wave measurement unit during the third state. Correct the third power setpoint so that it is correct.

In a preferred form, the plasma excitation portion is provided with a second electrode disposed in parallel to the first electrode in the processing vessel and a second high frequency power supply supplying the second electrode with a second frequency which is a frequency suitable for generating a plasma which is a processing gas. There is a wealth. In another preferred form, the plasma excitation portion supplies a second electrode disposed to face the first electrode in parallel to the first electrode in the processing vessel, and a second frequency for supplying the first electrode with a second frequency which is a frequency suitable for generating plasma, which is a processing gas. There is a high frequency feed section. In this case, it is also possible to include a second frequency modulator and modulate the frequency of the second high frequency substantially in synchronization with the power modulation of the first high frequency. Alternatively, a second high frequency power modulator may be provided, and the power of the second high frequency may be modulated in synchronization with the power modulation of the first high frequency.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a plasma processing apparatus includes a processing vessel capable of vacuum evacuation, a processing gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas into the processing vessel, and the processing to excite the processing gas in the processing vessel to generate plasma. A first high frequency power supply unit for supplying a first high frequency to a first electrode or antenna disposed in or near the container, a first high frequency power modulator for modulating the power of the first high frequency at a predetermined period, and the first high frequency And a first frequency modulator for modulating the frequency of the first high frequency substantially in synchronization with the power modulation.

In the above device configuration, the first high frequency power modulator modulates the power of the first high frequency contributing to plasma generation at a predetermined period, and for example, controls the plasma density in time to prevent charging damage, The first frequency modulator modulates the frequency of the first high frequency substantially in synchronism with the power modulation of the first high frequency, thereby eliminating the variation in plasma capacitance caused by the power modulation and suppressing the variation in plasma impedance and thus the reflection from the plasma. The stability and reproducibility of the process can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first high frequency power modulator divides one cycle into first, second, third and fourth states, and the power of the first high frequency maintains the first power set point at the first state. In the second state, the second power setpoint transitions from the first power setpoint higher than that, in the third state, the second power setpoint is maintained, and in the fourth state, the second power setpoint is shifted from the second power setpoint to the first power setpoint. 1 Control the power of high frequency. On the other hand, the first frequency modulator maintains the first frequency set value at the first state in the first state, changes from the first frequency set value to a second frequency set value lower than that in the second state, and at the second state. The set value is held, and the frequency of the first high frequency is controlled so as to transition from the second frequency set value to the first frequency set value in the fourth state. By having the same synchronization relationship between the power and frequency of the first high frequency as described above, even if the power modulation of the first high frequency is arbitrarily set in order to obtain desired process characteristics or process performance, the frequency modulation is accompanied by power modulation. Fluctuations or reflections in plasma impedance can be effectively compensated (suppressed).

In a preferred embodiment, the first high frequency power supply unit includes a first high frequency power supply generating a first high frequency and a variable reactance element electrically connected between an output terminal of the first high frequency power supply and a first electrode. A matcher including a matching circuit, a sensor for measuring a load impedance including the matching circuit, a controller for varying the variable reactance element so that the load impedance matches the reference impedance in response to an output signal of the sensor, and a first state. Or there is a matching control unit for controlling the matching unit so that the impedance matching is good in either of the third states. A reflected wave measuring unit for measuring the power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the first electrode side to the first high frequency power source may be provided.

Preferably, when the impedance is matched in the third state, the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period set during the third state. In this case, the first frequency modulator selects the first frequency set value such that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the first state is at or near the minimum value.

Preferably, when the impedance is matched in the first state, the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period set during the first state. In this case, the first frequency modulator selects the third frequency set value so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurer during the third state becomes a value at or near the minimum value.

Regarding the second state, preferably, the first high frequency power modulating unit sets the power of the first high frequency to a predetermined rising characteristic so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the second state becomes a value at or near the minimum value. By changing from the first power setpoint to the second power setpoint, the first frequency modulator changes the frequency of the first high frequency from the first frequency setpoint to the second frequency setpoint with a predetermined falling characteristic.

Regarding the fourth state, the first high frequency power modulating unit sets the power of the first high frequency to a predetermined falling characteristic so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the fourth state is at or near the minimum value. While changing from the second power set point to the first power set point, the first frequency modulator changes the frequency of the first high frequency from the second frequency set point to the first frequency set point with a predetermined rising characteristic.

In another preferred form, the load power supplied to the load during the subsequent first state is based on a measurement (preferably a moving average) of the reflected wave power that the first high frequency power modulator obtains from the reflected wave measurement unit during the first state. Corrects the first power setpoint to match the target value. Further, the first high frequency power modulator is based on the measured value (preferably the moving average value) of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the third state so that the load power supplied to the load during the subsequent third state matches the target value. Correct the third power setpoint.

In a preferred embodiment, the first electrode supplied with the first high frequency for plasma generation supports the substrate to be processed in the processing vessel. In another preferred form, the first electrode supplied with the first high frequency for plasma generation faces in parallel to the second electrode supporting the substrate to be processed in the processing vessel. In this case, in order to push ions from the plasma into the substrate, the second high frequency feeding part may supply the second high frequency to the first electrode.

In the first aspect of the present invention, a plasma processing method is a plasma processing method for modulating a high frequency power supplied to an electrode or an antenna installed in or near a vacuum-exhaust processing container at a constant cycle, and substantially modulating the power modulation of the high frequency power. Synchronizes the high frequency frequency.

In the plasma processing method, the power of the first high frequency is modulated at a predetermined period, the plasma density or ion energy is controlled in time, and the frequency of the first high frequency is modulated substantially in synchronism with the power modulation of the first high frequency. The variation in plasma capacitance caused by power modulation can be eliminated, and the variation in plasma impedance, and also the reflection from the plasma, can be suppressed to achieve stability and reproducibility of the process.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power and frequency of the first high frequency are simultaneously varied in at least two stages within one cycle.

In the present invention, the computer-readable storage medium is a computer storage medium in which a control program operating on a computer is stored. The control program controls the plasma processing apparatus so that the plasma processing method of the present invention is performed at the time of execution.

According to the plasma processing apparatus, the plasma processing method, or the computer-readable storage medium of the present invention, even if the high frequency power used for the plasma processing is modulated periodically to obtain desired process characteristics, the plasma or ion sheath may be used. As a result, the impedance fluctuations and reflections on the high frequency power supply are minimized, and the stability and reproducibility of the process and the safety protection of the high frequency power supply can be guaranteed.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a configuration of a plasma processing apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention. This plasma processing apparatus is constituted by a capacitively coupled parallel plate plasma etching apparatus, and includes, for example, a cylindrical chamber (processing vessel) 10 made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. Chamber 10 is securely grounded.

