Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for depositing silicon carbide using a silane-based material with certain process parameters that is useful for forming a suitable ARC for IC applications. Under certain process parameters, a fixed thickness of the silicon carbide may be used on a variety of thicknesses of underlying layers. The thickness of the silicon carbide ARC is substantially independent of the thickness of the underlying layer for a given reflectivity, in contrast to the typical need for adjustments in the ARC thickness for each underlying layer thickness to obtain a given reflectivity. Another aspect of the invention includes a substrate having a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating, comprising a dielectric layer deposited on the substrate and a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating having a dielectric constant of less than about 7.0 and preferably about 6.0 or less.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for depositing silicon carbide using a silane-based material with certain process parameters that is useful for forming a suitable ARC for IC applications. Under certain process parameters, a fixed thickness of the silicon carbide may be used on a variety of thicknesses of underlying layers. The thickness of the silicon carbide ARC is substantially independent of the thickness of the underlying layer for a given reflectivity, in contrast to the typical need for adjustments in the ARC thickness for each underlying layer thickness to obtain a given reflectivity. Another aspect of the invention includes a substrate having a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating, comprising a dielectric layer deposited on the substrate and a silicon carbide anti-reflective coating having a dielectric constant of less than about 7.0 and preferably about 6.0 or less.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for depositing silicon carbide using a silane-based material with certain process parameters that is useful for forming a suitable ARC for IC applications. The same material may also be used as a barrier layer and an etch stop, even in complex damascene structures and with high diffusion conductors such as copper as a conductive material. Under certain process parameters, a fixed thickness of the silicon carbide may be used on a variety of thicknesses of underlying layers. The thickness of the silicon carbide ARC is substantially independent of the thickness of the underlying layer for a given reflectivity, in contrast to the typical need for adjustments in the ARC thickness for each underlying layer thickness to obtain a given reflectivity.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an improved process for depositing silicon carbide, using a silane-based material with certain process parameters, onto an electronic device, such as a semiconductor, that is useful for forming a suitable barrier layer, an etch stop, and a passivation layer for IC applications. As a barrier layer, in the preferred embodiment, the particular silicon carbide material is used to reduce the diffusion of copper and may also used to minimize the contribution of the barrier layer to the capacitive coupling between interconnect lines. It may also be used as an etch stop, for instance, below an intermetal dielectric (IMD) and especially if the IMD is a low k, silane-based IMD. In another embodiment, it may be used to provide a passivation layer, resistant to moisture and other adverse ambient conditions. Each of these aspects may be used in a dual damascene structure.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for depositing silicon carbide using a silane-based material with certain process parameters that is useful for forming a suitable ARC for IC applications. The same material may also be used as a barrier layer and an etch stop, even in complex damascene structures and with high diffusion conductors such as copper as a conductive material. Under certain process parameters, a fixed thickness of the silicon carbide may be used on a variety of thicknesses of underlying layers. The thickness of the silicon carbide ARC is substantially independent of the thickness of the underlying layer for a given reflectivity, in contrast to the typical need for adjustments in the ARC thickness for each underlying layer thickness to obtain a given reflectivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing oxide traps within a silicon oxide film by incorporating a selected level of fluorine in the silicon oxide film. The method includes the steps of distributing a fluorine source to a processing chamber at a selected rate with the rate being chosen according to the desired level of fluorine to be incorporated into the film, flowing a process gas including a silicon source, an oxygen source and the fluorine source into the processing chamber, and maintaining a deposition zone within the chamber at processing conditions suitable to deposit a silicon oxide film having the selected level of fluorine incorporated into the film over a substrate disposed in the chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the selected level of fluorine incorporated into the film is between 1×1020 atoms/cm3 and 1×1021 atoms/cm3. In another preferred embodiment the silicon oxide film is deposited as a first layer of a composite layer premetal dielectric film.

Abstract: Methods for processing a substrate are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a substrate with a first layer and an oxide layer on the substrate is placed in a processing chamber. The oxide layer is removed while the substrate is at a first temperature in the processing chamber. A second layer is then formed on the first layer while the substrate is at a second temperature in the processing chamber.