Papers by Author: Masayuki Okamura

Abstract: 4H-SiC crystallization from Si-C solution in electric current-controlled liquid phase epitaxy was investigated. The dependence of growth speed on a DC current shows that dissolution/growth is controlled by the electric current without altering temperature gradient in the furnace. Application of an electric current leads to reduction of growth speed with negative polarity and enhancement of growth speed with positive polarity. The variation of the growth speed with a DC current density has been explained by the combination of the effects of electromigration of C solute and Joule heating.

Abstract: Void formation in 4H-SiC crystals grown from solution has been investigated by secondary ion mass spectrometry and Raman scattering. It becomes clear that ambient Ar gas is filled in voids and the solvent (Si) partially remains. The result indicates that Ar dissolved in the solvent vaporizes and forms bubbles. The trapped bubbles at the crystal growth front are considered to be incorporated in the growing crystal as voids. We also have developed following methods for suppression of the void formation; (1) dipping seed crystals so that the growth front faces upward, (2) growth under He atmosphere, and (3) the high temperature treatment of the solvent before crystal growth.