• Solar Energy
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.3-11
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• 1997

Because grain boundaries in polycrystalline silicon act as potential barriers and recombination centers for the photo-generated charge carriers, these defects degrade conversion effiency of solar cell. To reduce these effects of grain boundaries, we investigated various influencing factors such as thermal treatment, various grid pattern, selective wet etching for grain boundaries, buried contact metallization along grain boundaries, grid on metallic thin film. Pretreatment above $900^{\circ}C$ in $N_2$ atmosphere, gettering by $POCl_3$ and Al treatment for back surface field contributed to obtain a high quality poly-Si. To prevent carrier losses at the grain boundaries, we carried out surface treatment using Schimmel etchant. This etchant delineated grain boundaries of $10{\mu}m$ depth as well as surface texturing effect. A metal AI diffusion into grain boundaries on rear side reduced back surface recombination effects at grain boundaries. A combination of fine grid with finger spacing of 0.4mm and buried electrode along grain boundaries improved short circuit current density of solar cell. A ultra-thin Chromium layer of 20nm with transmittance of 80% reduced series resistance. This paper focused on the grain boundary effect for terrestrial applications of solar cells with low cost, large area, and high efficiency.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2008.06a
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• pp.169-169
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• 2008

To keep pace with scaling trends of CMOS technologies, high-k metal oxides are to be introduced. Due to their high permittivity, high-k materials can achieve the required capacitance with stacks of higher physical thickness to reduce the leakage current through the scaled gate oxide, which make it become much more promising materials to instead of $SiO_2$. As further studying on high-k, an understanding of the relation between the etch characteristics of high-k dielectric materials and plasma properties is required for the low damaged removal process to match standard processing procedure. There are some reports on the dry etching of different high-k materials in ICP and ECR plasma with various plasma parameters, such as different gas combinations ($Cl_2$, $Cl_2/BCl_3$, $Cl_2$/Ar, $SF_6$/Ar, and $CH_4/H_2$/Ar etc). Understanding of the complex behavior of particles at surfaces requires detailed knowledge of both macroscopic and microscopic processes that take place; also certain processes depend critically on temperature and gas pressure. The choice of $BCl_3$ as the chemically active gas results from the fact that it is widely used for the etching o the materials covered by the native oxides due to the effective extraction of oxygen in the form of $BCl_xO_y$ compounds. In this study, the surface reactions and the etch rate of $Al_2O_3$ films in $BCl_3/Cl_2$/Ar plasma were investigated in an inductively coupled plasma(ICP) reactor in terms of the gas mixing ratio, RF power, DC bias and chamber pressure. The variations of relative volume densities for the particles were measured with optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The surface imagination was measured by AFM and SEM. The chemical states of film was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which confirmed the existence of nonvolatile etch byproducts.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2012.08a
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• pp.251-252
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• 2012

Recently, the growing interest in organic microelectronic devices including OLEDs has led to an increasing amount of research into their many potential applications in the area of flexible electronic devices based on plastic substrates. However, these organic devices require a gas barrier coating to prevent the permeation of water and oxygen because organic materials are highly susceptible to water and oxygen. In particular, high efficiency OLEDs require an extremely low Water Vapor Transition Rate (WVTR) of $1{\times}10^{-6}g/m^2$/day. The Key factor in high quality inorganic gas barrier formation for achieving the very low WVTR required ($1{\times}10^{-6}g/m^2$/day) is the suppression of defect sites and gas diffusion pathways between grain boundaries. In this study, we developed an $Al_2O_3$ nano-crystal structure single gas barrier layer using a Neutral Beam Assisted Sputtering (NBAS) process. The NBAS system is based on the conventional RF magnetron sputtering and neutral beam source. The neutral beam source consists of an electron cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasma source and metal reflector. The Ar+ ions in the ECR plasma are accelerated in the plasma sheath between the plasma and reflector, which are then neutralized by Auger neutralization. The neutral beam energies were possible to estimate indirectly through previous experiments and binary collision model. The accelerating potential is the sum of the plasma potential and reflector bias. In previous experiments, while adjusting the reflector bias, changes in the plasma density and the plasma potential were not observed. The neutral beam energy is controlled by the metal reflector bias. The NBAS process can continuously change crystalline structures from an amorphous phase to nano-crystal phase of various grain sizes within a single inorganic thin film. These NBAS process effects can lead to the formation of a nano-crystal structure barrier layer which effectively limits gas diffusion through the pathways between grain boundaries. Our results verify the nano-crystal structure of the NBAS processed $Al_2O_3$ single gas barrier layer through dielectric constant measurement, break down field measurement, and TEM analysis. Finally, the WVTR of $Al_2O_3$ nano-crystal structure single gas barrier layer was measured to be under $5{\times}10^{-6}g/m^2$/day therefore we can confirm that NBAS processed $Al_2O_3$ nano-crystal structure single gas barrier layer is suitable for OLED application.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.11 no.7
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• pp.575-579
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• 2001

