Lattice mismatch and crystallographic tilt induced by high-dose ion-implantation into 4H-SiC.

Lattice parameters of high-dose ion-implanted 4H-SiC were investigated with reciprocal space mapping (RSM). N, P, Al, or (C+Si) ions were implanted into lightly doped epilayers to form a (330-520) nm-deep box profile with concentrations of 1019-1020atoms/cm3. After activation annealing at 1800 °C, RSM measurements were conducted. The RSM images for (0008) reflection revealed that high-dose ion implantation causes c-lattice expansion in implanted layers, irrespective of ion species. In addition, crystallographic tilt was observed after high-dose ion implantation. The tilt direction is the same for all the samples investigated; the c-axis of the implanted layers is inclined toward the ascending direction of the off-cut. The c-lattice mismatch and the tilt angle increased as the implantation dose increases, indicating that the implantation damage is responsible for the lattice parameter change. From these results and transmission electron microscopy observation, the authors conclude that the c-lattice mismatch and the crystallographic tilt are mainly caused by secondary defects formed after the ion-implantation and activation-annealing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]