Amorphization and crystallization in high-dose Zn+-implanted silicon

The nature of amorphization and crystallization of Si brought about by 50 keV Zn ion implantation within the dose range 2×1017–1×1018 cm−2 is studied. The structures are evaluated in the as-implanted state by transmission electron microscopy, transmission electron diffraction, reflection high-energy electron diffraction, selected-area electron diffraction, x-ray energy-dispersive analysis, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. It is found that, contrary to the theoretical predictions, the Zn concentration profile does not reach saturation even at a dose as high as 1×1018 cm−2. A common feature of the microstructure of these high-dose implants is the formation of a continuous amorphous layer and concurrent crystallization of Zn and Si in small crystalline clusters. Microscopic beam-heating effects are also believed to play an appreciable role in the development of the specific morphologies observed. The results are interpreted in terms of two recent models proposed in the literature and the concept o...