Abstract: A processing chamber having a plurality of movable substrate carriers stacked therein for continuously processing a plurality of substrates is provided. The movable substrate carrier is capable of being transported from outside of the processing chamber, e.g., being transferred from a load luck chamber, into the processing chamber and out of the processing chamber, e.g., being transferred into another load luck chamber. Process gases delivered into the processing chamber are spatially separated into a plurality of processing slots, and/or temporally controlled. The processing chamber can be part of a multi-chamber substrate processing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming magnetic media substrates is provided. A patterned resist layer is formed on a substrate having a magnetically susceptible layer. A conformal protective layer is formed over the patterned resist layer to prevent degradation of the pattern during subsequent processing. The substrate is subjected to an energy treatment wherein energetic species penetrate portions of the patterned resist and conformal protective layer according to the pattern formed in the patterned resist, impacting the magnetically susceptible layer and modifying a magnetic property thereof. The patterned resist and conformal protective layers are then removed, leaving a magnetic substrate having a pattern of magnetic properties with a topography that is substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming magnetic media substrates is provided. A patterned resist layer is formed on a substrate having a magnetically susceptible layer. A conformal protective layer is formed over the patterned resist layer to prevent degradation of the pattern during subsequent processing. The substrate is subjected to an energy treatment wherein energetic species penetrate portions of the patterned resist and conformal protective layer according to the pattern formed in the patterned resist, impacting the magnetically susceptible layer and modifying a magnetic property thereof. The patterned resist and conformal protective layers are then removed, leaving a magnetic substrate having a pattern of magnetic properties with a topography that is substantially unchanged.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide processes to selectively form a metal layer on a conductive surface, followed by flowing a silicon based compound over the metal layer to form a metal silicide layer. In one embodiment, a substrate having a conductive surface and a dielectric surface is provided. A metal layer is then deposited on the conductive surface. A metal silicide layer is formed as a result of flowing a silicon based compound over the metal layer. A dielectric is formed over the metal silicide layer.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to the formation of a UV compatible barrier stack. Methods described herein can include delivering a process gas to a substrate positioned in a process chamber. The process gas can be activated to form an activated process gas, the activated process gas forming a barrier layer on a surface of the substrate, the barrier layer comprising silicon, carbon and nitrogen. The activated process gas can then be purged from the process chamber. An activated nitrogen-containing gas can be delivered to the barrier layer, the activated nitrogen-containing gas having a N2:NH3 ratio of greater than about 1:1. The activated nitrogen-containing gas can then be purged from the process chamber. The above elements can be performed one or more times to deposit the barrier stack.

Abstract: Methods for the deposition of SiN films comprising sequential exposure of a substrate surface to a silicon halide precursor at a temperature greater than or equal to about 600° C. and a nitrogen-containing reactant.

Abstract: Methods for the formation of SiCN, SiCO and SiCON films comprising cyclical exposure of a substrate surface to a silicon-containing gas, a carbon-containing gas and a plasma. Some embodiments further comprise the addition of an oxidizing agent prior to at least the plasma exposure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide processes to selectively form a cobalt layer on a copper surface over exposed dielectric surfaces. Embodiments described herein control selectivity of deposition by preventing damage to the dielectric surface, repairing damage to the dielectric surface, such as damage which can occur during the cobalt deposition process, and controlling deposition parameters for the cobalt layer.

Abstract: Methods for self-aligned multiple patterning including controlled slimming of features during spacer layer deposition. Multiple spacer layer deposition process conditions produce a balance between controlling the damage to the features and increasing production throughput.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide processes to selectively form a cobalt layer on a copper surface over exposed dielectric surfaces. Embodiments described herein control selectivity of deposition by preventing damage to the dielectric surface, repairing damage to the dielectric surface, such as damage which can occur during the cobalt deposition process, and controlling deposition parameters for the cobalt layer.

Abstract: Methods for self-aligned multiple patterning including controlled slimming of features during spacer layer deposition. Multiple spacer layer deposition process conditions produce a balance between controlling the damage to the features and increasing production throughput.

Abstract: Processes for depositing SiO2 films on a wafer surface utilizing an aminosilane compound as a silicon precursor are described.

Abstract: A heating module for use in a substrate processing chamber. The heating module having a housing with a heat source therein. The heating module can be part of a gas distribution assembly positioned above a susceptor assembly to heat the top surface of the susceptor and wafers directly. The heating module can have constant or variable power output. Processing chambers and methods of processing a wafer using the heating module are described.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the processing of substrates, and more particularly, relate to methods for accurate control of film thickness using deposition-etch cycles. Particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in controlling film thickness during filling high aspect ratio features.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to the formation of a UV compatible barrier stack. Methods described herein can include delivering a process gas to a substrate positioned in a process chamber. The process gas can be activated to form an activated process gas, the activated process gas forming a barrier layer on a surface of the substrate, the barrier layer comprising silicon, carbon and nitrogen. The activated process gas can then be purged from the process chamber. An activated nitrogen-containing gas can be delivered to the barrier layer, the activated nitrogen-containing gas having a N2:NH3 ratio of greater than about 1:1. The activated nitrogen-containing gas can then be purged from the process chamber. The above elements can be performed one or more times to deposit the barrier stack.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for forming a dielectric barrier layer. The dielectric barrier layer is deposited over a substrate by a plasma enhanced deposition process. In one embodiment, a gas mixture is introduced into a processing chamber. The gas mixture includes a silicon-containing gas, a nitrogen-containing gas, a boron-containing gas, and argon (Ar) gas.

Abstract: A plasma source assembly for use with a processing chamber includes a blocker plate with a first set of apertures within an inner electrical center of the blocker plate and smaller apertures around the outer peripheral edge. The apertures can decrease gradually in diameter from the electrical center outward to the peripheral edge or can be in discrete increments with the smallest at the outer peripheral edge.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the processing of substrates, and more particularly, relate to methods for accurate control of film thickness using deposition-etch cycles. Particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in controlling film thickness during filling high aspect ratio features.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to forming dielectric materials in high aspect ratio features. In one embodiment, a method for filling high aspect ratio trenches in one processing chamber is disclosed. The method includes placing a substrate inside a processing chamber, where the substrate has a surface having a plurality of high aspect ratio trenches and the surface is facing a gas/plasma distribution assembly. The method further includes performing a sequence of depositing a layer of dielectric material on the surface of the substrate and inside each of the plurality of trenches, where the layer of dielectric material is on a bottom and side walls of each trench, and removing a portion of the layer of dielectric material disposed on the surface of the substrate, where an opening of each trench is widened. The sequence repeats until the trenches are filled seamlessly with the dielectric material.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the processing of substrates, and more particularly, relate to methods for forming a dielectric film. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a plurality of substrates inside a processing chamber and performing a sequence of exposing the substrates to a first reactive gas comprising silicon, and then exposing the substrates to a plasma of a second reactive gas comprising nitrogen and at least one of oxygen or carbon, and repeating the sequence to form the dielectric film comprising silicon carbon nitride or silicon carbon oxynitride on each of the substrates.