Patent ID: 6682969
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of forming an improved conductor-insulator-conductor (CIC) sandwich for an integrated circuit, the method comprising:depositing a first conducting layer on the integrated circuit; depositing a first insulating layer adjacent the first conducting layer, wherein the first insulating layer defines a structure having a first concentration of oxygen vacancies; and depositing a second conducting layer adjacent the first insulating layer in a strongly oxidizing ambient selected so as to diffuse at least a portion of the oxygen atoms into the first insulating layer to thereby reduce the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the first insulating layer from the first concentration and so as to create an oxygen rich insulating layer at the interface between the second conducting layer and the first insulating layer that subsequently absorbs the displaced oxygen vacancies migrating out of the first insulating layer, wherein reducing the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the first insulating layer provides the first insulating layer with improved electrical characteristics.