GaN buffer layer and epilayer have been grown on sapphire (0001) by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). GaN buffer layer ranging from 26 nm to 130 nm in thickness was grown at 55$0^{\circ}C$ prior to the 4 $\mu\textrm{m}$ thick GaN epitaxial deposition at 110$0^{\circ}C$. After GaN buffer layer growth, buffer layer surface was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). As the thickness of GaN buffer layer was increased, surface morphology of GaN epilayer was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Double crystal X-ray diffraction (DCXRD) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to study crystallinity of GaN epilayers. Optical properties of GaN epilayers were measured by photoluminescence (PL). The epilayer grown with a thin buffer layer had rough surface, and the epilayer grown with a thick buffer layer had mirror-like surface of epilayer. Although the stress on the latter was larger than on the former, its crystallinity was much better. These results imply that the internal free energy is decreased in case of the thick buffer layer. Decrease in internal free energy promotes the lateral growth of the GaN film, which results in the smoother surface and better crystallinity.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.931-935
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• 2012

In this study, we fabricate and investigate low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells with a ceramic substrate/porous metal/ceramic/porous metal structure. To realize low-temperature operation in solid oxide fuel cells, the membrane should be fabricated to have a thickness of the order of a few hundreds nanometers to minimize IR loss. Yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BYZ), a proton conductor, was used as the electrolyte. We deposited a 350-nm-thick Pt (anode) layer on a porous substrate by sputter deposition. We also deposited a 1-${\mu}m$-thick BYZ layer on the Pt anode using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Finally, we deposited a 200-nm-thick Pt (cathode) layer on the BYZ electrolyte by sputter deposition. The open circuit voltage (OCV) is 0.806 V, and the maximum power density is 11.9 mW/$cm^2$ at $350^{\circ}C$. Even though a fully dense electrolyte is deposited via PLD, a cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image reveals many voids and defects.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.413-413
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• 2014

In this paper, we present a fabrication method of functionalized gold nanostructures on flexible substrate that can be implemented for plasmonic sensing application. For biomolecular sensing, many researchers exploit unconventional lithography method like nanoimprint lithography (NIP), contact transfer lithography, soft lithography, colloidal transfer printing due to its usability and easy to functionalization. In particular, nanoimprint and contact transfer lithography need to have anti-adhesion layer for distinctive metallic properties on the flexible substrates. However, when metallic thin film was deposited on the anti-adhesion layer coated substrates, we discover much aggravation of the mold by repetitive use. Thus it would be impossible to get a high quality of metal nanostructure on the transferred substrate for developing flexible electronics based transfer printing. Here we demonstrate a method for nano-pillar mold and transfer the controllable nanoparticle array on the flexible substrates without an anti-adhesion layer. Also functionalization of gold was investigated by the different length of thiol applied for effectively localized surface plasmonic resonance sensing. First, a focused ion beam (FIB) and ICP-RIE are used to fabricate the nanoscale pillar array. Then gold metal layer is deposited onto the patterned nanostructure. The metallic 130 nm and 250 nm nanodisk pattern are transferred onto flexible polymer substrate by bi-layer functionalized contact imprinting which can be tunable surface energy interfaces. Different thiol reagents such as Thioglycolic acid (98%), 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (99%), 11-Mercaptoundecanoic acid (95%) and 16-Mercaptohexadecanoic acid (90%) are used. Overcoming the repeatedly usage of the anti-adhesion layer mold which has less uniformity and not washable interface, contact printing method using bi-layer gold array are not only expedient access to fabrication but also have distinctive properties including anti-adhesion layer free, functionalized bottom of the gold nano disk, repeatedly replicate the pattern on the flexible substrate. As a result we demonstrate the feasibility of flexible plasmonic sensing interface and anticipate that the method can be extended to variable application including the portable bio sensor via mass production of stable nanostructure array and other nanophotonic application.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2010.02a
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• pp.456-456
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• 2010

