Abstract: Aspects of the invention include sample ionizing devices and methods of use thereof. Embodiments of the sample ionizing devices include a microplasma generation source with a plasma generation region, a sample input port for delivering a sample to the plasma generation region, and a gas flow element configured to flow gas through the microplasma generation source independently of the sample input port. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including analyte detection applications.

Abstract: The formation of a barrier layer over a high k dielectric layer and deposition of a conducting layer over the barrier layer prevents intermigration between the species of the high k dielectric layer and the conducting layer and prevents oxygen scavenging of the high k dielectric layer. One example of a capacitor stack device provided includes a high k dielectric layer of Ta2O5, a barrier layer of TaON or TiON formed at least in part by a remote plasma process, and a top electrode of TiN. The processes may be conducted at about 300 to 700° C. and are thus useful for low thermal budget applications. Also provided are MIM capacitor constructions and methods in which an insulator layer is formed by remote plasma oxidation of a bottom electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of integrating tantalum oxide into an MIM capacitor for a semiconductor device, comprising the step of vapor-depositing the tantalum oxide from an oxygen-free liquid precursor and under process conditions comprising a deposition temperature of less than about 500° C. and a deposition pressure of less than about 96 Torr, wherein the tantalum oxide is integrated into the MIM capacitor. Also provided is a method of forming an MIM capacitor comprising the step of integrating a tantalum oxide dielectric film with a tantalum nitride or a titanium nitride bottom electrode deposited on a substrate and a titanium nitride top electrode thereby forming an MIM capacitor.

Abstract: The formation of a barrier layer over a high k dielectric layer and deposition of a conducting layer over the barrier layer prevents intermigration between the species of the high k dielectric layer and the conducting layer and prevents oxygen scavenging of the high k dielectric layer. One example of a capacitor stack device provided includes a high k dielectric layer of Ta2O5, a barrier layer of TaON or TiON formed at least in part by a remote plasma process, and a top electrode of TiN. The processes may be conducted at about 300 to 700° C. and are thus useful for low thermal budget applications. Also provided are MIM capacitor constructions and methods in which an insulator layer is formed by remote plasma oxidation of a bottom electrode.

Abstract: A method for improving the interface between a silicon nitride film and a silicon surface is described. According to the present invention a silicon nitride film is formed on a silicon surface of a substrate. While said substrate is heated the silicon nitride film is exposed to an ambient comprising hydrogen (H2). In a prefered embodiment of the present invention the ambient comprises H2 and N2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and annealing a dielectric layer. According to the present invention an active atomic species is generated in a first chamber. A dielectric layer formed on a substrate is then exposed to the active atomic species in a second chamber, wherein the second chamber is remote from the first chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a titanium doped tantalum pentaoxide dielectric using a CVD process. According to the present invention a substrate is placed in the deposition chamber. A source of tantalum, a source of titanium, and an oxygen containing gas are then fed into the chamber. Thermal energy is used to decompose the source of tantalum to form tantalum atoms, and decompose the source of titanium to form titanium atoms in the deposition chamber. The titanium atoms, tantalum atoms and the oxygen containing gas then react to form a tantalum pentaoxide dielectric film doped with titanium.

Abstract: A method for improving the interface between a silicon nitride film and a silicon surface is described. According to the present invention a silicon nitride film is formed on a silicon surface of a substrate. While said substrate is heated the silicon nitride film is exposed to an ambient comprising hydrogen (H.sub.2). In a prefered embodiment of the present invention the ambient comprises H.sub.2 and N.sub.2.