Low Threading Dislocation Densities in Thick, Relaxed Si1−xGex Buffer Layers

Abstract

ABSTRACTA series of relaxed Si1−xGex alloy layers with germanium contents up to 70% has been deposited on silicon. Although direct deposition ot these highly mismatched layers on silicon gave dislocation densities of 109-1010cm2 and poor morphology, it was found that the use of a linear grade enabled completely relaxed Si.3Ge.7 layers with defect densities of ∼3.105cm−2 to be obtained. However, if the grading was too rapid the dislocation density was much higher. The role of dislocation nucleation and propagation in determining the required thickness of graded layer is discussed.