Abstract:
Methods of single precursor deposition of hardmask and ARC layers, are described. The resultant film is a SiOC layer with higher carbon content terminated with high density silicon oxide SiO 2 layer with low carbon content. The method can include delivering a first deposition precursor to a substrate, the first deposition precursor comprising an SiOC precursor and a first flow rate of an oxygen containing gas; activating the deposition species using a plasma, whereby a SiOC containing layer over an exposed surface of the substrate is deposited. Then delivering a second precursor gas to the SiOC containing layer, the second deposition gas comprising different or same SiOC precursor with a second flow rate and a second flow rate of the oxygen containing gas and activating the deposition gas using a plasma, the second deposition gas forming a SiO 2 containing layer over the hardmask, the SiO 2 containing layer having very low carbon.