Large-Diameter GaN Substrates with HCl-Controlled Mn Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-diameter GaN substrates exhibit significant variations in Mn concentration distribution, leading to non-uniform doping and inconsistent device performance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving intermittent introduction of HCl gas during Mn-doped GaN crystal growth to periodically etch the growth interface, maintaining flatness and cleanliness, thereby achieving uniform Mn doping across the substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Mn doping is performed on large-diameter GaN substrates, then the substrate achieves high resistivity, but significant variation in Mn concentration distribution occurs across the substrate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresistivityVSAvoidMn concentration uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by intermittently introducing HCl gas during the epitaxial growth process. The HCl gas is introduced at specific time intervals to etch the growth interface, creating periodic cycles of growth and etching. This periodic etching prevents Mn accumulation at the interface and ensures uniform Mn concentration distribution across the large-diameter substrate while maintaining high resistivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical environment parameter by introducing HCl gas into the growth chamber during epitaxial growth. This parameter change modifies the chemical composition at the growth interface, enabling controlled etching that prevents Mn concentration variations. The HCl gas concentration and introduction timing are controlled to achieve uniform doping across the substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If HCl gas is continuously introduced to etch the growth interface, then Mn concentration uniformity is improved, but the epitaxial growth process is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMn concentration uniformityVSAvoidepitaxial growth efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by introducing HCl gas at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. The HCl gas is introduced for specific durations followed by growth periods, creating a cyclic process. This periodic introduction achieves sufficient etching for Mn uniformity while minimizing interruption to the overall epitaxial growth process, thereby balancing quality and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing HCl gas before Mn doping is complete to pre-etch the growth interface. This preliminary etching prevents Mn concentration buildup during subsequent growth periods, ensuring uniform distribution without requiring continuous HCl introduction throughout the entire growth process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The method ensures a uniform Mn concentration within ±20% of the average value, enhancing resistivity, Vickers hardness, and surface roughness uniformity, reducing color unevenness, and improving light transmittance across the substrate.

Implementation Method 1

a gas containing HCl is intermittently introduced to periodically etch a growth interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical etching:

Implementation Method 2

Dopants used to obtain the semi-insulating GaN single crystal substrate include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and carbon (C), and among these, use of manganese (Mn) enables the production of a highly resistive substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Data Source

PatentUS20250263868A1Gallium nitride single crystal substrate and method for producing the same
Publication Date: 2025.08.21 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD
  • US20250263868A1 patent drawing
  • US20250263868A1 patent drawing
  • US20250263868A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a gallium nitride single crystal substrate, which is a gallium nitride single crystal substrate having a diameter of 50 mm or more, with a low-index crystal plane closest to a main surface being (0001), and in which a Mn concentration in the substrate is 5×1017 cm−3 or more; and secondary ion mass spectrometry at a plurality of arbitrary points on the main surface reveals that a variation in the Mn concentration is within ±20% from an average value.