Methods of reducing or eliminating defects in tungsten film

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for reducing and eliminating defects in tungsten film are disclosed herein. In the present disclosure, reducing or eliminating oxidation of a first surface of a tungsten film having a predetermined first thickness disposed upon a substrate and within a plurality of trenches is disclosed. The plurality of trenches include a predetermined depth, and a width of less than 20 nanometers. The predetermined first thickness of the tungsten film is substantially uniform throughout the plurality of trenches such that the predetermined first thickness of the tungsten film does not substantially change to a second thickness when the first surface is contacted with air or oxygen.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.