In situ growth of SiNx as gate dielectric and surface passivation for AlN/GaN heterostructures by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition.

SiN_x grown in situ by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has shown great potential as a high-quality gate dielectric and surface passivation for AlN/GaN heterostructure transistors. In this paper, we present a thorough study on how the growth conditions affect the film quality of SiN_x and correlate the observed material properties with the electrical characteristics of the heterostructures. Lowering the growth pressure and SiH₄/NH₃ ratio can improve the SiN_x/AlN interface roughness, leading to a reduced interfacial trap state density. The gate leakage current can be suppressed by increasing the resistivity of SiN_x, which can be tailored with growth temperature and SiH₄/NH₃ ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]