Process optimizations to recessed e-SiGe source/drain for performance enhancement in 22 nm all-last high-k/metal-gate pMOSFETs

Abstract In this paper, the technology of recessed embedded SiGe (e-SiGe) source/drain (S/D) module is optimized for the performance enhancement in 22 nm all-last high-k/metal-gate (HK/MG) pMOSFETs. Different Si recess-etch techniques were applied in S/D regions to increase the strain in the channel and subsequently, improve the performance of transistors. A new recess-etch method consists of a two-step etch method is proposed. This process is an initial anisotropic etch for the formation of shallow trench followed by a final isotropic etch. By introducing the definition of the upper edge distance ( D ) between the recessed S/D region and the channel region, the process advantage of the new approach is clearly presented. It decreases the value of D than those by conventional one-step isotropic or anisotropic etch of Si. Therefore, the series resistance is reduced and the channel strain is increased, which confirmed by the simulation results. The physical reason of D reducing is analyzed in brief. Applying this recess design, the implant conditions for S/D extension (SDE) are also optimized by using a two-step implantation of BF 2 in SiGe layers. The overlap space between doping junction and channel region has great effect on the device’s performance. The designed implantation profile decreases the overlap space while keeps a shallow junction depth for a controllable short channel effect. The channel resistance as well as the transfer I D – V G curves varying with different process conditions are demonstrated. It shows the drive current of the device with the optimized SDE implant condition and Si recess-etch process is obviously improved. The change trend of on–off current distributions extracted from a series of devices confirmed the conclusions. This study provides a useful guideline for developing high performance strained PMOS SiGe technology.