Valence band offset at silicon/silicon nitride and silicon nitride/silicon oxide interfaces

Vladimir A. Gritsenko, Alexandr V. Shaposhnikov, W. M. Kwok, Hei Wong, Georgii M. Jidomirov

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The valence band electronic structure of silicon nitride (Si3N4) is studied using the first principal quantum chemical calculation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Assuming that the valence band is formed with N 2p and Si 3s, 3p and 3d electrons and based on the XPS and UPS results, the valance band offset at the Si/Si3N4 interface was estimated to be 1.5 ± 0.2 eV. This hole barrier explains the hole dominating conduction in Si/Si3N4 structure when a positive potential is applied to the silicon substrate. In addition, the UPS study reveals that the valence band offset at the Si3N4/silicon oxide interface is 2.5 ± 0.2 eV. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)135-139
JournalThin Solid Films
Volume437
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2003

Research Keywords

  • Silicon nitride
  • Valence band
  • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

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