Photochemical process for substrate surface preparation.

摘要

A substrate having an undesired native oxide layer formed on the surface thereof is treated at a low temperature by exposure to a chosen vapor phase hydrogen-containing precursor in the presence of radiation of a selected wavelength. Upon radiation-inducement, neutral hydrogen species are formed from the precursor and interact with the native oxide to convert the native oxide to a chemically reduced form. By this process, thermal damage and charge damage to the substrate are avoided and the electrical properties of a subsequently formed device are enhanced.