Self-limiting fin spike removal
Provided is a method for forming a semiconductor structure. In embodiments of the invention, the method includes laterally forming a spacer on a side of the semiconductor structure. The method further includes performing a thermal anneal on the semiconductor structure. The method further includes performing an etch to remove materials formed by the thermal anneal.
1. A semiconductor structure, comprising:
a substrate;
one or more fin regions each overlaying a silicon germanium strain relaxed buffer region contacting the substrate and extending in a first direction, the fin region at least partially comprising silicon germanium and silicon oxide converted from silicon germanium, wherein the fin region is formed by laterally forming a germanium oxide spacer on a side of the silicon fin region in the first direction;
a shallow trench isolation region contacting the substrate and between the one or more fin regions; and
a divot in a surface of the substrate, the divot in direct contact with a base of a first fin region of the one or more fin regions, the divot undercutting a sidewall of the first fin region.
2. The semiconductor structure of claim 1 , wherein the fin region is further formed by performing a thermal anneal on the semiconductor structure.
3. The semiconductor structure of claim 2 , wherein the fin region is further formed by performing an etch to remove silicon oxide and a silicon germanium area with a high percentage of germanium formed by the thermal anneal.
4. The semiconductor structure of claim 3 , wherein performing the etch comprises performing an isotropic etch to remove the silicon oxide.
5. The semiconductor structure of claim 2 wherein the thermal anneal is performed in an inert gas environment.
6. The semiconductor structure of claim 5 , wherein the thermal anneal converts at least part of the silicon germanium in the fin to silicon oxide.