Numerical modeling of highly doped Si:P emitters based on Fermi-Dirac statistics and self-consistent material parameters

Pietro P. Altermatt, Jürgen O. Schumacher, Andres Cuevas, Mark J. Kerr, Stefan W. Glunz, Richard R. King, Gernot Heiser, Andreas Schenk

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

149 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have established a simulation model for phosphorus-doped silicon emitters using Fermi-Dirac statistics. Our model is based on a set of independently measured material parameters and on quantum mechanical calculations. In contrast to commonly applied models, which use Boltzmann statistics and apparent band-gap narrowing data, we use Fermi-Dirac statistics and theoretically derived band shifts, and therefore we account for the degeneracy effects on a physically sounder basis. This leads to unprecedented consistency and precision even at very high dopant densities. We also derive the hole surface recombination velocity parameter S po by applying our model to a broad range of measurements of the emitter saturation current density. Despite small differences in oxide quality among various laboratories, S po generally increases for all of them in a very similar manner at high surface doping densities N surf. Pyramidal texturing generally increases S po by a factor of five. The frequently used forming gas anneal lowers S po mainly in low-doped emitters, while an aluminum anneal (Al deposit followed by a heat cycle) lowers S po at all N surf.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3187-3197
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume92
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2002
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Numerical modeling of highly doped Si:P emitters based on Fermi-Dirac statistics and self-consistent material parameters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this