Nanowire Formation on 2D Insulating Layer via Evaporation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current silicon-based metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs face manufacturing and property limitations, necessitating the development of next-generation materials and devices that can overcome these constraints.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing nanowires using a catalyst metal layer with materials like copper, nickel, iron, cobalt, platinum, and ruthenium, where the nanowires are formed on a crystalline insulating layer through an evaporation process at specific temperature and time conditions, enabling the creation of semiconductor devices with improved performance and uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional silicon-based MOSFET manufacturing methods are used, then existing process compatibility is maintained, but manufacturing precision and device performance are limited by current process capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanowire formation precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the substrate temperature parameter to a specific range (340-420°C) during evaporation deposition to enable precise nanowire formation with controlled diameter (5-50 nm) and length (1-10 μm), achieving high manufacturing precision while maintaining process feasibility through parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a catalyst metal layer (containing Cu, Ni, Fe, Co, Pt, or Ru) as an intermediary substance that facilitates nanowire formation during evaporation deposition, enabling precise control over nanowire growth while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through this mediating catalytic layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If next-generation nanowire-based semiconductor devices are developed, then device performance and uniformity are improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice performance uniformityVSAvoidnanowire formation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic control of deposition time (10-30 minutes) and temperature (340-420°C) during evaporation to achieve uniform nanowire formation across large areas, ensuring consistent device performance while managing process complexity through rhythmic, controlled deposition cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates nanowires with specific local properties (diameter 5-50 nm, length 1-10 μm) through localized evaporation deposition on the catalyst metal layer, achieving high device uniformity by controlling local nanowire characteristics while managing overall process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If nanowires are formed through evaporation process with catalyst metal layer, then nanowire quality and device performance are enhanced, but manufacturing time and process steps are extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanowire structural controlVSAvoiddeposition process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary formation of the catalyst metal layer containing specific metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, Co, Pt, or Ru) before the actual nanowire deposition, which prepares the substrate to enable faster and more precise nanowire formation during the subsequent evaporation process, reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the deposition time parameter to a specific range (10-30 minutes) at controlled temperature (340-420°C) to achieve precise nanowire formation without excessive process time, balancing manufacturing precision with time efficiency through parameter optimization

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

This approach allows for the direct formation of semiconductor devices with nanowires on insulating layers, enhancing device performance, uniformity, and facilitating large-area processing, potentially leading to more efficient and commercially viable semiconductor devices.

Implementation Method 1

The nanowire may be formed by using an evaporation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation process: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The nanowire may be formed by using an evaporation process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

The catalyst metal layer may include at least one of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), platinum (Pt), and ruthenium (Ru)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3141523B1Method of forming a nanostructure comprising nanowires and semiconductor device including the nanostructure
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3141523B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3141523B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3141523B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided are methods of forming nanostructures, methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices using the same, and semiconductor devices including nanostructures. A method of forming at least one nanostructure may include forming an insulating layer (N11) and forming at least one nanostructure (NW11) on the insulating layer. The insulating layer (N11) has a crystal structure and is a two-dimensional (2D) material, like hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The insulating layer may be formed on a catalyst metal layer (M11). The nanostructures may include at least one of silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and SiGe. The nanostructure may include at least one nanowire and may be formed directly on the 2D insulating layer by evaporation. Devices may be formed that comprise a plurality of nanowires (NW11) in a network structure.