| abstract |
Provided is a plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) process for depositing etch-resistant SiOCN films. These films provide improved growth rate, improved step coverage and excellent etch resistance to wet etchants and post-deposition plasma treatments containing O2 and NH3 co-reactants. This PEALD process relies on one or more precursors reacting in tandem with the plasma exposure to deposit the etch-resistant thin-films of SiOCN. The films display excellent resistance to wet etching with dilute aqueous HF solutions, both after deposition and after post-deposition plasma treatment(s). Accordingly, these films are expected to display excellent stability towards post-deposition fabrication steps utilized during device manufacturing and build. |