Abstract: The present invention relates to a deposition of a dielectric layer. On a substrate having a structured area a crystallization seed layer for a dielectric layer is deposited via an atomic layer deposition technique employing a first and a second precursor on the structured area of the substrate. The first pre-cursor is a compound having the constitutional formula M1(R1Cp)x(R2)4-x, wherein M1 is one of hafnium and zirconium, Cp is cyclopentadienyl, R1 is independently selected of methyl, ethyl and alkyl, R2 is independently selected of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, alkyl and alkoxyl, and x is one or two. The dielectric layer is deposited on the crystallization seed layer via an atomic layer deposition technique employing a third and a forth precursor wherein the third pre-cursor being a compound having the constitutional formula M2 R3 R4 R5 R6, wherein M2 is one of hafnium or zirconium and R3, R4, R5, and R6 are independently selected of alkyl amines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gaseous precursor for a coating process. A starting material having a pulverulent precursor material is heated in order to cause a vaporization of the pulverulent precursor material, whereby a gaseous precursor is produced. A carrier gas is flowed past the starting material at a distance minimizing or preventing a convective gas flow, while transporting the gaseous precursor to a processing region containing a wafer to be coated.

Abstract: The atomic layer deposition process according to the invention provides the following steps for the production of homogeneous layers on a substrate. The substrate is introduced into a reaction chamber. A first precursor is introduced into the reaction chamber, which first precursor reacts on the surface of the substrate to form an intermediate product. A second precursor is introduced into the reaction chamber, which second precursor has a low sticking coefficient and reacts with part of the intermediate product to form a first product. A third precursor is introduced into the reaction chamber, which third precursor has a high sticking coefficient and reacts with the remaining part of the intermediate product to form a second product. The second precursor and its first product reduce the effective sticking coefficient of the third precursor by partially covering the surface.