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RF plasma enhanced vapor deposition and etching of silicon nitride

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5149775

This is a report on the deposition and etching of silicon nitride films using RF plasma techniques. Experiments were conducted to determine optimum operating parameters (e.g., gas flow rates, temperature, power, and pressure) for the AMT (Applied Materials Technology) Plasma I reactor in both the deposition and etching modes of operation. Silane and ammonia with nitrogen as a carrier gas are used during deposition. Film properties were measured as selected operating parameters were changed in deposition experiments. Good quality Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ films for semiconductor device passivation purposes were made in thicknesses of 300 to 10,000 A with refractive indices between 2.0 and 2.1 and at deposition rates of 250-300 A/min. The relatively low (approximately 300/sup 0/C) deposition temperature makes the process compatible with devices metallized with aluminum. Plasma etching of Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ films using tetrafluoromethane with 8% oxygen added was successful using standard photoresists and at etch rates of 400-1000 A/min.

Research Organization:
Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, N.Mex. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-04-0789
OSTI ID:
5149775
Report Number(s):
SAND-77-2070
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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