Group VB Doped Beta-Ga2O3 Crystals for High Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for improving the n-type conductivity of β-Ga2O3 crystals through Group IV element doping face limitations in conductivity enhancement, crystallization difficulty, and harsh process conditions, with Group VB elements not previously explored for doping.

Innovation Solution

Doping β-Ga2O3 crystals with pentavalent Group VB elements like vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), or tantalum (Ta) to achieve higher carrier concentrations and conductivity, using a conventional crystal growth method and annealing process to control resistivity and carrier concentration within specific ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Group IV element doping is used to improve n-type conductivity of β-Ga2O3 crystals, then conductivity is improved, but the improvement is limited and crystallization difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconductivityVSAvoidcrystallization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the doping element from Group IV (tetravalent) to Group VB (pentavalent), altering the valence parameter to achieve higher carrier concentration (1:2 ratio vs 1:1). This parameter change enables superior conductivity improvement while maintaining crystallization feasibility through conventional processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If Sn doping is used to improve conductivity, then carrier concentration increases, but equipment pollution occurs due to tin oxide volatilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier concentrationVSAvoidequipment pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces Sn (which causes pollution) with Group VB elements (V, Nb, Ta) that do not volatilize at doping concentrations. These alternative dopants eliminate the harmful volatilization effect while maintaining the desired electrical properties, effectively substituting a problematic material with a superior alternative.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If high doping concentration is used to achieve high conductivity, then conductivity improves, but crystallization becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconductivityVSAvoidcrystallization process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By changing from Group IV to Group VB dopants, the patent achieves higher conductivity at lower doping concentrations due to the 1:2 carrier supply ratio. This parameter change allows high conductivity without reaching the high concentration thresholds that cause crystallization difficulties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly improves carrier concentration and conductivity of β-Ga2O3 crystals, allowing for broader application in electronic devices by providing a more efficient and controlled doping process that surpasses the limitations of Group IV element doping.

Implementation Method 1

Doping β-Ga2O3 crystals with pentavalent Group VB elements like vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), or tantalum (Ta) to achieve higher carrier concentrations and conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 2

using a conventional crystal growth method and annealing process to control resistivity and carrier concentration within specific ranges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnnealing: Annealing

Data Source

PatentEP3572561B1Gallium oxide-doped crystalline material, preparation method and application thereof
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 HANGZHOU FUJIA GALLIUM TECH CO LTD
  • EP3572561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3572561B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3572561B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention discloses β-gallium oxide crystalline material doped with Group VB element, and preparation methods and applications thereof. The doped β-Ga2O3 crystalline material is monoclinic, the space group is C2/m, the resistivity is in the range of 2.0×10-4 to 1×104 Ω·cm, and/or the carrier concentration is in the range of 5 ×1012 to 7×1020/cm3. The preparation method comprises steps of: mixing M2O5 and Ga2O3 with a purity of 4N or more at a molar ratio of (0.000000001-0.01):(0.999999999-0.99); an then performing crystal growth. The present invention can prepare a high-conductivity β-Ga2O3 crystalline material with n-type conductivity characteristics by conventional processes, providing a basis for applications thereof to power electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, photocatalysts or conductive substrates.