Passivator for gate dielectric

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to formation of a gate structure of a device, such as in a replacement gate process, and the device formed thereby. In an embodiment, a method includes conformally forming a gate dielectric layer on a fin extending from a substrate and along sidewalls of gate spacers over the fin, conformally depositing a dummy layer over the gate dielectric layer during a deposition process using a silicon-containing precursor and a dopant gas containing fluorine, deuterium, or a combination thereof, the dummy layer as deposited comprising a dopant of fluorine, deuterium, or a combination thereof, performing a thermal process to drive the dopant from the dummy layer into the gate dielectric layer, removing the dummy layer, and forming one or more metal-containing layers over the gate dielectric layer.