In the chamber 10, a disk-shaped susceptor 12 on which a semiconductor wafer W is mounted, for example, is horizontally disposed as a lower electrode as a substrate to be processed. The susceptor 12 is made of aluminum, for example, and is supported in an ungrounded state by, for example, an insulating tubular support 14 made of ceramic, which extends vertically upward from the bottom of the chamber 10. . A ring-shaped exhaust passage between the conductive cylindrical inner wall portion 16 extending vertically upward from the bottom of the chamber 10 along the outer circumference of the cylindrical support 14 and the side wall of the chamber 10 ( 18 is formed, and the exhaust port 20 is provided in the bottom of this exhaust path 18.

An exhaust device 24 is connected to the exhaust port 20 via an exhaust pipe 22. The exhaust device 24 has a vacuum pump such as a turbo molecular pump so that the processing space in the chamber 10 can be lowered to a desired vacuum degree. A gate valve 26 is attached to the side wall of the chamber 10 to open and close the carrying in and out of the semiconductor wafer W. As shown in FIG.

A high frequency power source 28 is electrically connected to the susceptor 12 via an RF cable 30, a lower matcher 32, and a lower feed rod 34. The high frequency power supply 28 outputs a bias control high frequency LF having a frequency (usually 13.56 MHz or less) suitable for controlling ion energy pushed into the semiconductor wafer W on the susceptor 12. The high frequency power supply 28 of this embodiment can not only pulse-modulate (AM modulate) the amplitude of the bias control high frequency LF under the control of the controller 80, but also make it possible to pulse-modulate (FM modulate) its frequency. Consists of. The RF cable 30 becomes a coaxial cable, for example.

 As described below, the lower matcher 32 accommodates a matching circuit for matching between the impedance on the high frequency power supply 28 side and the impedance on the load (electrode, plasma, chamber) side, and is used for auto matching. RF sensors, step motors and controllers are also available.

In general, in a plasma processing apparatus, a high frequency power supply unit for supplying a high frequency to an electrode or an antenna disposed in or near a processing container, as well as an impedance of a load side (electrode, plasma, chamber) and an impedance of a high frequency power source as well as a high frequency power source for outputting a high frequency A matching device for matching (matching) is provided. Since a high frequency power supply is usually designed to have a 50 Ω forward resistance output, the impedance in the matcher is set or adjusted so that the impedance at the load side including the matcher is 50 Ω. This type of matcher includes one or more variable reactance elements (variable capacitors, variable inductance coils, etc.) in the matching circuit, and selects each step position or position within the variable range by means of a stepper motor or the like, and thus, Is configured to variably adjust the load impedance. During plasma processing, if the plasma impedance changes due to pressure fluctuations or the like, the matching device's auto matching function is activated, and the impedance position of the variable reactance element is variably adjusted to automatically correct the load impedance to match the matching point 50Ω.

The susceptor 12 has a diameter or aperture larger than the semiconductor wafer W by one turn. The semiconductor wafer W to be processed is mounted on the upper surface of the susceptor 12, and a focus ring 36 is mounted around the semiconductor wafer W. The focus ring 36 is made of, for example, any one of Si, SiC, C, and SiO 2 depending on the material to be etched of the semiconductor wafer W.

An upper surface of the susceptor 12 is provided with an electrostatic chuck 38 for wafer adsorption. The electrostatic chuck 38 is a sheet-like or net-shaped conductor sandwiched in a film-like or plate-like dielectric, which is integrally formed or integrally fixed to the upper surface of the susceptor 12. The DC power supply 40 arrange | positioned outside the chamber 10 is electrically connected through the switch 42 and the high voltage line 44 in the inside. By the DC voltage supplied from the DC power supply 40, the semiconductor wafer W can be adsorbed-protected and held | maintained on the electrostatic chuck 38 by a coulomb force.

Inside the susceptor 12, for example, an annular coolant chamber 46 extending in the circumferential direction is provided. The refrigerant chamber 46 is circulated and supplied with a refrigerant having a predetermined temperature, for example, cooling water, through the pipes 48 and 50 in a chiller unit (not shown). The temperature of the semiconductor wafer W on the electrostatic chuck 38 can be controlled according to the temperature of the refrigerant. In addition, in order to further increase the accuracy of the wafer temperature, the heat transfer gas from the heat transfer gas supply unit (not shown), for example, He gas, is electrostatically passed through the gas supply pipe 52 and the gas passage 54 inside the susceptor 12. It is supplied between the chuck 38 and the semiconductor wafer W.

The ceiling of the chamber 10 is provided with a shower head 56 facing the susceptor 12 in parallel with the upper electrode. The showerhead 56 includes an electrode plate 58 facing the susceptor 12 and an electrode support 60 for supporting the electrode plate 58 so as to be mounted and detached therefrom. A gas chamber 62 is provided inside the electrode support 60, and a plurality of gas discharge holes 64 passing through the susceptor 12 side in the gas chamber 62 are provided with the electrode support 60 and the electrode plate. It forms in 58. The space S between the electrode plate 58 and the susceptor 12 becomes a plasma generating space or a processing space. The gas supply pipe 66 is connected from the process gas supply part 65 to the gas inlet 62a provided in the upper part of the gas chamber 62. The electrode plate 58 is made of, for example, Si, SiC or C, and the electrode support 60 is made of, for example, aluminum which has been treated with an aluminite.

A ring-shaped insulator 68 made of, for example, alumina is finely interposed between the showerhead 56 and the upper opening projection of the chamber 10. The showerhead 56 is electrically mounted to the chamber 10 in a non-grounded state, and a separate high frequency power source 70 passes through the RF cable 72, the upper matcher 74, and the upper feed rod 76. It is electrically connected to the shower head 56. The high frequency power supply 70 outputs a high frequency wave HF having a high frequency discharge, that is, a frequency (preferably 40 MHz or more) suitable for plasma generation, with no modulation, that is, a constant power and a constant frequency. The RF cable 72 is made of, for example, a coaxial cable. The matching unit 74 accommodates a matching circuit for matching between the impedance of the high frequency power supply 70 side and the impedance of the load (electrode, plasma, chamber) side, and also includes an RF sensor, a step motor, a controller for auto matching, and the like. Stocked.

The controller 80 includes a microcomputer and various interfaces as will be described later, and according to software (program) and recipe information stored in an external memory or an internal memory, each part in the plasma etching apparatus, for example, an exhaust device 24. , High frequency power supplies 28 and 70, matchers 32 and 74, DC power switches 42, chiller units (not shown), electrothermal gas supplies (not shown), process gas supplies 65 and the like. Control the operation of each operation and the device as a whole.

