Behavior of a ‐ SiN : H and a ‐ SiON : H Films in Condensed Water

Abstract
The etch rates of plasma‐deposited silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride films in condensed water were studied as a function of water temperature, pH of the solution, and film composition. The etch rates for all films at water temperatures between 50 and 125°C were between 0.2 and 10.0 nm/h. The activation energies were between 0.6 and 1.0 eV. Where water condensation on devices is possible, water etching of the passivation should be considered as a potential failure mode.

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