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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
The reaction between titanium and ammonia to form titanium nitride in a rapid thermal annealer has been studied as a function of process temperature and substrate conditions. The films produced have been characterized by Rutherford Backscattering, Sputtered Neutral Mass Spectroscopy and four point probe electrical resistivity measurements. On oxide substrates, below 720°C only dissolution of nitrogen within the titanium is observed leading to an increase in the specific resistance of the film. Above 720°C, stoichiometric titanium nitride begins forming leading to a drop in the specific resistance of the film. Only in the vicinity of 800°C is all the titanium consumed to form TiN. However, temperatures beyond 700°C cause dissolution of oxygen within the titanium. On silicon substrates, the competing reactions of nitridation and silicidation at the two interfaces govern the extent of nitridation.