In fabricating a dielectric layer, a semiconductor substrate which has been washed
is provided. A first nitride film is formed by loading the substrate in a first
furnace and subjecting the substrate to a first nitride treatment. A first oxide
film is formed by unloading the substrate having the first nitride film out of
the first furnace and subjecting the substrate to a first nitride treatment by
introducing air while the substrate is unloaded. A second nitride film is formed
by loading the substrate having the first oxide film in a second furnace and subjecting
the substrate to a second nitride treatment. A second oxide film is formed by subjecting
the top surface of the second nitride film to a second oxide treatment.