Abstract:
Embodiments of methods for treating dielectric layers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of treating a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate supported in a process chamber includes: (a) exposing the dielectric layer to an active radical species formed in a plasma for a first period of time; (b) heating the dielectric layer to a peak temperature of about 900 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius; and (c) maintaining the peak temperature for a second period of time of about 1 second to about 20 seconds.
Abstract:
Methods for improving selective oxidation of polysilicon against silicon nitride in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of selectively oxidizing a substrate disposed within a process chamber includes exposing a substrate having an exposed polysilicon layer and an exposed silicon nitride layer to a hydrogen-containing gas; heating the substrate to a process temperature of at least about 850 degrees Celsius; adding an oxygen containing gas to the process chamber while maintaining the substrate at the process temperature to create a mixture of the hydrogen-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas; and exposing the substrate to the mixture while at the process temperature to selectively form an oxide layer atop the polysilicon layer substantially without forming an oxide layer atop the silicon nitride layer.
Abstract:
Embodiments of methods for treating dielectric layers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of treating a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate supported in a process chamber includes: (a) exposing the dielectric layer to an active radical species formed in a plasma for a first period of time; (b) heating the dielectric layer to a peak temperature of about 900 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius; and (c) maintaining the peak temperature for a second period of time of about 1 second to about 20 seconds.