In order to perform etching with this plasma etching apparatus, first, the gate valve 26 is opened, the semiconductor wafer W to be processed is loaded into the chamber 10 and mounted on the electrostatic chuck 38. The processing gas supply part 65 introduces an etching gas (generally a mixed gas) into the chamber 10 at a predetermined flow rate, and sets the pressure in the chamber 10 by the exhaust device 24 to a set value. In addition, the high frequency power supply 70 supplies the high frequency HF for plasma generation to the upper electrode 56 through the upper matcher 74, and at the same time, the high frequency power supply 28 for the bias control passes through the lower matcher 32. LF) is supplied to the susceptor 12. In addition, the DC power supply 40 supplies a DC voltage to the electrostatic chuck 38, and fixes the semiconductor wafer W on the electrostatic chuck 38. The etching gas discharged from the shower head 56 is converted into plasma by the high frequency discharge between the electrodes 12 and 56, and the processed film on the surface of the semiconductor wafer W is formed in a desired pattern by radicals or ions generated in the plasma. Is etched.

This capacitively coupled plasma etching apparatus supplies the upper electrode (shower head) 56 with a high frequency (HF) at a relatively high frequency (40 MHz or more) suitable for plasma generation, thereby densifying the plasma to a desirable dissociation state, High density plasma can be formed even under conditions of lower pressure. At the same time, by supplying a high frequency wave (LF) having a relatively low frequency (13.56 MHz or less) suitable for implanting ions into the susceptor 12, the ion energy can be more precisely controlled and the processing accuracy of the anisotropic etching can be improved. It can increase.

Then, the power of the bias control high frequency wave LF is modulated by the control of the control unit 80 into a pulse of H level / L level or ON / OFF that is a duty variable in the high frequency power source 28 to the semiconductor wafer W. By controlling the incident ion energy in time, processing characteristics such as selectivity can be further improved.

The basic method of the pulse modulation system in this embodiment is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the power of the bias control high frequency LF is not only pulse-modulated at a constant frequency (for example, 10 Hz) and duty (for example, 50%) according to the process, but also in synchronization with the pulse modulation of the LF power. The frequency (LF frequency) is also pulse modulated. That is, during the period T _A in which the LF power maintains the H level set value P _A (for example, 500 W) within one cycle between the LF power and the LF frequency, the LF frequency is also set to the H level set value F _A (for example, 13.56 MHz). ) And the LF frequency maintains the L level set value F _B (eg 12.05 MHz) during the period T _B during which the LF power maintains the L level set value P _B (eg 100 W). To have. Here, the H level / L level of the LF frequency means a relative high and low relationship between two different frequency setting values, the frequency setting of the relatively high H level, and the frequency setting of the relatively low L level.

In FIG. 2, the pulse modulation of the LF power and the pulse modulation of the LF frequency are performed at exactly the same timing (same phase, same duty), but in reality, the timing (phase, duty) may be different on the time axis. However, the frequency of pulse modulation of LF power and LF frequency needs to be synchronized or matched.

When the high frequency LF for bias control is supplied to the susceptor 12, there is a constant proportional relationship between the LF power and the thickness of the ion sheath (lower sheath thickness) formed on the susceptor 12, and the LF power is at an H level. of when to take a constant value P _a and the predetermined value D _a of the lower sheath thickness is also H level, and when LF power to take a constant value P _B of the L level of the lower sheath thickness also becomes equal to a predetermined value of the level L D _B. Here, the larger the thickness of the lower sheath, the smaller the sheath capacitance, and the smaller the thickness of the lower sheath, the larger the sheath capacitance.

In this embodiment, under the control of the control unit 80, the lower matcher 32 operates to match the impedance on the load side with the impedance on the high frequency power supply 28 side in the H level period T _A , and the load impedance in the L level period T _B. Is ignored (undetected). Original Then, H level period in a state where the lower sheath thickness T _A consisting of the impedance matching at the value D _A of the H-level, L-level period in the lower sheath thickness value D _A of the H level is changed to T _B value of the level L As soon as D _B is changed (that is, the lower sheath capacitance increases), the resonance point is shifted and impedance matching is not performed. Therefore, in order to minimize such impedance matching deviation in the L level period T _B , the L level of the L level which is moderately lower than the reference frequency F _A at the H level at the H level is eliminated so that the lower sheath thickness, that is, the increase in the sheath capacitance, is eliminated. Decrease to the value F _B.

As described above, in the pulse modulation method of this embodiment, impedance matching is performed between the high frequency power supply 28 and the load by the auto matching function of the lower matcher 32 during the H level period T _A , and the lower matcher during the L level period T _B. Instead of responding to the load impedance at 32, the high frequency power supply 28 corrects the mismatch in impedance matching by appropriately lowering the LF frequency. Therefore, since the LF power changes periodically between the H level and the L level, even if the capacitance of the lower sheath changes periodically, there is no sudden change in the plasma impedance or the load impedance, so that the auto matching of the lower matcher 32 stops hunting. There is no fear of causing it, and the reflection from the plasma load to the high frequency power supply 28 can be effectively suppressed.

The synchronization relationship between the LF power and the LF frequency of the pulse modulation method of this embodiment is shown in more detail in FIG. As shown, one cycle of pulse modulation is divided into four states: first state T _B , second state T _C , third state T _A and fourth state T _D. Here, the first state T _B corresponds to the L level period, and the third state T _A corresponds to the H level period. The second state T _C is a period for changing the LF power and the LF frequency from the L level setting values P _B and F _B to the H level setting values P _A and F _A , respectively. The fourth state T _D is a period in which the LF power and the LF frequency are changed from the H level set values P _A and F _A to the L level set values P _B and F _B , respectively.

During the period of the third state T _A , the impedance matching is performed by the auto matching of the lower matcher 32 as described above, so that the power of the LF reflected wave that protrudes from the plasma of the load to the high frequency power supply 28 is very low (J _A ). . Even during the first state T _B period, the deviation of impedance matching is corrected by the pulse modulation of the LF frequency as described above, so that the LF reflected power is maintained at a very low level J _B. However, during the periods of the second state T _C and the fourth state T _D , since the auto matching function or the compensation function thereof does not function substantially, impulse LF reflected power is generated.

If the lower matcher 32 responds to such fluctuations in the LF reflection power in the second state T _C and the fourth state T _D , the stability and precision of the auto matching are lowered to increase the LF reflection power in the third state T _A. Further, the LF reflection power in the first state T _B is also increased.

In this embodiment, the control unit 80 controls all of the temporal characteristics (frequency, duty, phase, etc.) of the pulse modulation through the high frequency power source 28, and sequentially or repeatedly switches the first to fourth states. All timing is managed. The controller 80 also controls the cycle or period during which the lower matcher 32 responds to the load impedance, and as shown in FIG. 3, the end of the second state T _C or the fourth state T in the third state T _A , as shown in FIG. 3. _The matcher response period T _M is set at a timing that does not affect the start of _D.

