Substrate Film Processing for Si-Si Bond Charge Trap Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor manufacturing processes face challenges in controlling the charge trap characteristics of films formed on substrates, particularly in managing the Si-Si-Si bond and Si-Si bond amounts, which affect the performance of semiconductor devices.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the supply of a decomposable silicon-containing process gas to form a layer with Si-Si-Si bonds on a substrate, followed by the dissociation of these bonds using a reaction gas, allowing for precise control of the Si-Si bond amount through careful regulation of processing conditions such as temperature, pressure, and gas flow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a decomposable process gas containing silicon is supplied to form a layer with Si-Si-Si bonds on the substrate, then the charge trap characteristics are improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases due to the additional dissociation step

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge trap characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is divided into two distinct steps: first forming a layer with Si-Si-Si bonds using decomposable process gas, then dissociating these bonds to control Si-Si bond amounts. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently for achieving the desired charge trap characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The Si-Si-Si bond layer is formed in advance as an intermediate structure before the final Si-Si bond configuration is achieved through dissociation. This preliminary action enables precise control over the final bond structure and charge trap properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the Si-Si-Si bond dissociation is controlled to adjust Si-Si bond amount, then the charge trap characteristics are enhanced, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge trap characteristicsVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dissociation process controls Si-Si bond amounts by adjusting parameters such as temperature, gas composition, and exposure time. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves desired charge trap characteristics while minimizing unnecessary processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The process employs periodic cycles of decomposable gas supply followed by dissociation treatment. This periodic action allows for controlled progression through the bond transformation stages, enabling precise timing control to balance quality and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the charge trap characteristics of the films by effectively controlling the Si-Si bond amount, improving the performance and reliability of semiconductor devices.

Implementation Method 1

supplying a decomposable process gas containing silicon to the substrate to form a layer containing a Si-Si-Si bond on the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Vapour Deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

supplying a reaction gas to the substrate to dissociate the Si-Si-Si bond

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bond Dissociation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4492431A1Method of processing substrate, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, program and substrate processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 KOKUSAI DENKI KK
  • EP4492431A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4492431A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4492431A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a technique that includes: (a) supplying a decomposable process gas containing silicon to the substrate to form a layer containing a Si-Si-Si bond on the substrate; and (b) supplying a reaction gas to the substrate to dissociate the Si-Si-Si bond.