Papers by Author: Bernd Tillack

Abstract: One way to further increase performance and/or functionality of Si micro-and nanoelectronics is the integration of alternative semiconductors on silicon (Si). We studied the Ge/Si heterosystem with the aim to realize a Ge deposition free of misfit dislocations and with low content of other structural defects. Ge nanostructures were selectively grown by chemical vapor deposition on periodic Si nanoislands (dots and lines) on SOI substrate either directly or with a thin (about 10 nm) SiGe buffer layer. The strain state of the structures was measured by different laboratory-based x-ray diffraction techniques. It was found that a suited SiGe buffer improves the compliance of the Si compared to direct Ge deposition; plastic relaxation during growth can be prevented, and fully elastic relaxation of the structure can be achieved. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that the epitaxial growth of Ge on nanostructured Si is free of misfit dislocations.

Abstract: Selective epitaxial growth of germanium (Ge) on nano-structured Si(001) wafers is studied to evaluate the applicability of the nano-heteroepitaxy (NHE) approach on Ge-Si system. Based on a gate spacer technology established in advanced silicon microelectronics periodic arrays of nano-scaled Si islands are prepared, where Ge is deposited on top by reduced pressure CVD. The spacing of these structures is 360 nm. The structural perfection of the deposited Ge is investigated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It is found that SiO₂ used as masking material is responsible for the suppression of the desired strain partitioning effect according to NHE. Even for 10 nm oxide thickness, the lattice of Ge layers deposited on Si nano-islands relaxes completely by generation of misfit dislocations at the interface. The occurrence of additional structural defects like stacking faults and micro twins can be controlled by suited growth conditions.