Abstract: A method for forming shallow trench isolation (STI) structures on a semiconductor substrate is disclosed. First a semiconductor substrate with a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area is provided. A mask layer is formed on the substrate, and is etched to expose portions of the substrate. A first photoresist is formed to cover the second area for exposing the first area. A first implanting procedure is performed with a titled angle to form first doping areas on the substrate encroaching into portions of the substrate covered by the first photoresist. The first photoresist is removed. A second photoresist is formed on the substrate to cover the first area for exposing the second area. And a second implanting procedure is done with a titled angle to form second doping areas on the substrate encroaching into portions of the substrate covered by the second photoresist. The second photoresist is removed.

Abstract: A method of forming a CVD nitride (e.g., titanium nitride) film on a substrate. The as-deposited nitride film is treated by a plasma of a high power density (preferably between approximately 200 W and 300 W) for a prolonged duration of time (preferably between approximately 32 s and 52 s) to reduce the tendency of the resistance and thickness of the as-deposited film to change because of either time of exposure to atmosphere or subsequent processing steps.

Abstract: A method of reducing tungsten plug loss in processes for fabrication for silicon-based semiconductor devices that include a tungsten plug in a high aspect ratio contact hole. The invention provides a barrier layer prepared by first forming a conformal layer of titanium nitride by chemical vapor deposition. Afterward, another film of titanium nitride is supplied by plasma vapor deposition. The barrier layer comprises at least these two films, and tungsten is then deposited to at least fill the high aspect ratio film-coated contact hole. Upon removal of excess tungsten as by wet etch back, the tungsten plug remains essentially intact, and any plug loss is insignificant in comparison with the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing the crystal structure of a silicon substrate after an ion implantation process including the step of exposing the substrate to a temperature not higher than 200.degree. C. for a time period of not less than 10 seconds, and preferably to a temperature between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. for a time period of between about 10 seconds and about 10,000 seconds.