Abstract: Disclosed is a method. The method includes implanting recombination center particles into a semiconductor body via at least one contact hole in an insulation layer formed on top of the semiconductor body, forming a contact electrode electrically connected to the semiconductor body in the at least one contact hole, and annealing the semiconductor body to diffuse the recombination center particles in the semiconductor body. Forming the contact electrode includes forming a barrier layer on sections of the semiconductor body uncovered in the at least one contact hole, wherein the barrier layer is configured to inhibit the recombination center particles from diffusing out of the semiconductor body.

Abstract: A silicon-carbide substrate that includes: a doped silicon-carbide contact region directly adjoining a main surface of the substrate, and a dielectric layer covering the main surface is provided. A protective layer is formed on the silicon-carbide substrate such that the protective layer covers the dielectric layer and exposes the doped silicon-carbide contact region at the main surface. A metal layer that conforms to the protective layer and directly contacts the exposed doped silicon-carbide contact region is deposited. A first rapid thermal anneal process is performed. A thermal budget of the first rapid thermal anneal process is selected to cause the metal layer to form a silicide with the doped silicon-carbide contact region during the first rapid thermal anneal process without causing the metal layer to form a silicide with the protective layer during the first rapid thermal anneal process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method. The method includes implanting recombination center particles into a semiconductor body via at least one contact hole in an insulation layer formed on top of the semiconductor body, forming a contact electrode electrically connected to the semiconductor body in the at least one contact hole, and annealing the semiconductor body to diffuse the recombination center particles in the semiconductor body. Forming the contact electrode includes forming a barrier layer on sections of the semiconductor body uncovered in the at least one contact hole, wherein the barrier layer is configured to inhibit the recombination center particles from diffusing out of the semiconductor body.

Abstract: A silicon-carbide substrate that includes: a doped silicon-carbide contact region directly adjoining a main surface of the substrate, and a dielectric layer covering the main surface is provided. A protective layer is formed on the silicon-carbide substrate such that the protective layer covers the dielectric layer and exposes the doped silicon-carbide contact region at the main surface. A metal layer that conforms to the protective layer and directly contacts the exposed doped silicon-carbide contact region is deposited. A first rapid thermal anneal process is performed. A thermal budget of the first rapid thermal anneal process is selected to cause the metal layer to form a silicide with the doped silicon-carbide contact region during the first rapid thermal anneal process without causing the metal layer to form a silicide with the protective layer during the first rapid thermal anneal process.

Abstract: A silicon-carbide substrate that includes a doped contact region and a dielectric layer is provided. A protective layer is formed on the dielectric layer. A structured mask is formed on the protective layer. Sections of the protective layer and the dielectric layer that are exposed by openings in the mask are removed. The structured mask is removed. A metal layer is deposited such that a first portion of the metal layer directly contacts the doped contact region and a second portion of the metal layer lines the remaining sections of the protective layer and the dielectric layer. A first rapid thermal anneal process is performed. After performing the first rapid thermal anneal process, the second portion of the metal layer and the remaining section of the protective layer are removed without removing the first portion of the metal layer.