4 shows the configuration of the high frequency power supply 28 and the lower matcher 32 in this embodiment. The high frequency power supply 28 includes an oscillator 82 for oscillating and outputting a sinusoidal wave of a variable frequency and a power amplifier 84 for amplifying the power of the sine wave output from the oscillator 82 at a variable amplification rate. Equipped.

 The controller 80 performs pulse modulation or variable control of the LF frequency through the oscillator 82, and performs pulse modulation or variable control of the LF power through the power amplifier 84.

The lower matcher 32 includes a matching circuit 90 including at least one variable reactance element, a controller 92 for individually variable controlling the impedance of each variable reactance element of the matching circuit 90, and a matching circuit. There is an RF sensor 94 having a function of measuring a load impedance including 90.

In the illustrated example, the matching circuit 90 is composed of a T-type circuit consisting of two variable capacitors C1 and C2 and one inductance coil L1, so that the controller 92 is connected to the variable capacitors C1, The impedance position of C2 is variably controlled. The RF sensor 94 includes, for example, a voltage sensor and a current sensor for detecting the RF voltage and the RF current on the transmission line at the installation position thereof, and the measurement of the load impedance from the voltage measurement and the current measurement in complex numbers. It is required to indicate. The controller 92 is, for example, a microcomputer, receives a measurement of the load impedance from the RF sensor 94 via the gate circuit 100, and receives various setting values and commands from the controller 80.

Under the control of the controller 80, the gate circuit 100 outputs the signal (load impedance) of the RF sensor 94 only during the matcher response period T _M (Fig. 3) set during the third state T _A in each cycle of pulse modulation. The measured value) is given to the controller 92. Accordingly, the controller 92 receives the output signal of the RF sensor 94 only during the matcher response period T _M during the third state T _{A so} that the load impedance measurement value matches the reference impedance or matching point (typically 50Ω). Through the step motors 96 and 98, the impedance positions of the variable capacitors C ₁ and C ₂ are variably controlled.

In this embodiment, the output terminal of the high frequency power supply 28 is also equipped with the reflected wave measuring circuit 102 which receives the reflected wave propagating on the transmission line from the load side and measures the power of the reflected wave. As described later, the controller 80 selects and controls various parameters in each state of the pulse modulation based on the reflected power measurement value received from the reflected wave measurement circuit 102.

As described above, in the pulse modulation of the LF frequency of this embodiment, the LF frequency in the first state T _B is lowered to a value L _B of a level L which is lower than the reference frequency F _A of the H level in the third state T _A. .

5 shows a procedure of a program executed in the control unit 80 to determine the frequency set value F _B of the L level. This flowchart should be executed immediately after the auto matching by the control unit 80 and the lower matcher 32 is stabilized immediately after starting the system.

First, parameters and setting values required for initialization are input (step S1). And I at the same time to control the cycle of the fourth state T _D the current cycle of LF power through the first if the switch to the state T _B (step S2), power amplifier (84) in a set value P _B of the L level, the oscillator (82 ), The LF frequency is controlled to the L-frequency acceleration frequency setpoint F _B (1) (step S3). In the LF power measurement period set in the first state T _B , the reflected wave measurement circuit 102 detects the LF reflected power to obtain the measured value (effective value or average value) JB 1, and the controller 80 controls the LF reflected power on the memory. the corresponding measurements JB (1) the hypothesis value F _B (1) then (step S4).

In each cycle, the frequency setting value F _B (n) of the first state T _B is decreased to a constant step width as shown in FIG. 6, or increased to a constant step width as shown in FIG. 7, and the LF reflection power is increased. JB measurement and is recorded in association with the frequency setpoint F _B (n) a (n), and repeating this series of processes a predetermined number of times (step S2 ~ S6). 6 and 7, the second state T _C and the fourth state T _D are omitted.

Then, the measured value data is graphed, for example, as shown in Fig. 8, and the LF frequency corresponding to the minimum value JBm of the LF reflected power obtained by the least square method or the like and the value in the vicinity thereof is calculated, and this is the first state T. _{This is} called the frequency set value F _B of the L level at _B (step S7).

Also, instead of decreasing or increasing the frequency setting of the first state T _B with a constant step width for each cycle, the LF frequency is continuously increased at a constant rate of increase or decrease in the first state T _B over several cycles as shown in FIG. Sweeping is also possible.

Instead of using the flow chart (FIG. 5) described above, the bottom sheath thickness is estimated based on past data and process conditions (e.g., HF / LF power, pressure, gas type, etc.), and the bottom sheath thickness. It is also possible to select or determine the frequency setting value F _B of the L level in the first state T _B by using a predetermined expression with V as a variable. In this case, it is necessary to verify or reselect the frequency setpoint F _B based on the LF reflected power measurement obtained from the reflected wave measurement circuit 102.

The procedure of the program executed in the controller 80 is shown in FIG. 10 to determine characteristics (rising characteristics) for changing the LF power and the LF frequency from the L level to the H level in the second state T _C , respectively. 11 shows the operation of this flowchart. This flowchart confirms the set values of various parameters related to the third state T _A and the first state T _B in the same manner as described above, and the LF reflection power is maintained at low levels JB and JA in both states T _B and T _A. It should be run after it is stable.

First, parameters and set values required for initialization are input (step S10). If it is switched from the first state T _B to the second state T _C (step S11), the LF power and the LF frequency are respectively changed through the power amplifier 84 and the oscillator 82, and the virtual change characteristics P (n) and F ( n) (step S12). Herein, the virtual change characteristics P (n) and F (n) are set independently, and as shown in Fig. 11, start time tps, tfs and end time tpe, tfe, change function, etc. of change (start) are shown. It is a parameter. The change function is not limited to the inclined constant straight lines PL and FL, and may be a logarithmic curve PE, FE or an Nth order function (N ≧ 2) or an exponential curve PN or FN.

In the second state T _C period, the reflected wave measuring circuit 102 measures the LF reflected power, and the controller 80 compares the measured value with the minimum value of the LF reflected power measured value at the present time (step S13). The smaller one is set as the new minimum value of the LF reflection power measurement (step S14). In addition, since the minimum measurement at that time does not exist in the first period, the first measurement is unconditionally the minimum value. The measurement of the LF reflection power should be obtained from the peak value, average value, or integral value of the impulse waveform.

