Patent ID: 6281141
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A process for forming thin oxide coatings on a semiconductor device, said process comprising the steps of:placing a semiconductor wafer in a thermal processing chamber;heating said semiconductor wafer in said chamber, said wafer being increased in temperature to a first target temperature at a first preselected rate;circulating a first gas within said chamber, said first gas containing an oxygen compound;reacting said first gas with said semiconductor wafer to form an oxide coating while the temperature of said semiconductor wafer is being increased at said first preselected rate to said first target temperature, wherein said wafer is maintained at said first target temperature for less than about 2 seconds, said oxide coating having a thickness of up to about 60 angstroms;cooling said semiconductor wafer;reheating said semiconductor wafer in said chamber, said wafer being increased in temperature to a second target temperature at a second preselected rate;circulating a second gas within said chamber, said second gas containing a nitrogen compound; andreacting said second gas with said oxide coating to form an oxynitride while the temperature of said semiconductor wafer is being increased at said second preselected rate to said second target temperature, wherein said wafer is maintained at said second target temperature for less than about 2 seconds.