Influence of defect passivation by hydrogen on the Schottky barrier height of GaAs and InP contacts

Abstract

The change in barrier height caused by sputter metallization of contacts on both GaAs and InP substrates, and using evaporated contacts as a reference, is investigated. It has been found that by annealing, the reference barrier height can be restored. A model is proposed, wherein sputter metallization leads to passivation of interfacial defects by hydrogen. Accordingly, the Fermi level pinning caused by these defects is removed and the barrier height changes and is determined by other mechanisms. Annealing produces a removal of hydrogen and reactivates the amphoteric defects. Additional evidence is given for the assumption that sputter metallization leads to passivation, by hydrogen, of dopants and defects in the semiconductor.