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The interface of a-SiNx:H and Si: Linking the nano-scale structure to passivation quality

Abstract

Surface passivation by hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride (a-SiNx:H) is determined by the combined effect of two mechanisms: so-called chemical passivation by reducing the density of interface states (Dit) and field-effect passivation as a result of the number of fixed charges (Qf) at the interface with Si. These are related to the K defect center: *Si-N3. Defects near the interface (in both Si as in a-SiNx:H), modeled by force field Molecular Dynamics (MD) and ab initio Density Functional Theory (DFT), can be related to Qf and Dit measured experimentally using CV-MIS (Capacitance–Voltage Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor). The compositional build up at the interface as is determined by HRTEM (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy) and modeled by MD corresponds to each other; a gradual change from Si to the bulk a-SiNx:H composition in the first 2 nm of the a-SiNx:H layer. At the c-Si side a highly distorted layer (about 1–3 nm) caused by the insertion of N and/or H is found. The insertion and adhesion of N into and at the Si surface is called nitridation and can be altered by using a NH3 plasma prior to a-SiNx:H deposition. HRTEM image analysis shows that by varying the nitridation of the Si surface the amount and penetration depth of N inside the Si surface is altered. Using MD modeling, it is shown that this process changes the amount of K-centers at the surface, which explains the variation in Qf and Dit that is found experimentally. Ab initio DFT studies of a-SiNx:H (x=1.17) show that K-centers and Si atoms in distorted configuration, are the dominating defects resulting in a higher Dit. For lower x (x=1) the Dit caused by K-centers increases, which is observed experimentally too.

Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Machteld Lamers
  • Leif E. Hintzsche
  • Keith T. Butler
  • Per Erik Vullum
  • Chang-Ming Fang
  • Martijn Marsman
  • Gerald Jordan
  • John H. Harding
  • Georg Kresse
  • Arthur Weeber

Affiliation

  • Energy research Centre of the Netherlands
  • University of Vienna
  • University of Sheffield
  • SINTEF Industry / Materials and Nanotechnology

Year

2014

Published in

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

ISSN

0927-0248

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

120

Page(s)

311 - 316

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