Patent ID: 7628855

Claim:
An atomic layer deposition method for use in forming a layer of an integrated circuit structure, the method comprising: providing a substrate assembly in a process chamber, wherein the substrate assembly comprises a surface; and performing a plurality of atomic layer deposition cycles to form a layer on the surface, wherein one or more of the atomic layer deposition cycles comprise: providing a precursor to the process chamber for chemisorption of the precursor on an underlying surface, wherein the chemisorption of the precursor on the underlying surface results in a chemisorbed species on the underlying surface and a plurality of undesired associated ligands; purging any excess precursor and any free ligands from the process chamber; providing a reactant in the process chamber; contacting the chemisorbed precursor with electrons when the reactant is in the chamber, wherein the electrons transfer energy to drive the reaction of the reactant with the chemisorbed precursor to convert the chemisorbed precursor to a monolayer or less of material while disassociating undesired associated ligands from the chemisorbed precursor; and purging the process chamber of any excess reactant and any reactant byproducts resulting from the reaction of the reactant with the chemisorbed precursor.