Improved Ni Schottky Contacts on n-Type 4H-SiC Using Thermal Processing

Abstract

High-temperature processing was used to improve the barrier properties of three sets of n-type 4H-SiC Schottky diodes fabricated with Ni Schottky contacts. We obtained an optimum average barrier height of 1.78 eV and an ideality factor of 1.09 using current–voltage measurements on diodes annealed in vacuum at 500°C for 24 h. Nonannealed contacts had an average barrier height of 1.48 eV and an ideality factor of 1.85. The Rutherford backscattering spectra of the Ni/SiC contacts revealed the formation of a nickel silicide at the interface, accompanied by a substantial reduction in oxygen following annealing.