Each cycle cycles the LF power and LF frequency virtually changing characteristics P (n), F (n) as appropriate or sequentially, and measures, compares, and updates the LF reflected power in the second state T _C as described above. A series of processes such as the above are repeated a predetermined number of times (steps S11 to S16). As a result, it is gradually updated and the minimum value of the last remaining LF reflected power measurement value is queried to the database to check whether it is an appropriate value or a value within an allowable range (steps S17 to S18). The virtual change characteristics P (n) and F (n) are set as regular change characteristics (step S19). If the minimum value of the LF reflected power measurement obtained at this time is not appropriate by querying the database (step S17), the flowchart is changed again from the beginning by appropriately changing various parameters or setting values in the initialization (steps S10 to S17). .

Although the detailed description will be omitted, the characteristics (falling characteristics) for changing the LF power and the LF frequency from the H level to the L level in the fourth state T _D can also be determined in the same order as in the above-described flowchart (Fig. 10).

Next, a method of controlling the LF power in order to further improve the stability and reproducibility of the etching process in the pulse modulation of this embodiment will be described.

As described above, in this embodiment, the high frequency power supply is operated by the plasma load by the pulse modulation of the LF frequency in the first state T _B of the L level, and by the auto matching of the lower matcher 32 in the third state T _A of the H level. The LF reflection power to (28) is reduced as much as possible. However, even if there is little such LF reflected power, since there exists actually, if the power supplied to a load, ie, the load power is less than a set value or a target value, ion energy will undesirably fall. In addition, when the LF reflected power fluctuates, if the load power fluctuates due to the influence, the ion energy also fluctuates. This lowers the stability and reproducibility of the process.

The plasma etching apparatus of this embodiment also has a function of compensating for the presence or variation of such LF reflected power. In order to control LF power of this embodiment, the procedure of the program executed by the control part 80 is shown in FIG. 13 shows an example of the operation of this LF power control method.

First, parameters and set values required for initialization are input (step S20). If the previous cycle is switched from the fourth state T _D to the first state T _B as the current cycle (step S21), the LF power is controlled to the set value P _B for the current cycle through the power amplifier 84 (step S22). . In the LF power measurement period set in the first state T _B , the reflected wave measurement circuit 102 detects the LF reflected power to obtain the measured value (effective value or average value) J n, and the control unit 80 inputs the LF reflected power measured value J n. (Step S23).

Then the control unit 80 obtains the LF power set value P _B for the next cycle in the first state by the following equation: T _B (1) (step S24).

P _B = P _MB + J _{~ n} ???? （1)

Here, PMB is a target value of the load power to be supplied to the load during the first state T _B , and J to n are moving average values of the LF reflected power measurement value Jn at the current cycle time point.

Next, if the current state is switched from the second state T _C to the third state T _A (step S25), the LF power is controlled to the set value P _A for the current cycle through the power amplifier 84 (step S2626). In the LF power measurement period set during the third state T _A , the reflected wave measurement circuit 102 detects the LF reflected power and obtains the measured value (effective value or average value) J m, and the controller 80 inputs the LF reflected power measured value J m. (Step S27).

Then the control unit 80 calculates the following LF power set value P _A for the cycle in the third state T _A by the following equation (2) (step S28).

P _A = P _MA + J _{~ m} ???? （2)

Here, PMA is a target value of the load power to be supplied to the load during the third state T _A , and J _{to m} are moving average values of the LF reflection power measurement J _m at the current cycle time point.

By repeating the above series of steps (steps S21 to S28) for each cycle of pulse modulation, as shown in FIG. 13, the LF reflections to the load power to be supplied to the plasma load in the first state T _B and the third state T _A as shown in FIG. The LF power to which the power and its variation (moving average value) are added is output from the high frequency power supply 28. As a result, the LF reflected power and its variation are eliminated, and the load power (target value) is stably supplied to the plasma load as set. In this way, the stability and reproducibility of the process can be further improved. In addition, the function of compensating the LF reflection power and the variation thereof as described above may be performed only in either the first state T _B or the third state T _A.

The structure of the plasma processing apparatus in 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. In the figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is structurally or functionally common with the apparatus (FIG. 1) of said 1st Embodiment.

This plasma processing apparatus is constituted by a capacitively coupled plasma etching apparatus of a cathode couple method (lower two-frequency supply method) for simultaneously supplying a susceptor (lower electrode) 12 with a high frequency for plasma generation and a high frequency for bias control. More specifically, the high frequency power source 28 generating the high frequency LF for bias control is electrically connected to the susceptor 12 via the matching unit 32 and at the same time generates the high frequency HF for plasma generation. The power supply 128 is also electrically connected to the susceptor 12 via the matching unit 104. The upper electrode (shower head) 56 is attached directly to the chamber 10 and is electrically grounded through the chamber 10.

Also in this plasma etching apparatus, the control unit 80 controls the double pulse modulation as described above, that is, the LF power pulse modulation and the same with respect to the bias control high frequency LF through the high frequency power supply 28 and the matching unit 32. Can modulate pulses of the LF frequency.

On the other hand, modulating such LF pulses causes the lower sheath thickness to change periodically, with the effect that the plasma impedance of the HF seen from the susceptor 12 changes periodically, thereby reflecting the HF returning back from the plasma to the high frequency power supply 128. Power increases. Increasing the HF reflected power may cause a decrease in the density of plasma and its distribution characteristics, and may cause a failure of the high frequency power supply 128.

In this embodiment, however, the power and / or frequency of the HF can also be pulse-modulated in synchronization with the pulse modulation of the LF. That is, although the illustration is omitted, the high frequency power source 128 is composed of a frequency variable oscillator and an amplification rate variable power amplifier similarly to the high frequency power source 28, and the control unit 80 modulates and modulates the pulse of the HF frequency through the oscillator. The control is executed and pulse modulation and variable control of the HF power are performed through the corresponding power amplifier. In addition, a gate circuit is provided between the RF sensor and the controller in the matching unit 104, and under the control of the controller 80, the gate circuit sends an output signal of the RF sensor to the controller only during a predetermined matching period. . In addition, a reflection wave measuring circuit (not shown) for measuring the power of the HF reflected wave propagating on the transmission line from the load side to the output terminal of the high frequency power supply 128 is provided, and the control unit 80 receives from the reflected wave measuring circuit. Based on the reflected power measurements, various parameters associated with pulse modulation of the HF are selected or controlled.

In addition, in the upper and lower two-frequency supply systems for supplying the high frequency HF for plasma generation to the upper electrode 56 as in the apparatus of FIG. 1, the control unit 80 passes through the high frequency power supply 70 and the matching unit 74. In addition, as in this embodiment, it is also possible to configure the pulse and modulate the power and / or frequency of the HF in synchronization with the pulse modulation of the LF.

