Formation of a buried collector layer in RF-bipolar devices by ion implantation

High-dose implantation of arsenic (As) buried collector layer formation for bipolar/BiCMOS processes has been studied. Wafers with and without screen oxide were subjected to high-dose implants with different energies. Some wafers were given a low-temperature anneal before XTEM and SIMS analyses. Defects observed after As implants of 6E15 cm−2 through screen oxide after low-temperature anneal were annihilated at the subsequent high-temperature steps, but the direct implant of As into the silicon is preferred since fewer defects are generated and there is no knock-on of oxygen into the material. Fabricated devices showed excellent electrical performance. However, the upper limit (dose and/or energy) at which perfect recrystallization does no longer occur has not been defined and the process limit is consequently not established.