Patent ID: 6627050
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: C23C,C30B,H01J,H01L

Abstract:
A method of forming a tantalum-containing layer on a substrate, comprising:providing a chamber having a target comprising a tantalum-containing material and a magnetron, wherein the magnetron generates a magnetic field, and wherein the magnetron has a first magnetic pole of a first magnetic polarity surrounded by a second magnetic pole of a second magnetic polarity opposite the first magnetic polarity, the first magnetic pole having a magnetic flux at least about 30% greater than a magnetic flux of the second magnetic pole; positioning a substrate within the chamber; providing a gas mixture to the chamber; and sputtering the tantalum-containing material from the target onto the substrate to form a tantalum-containing layer thereon by generating an electric field in conjunction with the magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field functions to confine sputtered tantalum-containing material from the target within a reaction zone of the chamber.