Vox/Eox-Driven Breakdown of Ultrathin SiON Gate Dielectrics in p-Type Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors under Low-Voltage Inversion Stress

Abstract

The breakdown mechanism of ultrathin SiON gate dielectrics in p-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors having p+gates (p+gate-pMOSFETs) has been studied. Systematic study with varying gate doping concentrations has revealed that, in the case of p+gate-pMOSFET in inversion mode, gate dielectric breakdown under stress voltage lower than -4 V is driven by oxide voltage (Vox) or oxide field (Eox), while the breakdown under stress voltage higher than -4 V is driven by gate voltage (Vg). The Vox/Eox-driven breakdown observed under low stress voltage is quite important to the reliability of low-voltage complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). By studying the mechanism of the breakdown, it has been clarified that the breakdown is not induced by electron current. The concept that the breakdown is due to same mechanism as the negative bias temperature instability (NBTI), namely the interfacial hydrogen release driven by Eox, has been shown to be possible. However, direct tunneling of holes driven by Vox has also been found to be a possible driving force of the breakdown. Although a decisive conclusion concerning the mechanism issue has not yet been obtained, the key factor that governs the breakdown has been shown to be Vox or Eox.