The structure of the plasma processing apparatus in 3rd Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. In the figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is structurally or functionally common with the apparatus (FIGS. 1, 14) of the said 1st Embodiment or the said 2nd Embodiment.

This plasma processing apparatus is constituted by a cathode-coupled capacitively coupled plasma etching apparatus for supplying a high frequency for plasma generation to the susceptor (lower electrode) 12.

In this plasma etching apparatus, when the high frequency power supply 128 outputs a high frequency of 40 MHz or higher to increase the plasma density, the low ion energy, i.e., the sheath potential on the semiconductor wafer W is reduced (low biased). As biasing has progressed in comparison with the past, the effects of charging damage (insulation breakdown) cannot be ignored. Charging damage occurs when the amount of charge flowing from the plasma into the semiconductor wafer W (gate electrode) exceeds a certain threshold. This amount of incoming charge correlates with the relative difference of the sheath potential in the wafer W surface.

In the conventional plasma etching apparatus using a low frequency, since the sheath potential is several hundred volts, even if in-plane unevenness occurs in the plasma potential (plasma potential), the change in the sheath potential is relatively small in the wafer surface, and the semiconductor wafer The amount of charge flowing into the gate electrode of (W) does not exceed the threshold.

However, in the high-density plasma like this embodiment, since the sheath potential is as small as several tens of volts, the change in the sheath potential when the in-plane unevenness occurs in the plasma potential is relatively large, and a large amount of electrons easily enters the gate electrode, thereby providing a substrate. Charging damage is likely to occur over the length of time the surface is continuously exposed to the plasma.

In the plasma process, charge up occurs in the insulating film (for example, the gate oxide film) on the substrate due to the in-plane nonuniformity of the plasma potential, the profile of the circuit pattern, and the like, and the balance of ions and electrons locally. In the insulating film in which charge up occurs, a potential gradient or an electric field proportional to the accumulated charge amount is generated. If this charge-up state accumulates and exceeds the increased threshold value, the insulating film is damaged or destroyed at the corresponding point.

In this embodiment, the plasma generation state and the non-plasma generation state (no plasma is generated) so that the amount of charge flowing into the gate electrode does not exceed the threshold or the amount of charge accumulated in the insulating film due to charge-up does not exceed the threshold. Status) are alternately repeated at predetermined intervals. In other words, the continuous plasma generation time is set to a short time such that the amount of inflow charge or charge-up charge does not exceed the threshold value, and then a state in which no plasma is generated is generated and it is intermittently repeated. Even if excessive inflow charge or charge up occurs at any point on the wafer during the plasma generation state, the excess charge or accumulated charge is dispersed around during the non-plasma generation state, thereby restoring neutralization. The accumulation of inflow charges or accumulated charges can be prevented and damage to the insulating film can be effectively prevented. This can greatly improve the reliability of the plasma process.

In order to alternately repeat the plasma generation state and the plasma non-generation state during the plasma etching, in this embodiment, the high frequency (HF) for plasma generation causes the amplitude or crest value (that is, the effective) of the H level at which the plasma is generated. The period of the H level having a predetermined power) and the period of the L level having an amplitude or crest value (that is, not having an effective power) of the L level at which the plasma generating high frequency (HF) does not generate the plasma is predetermined. The control unit 80 is configured to control the high frequency power supply 128 and the matching unit 104 so as to be alternately repeated in the cycle of.

Fig. 16 shows a basic method of the pulse modulation method in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the frequency (HF frequency) is also pulse modulated in synchronization with the pulse modulation of the HF power.

More specifically, between the HF power and the HF frequency, during a period T _A in which HF power maintains the H level setpoint P _A (for example, 500W), the HF frequency is set to the L level setpoint F _B (eg For example, during the period T _B where the reference is maintained at 60 MHz and the HF power maintains the L level set value P _B (for example, 100 W), the HF frequency is set at the H level F _A (for example, 62.45 MHz). To maintain the same motivation. Even in this case, the H level / L level of the HF frequency means a relative high and low relationship between two different frequency setting values, the frequency setting of the side where the H level is higher, and the frequency setting value of the side where the L level is relatively low.

In the capacitive coupling type, the plasma capacitance is larger when there is no plasma between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, and the higher the plasma density, the larger the plasma capacitance. That is, the plasma capacity is larger when there is no supply of HF, and the plasma capacity is larger as the power of HF is higher.

Therefore, by modulating pulses of opposite phase to the HF frequency in synchronization with the pulse modulation of HF power, the frequency variable control eliminates the periodic change of plasma capacity accompanying the pulse modulation of HF power, and suppresses the sudden fluctuation of plasma impedance. Can be.

Therefore, even in the pulse modulation method of this embodiment, during the H level period T _A of HF power, impedance matching is performed between the high frequency power supply 128 and the load by the auto matching function of the matching unit 104, and the L level period T of the HF power is achieved. _{In B} , the matcher 104 does not respond to the load impedance, and instead, the high frequency power supply 128 can correct the mismatch in impedance matching by appropriately raising the HF frequency. Therefore, even if the plasma capacity fluctuates periodically by changing HF power periodically between H level and L level, there is no sudden fluctuation in plasma impedance or load impedance, so there is no fear that auto matching of matching device 104 causes hunting. The reflection of the high frequency power supply 128 on the load (particularly plasma) side can be effectively suppressed.

In the plasma etching apparatus (Fig. 14) of the lower two frequency supply system as in the second embodiment, it is also possible to apply pulse modulation as in the third embodiment to the high frequency HF for plasma generation.

Although the illustration is omitted, in the anode couple type plasma processing apparatus which supplies the high frequency HF for plasma generation to the upper electrode, pulse modulation similar to the third embodiment may be applied to the HF.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, and the present invention is not limited only to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, a matcher response period is set within a period T _A (power H level period) in which the high frequency power to which pulse modulation is applied maintains the set value of the H level, and impedance matching is performed during the power H level period T _A. I made it. However, when the duty is small, that is, when the ratio of the power H level period T _A occupies a small amount and the ratio of the power L level period T _B occupies a large amount within one cycle, the matching period is set within the period T _B of the power L level. The impedance matching may be performed during the power L level period T _B.

17 shows an example of the configuration of a control unit 80 that controls the control of each part of the plasma processing apparatus (FIGS. 1, 14 and 15) and the entire sequence in order to execute the plasma etching method in the above embodiment.

In this configuration example, the control unit 80 includes a disk drive such as a processor (CPU) 152, a memory (RAM) 154, a program storage device (HDD) 156, a floppy drive or an optical disk connected via a bus 150. (DRV) 158, an input device (KEY) 160 such as a keyboard or a mouse, a display device (DIS) 162, a network? There is an interface (COM) 164 and a peripheral interface (I / F) 166.

