Patent ID: 6969668
Filing Date: 2005-11-29
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating substrates, the method comprising: providing a substrate comprising a film of material characterized by a non-uniform surface, the non-uniform surface including a plurality of defects, at least some of the defects being of a size ranging from about 100 Angstroms and greater; and applying a combination of a deposition species for deposition of a deposition material and an etching species for etching an etchable material during a portion of time that the non-uniform surface is subjected to the etching, the combination of the deposition species and the etching species contacting the non-uniform surface in a thermal setting to reduce a level of non-uniformity of the non-uniform surface by filling a portion of the defects to smooth the film of material, the film of material being substantially free from the defects and being characterized by a surface roughness of a predetermined value.