Research Article Open Access

Modeling and Control of SiNX Thin Film Surface Morphology Using Kinetic Monte Carlo Method

Abstract

This work focuses on the study of the formation of amorphous silicon clusters embedded in SiNx thin films prepared by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition technique at a temperature of 1023 K by using a mixture of silane (SiH4) and ammonia (NH3). The deposition process is modeled via kinetic Monte Carlo simulation on a triangular lattice. The distribution of ammonia molecules in the simulation matrix is described using our previous pattern. This pattern includes adsorption and migration microscopic processes. The influences of the NH3/SiH4 gas flow ratio and the deposition time on the deposition kinetics are analyzed. The obtained results describe well the different stages of the nitrogen doped silicon deposition process. Indeed, an increase in the gas flow ratio leads to the formation of a high density of smaller amorphous silicon clusters. Moreover, larger clusters can be formed by increasing the deposition time. Simulation results are also compared to our previous results to better understand, on the one hand, the interest of using disilane instead of silane in order to make such deposits, and on the other hand to evaluate the role of ammonia in the SiNx film deposition process.

Adil Bouhadiche, Tahar Touam

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