Deep Diffusions and Soi Layers Produced by Rapid Thermal Processing for Smart Power Applications

Power devices often contain very deep boron diffusions extending through the thickness of the wafer to create junction isolation. In this paper we first report our investigations to replace the standard solid-state deep diffusion, with Temperature-Gradient Zone Melting (TGZM). During TGZM, a molten silicon/aluminium solution moves through a Si wafer in minutes, leaving a highly Al doped trail behind it. The liquid phase diffusion is driven by the vertical thermal gradient created in the wafer by a properly designed RTP. On the other hand, for the purpose of high voltage (> 400V) smart power applications, substrates with localised and thick SOI layers are needed. We also present a method for recrystallization of thick poly silicon films by Lateral Epitaxial Growth over Oxide (LEGO), using a similarly designed RTP. The two processes, that is LEGO and TGZM, use a Rapid Thermal Processor and are compatible. The RTP is specially designed to create a thermal gradient perpendicular to the wafer surface.