CMOS 소자가 서브마이크론($0.1\;{\mu}m$) 이하로 스케일다운 되면서 단채널 효과(short channel effect), 게이트 산화막(gate oxide)의 누설전류(leakage current)의 증가와 높은 직렬저항(series resistance) 등의 문제가 발생한다. CMOS 소자의 구동전류(drive current)를 높이고, 단채널 효과를 줄이기 위한 가장 효율적인 방법은 소스 및 드레인의 얕은 접합(shallow junction) 형성과 직렬 저항을 줄이는 것이다. 플라즈마 도핑 방법은 플라즈마 밀도 컨트롤, 주입 바이어스 전압 조절 등을 통해 저 에너지 이온주입법보다 기판 손상 및 표면 결함의 생성을 억제하면서 고농도로 얕은 접합을 형성할 수 있다. 그리고 얕은 접합을 형성하기 위해 주입된 불순물의 활성화와 확산을 위해 후속 열처리 공정은 높은 온도에서 짧은 시간 열처리하여 불순물 물질의 활성화를 높여주면서 열처리로 인한 접합 깊이를 얕게 해야 한다. 그러나 접합의 깊이가 줄어듦에 따라서 소스 및 드레인의 표면 저항(sheet resistance)과 접촉저항(contact resistance)이 급격하게 증가하는 문제점이 있다. 이러한 표면저항과 접촉저항을 줄이기 위한 방안으로 실리사이드 박막(silicide thin film)을 형성하는 방법이 사용되고 있다. 본 논문에서는 (100) p-type 웨이퍼 He(90 %) 가스로 희석된 $PH_3$(10 %) 가스를 사용하여 플라즈마 도핑을 실시하였다. 10 mTorr의 압력에서 200 W RF 파워를 인가하여 플라즈마를 생성하였고 도핑은 바이어스 전압 -1 kV에서 60 초 동안 실시하였다. 얕은 접합을 형성하기 위한 불순물의 활성화는 ArF(193 nm) excimer laser를 통해 $460\;mJ/cm^2$의 에니지로 열처리를 실시하였다. 그리고 낮은 접촉비저항과 표면저항을 얻기 위해 metal sputter를 통해 TiN/Ti를 $800/400\;{\AA}$ 증착하고 metal RTP를 사용하여 실리사이드 형성 온도를 $650{\sim}800^{\circ}C$까지 60 초 동안 열처리를 실시하여 $TiSi_2$ 박막을 형성하였다. 그리고 $TiSi_2$의 두께를 측정하기 위해 TEM(Transmission Electron Microscopy)을 측정하였다. 화학적 결합상태를 분석하기 위해 XPS(X-ray photoelectronic)와 XRD(X-ray diffraction)를 측정하였다. 접촉비저항, 접촉저항과 표면저항을 분석하기 위해 TLM(Transfer Length Method) 패턴을 제작하여 I-V 특성을 측정하였다. TEM 측정결과 $TiSi_2$의 두께는 약 $580{\AA}$ 정도이고 morphology는 안정적이고 실리사이드 집괴 현상은 발견되지 않았다. XPS와 XRD 분석결과 실리사이드 형성 온도가 $700^{\circ}C$에서 C54 형태의 $TiSi_2$ 박막이 형성되었고 가장 낮은 접촉비저항과 접촉저항 값을 가진다.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.149-157
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• 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown promise in various applications, including molecular separation, dye separation, gas separation, filtration, and desalination. Integrating COFs into membranes enhances permeability, selectivity, and stability, improving separation processes. Combining COFs with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) creates nanocomposite membranes with high permeability and stability, ideal for dye separation. Incorporating COFs into polyamide (PA) membranes improves permeability and selectivity through a synthetic interfacial strategy. Three-dimensional COF fillers in mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) enhance CO₂/CH₄ separation, making them suitable for biogas upgrading. All-nanoporous composite (ANC) membranes, which combine COFs and metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes, overcome permeance-selectivity trade-offs, significantly improving gas permeance. Computational simulations using hypothetical COFs (hypoCOFs) demonstrate superior CO₂ selectivity and working capacity relevant for CO₂ separation and H₂ purification. COFs integrated into thin-film composite (TFC) and polysulfonamide (PSA) membranes enhance rejection performance for organic contaminants, salt contaminants, and heavy metal ions, improving separation capabilities. TpPa-SO₃H/PAN covalent organic framework membranes (COFMs) exhibited superior desalination performance compared to traditional polyamide membranes by utilizing charged groups to enable efficient desalination through electrostatic repulsion, suggesting their potential for ionic and molecular separations. These findings highlight COFs' potential in membrane technology for enhanced separation processes by improving permeability, selectivity, and stability. In this review, COF applied for the separation process is discussed.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.111-118
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• 2023

