Abstract
In this study, $CeO_2$ thin films were etched with a $CF_4/Ar$ gas combination in inductively coupled plasma (ICP), The maximum etch rate of $CeO_2$ thin films is $270{\AA}/min$under $CF_4/(CF_4+Ar)$ of 0.2, 600 W/-200 V, 15 mTorr, and $25^{\circ}C$. The selectivities of $CeO_2$ to PR and SBT are 0.21, 0.25. respectively. The surface reaction of the etched $CeO_2$ thin films was investigated with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). There is a chemical reaction between Ce and F, Compounds such as $Ce-F_x$ are remains on the surface of $CeO_2$ thin films. Those products can be removed by Ar ion bombardment effect, The results of secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) were equal to these of XPS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine etched profiles of $Ce-F_x$ thin films. The etch profile of over-etched $CeO_2$ films with the $0.5 {\mu}m$ line was approximately $65^{\circ}$.
