Abstract: A structure and method for controlling the behavior of dislocations in strained semiconductor layers is described incorporating a graded alloy region to provide a strain gradient to change the slope or curvature of a dislocation propagating upwards or gliding in the semiconductor layer in the proximity of the source and drain of a MOSFET. The upper surface of the strained semiconductor layer may be roughened and/or contain a dielectric layer or silicide which may be patterned to trap the upper end of dislocations in selected surface areas. The invention solves the problem of dislocation segments passing through both the source and drain of a MOSFET creating leakage currents or shorts therebetween.

Abstract: Hybrid orientation substrates allow the fabrication of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits in which the n-type field effect transistors (nFETs) are disposed in a semiconductor orientation which is optimal for electron mobility and the p-type field effect transistors (pFETs) are disposed in a semiconductor orientation which is optimal for hole mobility. This invention discloses that the performance advantages of FETs formed entirely in the optimal semiconductor orientation may be achieved by only requiring that the device's channel be disposed in a semiconductor with the optimal orientation. A variety of new FET structures are described, all with the characteristic that at least some part of the FET's channel has a different orientation than at least some part of the FET's source and/or drain. Hybrid substrates into which these new FETs might be incorporated are described along with their methods of making.

Abstract: A SIMOX (separation by implanted oxygen) process is provided that forms a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having a buried oxide with improved electrical properties. The process implements at least one of the following processing steps into SIMOX: (I) lowering of the oxygen ion dose in the base oxygen ion implant step; (II) off-setting the implant energy of the room temperature (RT) implant step to a value that is about 5 to about 20% lower than the base ion implant step; and (III) creating a soak cycle, i.e., pre-annealing step, prior to the internal oxidation anneal which allows dissolution of Si and SiOx precipitates in the oxygen implanted region. The temperature and time of the soak cycle as well as the base implant dose are critical in determining the final BOX quality.

Abstract: The method for silicon doping of III-V compounds by depositing a layer of silicon on the surface of a III-V compound substrate and subjecting the silicon capped substrate to thermal oxidation at temperatures and in an oxidizing atmosphere sufficient to cause silicon to diffuse into the substrate. A subsequent annealing step enhances the electrical characteristics of the diffused region.