Papers by Author: V.A. Skuratov

Abstract: A physical picture of swift heavy ion irradiation effects on ensembles of silicon nanocrystallites (NCs) embedded in a dielectric SiO₂ matrix is given following our study of the experimental investigation of structural, electrical and photoluminescence properties of that system We found that ion irradiation can drastically change the structure of the layer by forming an ordered NC chains along the ion tracks in the 400-1000 nm thick layer. The ion energy and dose are then the main tools for functionalization of our system, from changing the size and the concentration of the NCs, to managing the optical and electrical properties.

Abstract: In the present paper we discuss effects due to high-energy ion bombardment of SiO2 layers with embedded Si nanocrystals (NCs), such as the formation of new Si NCs in such layers, amorphization of previously existing NCs, modification of NC size distribution, and modification of optical and electrical properties of NCs. These effects are identified as resulting from anisotropic strain - anisotropic heating in NCs-SiO2 layers under ion irradiation.

Abstract: Defects distribution in 6H-SiC implanted with Bi ions was investigated with the local cathodoluminescence. There are two typical areas with radiation defects found in implanted samples. Implanted layer was about 27 micrometers depth. Far-action area with radiation defects was observed for the first time. Thickness of this area varies from few tens up to hundreds micrometers. This effect depended on concentration of defects i.e. irradiation fluence. Radiation defects at this area disappeared after annealing the sample if fluence is not to high.

Abstract: Samples with layer of silicon nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 (the single phase Si content in oxide ranged between 5 and 92 volume %) were subjected to high energy ion implantation. Implantation-induced modifications of SiO2-ncSi properties discussed in this paper include a shift of the major ncSi-related photoluminescence peak and intensification of the high-photon energy peaks, that accompany the change in amount and type of the charge trapped on the nanocrystals. A unified model is suggested for all these phenomena.

Abstract: Transformations of the SiGe/Si superlattice structures, either annealed at high pressure, or irradiated by high energy ions and subjected to post-implantation annealing, were studied and compared. Both types of treatments were found to lead to the formation of recharged defects clusters, resulting in the appearance of peaks on C-V characteristics, shrinkage of Ge profiles registered by SIMS technique after annealing, and disappearance of peaks in the free carrier profiles. The effects were more pronounced in the case of high energy ion implantation. The results are explained by the vacancy - assisted precipitation of Ge in SiGe layers.

Abstract: The influence of the irradiation with neutrons, Kr+ (245 MeV) and Bi+ (710 MeV) ions on the optical and electrical properties of high-resistivity, high-purity 4H-SiC epitaxial layers grown by chemical vapor deposition was investigated using photoluminescence and deep-level transient spectroscopy. Electrical characteristics were studied using Al and Cr Schottky barriers as well as p+-n-n+ diodes fabricated by Al ion implantation on this epitaxial layers. It was found that both "light" neutrons and high energy heavy ions introduced identical defect centers in 4H-SiC. So, even at extremely high density of the ionization energy of 34 keV/nm, typical for Bi+ ion bombardment, damage structure formation in SiC single crystal is governed by energy loss in elastic collisions.