Fundamental Aspects of Silicon Oxidation

This book presents fundamental experimental and theoretical developments relating to silicon oxidation for ultra-thin gate oxide formation. Starting with elementary processes taking place during wet chemical cleans prior to oxidation, the focus is then placed on the incorporation of oxygen into the silicon crystal for H-passivated, clean and oxidized silicon surfaces, including oxygen diffusion and defect formation. Experimental methods include scanning tunneling microscopy, x-ray photoelectron and infrared absorption spectroscopies, ion scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Most of the theoretical contributions are based on first-principles calculations, ranging from cluster calculations to supercell and slab calculations. Phenomenological modeling of oxidation is also discussed. The material presented here will enable the reader to gain a deeper understanding of silicon oxidation and ultra-thin oxide formation (and the processes that affect the morphology of silicon oxides).