Methods of forming refractory metal suicide components are described. In
accordance with one implementation, a refractory metal layer is formed over a substrate.
A silicon-containing structure is formed over the refractory metal layer and a
silicon diffusion restricting layer is formed over at least some of the silicon-containing
structure. The substrate is subsequently annealed at a temperature which is sufficient
to cause a reaction between at least some of the refractory metal layer and at
least some of the silicon-containing structure to at least partially form a refractory
metal silicide component. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a silicon
diffusion restricting layer is formed over or within the refractory metal layer
in a step which is common with the forming of the silicon diffusion restricting
layer over the silicon-containing structure. In a preferred implementation, the
silicon diffusion restricting layers are formed by exposing the substrate to nitridizing
conditions which are sufficient to form a nitride-containing layer over the silicon-containing
structure, and a refractory metal nitride compound within the refractory metal
layer. A preferred refractory metal is titanium.