Abstract: A method for forming thin films of a semiconductor device is provided. The thin film formation method presented here is based upon a time-divisional process gas supply in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, where the process gases are supplied and purged sequentially, and additionally plasma is generated in synchronization with the cycle of pulsing reactant gases. A method of forming thin films that possess a property of gradient composition profile is also presented.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus and deposition method for forming a film on a substrate are disclosed. A film is deposited on a substrate by exposing the substrate to different flow directions of reactant gases. In one embodiment, the substrate is rotated in the reaction chamber after a film having an intermediate thickness is formed on the substrate. In other embodiments, the substrate is transferred from one reaction chamber to another after a film having an intermediate thickness is formed on the substrate. Accordingly, a film having a uniform thickness is deposited, averaging out depletion effect.

Abstract: Cyclical methods of depositing a ruthenium film on a substrate are provided. In one process, each cycle includes supplying a ruthenium organometallic compound gas to the reactor; purging the reactor; supplying a ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4) gas to the reactor; and purging the reactor. In another process, each cycle includes simultaneously supplying RuO4 and a reducing agent gas; purging; and supplying a reducing agent gas. The methods provide a high deposition rate while providing good step coverage over structures having a high aspect ratio.

Abstract: A reactor configured to subject a substrate to alternately repeated surface reactions of vapor-phase reactants is disclosed. The reactor includes a reaction chamber, one or more inlets, and an exhaust outlet. The reaction chamber includes a reaction space. The reactor also includes a gas flow control guide structure within the reaction chamber. The gas flow control guide structure resides over the reaction space and is interposed between the inlets and the reaction space such that a laminar flow is generated in the reaction space. The gas flow control guide structure includes one or more channels. Each of the channels extends from a respective one of the inlets to a first portion of a periphery of the reaction space. Each of the channels defines a flow path extending from the respective one of the inlets to the reaction space.

Abstract: ALD apparatuses and methods of depositing multiple layers employ a plurality of reaction spaces. The reaction chamber includes inlets configured to introduce reactant gases sufficient to achieve a first ALD process into a first set of the reaction spaces for a first period of time such that the reactant gases are not mixed one another. The ALD apparatus further includes a driver configured to move the substrates through all of the of reaction spaces in a plurality of cycles during the first period such that a first thin film is deposited by space-divided ALD on each of the substrates. Other inlets introduce reactant gases sufficient to achieve a second ALD process into a second set of the reaction spaces for a second period of time, while purge gas is fed to the first set of reaction spaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ALD apparatus, and particularly relates to an ALD apparatus that is suitable for rapidly depositing a thin film on a substrate having an actual area that is larger than a planar substrate. In the reaction chamber of the ALD apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, more gas is supplied to a portion where more gas is required by having differences in the space for gas to flow rather than supplying the gas in a constant flux and a constant flow velocity such that the time required for supplying reactant gases and waste of reactant gases may be minimized to increase productivity of the ALD apparatus. The ceiling of the reaction space is shaped to provide a nonuniform gap over the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming thin films of a semiconductor device is provided. The thin film formation method presented here is based upon a time-divisional process gas supply in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, where the process gases are supplied and purged sequentially, and additionally plasma is generated in synchronization with the cycle of pulsing reactant gases. A method of forming thin films that possess a property of gradient composition profile is also presented.

Abstract: A method for forming thin films of a semiconductor device is provided. The thin film formation method presented here is based upon a time-divisional process gas supply in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, where the process gases are supplied and purged sequentially, and additionally plasma is generated in synchronization with the cycle of pulsing reactant gases. A method of forming thin films that possess a property of gradient composition profile is also presented.

Abstract: A plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) apparatus and a method of forming a conductive thin film using the same are disclosed. According to the present invention of a PEALD apparatus and a method, a process gas inlet tube and a process gas outlet tube are installed symmetrically and concentrically with respect to a substrate, thereby allowing the process gas to flow uniformly, evenly and smoothly over the substrate, thereby forming a thin film uniformly over the substrate. A uniquely designed showerhead assembly provides not only reduces the volume of the reactor space, but also allows the process gases to flow uniformly, evenly and smoothly throughout the reation space area and reduces the volume of the reaction space, and the smaller volume makes it easier and fast to change the process gases for sequential and repeated process operation.