Selective Si3N4 Etching for 3D NAND Integration by Using Low Concentration of H3PO4

This study investigated the etching kinetics of Si3N4 in various concentration of H3PO4 solution and the effect of Si3N4 etching enhancers on the etching process, particularly for 3D NAND trench structures. 30 wt% H3PO4 was used to etch Si3N4, which can produce higher Si3N4/SiO2 etching selectivity and similar Si3N4 etching rate compared to a conventional 85 wt% H3PO4. 30 wt% H3PO4 showed significantly improved etching performance for the Si3N4/SiO2 3D NAND structure as compared to 85 wt% H3PO4. In particular, the transportation ability of H3PO4 into 3D NAND trench structures can be improved by reducing viscosity of etchant, which can be obtained by reducing the concentration of H3PO4. In addition, Si3N4 etching enhancers were introduced to accelerate the Si3N4 etching kinetics in 30 wt% H3PO4. Addition of such additives improved the Si3N4 etching rate and Si3N4/SiO2 etching selectivity while suppressing oxide regrowth. The results provide valuable insights for optimizing selective Si3N4 etching process in 3D NAND structures.