Abstract: A method is described for the formation of high purity thin films on a semiconductor substrate. In the preferred embodiment of the invention a thin film is formed on a semiconductor substrate in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. Energized silicon ions are obtained by mass analysis and are accelerated into a hydrogen-free plasma. A reaction occurs between energized atoms within the plasma and the energized silicon ions resulting in the deposition of a thin film on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: An automatic system for the inspection of surfaces of an object employing computer vision. The system examines the uniformity of the surface and adds it to the negative of an ideal mask, and then thresholds the result to determine if the object is defective or not. A binary image showing only the defects is generated by the system. The system ignores surface features, such as locating notches or markings that are intentional, by "fitting" them with their morphological negatives. Small electronic packages, such as integrated circuit plastic packages (e.g. dual-in-line packages or DIPs), can be accurately inspected by the system. The system provides an objective, fast and economical method of inspecting objects.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a self-aligned trench structure in a semiconductor device is disclosed. In accordance with one method for fabricating the trench structure, an oxidation resistant material having an opening is used as a masking layer. The edge of the opening in the masking layer is covered by a sidewall spacer which protects a portion of the substrate from attack by the etchant used to form the trench. The trench is filled with a trench fill material by selective deposition using a seeding material formed on the sidewall of the trench as a nucleation site. After the trench is filled, the sidewall spacer is removed and the underlying substrate is oxidized to form an electrical insulation region around the upper portion of the trench. The mask layer is removed and the remaining substrate is doped using the insulation region surrounding the trench as a dopant mask.

Abstract: An improved LOCOS isolation process is disclosed wherein an oxidizable layer is conformably dieposited to overlie a silicon nitride oxidation mask. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a composite layer comprising a buffer layer and an oxidation resistant material is patterned to form an oxidation mask on a silicon substrate. A layer of an oxidizable material is conformably deposited to overlie the oxidation mask. During the oxidation process used to form electrical isolation structures in the substrate, a substantial reduction in lateral oxidation encroachment is realized.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, device metallization, and method are described. The device metallization, which is especially designed for submicron contact openings, includes titanium silicide to provide a low resistance contact to a device region, titanium nitride and sputtered tungsten to provide a diffusion barrier, etched back chemical vapor deposited tungsten for planarization, and aluminum or an aluminum alloy for interconnection.