The processor (CPU) 152 reads a code of a program required from a storage medium 168 such as an FD or an optical disk loaded in the disk drive (DRV) 158, and stores it in the HDD 156. Alternatively, the required program can be downloaded over a network through the network interface 164. Then, the processor (CPU) 152 expands the code of a program required in each step or each scene from the HDD 156 onto the working memory (RAM) 154 to execute each step, and executes arithmetic processing required. Through the peripheral interface 166, each part in the apparatus (especially the exhaust device 24, the high frequency power supplies 28, 70, 128, matching devices 32, 74, 104, the processing gas supply part 65, etc.) is controlled. All programs for performing the plasma etching method described in the above embodiments are executed in this computer system.

The above embodiment relates to a capacitively coupled plasma processing apparatus that generates plasma by high frequency discharge between parallel plate electrodes in a chamber. However, the present invention can be applied to an inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus for generating a plasma under a dielectric magnetic field by placing an antenna on or around the chamber, or a microwave plasma processing apparatus for generating plasma using microwave power. Do.

The present invention is not limited to the plasma etching apparatus but may be applied to other plasma processing apparatuses such as plasma CVD, plasma oxidation, plasma nitriding, sputtering, and the like. In addition, the substrate to be processed in the present invention is not limited to a semiconductor wafer, but various substrates for flat panel displays, photo masks, CD substrates, printed substrates, and the like can also be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the capacitively coupled plasma etching apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a waveform diagram for explaining the basic method of the pulse modulation method of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a synchronous relationship between LF power and LF frequency in the pulse modulation method of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a high frequency power supply and a matching device for bias control in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a program for determining the frequency set value of the L level in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram for explaining one method used in the flowchart of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram for explaining a method used in the flowchart of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of graphing measured data in the flowchart of FIG. 5.

9 is a waveform diagram illustrating a method of a modification used in the flowchart of FIG. 5.

10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a program for determining the rising characteristic of LF power / frequency.

FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram illustrating the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 10.

12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a program for controlling LF power.

FIG. 13 is a waveform diagram illustrating the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a plasma etching apparatus in a second embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a plasma etching apparatus in a third embodiment. FIG.

Fig. 16 is a waveform diagram for explaining the basic method of the pulse modulation method in the third embodiment.

17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit in the embodiment.

Claims (45)

