A method of forming an oxide film and a method of manufacturing an
electronic device utilizing the oxide film is disclosed. A silicon oxide
film is formed on a substrate by sputtering. Therefore, the film
formation is carried out at a low temperature. The sputtering atmosphere.
comprises an oxidizing gas and an inert gas such as argon. In order to
prevent fixed electric charges from being generated in the film and to
obtain an oxide film of good properties, the proportion of argon is
adjusted to 20% or less. Alternatively, a gas including halogen elements
such as fluorine is added to the above sputtering atmosphere at a
proportion less than 20%. Hereupon, alkali ions and dangling bonds of
silicon in the oxide film are neutralized by the halogen elements,
whereby a fine oxide film is obtained.