Electrical breakdown in a two-layer dielectric in the MOS structure

MRS Online Proceedings Library volume 811, pages7–12(2003)Cite this article

Abstract

The formation of interfacial oxide between high-k and Si creates a two-layer dielectric in the MOS structure. In this paper, we present a model to describe electrical breakdown in the two-layer dielectric. Depending on the thickness ratio of the two dielectric layers, electrical breakdown can occur either in one dielectric after the other or simultaneously. In the case of one-by-one breakdown, the current through the two-layer dielectric shows three regimes with applied voltage: tunneling through two layers, tunneling through one layer, and breakdown for both layers. Our model has been compared with experimental data obtained from the HfOx/SiO2 MOS structure, and a good agreement is achieved. This model can be used to estimate either the thickness, breakdown field, or dielectric constant of each of the two dielectric layers. It can also predict the overall breakdown voltage for different combinations of dielectric layers. When combined with C-V measurements, more information about the two-layer dielectric is obtained.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Nasir Basit for his assistance in cleanroom. This work is supported by SRC and NSF.

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Affiliations

  1. NanoFAB Center and Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA

    Xiaolong Yang, Qianghua Xie & Meng Tao

  2. Physical Analysis Laboratory, Semiconductor Products Sector, Motorola, Tempe, AZ, 85284, USA

    Qianghua Xie

Authors
  1. Xiaolong Yang
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  2. Qianghua Xie
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  3. Meng Tao
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Correspondence to Xiaolong Yang.

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Yang, X., Xie, Q. & Tao, M. Electrical breakdown in a two-layer dielectric in the MOS structure. MRS Online Proceedings Library 811, 7–12 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-811-D2.8

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