Abstract: Hot-electron-induced degradation of a semiconductor device (10) is reduced by converting the silicon surface (18) to a fluorinated-silicon compound interface region (23). The fluorinated-silicon compound interface region (23) is formed by etching the device (10) in a fumer (30) using anhydrous hydrofluoric acid. After a sacrificial oxide is grown over the silicon surface (18), the device (10) is placed in a container (32). A mixture of nitrogen, moistened nitrogen and nitrogen/anhydrous hydrofluoric acid is injected into the container (32) to conduct the etch. The anhydrous hydrofluoric acid converts the silicon to a fluorinated-silicon compound, such as H.sub.2 SiF.sub.6, and water. The fluorinated-silicon compound interface region (23) has stronger molecular bonds than the typical hydrogen-silicon formed at the oxide/silicon interface and is, therefore, less likely to be broken apart by hot-electrons.

Abstract: A capped silicide process which prevents reactions between the siliciding metal and oxygen contaminants and prevents silicon outdiffusion. In one form the process entails formation of a cap layer over the metal layer prior to performing the silicide reaction and subsequent removal of the cap layer with an isotropic etchant that does not degrade the underlying silicide.