Point Defects in 4H-SiC Epilayers Introduced by 4.5 MeV Electron Irradiation and their Effect on Power JBS SiC Diode Characteristics

Abstract

Electronic properties of radiation damage produced in 4H-SiC by electron irradiation and its effect on electrical parameters of Junction Barrier Schottky (JBS) diodes were investigated. 4H‑SiC N‑epilayers, which formed the low‑doped N-base of JBS power diodes, were irradiated with 4.5 MeV electrons with fluences ranging from 1.5x1014 to 5x1015 cm-2. Radiation defects were then characterized by capacitance deep-level transient spectroscopy and C-V measurement. Results show that electron irradiation introduces two defect centers giving rise to acceptor levels at EC‑0.39 and EC‑0.60 eV. Introduction rate of these centers is 0.24 and 0.65 cm‑1, respectively. These radiation defects have a negligible effect on blocking and dynamic characteristics of irradiated diodes, however, the acceptor character of introduced deep levels and their high introduction rates deteriorate diode’s ON-state resistance already at fluences higher than 1x1015 cm‑2.