Abstract

Co2MnSi thin films masked with TiN films were etched in CH4/Ar and CH4/O2/Ar plasmas by inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching. The etch rates decreased with increasing CH4 concentration in CH4/Ar gas, whereas the etch selectivity increased. The addition of O2 to CH4/Ar gas resulted in significant improvement in the etch profile but a decrease in the etch rates. Optical emission spectroscopy showed that a variety of COx, OH, and H2O species were formed in the CH4/O2/Ar plasma, acting a role as a passivation layer to protect the pattern sidewalls. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy also confirmed the formation of metal oxides on the film surface, which could be sputtered off easily by Ar ion bombardment. A high degree of anisotropy of Co2MnSi films was obtained in the CH4/O2/Ar etch gas.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.