Film formation method and apparatus for semiconductor process

Abstract

A film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process includes a process gas supply system configured to supply process gases. The process gas supply system includes a gas mixture tank configured to mix first and third process gases to form a mixture gas, a mixture gas supply line configured to supply the mixture gas from the gas mixture tank to a process field, a second process gas supply circuit having a second process gas supply line configured to supply a second process gas to the process field without passing through the gas mixture tank, and first and second switching valves disposed on the mixture gas supply line and the second process gas supply line, respectively. A control section controls the first and second switching valves to be opened and closed so as to alternately and pulse-wise supply the mixture gas and the second process gas to the process field.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2005-070034, filed Mar. 11, 2005; and No. 2006-004192, filed Jan. 11, 2006, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a film formation apparatus and method for a semiconductor process for forming a thin film on a target substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. The term “semiconductor process” used herein includes various kinds of processes which are performed to manufacture a semiconductor device or a structure having wiring layers, electrodes, and the like to be connected to a semiconductor device, on a target substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer or a glass substrate used for an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or FPD (Flat Panel Display), by forming semiconductor layers, insulating layers, and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a semiconductor process, which can uniformly supply a process gas in a small amount, such as a doping gas, into a process container in the vertical direction, thereby improving the inter-substrate uniformity in the composition of deposited films.

Problems solved by technology

In this respect, silicon nitride films have a relatively high dielectric constant, which increases parasitic capacitance and thus is problematic.

Further, where a silicon nitride film is used for a sensor of the charge storage type, there is a problem in that parasitic capacitance increases a background level.

However, as described later, the present inventors have found that, where a process gas in a small amount, such as a doping gas, is used in conventional vertical heat-processing apparatuses (of the so-called batch type), the inter-substrate uniformity in the composition of deposited films tends to be deteriorated.

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