ATOMIC LAYER ETCHING OF METALS

The present disclosure generally relates to methods for selectively etching copper, cobalt, and/or aluminum layers on a substrate semiconductor manufacturing applications. A substrate comprising one or more copper layers, cobalt layers, or aluminum layers is transferred to a processing chamber. The surface of the copper, cobalt, or aluminum layer is oxidized. The oxidized copper, cobalt, or aluminum surface is then exposed to hexafluoroacetylacetonate vapor. The hexafluoroacetylacetonate vapor reacts with the oxidized copper, cobalt, or aluminum surface to form a volatile compound, which is then pumped out of the chamber. The reaction of the oxidized copper, cobalt, or aluminum surface with the hexafluoroacetylacetonate vapor selectively atomic layer etches the copper, cobalt, or aluminum surface.