Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor layer is provided. In a first deposition during a first period of time, at least one Group IIIA element and at least one Group VIA element are deposited on a substrate or on a layer optional disposed on the substrate such as a back-electrode. During a second deposition during a second period of time, at least one Group IB element and the at least one group VIA element are deposited on the substrate or the optional layer. The one Group IB element combines with the Group VIA element to form a IB2VIA composition. A first deposition state is monitored, during the second deposition by making a first plurality of measurements of a first deposition state. The second deposition is terminated or attenuated based on a function of the first plurality of measurements of the indicia of the first deposition state.

Abstract: A dynamic surface anneal apparatus for annealing a semiconductor workpiece has a workpiece support for supporting a workpiece, an optical source and scanning apparatus for scanning the optical source and the workpiece support relative to one another along a fast axis. The optical source includes an array of laser emitters arranged generally in successive rows of the emitters, the rows being transverse to the fast axis. Plural collimating lenslets overlie respective ones of the rows of emitters and provide collimation along the fast axis. The selected lenslets have one or a succession of optical deflection angles corresponding to beam deflections along the fast axis for respective rows of emitters. Optics focus light from the array of laser emitters onto a surface of the workpiece to form a succession of line beams transverse to the fast axis spaced along the fast axis in accordance with the succession of deflection angles.

Abstract: A dynamic surface anneal apparatus for annealing a semiconductor workpiece has a workpiece support for supporting a workpiece, an optical source and scanning apparatus for scanning the optical source and the workpiece support relative to one another along a fast axis. The optical source includes an array of laser emitters arranged generally in successive rows of the emitters, the rows being transverse to the fast axis. Plural collimating lenslets overlie respective ones of the rows of emitters and provide collimation along the fast axis. The selected lenslets have one or a succession of optical deflection angles corresponding to beam deflections along the fast axis for respective rows of emitters. Optics focus light from the array of laser emitters onto a surface of the workpiece to form a succession of line beams transverse to the fast axis spaced along the fast axis in accordance with the succession of deflection angles.

Abstract: A dynamic surface anneal apparatus for annealing a semiconductor workpiece has a workpiece support for supporting a workpiece, an optical source and scanning apparatus for scanning the optical source and the workpiece support relative to one another along a fast axis. The optical source includes an array of laser emitters arranged generally in successive rows of the emitters, the rows being transverse to the fast axis. Plural collimating lenslets overlie respective ones of the rows of emitters and provide collimation along the fast axis. The selected lenslets have one or a succession of optical deflection angles corresponding to beam deflections along the fast axis for respective rows of emitters. Optics focus light from the array of laser emitters onto a surface of the workpiece to form a succession of line beams transverse to the fast axis spaced along the fast axis in accordance with the succession of deflection angles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor layer is provided. In a first deposition during a first period of time, at least one Group IIIA element and at least one Group VIA element are deposited on a substrate or on a layer optional disposed on the substrate such as a back-electrode. During a second deposition during a second period of time, at least one Group IB element and the at least one group VIA element are deposited on the substrate or the optional layer. The one Group IB element combines with the Group VIA element to form a IB2VIA composition. A first deposition state is monitored, during the second deposition by making a first plurality of measurements of a first deposition state. The second deposition is terminated or attenuated based on a function of the first plurality of measurements of the indicia of the first deposition state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of oxide in a manner having a planarizing effect on underlying material, e.g., silicon. In particular, an oxide having a nonuniform thickness profile is grown on the underlying material. The nonuniform thickness profile of the oxide is selected according to the nonuniform profile of the underlying material. Subsequent removal of the oxide leaves behind a planarized surface of the underlying material, as compared to the pre-oxidized surface.

Abstract: A substrate support ring has a band having an inner perimeter that at least partially surrounds a periphery of the substrate. The band has a radiation absorption surface. A lip extends radially inwardly from the inner perimeter of the band to support the substrate. The band and lip can be formed from silicon carbide, and the radiation absorption surface can be an oxidized layer of silicon carbide. In one version, the band and lip have a combined thermal mass Tm, and the radiation absorption surface has an absorptivity A and a surface area Sa, such that the ratio (A×Sa)/Tm is from about 4×10?5 m2K/J to about 9×10?4 m2K/J.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of oxide in a manner having a planarizing effect on underlying material, e.g., silicon. In particular, an oxide having a nonuniform thickness profile is grown on the underlying material. The nonuniform thickness profile of the oxide is selected according to the nonuniform profile of the underlying material. Subsequent removal of the oxide leaves behind a planarized surface of the underlying material, as compared to the pre-oxidized surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate. According to the present invention a prewafer reaction layer is deposited onto a susceptor placed in the reaction chamber to form a prewafer reaction layer coated susceptor prior to film deposition. A deposition gas is then fed into the reaction chamber so that it flows over the prewafer reaction layer coated susceptor and the substrate to form a film on the prewafer reaction layer coated susceptor and the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicide on a silicon layer. First, a monosilane based tungsten-silicide layer is formed on the silicon layer. Next, a dichlorosilane based tungsten-silicide layer is formed on the monosilane based tungsten-silicide layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate. According to the present invention a prewafer reaction layer is deposited onto a susceptor placed in the reaction chamber to form a prewafer reaction layer coated susceptor prior to film deposition. A deposition gas is then fed into the reaction chamber so that it flows over the prewafer reaction layer coated susceptor and the substrate to form a film on the prewafer reaction layer coated susceptor and the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an epitaxial titanium silicide film is described. According to the present invention, a monocrystalline silicon substrate is placed in a deposition chamber and heated to a temperature between 710-770.degree. C. A silicon source gas and titanium tetrachloride are then provided into the deposition chamber. The deposition pressure is maintained between 5-10 torr. An epitaxial titanium silicide film is then formed on the substrate from the silicon source gas and the titanium tetrachloride.

Abstract: A method of forming a doped silicon film on a substrate. According to the present invention, a substrate is placed in a reaction chamber and heated. Next, a silicon containing gas is fed into the reaction chamber to produce a silicon containing gas partial pressure of between 4 and 20 torr.