Short-channel MOSFETs with oxynitride gate dielectrics fabricated using multiple rapid thermal processing

Short-channel MOSFETs with superior thin gate dielectrics have been successfully fabricated using multiple reactive rapid thermal processing of thermal oxides. The gate dielectrics are produced by rapid thermal nitridation (RTN) of thin thermal oxides in pure NH₃ ambient followed by rapid thermal reoxidation (RTO) in O₂ ambient. Devices fabricated with RTO/RTN gate dielectrics exhibit improved hot electron induced degradation compared to those fabricated with pure oxides. In addition, the subthreshold leakage current level of RTO/RTN devices is as good as for standard oxide devices.