Semiconductor Doping Control via Hydrogen Ion Implantation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional semiconductor manufacturing methods face challenges in accurately controlling the distribution of lattice defects and hydrogen donors within semiconductor substrates, leading to variations in doping concentrations and carrier mobility, which affect the performance and reliability of semiconductor devices.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the implantation of hydrogen ions and charged particles into a semiconductor substrate, followed by controlled diffusion and annealing to create a single doping concentration peak and a high-concentration region with a uniform doping distribution, thereby adjusting the bulk donor concentration and reducing lattice defect density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If hydrogen ions are implanted into the semiconductor substrate, then the doping concentration can be adjusted, but the distribution of lattice defects and hydrogen donors becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoping concentration controlVSAvoiddistribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing a first implantation of charged particles to create lattice defects at a first depth position, followed by a second implantation of hydrogen ions that utilize these pre-created lattice defects to form hydrogen donors. This sequential approach ensures that hydrogen ions are preferentially trapped at locations where lattice defects already exist, achieving both controlled doping concentration and uniform distribution. The preliminary creation of lattice defects guides the subsequent hydrogen implantation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple doping concentration peaks are formed, then the doping concentration can be adjusted at different depths, but the carrier mobility and device performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoping concentration distributionVSAvoidcarrier mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific doping concentration distribution where a single high-concentration peak is formed at a predetermined depth position, rather than multiple peaks or uniform distribution. The charged particle implantation creates lattice defects at a first depth, and hydrogen ion implantation forms hydrogen donors at a second depth position, resulting in a controlled single peak distribution. This localized high-concentration region improves carrier mobility while maintaining precise doping control at the desired depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If the lattice defect density is high, then the hydrogen donor formation can be enhanced, but the device stability and performance reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrogen donor concentrationVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of lattice defects into a beneficial mechanism by deliberately creating controlled lattice defects through charged particle implantation. These lattice defects serve as trapping sites for hydrogen ions, enabling efficient hydrogen donor formation. The key is that the lattice defects are created in a controlled manner at specific depth positions, transforming what would normally be harmful defects into useful centers for hydrogen incorporation, thereby improving device performance and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 precise control of doping concentrations and lattice defects, enhancing the carrier mobility and stability of semiconductor devices by forming a high-concentration region that extends throughout the substrate, improving device performance and reducing manufacturing variability.

Implementation Method 1

a first doping concentration peak is formed by implanting hydrogen ions from a lower surface 23 of the semiconductor substrate 10 to a first depth position Z1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon implantation: Ion Implantation

Implementation Method 2

charged particles are implanted from the lower surface 23 of the semiconductor substrate 10 to a second depth position Z2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon implantation: Ion Implantation

Implementation Method 3

followed by controlled diffusion and annealing to create a single doping concentration peak and a high-concentration region with a uniform doping distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20220216055A1Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
Publication Date: 2022.07.07 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US20220216055A1 patent drawing
  • US20220216055A1 patent drawing
  • US20220216055A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a semiconductor device including: a semiconductor substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface, and containing a bulk donor; a buffer region of a first conductivity type which is disposed on the lower surface side of the semiconductor substrate and contains a hydrogen donor, and in which a doping concentration distribution in a depth direction of the semiconductor substrate has a single first doping concentration peak; a high-concentration region of a first conductivity type which is disposed between the buffer region and the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, contains a hydrogen donor, and has a donor concentration higher than a bulk donor concentration; and a lower surface region of a first conductivity type or a second conductivity type which is disposed between the buffer region and a lower surface of the semiconductor substrate, and has a doping concentration higher than the high-concentration region.