Abstract: Uniform oxynitride and nitride films can be formed by low-temperature and high-speed nitriding reaction not dependent on the nitriding time or nitriding temperature. A solid dielectric is provided on at least one of opposed surfaces of a pair of electrodes opposed to each other under a pressure of 300 (Torr) or higher, a nitrogen gas containing an oxide equal to or lower than 0.2% is introduced into a space between the pair of opposed electrodes, an electric field is applied to the nitrogen gas, and the resulting N2 (2nd p.s.) or N2 (H.I.R) active species is brought into contact with an object to be processed to form an oxynitride film/nitride film on a surface of the object to be processed.

Abstract: Uniform oxynitride and nitride films can be formed by low-temperature and high-speed nitriding reaction not dependent on the nitriding time or nitriding temperature. A solid dielectric is provided on at least one of opposed surfaces of a pair of electrodes opposed to each other under a pressure of 300 (Torr) or higher, a nitrogen gas containing an oxide equal to or lower than 0.2% is introduced into a space between the pair of opposed electrodes, an electric field is applied to the nitrogen gas, and the resulting N2 (2nd p.s.) or N2 (H.I.R) active species is brought into contact with an object to be processed to form an oxynitride film/nitride film on a surface of the object to be processed.

Abstract: Uniform oxynitride and nitride films can be formed by low-temperature and high-speed nitriding reaction not dependent on the nitriding time or nitriding temperature. A solid dielectric is provided on at least one of opposed surfaces of a pair of electrodes opposed to each other under a pressure of 300 (Torr) or higher, a nitrogen gas containing an oxide equal to or lower than 0.2% is introduced into a space between the pair of opposed electrodes, an electric field is applied to the nitrogen gas, and the resulting N2 (2nd p.s.) or N2 (H.I.R) active species is brought into contact with an object to be processed to form an oxynitride film/nitride film on a surface of the object to be processed.

Abstract: A ferroelectric material having a basic structure of ReMnO3, said ferroelectric material comprises Re and Mn one of which is contained in excess of the other to a limit of 20 at. % or the ferroelectric material is further added with a 4-valence element. Also, a method of forming a ferroelectric material, comprises decreasing an oxygen partial pressure within a growth reactor such as a vacuum deposition reactor, and forming a film on a film-forming surface of a substrate (4) while blowing an oxidizing source thereto. This structure provides a ferroelectric material low in leak current and improved in ferroelectric characteristics. Where using the material for a semiconductor memory device, its characteristics can be improved.