In the plasma processing apparatus, Vacuum exhaust treatment container, A first electrode supporting the substrate to be processed in the processing container; A processing gas supply unit supplying a processing gas to the processing space set on the first electrode in the processing container; A plasma excitation portion for generating plasma by exciting the processing gas in the processing vessel; A first high frequency feeder for applying a first high frequency to the first electrode to push ions from the plasma to the substrate; A first high frequency power modulator for modulating the power of the first high frequency at a predetermined period; A first frequency modulator for modulating the frequency of the first high frequency in synchronization with the power modulation of the first high frequency Respectively, The first high frequency power modulator divides one cycle into first, second, third and fourth states, wherein the power of the first high frequency maintains a first power setting value at the first state, The second state transitions from the first power setpoint to the second power setpoint, the third state maintains the second power setpoint, and in the fourth state, from the second power setpoint to the first power setpoint. To control the power of the first high frequency wave, The first frequency modulator maintains a frequency of the first high frequency at a first frequency setting value in the first state, transitions from the first frequency setting value to a second frequency setting value in the second state, and generates the third state. Maintains a second frequency setpoint, and controls the frequency of the first high frequency to transition from the second frequency setpoint to the first frequency setpoint in the fourth state. Plasma processing apparatus. The method of claim 1, The second power set point is higher than the first power set point, The second frequency set point is higher than the first frequency set point. Plasma processing apparatus. The method of claim 2, The first high frequency feeder, A first high frequency power supply generating the first high frequency; A matching circuit including a variable reactance element electrically connected between the output terminal of the first high frequency power supply and the first electrode, a sensor for measuring a load impedance including the matching circuit, and an output signal of the sensor A matching device including a controller configured to vary the variable reactance element so that the load impedance matches the reference impedance in response to the response; And a matching controller for controlling the matcher so that impedance is matched well in either the first state or the third state. Plasma processing apparatus, characterized in that. The method of claim 3, wherein And a reflected wave measuring unit for measuring the reflected wave power propagated on the transmission line from the first electrode side to the first high frequency power source. The method of claim 4, wherein And the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period of time set during the third state. The method of claim 5, And wherein the first frequency modulator selects the first frequency set value such that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurer during the first state is at or near a minimum value. The method of claim 4, wherein And the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period of time set during the first state. The method of claim 7, wherein And wherein the first frequency modulator selects the third frequency set value so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the third state becomes a value at or near the minimum value. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, During the second state, the first high frequency power modulator sets the power of the first high frequency to a predetermined rising characteristic such that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit becomes a value at or near the minimum value. And the first frequency modulator shifts the frequency of the first high frequency from the first frequency set value to the second frequency set value with a predetermined rising characteristic at the same time as it transitions from the second power set value to the second power set value. Device. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, The second high frequency power modulating unit sets the power of the first high frequency to a predetermined falling characteristic so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the fourth state becomes a value at or near the minimum value. And the first frequency modulator shifts the frequency of the first high frequency from the second frequency set value to the first frequency set value with a predetermined drop characteristic while simultaneously transitioning from the first power set value to the first power set value. Device. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, The first power such that the load power supplied to the load in the subsequent first state matches the target value based on the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the first state. A plasma processing apparatus characterized by correcting a set value. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, The second power such that the load power supplied to the load in the subsequent third state matches the target value based on the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the third state. A plasma processing apparatus characterized by correcting a set value. The method of claim 11, And the measurement value of the reflected wave power is given as a moving average value in the reflected wave measuring unit. The method of claim 1, The plasma excitation portion, A second electrode disposed to face in parallel to the first electrode in the processing container; And a second high frequency feeder for supplying the second electrode with a second high frequency, which is a frequency for generating a plasma that is the processing gas. Plasma processing apparatus, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The plasma excitation portion, A second electrode disposed to face in parallel to the first electrode in the processing container; And a second high frequency feeder configured to supply the second electrode with a second high frequency which is a frequency for generating a plasma which is the processing gas. Plasma processing apparatus, characterized in that. The method according to claim 14 or 15, And a second frequency modulator for modulating the frequency of the second high frequency substantially in synchronization with the power modulation of the first high frequency. The method according to claim 14 or 15, And a second high frequency power modulator for modulating the power of the second high frequency substantially in synchronization with the power modulation of the first high frequency. Vacuum exhaust treatment container, A processing gas supply unit supplying a processing gas into the processing container; A first high frequency feeding portion for supplying a first high frequency to a first electrode or antenna disposed in or near the processing container to excite the processing gas in the processing container to generate a plasma; A first high frequency power modulator for modulating the power of the first high frequency at a predetermined period; A first frequency modulator for modulating the frequency of the first high frequency substantially in synchronization with the power modulation of the first high frequency With The first high frequency power modulator divides one cycle into first, second, third, and fourth states, wherein the power of the first high frequency maintains a first power setting value at the first state, and the second state. The state transitions from the first power setpoint to the second power setpoint, the third state maintains the second power setpoint, and the fourth state transitions from the second power setpoint to the first power setpoint, To control the power of the first high frequency, The first frequency converting unit maintains a frequency of the first high frequency at a first frequency set value in the first state, transitions from the first frequency set value to a second frequency set value in the second state, and generates the third state. Maintains a second frequency setpoint, and controls the frequency of the first high frequency to transition from the second frequency setpoint to the first frequency setpoint in the fourth state. Plasma processing apparatus. The method of claim 18, The second power set point is higher than the first power set point, The second frequency set point is lower than the first frequency set point. Plasma processing apparatus. The method of claim 19, The first high frequency feeder, A first high frequency power supply generating the first high frequency; A matching circuit including a variable reactance element electrically connected between the output terminal of the first high frequency power source and the first electrode, a sensor for measuring a load impedance including the matching circuit, and an output signal of the sensor A matcher including a controller responsively varying the variable reactance element such that the load impedance matches the reference impedance; Having a matching control unit controlling the matcher so that impedance is matched well in either the first state or the third state Plasma processing apparatus, characterized in that. The method of claim 20, And a reflected wave measuring unit for measuring the power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the first electrode side to the first high frequency power source. The method of claim 21, And the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period of time set during the third state. The method of claim 22, And wherein the first frequency modulator selects the first frequency set value such that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurer during the first state is at or near a minimum value. The method of claim 21, And the matching controller feeds back the output signal of the sensor to the controller only for a predetermined period of time set during the first state. 25. The method of claim 24, And wherein the first frequency modulator selects the third frequency set value so that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the third state becomes a value at or near the minimum value. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, During the second state, the first high frequency power modulator sets the power of the first high frequency to the first power with a predetermined rising characteristic such that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit becomes a value at or near the minimum value. And the first frequency modulator shifts the frequency of the first high frequency from the first frequency set value to the second frequency set value with a predetermined falling characteristic while simultaneously transitioning from the set value to the second power set value. Processing unit. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, The first high frequency power modulating unit sets the power of the first high frequency to the second power with a predetermined falling characteristic such that the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measuring unit during the fourth state becomes a value at or near the minimum value. The first frequency modulator shifts the frequency of the first high frequency from the second frequency set value to the first frequency set value with a predetermined ascending characteristic, while transitioning from the set value to the first power set value. Processing unit. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, The first high frequency power modulator may be configured such that the load power supplied to the load in the subsequent first state matches the target value based on the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the first state. A plasma processing apparatus characterized by correcting a power set value. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, The first high frequency power modulator may be configured such that the load power supplied to the load in the subsequent third state matches the target value based on the measured value of the reflected wave power obtained by the reflected wave measurement unit during the third state. A plasma processing apparatus characterized by correcting a power set value. 29. The method of claim 28, And a measurement value of the reflected wave power in the reflected wave measurement unit as a moving average value. The method of claim 18, And the first electrode supports the substrate to be processed in the processing vessel. The method of claim 18, And the first electrode in the processing container faces in parallel with a second electrode supporting the substrate to be processed. 32. The method of claim 31, And a second high frequency feeder configured to supply a second high frequency to the first electrode to push ions from the plasma to the substrate. A plasma processing method for modulating a high frequency power of a high frequency supplied to an electrode or an antenna installed in or near a vacuum exhaustable processing container, Modulate the frequency of the high frequency in synchronization with the power modulation of the high frequency; The first cycle is divided into first, second, third and fourth states, the high frequency power is maintained at the first power setpoint in the first state, and the first power setpoint is set in the second state. Transition to a two power set point, and control the transition to the first power set point from the second power set point in the third state, maintain the second power set point in the third state, The frequency of the high frequency is maintained at the first frequency set value in the first state, and transitions from the first frequency set value to the second frequency set value in the second state, and maintains a second frequency set value in the third state. The fourth state is controlled to transition from the second frequency set value to the first frequency set value. Plasma treatment method. 35. The method of claim 34, And simultaneously varying the power and frequency of the high frequency in at least two stages within one cycle. delete 35. The method of claim 34, And the load side impedance including the plasma is matched to the impedance of the high frequency power supply side generating the high frequency in one of the first state and the third state. 39. The method of claim 37, The load impedance is measured only for a predetermined period set during one of the first state and the third state, and is electrically connected between the output terminal of the high frequency power supply and the electrode such that the measurement of the load impedance matches a reference impedance. And a variable reactance element in the matched circuit. 35. The method of claim 34, On the other of the first state and the third state, the power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the electrode side to the high frequency power source is measured, and the measured value of the reflected wave power is the minimum value or the subsequent value during the corresponding state. And the first frequency setpoint is selected so as to be a value in the vicinity. 35. The method of claim 34, Measuring the power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the electrode side to the high frequency power during the second state, and the measured value of the reflected wave power during the second state to be at or near the minimum value; The high frequency power is transferred from the first power set value to the second power set value by a predetermined rising characteristic, and the frequency of the high frequency is set by the second frequency setting value from the first frequency setting value. The plasma processing method characterized by the above-mentioned. 35. The method of claim 34, Measuring the power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the electrode side to the high frequency power during the fourth state, and the measured value of the reflected wave power during the fourth state to be the minimum value or the vicinity thereof; The high frequency power is transferred from the second power set value to the first power set value to a predetermined falling characteristic, and the frequency of the high frequency is set from the second frequency set value to the first frequency set value. The plasma processing method characterized by the above-mentioned. 35. The method of claim 34, The power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the electrode side to the high frequency power source is measured during the first state, and the load power supplied to the load during the subsequent first state is based on the measured value of the reflected wave power. And correcting the first power set point so as to match with the. 35. The method of claim 34, The power of the reflected wave propagated on the transmission line from the electrode side to the high frequency power source is measured during the third state, and the load power supplied to the load during the subsequent third state is based on the measured value of the reflected wave power. And correcting the second power set point so as to match with the. 43. The method of claim 42, And a measurement value of the reflected wave power as a moving average value. A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program running on a computer, The control program controls the plasma processing apparatus such that the plasma processing method according to any one of claims 34, 35 and 37 to 44 is executed at the time of execution. And a computer readable storage medium.

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