Semi-insulating silicon carbide without vanadium domination

Abstract

A semi-insulating bulk single crystal of silicon carbide is disclosed that has a resistivity of at least 5000 OMEGA-cm at room temperature and a concentration of deep level trapping elements that is below the amounts that will affect the resistivity of the crystal, preferably below detectable levels. A method of forming the crystal is also disclosed, along with some resulting devices that take advantage of the microwave frequency capabilities of devices formed using substrates according to the invention.

Description

[0002] The term "microwaves" refers to electromagnetic energy in frequencies covering the range of about 0.1 gigahertz (GHz) to 1,000 GHz with corresponding wavelengths from about 300 centimeters to about 0.3 millimeters. Although "microwaves" are perhaps most widely associated by the layperson with cooking devices, those persons familiar with electronic devices recognize that the microwave frequencies are used for a large variety of electronic purposes and in corresponding electronic devices, including various communication devices, and the associated circuit elements and circuits that operate them. As is the case with many other semiconductor electronic devices and resulting circuits, the ability of a device (or circuit) to exhibit certain desired or necessary performance characteristics depends to a large extent, and often entirely, upon the material from which it is made. One appropriate candidate material for microwave devices is silicon carbide, which offers a primary advantag...

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