Abstract:
A reactor defines a reaction chamber for processing a substrate. The reactor comprises a first inlet for providing a first reactant and to the reaction chamber and a second inlet for a second reactant to the reaction chamber. A first exhaust outlet removes gases from the reaction chamber. A second exhaust outlet removes gases from the reaction chamber. A flow control system is configured to alternately constrict flow through the first and second exhaust outlets. The reactor chamber is configured to for a diffusion barrier within the reaction chamber.
Abstract:
A high k dielectric film 260 and methods for forming the same are disclosed. The high k material includes two peaks of impurity concentration, particularly nitrogen, such as at a lower interface and upper interface, making the layer particularly suitable for transistor gate dielectric applications. The methods of formation include low temperature processes, particularly CVD using a remote plasma generator and atomic layer deposition using selective incorporation of nitrogen in the cyclic process. Advantageously, nitrogen levels are tailored during the deposition process and temperatures are low enough to avoid interdiffusion and allow maintenance of the desired impurity profile.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method of growing a thin film onto a substrate comprises placing a substrate in a reaction chamber and subjecting the substrate to surface reactions of a plurality of vapor-phase reactants according to the ALD method. Non-fully closing valves are placed into the reactant feed conduit and backsuction conduit of an ALD system. The non-fully closed valves are operated such that one valve is open and the other valve is closed during the purge or pulse cycle of the ALD process.
Abstract:
Methods are provided herein for forming electrode layers over high dielectric constant ("high k") materials. In the illustrated embodiments, a high k gate dielectric, such as zirconium oxide, is first formed (70) and then protected from reduction during a subsequent deposition (79) of silicon-containing gate electrode. In particular, a seed deposition phase (74) includes conditions designed for minimizing hydrogen reduction of the gate dielectric, including low hydrogen content, low temperatures and/or low partial pressures of the silicon source gas. Conditions are preferably altered (76) for higher deposition rates and deposition continues in a bulk phase (78). Desirably, though, hydrogen diffusion is still minimized by controlling the above-noted parameters. In one embodiment, high k dielectric reduction is minimized through omission of a hydrogen carrier gas. In another embodiment, a higher order silanes, such as disilane and trisilane, aid in reducing hydrogen content for a given deposition rate.
Abstract:
Methods for forming metal silicate films are provided. The methods comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential vapor phase pulses of a metal source chemical, a silicon source chemical and an oxidizing agent. In preferred embodiments, an alkyl amide metal compound and a silicon halide compound are used. Methods according to preferred embodiments can be used to form hafnium silicate and zirconium silicate films with substantially uniform film coverages on substrate surfaces comprising high aspect ratio features (e.g., vias and/or trenches).
Abstract:
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for transporting a workpiece in a semiconductor processing apparatus comprising a transfer chamber, a process chamber, and a gate valve between the transfer chamber and the process chamber. The method comprises vacuum pumping the transfer chamber to achieve a first pressure in the transfer chamber and vacuum pumping the process chamber to achieve a second pressure in the process chamber. An inert gas is flowed into the transfer chamber and shut off in the process chamber. The transfer chamber is isolated from pumping, but pumping continues from the process chamber. The gate valve is opened after isolating the transfer chamber from pumping. The workpiece is then transferred between the transfer chamber and the process chamber. A definitive flow direction from transfer chamber to process chamber is thereby achieved, minimizing risk of back-diffusion.
Abstract:
Methods are provided herein for forming thin films comprising oxygen by atomic layer deposition. The thin films comprising oxygen can be deposited by providing higher concentration water pulses, a higher partial pressure of water in the reaction space, and/or a higher flow rate of water to a substrate in a reaction space. Thin films comprising oxygen can be used, for example, as dielectric oxides in transistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, and other semiconductor applications.
Abstract:
Protective layers (208) are formed on a surface (201) of an atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor (100). Parts defining a reaction space (200) for an ALD or CVD reactor (100) can be treated, in situ or ex situ, with chemicals (206) that deactivate reactive sites (210) on the reaction space surface(s) (201). A pre-treatment step (502) can maximize the available reactive sites (210) prior to the treatment step (504). With reactive sites (210) deactivated by adsorbed treatment reactant (208), during subsequent processing the reactant gases (214) have reduced reactivity or deposition upon these treated surfaces. Accordingly, purge steps (310, 314) can be greatly shortened and a greater number of runs can be conducted between cleaning steps to remove built-up deposition on the reactor walls.
Abstract:
Preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a sublimation system employing guidance structures including certain preferred embodiments having a high surface area support medium (60) onto which a solid source material (7) for vapor reactant is coated. Preferably, a guidance structure is configured to facilitate the repeated saturation of the carrier gas with the solid source for a vapor reactant. Methods of saturating a carrier gas using guidance structures are also provided.
Abstract:
A high k dielectric film 260 and methods for forming the same are disclosed. The high k material includes two peaks of impurity concentration, particularly nitrogen, such as at a lower interface and upper interface, making the layer particularly suitable for transistor gate dielectric applications. The methods of formation include low temperature processes, particularly CVD using a remote plasma generator and atomic layer deposition using selective incorporation of nitrogen in the cyclic process. Advantageously, nitrogen levels are tailored during the deposition process and temperatures are low enough to avoid interdiffusion and allow maintenance of the desired impurity profile.