Method for depositing dielectric materials onto semiconductor substrates by HDP (high density plasma) CVD (chemical vapor deposition) processes without damage to FET active devices

(1) Field of the Invention Improved processes for depositing dielectric layers by HDP (High Density Plasma) CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) are described. One method controls the RF power applied to the side source RF power to be less than about 2500 Watts during dielectric deposition. A second method controls the thickness of the HDP-CVD deposited dielectric layer to be less than between about 2000 and 3000 Angstroms. These methods of HDP-CVD deposition of dielectric layers result in elimination or suppression of plasma induced damage to MOSFET devices and improved gate oxide integrity of MOSFET devices following deposition of dielectric layers by HDP-CVD.