Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B, Vol.17, No.5, 2272-2276, 1999
High density plasma deposited phosphosilicate glass as pre-metal dielectrics for advanced self-aligned contacts in sub 0.25 mu m device technology
High density plasma deposited phosphosilicate glass (PSG) films were evaluated for an application as pre-metal gap-fill dielectric material. A high deposition rate (similar to 600 nm/min) PSG film with 9 at. % of P and a deposition-to-etch ratio of 5:1 was developed for a void-free gap fill down to 0.04 mu m. Chemical-mechanical polish, reactive ion etch, and defect test of the PSG film have revealed that as-deposited PSG has performed similar to the annealed one, and PSG has an excellent him stability. A significant device yield improvement was obtained using this 9 at. % PSG process.