Abstract: A method of annealing a substrate that has a trench containing a dielectric material formed on a silicon nitride layer between the dielectric material and the substrate, where the method includes annealing the substrate at a first temperature of about 800° C. or more in a first atmosphere comprising an oxygen containing gas, and annealing the substrate at a second temperature of about 800° C. to about 1400° C. in a second atmosphere lacking oxygen.

Abstract: A method of annealing a substrate comprising a trench containing a dielectric material, the method including annealing the substrate at a first temperature of about 200° C. to about 800° C. in a first atmosphere comprising an oxygen containing gas, and annealing the substrate at a second temperature of about 800° C. to about 1400° C. in a second atmosphere lacking oxygen. In addition, a method of annealing a substrate comprising a trench containing a dielectric material, the method including annealing the substrate at a first temperature of about 400° C. to about 800° C. in the presence of an oxygen containing gas, purging the oxygen containing gas away from the substrate, and raising the substrate to a second temperature from about 900° C. to about 1100° C. to further anneal the substrate in an atmosphere that lacks oxygen.

Abstract: A method of annealing a substrate comprising a trench containing a dielectric material, the method including annealing the substrate at a first temperature of about 200° C. to about 800° C. in a first atmosphere comprising an oxygen containing gas, and annealing the substrate at a second temperature of about 800° C. to about 1400° C. in a second atmosphere lacking oxygen. In addition, a method of annealing a substrate comprising a trench containing a dielectric material, the method including annealing the substrate at a first temperature of about 400° C. to about 800° C. in the presence of an oxygen containing gas, purging the oxygen containing gas away from the substrate, and raising the substrate to a second temperature from about 900° C. to about 1100° C. to further anneal the substrate in an atmosphere that lacks oxygen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of oxide in a manner having a planarizing effect on underlying material, e.g., silicon. In particular, an oxide having a nonuniform thickness profile is grown on the underlying material. The nonuniform thickness profile of the oxide is selected according to the nonuniform profile of the underlying material. Subsequent removal of the oxide leaves behind a planarized surface of the underlying material, as compared to the pre-oxidized surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of oxide in a manner having a planarizing effect on underlying material, e.g., silicon. In particular, an oxide having a nonuniform thickness profile is grown on the underlying material. The nonuniform thickness profile of the oxide is selected according to the nonuniform profile of the underlying material. Subsequent removal of the oxide leaves behind a planarized surface of the underlying material, as compared to the pre-oxidized surface.