MXene, a two-dimensional transition metal carbide or nitride, has recently attracted much attention as a lightweight and flexible electromagnetic shielding material due to its high electrical conductivity, good mechanical strength and thermal stability. In particular, the Ti-based MXene, Ti₃C₂T_x and Ti₂CT_x are reported to have the best electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties in the vast MXene family. Therefore, in this study, Ti₃C₂T_x and Ti₂CT_x films were prepared by vacuum filtration using Ti₃C₂T_x and Ti₂CT_x dispersions synthesized by interlayer metal etching and centrifugation of Ti₃AlC₂ and Ti₂AlC. The electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding efficiency of the films were measured after heat treatment at high temperature. Then, X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to analyze the structural changes of Ti₃C₂T_x and Ti₂CT_x films after heat treatment and their effects on electromagnetic shielding. Based on the results of this study, we propose an optimal structure for an ultra-thin, lightweight, and high performance MXene-based electromagnetic shielding film for future applications in small and wearable electronics.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.88-93
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• 2024

To evaluate the possibility as a multi-level memory medium for the Ge₂Sb₂Te₅/TiN/W-doped Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ cell structure, the crystallization rate and stabilization characteristics according to voltage (V)- and current (I)- pulse sweeping were investigated. In the cell structures prepared by a magnetron sputtering system on a p-type Si (100) substrate, the Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ and W-doped Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ thin films were separated by a barrier metal, TiN, and the individual thicknesses were varied, but the total thickness was fixed at 200 nm. All cell structures exhibited relatively stable multi-level states of high-middle-low resistance (HR-MR-LR), which guarantee the reliability of the multilevel phase-change random access memory (PRAM). The amorphousto-multilevel crystallization rate was evaluated from a graph of resistance (R) vs. pulse duration (T) obtained by the nanoscaled pulse sweeping at a fixed applied voltage (12 V). For all structures, the phase-change rates of HR→MR and MR→LR were estimated to be approximately t<20 ns and t<40 ns, respectively, and the states were relatively stable. We believe that the doublestack structure of an appropriate Ge-Sb-Te film separated by barrier metal (TiN) can be optimized for high-speed and stable multilevel PRAM.