Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of annealing a wafer having an outwardly exposed TiN film containing undesired chlorine atoms to drive chlorine atoms from the film and reduce electrical resistance of the film, the method comprising the following sequential steps: a) rapid thermal processing the wafer having the outwardly exposed TiN film to a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C.; b) exposing the wafer to NH 3 gas at a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C. for at least 5 seconds; c) rapid thermal processing the wafer to a temperature of at least 780° C. effective to drive chlorine from the film; and d) exposing the wafer to N 2 gas at a temperature of at least 780° C. for at least 10 seconds effective to replace chlorine driven from the film with nitrogen.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of annealing a wafer having an outwardly exposed TiN film containing undesired chlorine atoms to drive chlorine atoms from the film and reduce electrical resistance of the film, the method comprising the following sequential steps: a) rapid thermal processing the wafer having the outwardly exposed TiN film to a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C.; b) exposing the wafer to NH 3 gas at a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C. for at least 5 seconds; c) rapid thermal processing the wafer to a temperature of at least 780° C. effective to drive chlorine from the film; and d) exposing the wafer to N 2 gas at a temperature of at least 780° C. for at least 10 seconds effective to replace chlorine driven from the film with nitrogen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the step "b" exposure time is from 5 seconds to 20 seconds.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the step "d" exposure time is from 10 seconds to 30 seconds.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the step "b" exposure time is from 5 seconds to 20 seconds, and the step "d" exposure time is from 10 seconds to 30 seconds.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the step "b" exposing is conducted in an atmosphere consisting essentially of NH 3 .
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the step "d" exposing is conducted in an atmosphere consisting essentially of N 2 .
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the step "b" exposing is conducted in an atmosphere consisting essentially of NH 3 , and the step "d" exposing is conducted in an atmosphere consisting essentially of N 2 .
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the wafer is exposed to N 2 starting immediately at the conclusion of step "b".
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein the step "d" temperature is less than or equal to 850° C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of annealing a wafer of claim 1 wherein steps "a" and "c" are conducted at a rate of at least 60° C. per second.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of annealing a wafer having an outwardly exposed TiN film containing undesired chlorine atoms to drive chlorine atoms from the film and reduce electrical resistance of the film, the method comprising the following sequential steps: a) rapid thermal processing the wafer having the outwardly exposed TiN film to a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C.; b) exposing the wafer to a gas consisting essentially of NH 3 and to a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C. for from 5 seconds to 20 seconds; c) immediately at the conclusion of step "b", exposing the wafer to a gas consisting essentially of N 2 and rapid thermal processing the wafer to a temperature of from 780° C. to 850° C.; and d) exposing the wafer to gas consisting essentially of N 2 and to a temperature of from 780° C. to 850° C. for 10 seconds to 30 seconds.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
151 words
A method of annealing a wafer having an outwardly exposed TiN film containing undesired chlorine atoms to drive chlorine atoms from the film and reduce electrical resistance of the film, the method comprising the following sequential steps: a) rapid thermal processing the wafer having the outwardly exposed TiN film to a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C.; b) exposing the wafer to a gas consisting essentially of NH 3 and to a temperature from 580° C. to 700° C. for from 5 seconds to 20 seconds; c) immediately at the conclusion of step "b", exposing the wafer to a gas consisting essentially of N 2 and rapid thermal processing the wafer to a temperature of from 780° C. to 850° C.; and d) exposing the wafer to gas consisting essentially of N 2 and to a temperature of from 780° C. to 850° C. for 10 seconds to 30 seconds.