Abstract: Atomic layer etching (ALE) processes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods comprise at least one etch cycle in which the substrate is alternately and sequentially exposed to a first vapor phase non-metal halide reactant and a second vapor phase halide reactant. In some embodiments both the first and second reactants are chloride reactants. In some embodiments the first reactant is fluorinating gas and the second reactant is a chlorinating gas. In some embodiments a thermal ALE cycle is used in which the substrate is not contacted with a plasma reactant.

Abstract: Methods for selective deposition, and structures thereof, are provided. Material is selectively deposited on a first surface of a substrate relative to a second surface of a different material composition. A passivation layer is selectively formed from vapor phase reactants on the first surface while leaving the second surface without the passivation layer. A layer of interest is selectively deposited from vapor phase reactants on the second surface relative to the passivation layer. The first surface can be metallic while the second surface is dielectric, or the second surface is dielectric while the second surface is metallic. Accordingly, material, such as a dielectric, can be selectively deposited on either metallic or dielectric surfaces relative to the other type of surface using techniques described herein. Techniques and resultant structures are also disclosed for control of positioning and shape of layer edges relative to boundaries between underlying disparate materials.

Abstract: Methods for selective deposition are provided. Material is selectively deposited on a first surface of a substrate relative to a second surface of a different material composition. An inhibitor, such as a polyimide layer, is selectively formed from vapor phase reactants on the first surface relative to the second surface. A layer of interest is selectively deposited from vapor phase reactants on the second surface relative to the first surface. The first surface can be metallic while the second surface is dielectric. Accordingly, material, such as a dielectric transition metal oxides and nitrides, can be selectively deposited on metallic surfaces relative dielectric surfaces using techniques described herein.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the formation of oxygen containing thin films, such as silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) thin films, on a substrate in a reaction space are provided. The methods can include at least one plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) cycle including alternately and sequentially contacting the substrate with a silicon precursor that comprises oxygen and a second reactant that does not include oxygen. In some embodiments the plasma power can be selected from a range to achieve a desired step coverage or wet etch rate ratio (WERR) for films deposited on three dimensional features.

Abstract: Methods for selective deposition of silicon oxide films on dielectric surfaces relative to metal surfaces are provided. A metal surface of a substrate may be selectively passivated relative to the dielectric surface, such as with a polyimide layer or thiol SAM. Silicon oxide is selectively deposited on the dielectric surface relative to the passivated metal surface by contacting the dielectric surface with a metal catalyst and a silicon precursor comprising a silanol.

Abstract: Methods for selective deposition of silicon oxide films on metal or metallic surfaces relative to dielectric surfaces are provided. A dielectric surface of a substrate may be selectively passivated relative to a metal or metallic surface, such as by exposing the substrate to a silylating agent. Silicon oxide is then selectively deposited on the metal or metallic surface relative to the passivated oxide surface by contacting the metal surface with a metal catalyst and a silicon precursor comprising a silanol.

Abstract: Methods are provided for dual selective deposition of a first material on a first surface of a substrate and a second material on a second, different surface of the same substrate. The selectively deposited materials may be, for example, metal, metal oxide, or dielectric materials.

Abstract: Methods for selective deposition, and structures thereof, are provided. Material is selectively deposited on a first surface of a substrate relative to a second surface of a different material composition. A passivation layer is selectively formed from vapor phase reactants on the first surface while leaving the second surface without the passivation layer. A layer of interest is selectively deposited from vapor phase reactants on the second surface relative to the passivation layer. The first surface can be metallic while the second surface is dielectric, or the second surface is dielectric while the second surface is metallic. Accordingly, material, such as a dielectric, can be selectively deposited on either metallic or dielectric surfaces relative to the other type of surface using techniques described herein. Techniques and resultant structures are also disclosed for control of positioning and shape of layer edges relative to boundaries between underlying disparate materials.

