Abstract: With the continued downscaling of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor dimensions, high-dielectric constant (high-k) gate materials, as alternatives to SiO2, have been extensively investigated. Hf (Zr)-based high-k gate dielectric thin films have been regarded as the most promising candidates for high-k gate dielectric according to the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductor due to their excellent physical properties and performance. This paper reviews the recent progress on Hf (Zr)-based high-k gate dielectrics based on PVD (physical vapor deposition) process. This article begins with a survey of various methods developed for generating Hf (Zr)-based high-k gate dielectrics, and then mainly focuses on microstructure, synthesis, characterization, formation mechanisms of interfacial layer, and optical properties of Hf (Zr)-based high-k gate dielectrics. Finally, this review concludes with personal perspectives towards future research on Hf (Zr)-based high-k gate dielectrics.

Key words: Hf (Zr)-based high-k gate dielectric, PVD, Optical properties