Defect-Characterization in Implanted Locos + Trench-Isolated Structures

Abstract

ABSTRACTAs device dimensions decrease in silicon integrated-circuits, conventional LOCOS (local-oxidation of silicon) isolation becomes inadequate to meet dimensional demands. Variations on LOCOS are therefore being explored for further miniaturization of devices. One such variation involves poly-buffered LOCOS + trench-isolation (PBLT). In this study, PBLT structures were characterized using TEM. Wright-etched cross-section SEM micrographs showed etch-pits associated with a combination of high-dose (> 5E14 cm-2) phosphorous implants and PBLT isolation. TEM characterization showed that dislocations were formed in the structures for a combination of high-dose (1E15 cm-2) phosphorous implants (followed by an anneal) and PBLT isolation. Structures exposed to lower-dose (1E14 cm-2) implants showed no defects and neither did 1E15 implanted structures prior to annealing. The results are modelled in terms of the stress configurations present in the structures, and in terms of dislocation-sources resulting from implantation-related dislocation-loops. The dislocation-sources operate in the presence of stresses associated with the isolation-trenches. Glide-loops form, which then grow in response to stresses in the structures and dislocations result on glide planes.