Abstract: Metallic layers can be selectively deposited on one surface of a substrate relative to a second surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the metallic layers are selectively deposited on copper instead of insulating or dielectric materials. In some embodiments, a first precursor forms a layer on the first surface and is subsequently reacted or converted to form a metallic layer. The deposition temperature may be selected such that a selectivity of above about 50% or even about 90% is achieved.

Abstract: Methods are provided for dual selective deposition of a first material on a first surface of a substrate and a second material on a second, different surface of the same substrate. The selectively deposited materials may be, for example, metal, metal oxide, or dielectric materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vapor deposition of an organic film are configured to vaporize an organic reactant at a first temperature, transport the vapor to a reaction chamber housing a substrate, and maintain the substrate at a lower temperature than the vaporization temperature. Alternating contact of the substrate with the organic reactant and a second reactant in a sequential deposition sequence can result in bottom-up filling of voids and trenches with organic film in a manner otherwise difficult to achieve. Deposition reactors conducive to depositing organic films are provided.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the formation of oxygen containing thin films, such as silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) thin films, on a substrate in a reaction space are provided. The methods can include at least one plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) cycle including alternately and sequentially contacting the substrate with a silicon precursor that comprises oxygen and a second reactant that does not include oxygen. In some embodiments the plasma power can be selected from a range to achieve a desired step coverage or wet etch rate ratio (WERR) for films deposited on three dimensional features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vapor deposition of an organic film are configured to vaporize an organic reactant at a first temperature, transport the vapor to a reaction chamber housing a substrate, and maintain the substrate at a lower temperature than the vaporization temperature. Alternating contact of the substrate with the organic reactant and a second reactant in a sequential deposition sequence can result in bottom-up filling of voids and trenches with organic film in a manner otherwise difficult to achieve. Deposition reactors conducive to depositing organic films are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vapor deposition of an organic film are configured to vaporize an organic reactant at a first temperature, transport the vapor to a reaction chamber housing a substrate, and maintain the substrate at a lower temperature than the vaporization temperature. Alternating contact of the substrate with the organic reactant and a second reactant in a sequential deposition sequence can result in bottom-up filling of voids and trenches with organic film in a manner otherwise difficult to achieve.

Abstract: Thermal atomic layer etching processes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods comprise at least one etch cycle in which the substrate is alternately and sequentially exposed to a first vapor phase halide reactant and a second vapor halide reactant. In some embodiments, the first reactant may comprise an organic halide compound. During the thermal ALE cycle, the substrate is not contacted with a plasma reactant.

Abstract: Atomic layer etching (ALE) processes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods comprise at least one etch cycle in which the substrate is alternately and sequentially exposed to a first vapor phase non-metal halide reactant and a second vapor phase halide reactant. In some embodiments both the first and second reactants are chloride reactants. In some embodiments the first reactant is fluorinating gas and the second reactant is a chlorinating gas. In some embodiments a thermal ALE cycle is used in which the substrate is not contacted with a plasma reactant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vapor deposition of an organic film are configured to vaporize an organic reactant at a first temperature, transport the vapor to a reaction chamber housing a substrate, and maintain the substrate at a lower temperature than the vaporization temperature. Alternating contact of the substrate with the organic reactant and a second reactant in a sequential deposition sequence can result in bottom-up filling of voids and trenches with organic film in a manner otherwise difficult to achieve.

Abstract: Methods are provided for dual selective deposition of a first material on a first surface of a substrate and a second material on a second, different surface of the same substrate. The selectively deposited materials may be, for example, metal, metal oxide, or dielectric materials.

Abstract: Thermal atomic layer etching processes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods comprise at least one etch cycle in which the substrate is alternately and sequentially exposed to a first vapor phase halide reactant and a second vapor halide reactant. In some embodiments, the first reactant may comprise an organic halide compound. During the thermal ALE cycle, the substrate is not contacted with a plasma reactant.

Abstract: Methods are provided for selectively depositing a material on a first surface of a substrate relative to a second, different surface of the substrate. The selectively deposited material can be, for example, a metal, metal oxide, or dielectric material.