The interface of a-SiNx:H and Si: Linking the nano-scale structure to passivation quality

Surface passivation by hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiN_x:H) is determined by the combined effect of two mechanisms: so-called chemical passivation by reducing the density of interface states (D_it) and field-effect passivation as a result of the number of fixed charges (Q_f) at the interface with Si. These are related to the K defect center: ^*Si-N₃. Defects near the interface (in both Si as in a-SiN_x:H), modeled by force field Molecular Dynamics (MD) and ab initio Density Functional Theory (DFT), can be related to Q_f and D_it measured experimentally using CV-MIS (Capacitance–Voltage Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor). The compositional build up at the interface as is determined by HRTEM (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy) and modeled by MD corresponds to each other; a gradual change from Si to the bulk a-SiN_x:H composition in the first 2 nm of the a-SiN_x:H layer. At the c-Si side a highly distorted layer (about 1–3 nm) caused by the insertion of N and/or H is found. The insertion and adhesion of N into and at the Si surface is called nitridation and can be altered by using a NH₃ plasma prior to a-SiN_x:H deposition. HRTEM image analysis shows that by varying the nitridation of the Si surface the amount and penetration depth of N inside the Si surface is altered. Using MD modeling, it is shown that this process changes the amount of K-centers at the surface, which explains the variation in Q_f and D_it that is found experimentally. Ab initio DFT studies of a-SiN_x:H (x=1.17) show that K-centers and Si atoms in distorted configuration, are the dominating defects resulting in a higher D_it. For lower x (x=1) the D_it caused by K-centers increases, which is observed experimentally too.