Formation of SiGe and SiGeC layers on Si by Ge and C ion implantation and subsequent ion-beam-induced epitaxial crystallization

Fabrication of Si_1-xGe_x and Si_1-x-yGe_xC_y layers on Si(100) by high-dose ion implantation of ⁷²Ge ions without and with ¹²C ions and subsequent high-energy and low-energy ion-beam-induced epitaxial crystallization (IBIEC) has been investigated. Structural properties of the surface layers were observed by RBS-channeling technique. Si(100) wafers were implanted with 150keV and 80keV Ge ions at room temperature so as to produce a peak concentration of Ge amounting to approximately 2 and 14 at.%, respectively. C ions were additionally implanted to a fluence of 10% of Ge concentration for the SiGeC samples. IBIEC experiments performed with 400keV ¹⁸Ar ion bombardments have induced crystallization of the amorphous layers of SiGe and SiGeC on Si up to the surface at 400°C for both samples with low Ge concentration (2%) and high Ge concentration (14%). IBIEC using ⁷²Ge ions with energies whose projected ranges are within the amorphous layer was alternatively performed for SiGe layer on Si. Bombardments of 140keV and 40keV Ge ions at 400°C have induced crystallization up to the surface with a slight disorder in the grown layer. Present experimental results suggest a novel ion beam synthesis method of fabrication of SiGe (SiGeC) on Si at low temperatures.