Patent ID: 7968441
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a doped semiconductor substrate, comprising: disposing the doped semiconductor substrate in a processing chamber; providing a cleaning gas comprising a mixture of ammonia, nitrogen trifluoride, and a carrier gas to the processing chamber; converting a portion of the cleaning gas to neutral radicals by applying RF power; forming a sublimation layer on the doped semiconductor substrate by exposing the substrate to the cleaning gas while cooling the substrate; forming an oxygen-free surface on the doped semiconductor substrate by heating the sublimation layer; and activating the dopants in the doped semiconductor substrate by an annealing process, wherein a partial pressure of oxidizing gases is maintained below about 1 mTorr during the aforementioned disposing, providing, converting, forming, forming, and activating.