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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method utilizing laser-processing for the growth of epitaxial p-n junctions

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7082044

This invention is a new method for the formation of epitaxial p-n junctions in silicon. The method is relatively simple, rapid, and reliable. It produces doped epitaxial layers which are of well-controlled thickness and whose electrical properties are satisfactory. An illustrative form of the method comprises co-depositing a selected dopant and amorphous silicon on a crystalline silicon substrate to form a doped layer of amorphous silicon thereon. This layer then is irradiated with at least one laser pulse to generate a melt front which moves through the layer, into the silicon body to a depth effecting melting of virginal silicon, and back to the surface of the layer. The method may be conducted with dopants (e.g., boron and phosphorus) whose distribution coefficients approximate unity.

DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy
Patent Number(s):
None
OSTI ID:
7082044
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English