Oxide Semiconductor Transistor Silicon Protective Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oxide semiconductor-based transistors face variations and deterioration in electrical characteristics due to damage from etchants or the entry of elements like hydrogen during the manufacturing process, leading to inconsistent performance.

Innovation Solution

A silicon layer is provided in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer to act as a protective film, reducing hydrogen entry and stabilizing the electrical characteristics by serving as a channel protective layer during manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the oxide semiconductor layer is directly exposed during manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the electrical characteristics vary and deteriorate due to damage from etchants and hydrogen entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical characteristics stabilityVSAvoidtransistor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A silicon layer is introduced as an intermediary protective film between the oxide semiconductor layer and the external environment. This silicon layer acts as a barrier that prevents hydrogen and etchants from reaching the oxide semiconductor layer, thereby maintaining electrical characteristic stability without significantly complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The silicon layer is formed in advance before the oxide semiconductor layer is fully processed, creating a protective barrier prior to exposure to etchants and other manufacturing processes. This preliminary protective action prevents damage before it can occur, ensuring consistent electrical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If no protective film is used, then the manufacturing process is easier and faster, but hydrogen enters the oxide semiconductor causing performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidhydrogen entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silicon layer serves as a mediator that blocks hydrogen from entering the oxide semiconductor layer during manufacturing processes. This protective barrier allows the manufacturing process to proceed efficiently while preventing harmful hydrogen diffusion that would otherwise degrade device performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the oxide semiconductor layer is exposed to etchants, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the oxide semiconductor layer suffers damage leading to electrical characteristic variation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidelectrical characteristic consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The silicon layer acts as a protective intermediary that shields the oxide semiconductor layer from etchant damage during manufacturing. This allows the manufacturing process to remain simple and straightforward while ensuring consistent electrical characteristics by preventing etchant-induced damage and variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 silicon layer effectively suppresses variations and deterioration in electrical characteristics, enhancing the reliability and consistency of the transistor's performance by preventing hydrogen diffusion and acting as a protective barrier.

Implementation Method 1

the silicon layer serves as a protective film for reducing entry of hydrogen or the like to the oxide semiconductor layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentUS8278657B2Transistor, semiconductor device including the transistor, and manufacturing method of the transistor and the semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2012.10.02 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US8278657B2 patent drawing
  • US8278657B2 patent drawing
  • US8278657B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To suppress deterioration in electrical characteristics in a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer or a semiconductor device including the transistor. In a transistor in which a channel layer is formed using an oxide semiconductor, a silicon layer is provided in contact with a surface of the oxide semiconductor layer. Further, the silicon layer is provided in contact with at least a region of the oxide semiconductor layer, in which a channel is formed, and a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are provided in contact with regions of the oxide semiconductor layer, over which the silicon layer is not provided.