Abstract: A process for chemical vapor deposition of titanium nitride film using thermal decomposition of a metal-organic compound is disclosed. In particular, the deposition of titanium nitride film from tetrakis dimethylamino-titanium (TDMAT) is performed at a temperature preferably below 350° C. in the presence of helium and nitrogen. The process is performed at a total pressure of about 5 torr, a nitrogen dilutant gas flow of at least 500 sccm, preferably about 1000 sccm, and an edge purge gas flow of at least 500 sccm. These process parameters, coupled with an improved thermal conduction between the wafer and the heated pedestal, lead to a conformal deposition of titanium nitride film at a rate of at least 6 Å/sec.

Abstract: A process for chemical vapor deposition of titanium nitride film using thermal decomposition of a metal-organic compound is disclosed. In particular, the deposition of titanium nitride film from tetrakis dimethylamino-titanium (TDMAT) is performed at a temperature preferably below 350° C. in the presence of helium and nitrogen. The process is performed at a total pressure of about 5 torr, a nitrogen dilutant gas flow of at least 500 sccm, preferably about 1000 sccm, and an edge purge gas flow of at least 500 sccm. These process parameters, coupled with an improved thermal conduction between the wafer and the heated pedestal, lead to a conformal deposition of titanium nitride film at a rate of at least 6 Å/sec.

Abstract: A method of film processing comprises forming an integrated titanium/titanium nitride (Ti/TiN) film structure having an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer comprises species containing Si, and preferably containing Si and Ti, such as titanium silicide (TiSix), or TiSixOy, among others. The intermediate layer protects the underlying Ti film against chemical attack during subsequent TiN deposition using a titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4)-based chemistry. The method allows reliable Ti/TiN film integration to be achieved with excellent TiN step coverage. For example, the film structure can be used as an effective barrier layer in integrated circuit fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of depositing an amorphous fluorocarbon film using a high bias power applied to the substrate on which the material is deposited. The invention contemplates flowing a carbon precursor at rate and at a power level so that equal same molar ratios of a carbon source is available to bind the fragmented fluorine in the film thereby improving film quality while also enabling improved gap fill performance. The invention further provides for improved adhesion of the amorphous fluorocarbon film to metal surfaces by first depositing a metal or TiN adhesion layer on the metal surfaces and then stuffing the surface of the deposited adhesion layer with nitrogen. Adhesion is further improved by coating the chamber walls with silicon nitride or silicon oxynitride.

Abstract: A vaporizer head for evenly flowing at low pressure into a processing chamber vaporized precursor compounds for deposition of metal and other layers onto a semiconductor, has a bulb-like body with a center axis, a lengthwise cavity, an input end and an output end. The cavity has an opening for receiving a stream of vaporized precursor compound. There are a plurality of passages for flow of vapor through the head, each passage having a length and a diameter. They extend radially from along and around the cavity like the spokes of a wheel at inclined angles relative to the center axis from the cavity to a tapered output surface of the head. The cavity has a well-like bottom for capturing any droplets or particles of precursor compound and preventing them from leaving the head except as vapor. The plurality of passages have sufficiently large diameters such that there is only a low pressure drop in the vapor flowing through the head.

Abstract: A method of film processing comprises forming an integrated titanium/titanium nitride (Ti/TiN) film structure having an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer comprises species containing Si, and preferably containing Si and Ti, such as titanium silicide (TiSix), or TiSixOy, among others. The intermediate layer protects the underlying Ti film against chemical attack during subsequent TiN deposition using a titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4)-based chemistry. The method allows reliable Ti/TiN film integration to be achieved with excellent TiN step coverage. For example, the film structure can be used as an effective barrier layer in integrated circuit fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of wafer processing which improves the reliability of an integrated titanium (Ti)/titanium nitride (TiN) CVD film formed from a reaction of titanium tetrachloride (TiCi4) and ammonia (NH3). A Ti film is subject to a treatment of NH3 gas to render the Ti film unreactive towards attack by chlorine and hydrogen chloride. A thin seed layer of TiN film is deposited upon the treated Ti film using a thermal TiCl4/NH3 reaction. Subsequent TiN film deposition upon the seed layer results in a successful integration of a Ti/TiN film stack for a Ti film thickness up to about 300 Å.

Abstract: A method of forming tungsten films on oxide layers is disclosed. The tungsten films are formed on the oxide layers by treating the oxide using a silane based gas mixture followed by the thermal decomposition of a W(CO)6 precursor. After the W(CO)6 precursor is thermally decomposed, additional layer of tungsten may be optionally formed thereon from the thermal decomposition of tungsten hexafluoride (WF6).

