Patent ID: 7569487
Filing Date: 2009-08-04
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
1. A method for forming atomic layer deposition, the method comprising: placing a semiconductor substrate including an upper surface in a chamber, the upper surface including one or more carbon bearing species and a native oxide layer; introducing an oxidizing species into the chamber; treating the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate with the oxidizing species to remove the one or more carbon bearing species and form a particle film of silicon dioxide overlying the upper surface; introducing an inert gas into the chamber to purge the chamber of the oxidizing species and other species associated with the one or more carbon bearing species; introducing a reducing species to strip the particle film of silicon dioxide to create a substantially clean surface, wherein the introducing of the reducing species is provided with a thermal treatment to elevate a temperature of the upper surface to facilitate the strip of the particle film; and treating the substantially clean surface with hydrogen bearing species; and performing another process on the substantially clean surface while the substrate is maintained in a vacuum environment, the substantially clean surface being substantially free from native oxide and carbon bearing particles.