Patent ID: 7521345
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a gate structure comprising: providing sacrificial gate regions atop a substrate; depositing a cap dielectric atop said substrate, wherein said cap dielectric is coplanar with a top surface of said sacrificial gate regions; removing said sacrificial gate regions to provide gate channels exposing a portion of said substrate; forming a dielectric layer within said gate channels atop said portion of said substrate, said dielectric layer comprising at least oxygen and silicon atoms; forming a layer of metal atoms within said gate channels atop said portion of said silicon-containing substrate in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, wherein said layer of metal atoms has a thickness of less than about 15 Å; forming an oxygen diffusion barrier atop said layer of metal atoms, wherein said non-oxidizing atmosphere is maintained; forming a gate conductor on said oxygen diffusion barrier; and annealing said layer of metal atoms and said dielectric layer, wherein said layer of metal atoms reacts with said dielectric layer converting an upper portion of said dielectric layer into a continuous metal oxide dielectric having a thickness of less than about 15 Å and a dielectric constant ranging from about 25 to about 30.