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Optimization of Ta–Si–N thin films for use as oxidation-resistant diffusion barriers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

C. Cabral Jr.
Affiliation:
IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
K. L. Saenger
Affiliation:
IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
D. E. Kotecki
Affiliation:
University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469
J. M. E. Harper
Affiliation:
IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
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Extract

We have demonstrated that the optimum Ta–Si–N compositions for use as oxygen diffusion barriers in stacked-capacitor dynamic random-access memory structures with perovskite dielectrics are in the range Ta(20–25 at.%)–Si(20–45 at.%)–N(35–60 at.%). Twenty-two different Ta–Si–N compositions were evaluated, starting from six sputter-deposited Ta–Si alloys of which four were reactively deposited in 2–8% nitrogen in an argon plasma. The barriers were evaluated after an aggressive 650 °C/30 min oxygen anneal to determine if they remained electrically conductive, prevented oxygen diffusion and formation of low dielectric constant oxides, and had minimal interaction with the Pt electrode and underlying Si plug. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, four-point probe sheet resistance, through-film-resistance, and x-ray diffraction analysis techniques were used in the evaluation.

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Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2000

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References

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