Semiconductor Manufacturing
Organometallic compounds play a crucial role in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in processes like Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). Here’s a breakdown of their key applications: Â
- Thin Film Deposition:
- Semiconductor Layers: Organometallic compounds are used to deposit thin films of various semiconductors, such as:
- Silicon: Used in transistors and integrated circuits. Â
- Gallium Arsenide (GaAs): Employed in high-frequency devices, LEDs, and solar cells. Â
- Indium Phosphide (InP): Utilized in fiber optic communication devices and high-speed electronics. Â
- Metal Layers:
- Copper: Used for interconnects due to its high conductivity. Â
- Tungsten: Employed as a diffusion barrier and contact material. Â
- Aluminum: Used in various layers within integrated circuits.
- Dielectric Layers:
- Silicon Dioxide (SiO2): Acts as an insulator and passivation layer. Â
- Silicon Nitride (Si3N4): Used for gate dielectrics and as an etch mask. Â
- Specific Applications:
- Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD): A widely used technique for growing high-quality semiconductor layers, especially for compound semiconductors like GaAs and InP.
- Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD): Enables precise control over film thickness at the atomic level, crucial for advanced semiconductor devices. Â
Key Properties of Organometallic Compounds for Semiconductor Manufacturing:
- High Purity: Essential to minimize defects and ensure device performance.
- Volatility: Allows for easy vaporization and transport in CVD/ALD systems.
- Thermal Stability: Should decompose or react at appropriate temperatures during deposition.
- Reactivity: Should react selectively to form the desired thin film.
- Safety: Must be handled safely to avoid hazards like flammability and toxicity.
Examples of Gaschem’s Organometallic Compounds Used in Semiconductor Manufacturing:
- Trimethylaluminum (TMA): Used for depositing aluminum-containing films.
- Trimethylgallium (TMGa): Used for depositing gallium-containing semiconductors.
- Tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium (TDMAT): Used for depositing titanium nitride (TiN) films. Â
- Bis(cyclopentadienyl)magnesium (Cp2Mg): Used for depositing magnesium-containing films. Â