Correlation of trap generation to charge-to-breakdown (Q/sub bd/): a physical-damage model of dielectric breakdown

Ultrathin gate and tunnel oxides in MOS devices are subjected to high-field stress during device operation, which degrades the oxide and eventually causes dielectric breakdown. Oxide reliability, therefore, is a key concern in technology scaling for ultra-large scale integration (ULSI). Here we provide critical new insight into oxide degradation (and consequently, reliability) by a systematic study of five technologically relevant parameters, namely, stress-current density, oxide thickness, stress temperature, charge-injection polarity (gate versus substrate), and nitridation of pure oxide. For all five parameters, a strong correlation has been observed between oxide degradation and the generation of new traps (distinct from the filling of intrinsic traps). Further, we observe that this correlation is independent of the trap polarity (positive versus negative). Based on this correlation, and based on the fundamental link between electronic properties and atomic structure, a physical-damage model of dielectric breakdown has been proposed. The concept of the physical-damage model is that the oxide suffers dielectric breakdown when physical damage due to broken bonds forms a defect-filled filamentary path in the oxide, that conducts excessive current. A good monitor of this physical damage is trap generation, which we believe is caused by physical bond breaking in the oxide and at the interface. The model has been quantified empirically by the correlation between trap generation and Q/sub bd/.< >