Abstract: A method of film processing comprises forming an integrated titanium/titanium nitride (Ti/TiN) film structure having an intermediate layer. The intermediate layer comprises species containing Si, and preferably containing Si and Ti, such as titanium silicide (TiSix), or TiSixOy, among others. The intermediate layer protects the underlying Ti film against chemical attack during subsequent TiN deposition using a titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4)-based chemistry. The method allows reliable Ti/TiN film integration to be achieved with excellent TiN step coverage. For example, the film structure can be used as an effective barrier layer in integrated circuit fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of depositing an amorphous fluorocarbon film using a high bias power applied to the substrate on which the material is deposited. The invention contemplates flowing a carbon precursor at rate and at a power level so that equal same molar ratios of a carbon source is available to bind the fragmented fluorine in the film thereby improving film quality while also enabling improved gap fill performance. The invention further provides for improved adhesion of the amorphous fluorocarbon film to metal surfaces by first depositing a metal or TiN adhesion layer on the metal surfaces and then stuffing the surface of the deposited adhesion layer with nitrogen. Adhesion is further improved by coating the chamber walls with silicon nitride or silicon oxynitride.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of apparatus for processing electronic devices, including equipment for chemical vapor deposition or transport polymerization. The new designs of gas separator plates, their configuration, and the regulation of gas flows through the system provides control over the pattern of precursor gas flow away from the separation plates, thereby decreasing the amount of byproducts that are deposited on the plates and throughout the reactor. New designs for shaping other surfaces of the dispersion head reduces contamination of those elements, and new designs for chamber panels decrease the deposition of byproducts on those surfaces, as well as other elements of the reactor. Decreasing deposition of byproducts increases the amount and the quality of the film that can be deposited without requiring the system to be shut down for cleaning.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of apparatus for processing electronic devices, including equipment for chemical vapor deposition. The new designs of gas separator plates, their configuration, and the regulation of gas flows through the system provides control over the pattern of precursor gas flow away from the separation plates, thereby decreasing the amount of byproducts that are deposited on the plates and throughout the reactor. New designs for shaping other surfaces of the dispersion head reduces contamination of those elements, and new designs for chamber panels decrease the deposition of byproducts on those surfaces, as well as other elements of the reactor. Decreasing deposition of byproducts increases the amount of thin film, and the quality of the film which can be deposited without requiring the system to be shut down. This increases the throughput of products in the deposition process, thereby increasing the efficiency of electronic device manufacture and lowering the cost.

Abstract: A resistive heating structure for a processing apparatus such as a chemical vapor deposition chamber. The system includes a resistive heating substrate holder including a support surface and a support shaft, the holder being comprised of a first material. The support surface includes a resistive heating element. The support shaft has a given length, and through bores for allowing a thermocouple to engage the support surface and electrical conductors to couple to the resistive heating element in the support surface. A metallic mounting structure is coupled to the support shaft and secured to the process apparatus to create a sealed environment within the holder and mounting structure to protect the electrical leads and thermocouple from the process environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing particles and residue that build up inside a substrate processing system during a substrate processing operation, without overetching system components, is described. One method includes the steps of: flowing an etchant gas comprising chlorine trifluoride (ClF.sub.3), diluted with an inert carrier gas, into a processing chamber after completion of the substrate processing operation. The parts of the system within the chamber with the greatest amount of build-up are preferentially heated to facilitate more extensive cleaning of those parts. Parts of the system within the chamber with less build up are protected from overetching by keeping them about 200.degree. C. cooler than the heavily-deposited parts. Heating the heavily-deposited chamber parts to a temperature of at least about 400.degree. C. allows using a lower concentration of etchant gas for the cleaning process than a lower temperature process would allow.

Abstract: A method for removing particles and residue that build up inside a substrate processing system during a substrate processing operation, without overetching system components, is described. One method includes the steps of: flowing an etchant gas comprising chlorine trifluoride (CIF.sub.3), diluted with an inert carrier gas, into a processing chamber after completion of the substrate processing operation. The parts of the system within the chamber with the greatest amount of build-up are preferentially heated to facilitate more extensive cleaning of those parts. Parts of the system within the chamber with less build up are protected from overetching by keeping them about 200.degree. C. cooler than the heavily-deposited parts. Heating the heavily-deposited chamber parts to a temperature of at least about 400.degree. C. allows using a lower concentration of etchant gas for the cleaning process than a lower temperature process would allow.

Abstract: A susceptor with improved resistance to thermal cycling and chemical attack between processing and cleaning cycles. The susceptor comprises a top surface is surrounded by a lip, the lip having a beveled inner side, a top side, an outer side, a first rounded edge between the top side and the outer side, a second rounded edge between the top side and the inner side, and a third rounded edge between the inner side and the top surface. The susceptor comprises a body of graphite covered by a coating of aluminum nitride.