Stress and crystallization of plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition nanocrystalline silicon films

Nanocrystalline Si films were prepared with a RF-PECVD system using different SiH4/H-2 ratios, plasma powers, substrate temperatures and annealing conditions. The film's intrinsic stress was characterized in relation to the crystallization fraction. Results show that an increasing H-2 gas ratio, plasma power or substrate temperature can shift the growth mechanism across a transition point, past which nanocrystalline Si is dominant in the film structure. The film's intrinsic stress normally peaks during this transition region. Different mechanisms of stress formation and relaxation during film growth were discussed, including ion bombardment effects, hydrogen induced bond-reconstruction and nanocomposite effects (nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous Si matrix). A three-parameter schematic plot has been proposed which is based on the results obtained. The film structure and stress are presented in relation to SiH4 gas ratio, plasma power and temperature.