Abstract: A method for improving a microelectronic device interface with an ultra-fast anneal process at an intermediate temperature that may be lower than those used in a dopant activation process. In one embodiment, a partial recrystalization of an amorphous silicon layer in the source drain region that is the precursor to the metal salicide reaction is disclosed. Source/drain regions are first amorphized using an implant process, then a metal layer is deposited in the source/drain region which reacts with the silicon in a salicide formation anneal. Amorphization reduces problems with metal diffusion that can occur during salicide formation anneal process, which typically occurs at a temperature significantly lower than the dopant activation temperature.