Abstract: A method for forming shallow trench isolation structures produces a shallow trench isolation structure having a substantially planar upper surface. The shallow trench isolation structure is formed from an originally formed shallow trench isolation structure which includes a deposited dielectric material within a trench and which exhibits dishing related problems in the form of a void formed within the trench, wherein the surface of the deposited dielectric material is recessed below the planar upper surface. The method provides for filling the void with a silicon film. The silicon film is then polished in its as-deposited or oxidized form, to produce a shallow trench isolation structure having a planar upper surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a shallow trench isolation structure within a semiconductor substrate includes forming a trench opening within a semiconductor substrate having an oxidation-resistant material as a top surface. An oxide liner is formed on inner surfaces of the trench opening. A silicon material is then introduced into the trench opening and over the top surface. The silicon material is subsequently oxidized, either before or after a polishing operation is used to planarize the structure. Dishing related problems are avoided during polishing because the silicon or oxidized silicon material has a polishing rate similar to the oxidation resistant material, and less than that of conventionally formed CVD oxides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and annealing a dielectric layer. According to the present invention an active atomic species is generated in a first chamber. A dielectric layer formed on a substrate is then exposed to the active atomic species in a second chamber, wherein the second chamber is remote from the first chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a titanium doped tantalum pentaoxide dielectric using a CVD process. According to the present invention a substrate is placed in the deposition chamber. A source of tantalum, a source of titanium, and an oxygen containing gas are then fed into the chamber. Thermal energy is used to decompose the source of tantalum to form tantalum atoms, and decompose the source of titanium to form titanium atoms in the deposition chamber. The titanium atoms, tantalum atoms and the oxygen containing gas then react to form a tantalum pentaoxide dielectric film doped with titanium.

Abstract: Contamination of LPCVDBP TEOS films is reduced by preventing volatile compounds, resulting from reactions of the residue in the outlet of the furnace from reaching the deposition portion of the furnace where they would otherwise react with the deposition gases to produce chemically generated particles which contaminate the dielectric film.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a doped polysilicon/silicide ("polycide") gate electrode. The doped polysilicon layer comprises sub-layers. The sub-layers are formed by varying the silicon deposition conditions, typically including the deposition rate, while decreasing the dopant concentration. The metal silicide layer is then formed on top of the doped polysilicon layer. An improvement in uniformity and planarity of the structure is obtained as a result of stress accommodation. In addition, the sub-layers reduce the channeling effect that occurs during high energy source/drain dopant implantation. These effects allow for a reduced stack height of the gate electrode, resulting in improvements in very small (sub-micron) device structures.