U.S. patent application number 14/137476 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-26 for semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Daisuke Matsubayashi, Yuhei Sato, Hideomi Suzawa, Tetsuhiro Tanaka, Hirokazu Watanabe, Yasumasa Yamane, Shunpei Yamazaki.
Application Number | 20140175435 14/137476 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50973635 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140175435 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamazaki; Shunpei ; et
al. |
June 26, 2014 |
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Abstract
A semiconductor device having a reduced amount of oxygen vacancy
in a channel formation region of an oxide semiconductor is
provided. Further, a semiconductor device which includes an oxide
semiconductor and has improved electric characteristics is
provided. Furthermore, a methods for manufacturing the
semiconductor device is provided. An oxide semiconductor film is
formed; a conductive film is formed over the oxide semiconductor
film at the same time as forming a low-resistance region between
the oxide semiconductor film and the conductive film; the
conductive film is processed to form a source electrode and a drain
electrode; and oxygen is added to the low-resistance region between
the source electrode and the drain electrode, so that a channel
formation region having a higher resistance than the low-resistance
region is formed and a first low-resistance region and a second
low-resistance region between which the channel formation region is
positioned are formed.
Inventors: |
Yamazaki; Shunpei; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Suzawa; Hideomi; (Atsugi, JP) ; Tanaka;
Tetsuhiro; (Isehara, JP) ; Watanabe; Hirokazu;
(Isehara, JP) ; Sato; Yuhei; (Atsugi, JP) ;
Yamane; Yasumasa; (Atsugi, JP) ; Matsubayashi;
Daisuke; (Atsugi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD. |
Atsugi-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY
CO., LTD.
Atsugi-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
50973635 |
Appl. No.: |
14/137476 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
257/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 29/7869 20130101;
H01L 29/78618 20130101; H01L 29/45 20130101; H01L 29/78696
20130101; H01L 29/66969 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
257/43 |
International
Class: |
H01L 29/786 20060101
H01L029/786 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 25, 2012 |
JP |
2012-281801 |
Claims
1. A semiconductor device comprising: a first metal oxide layer; an
oxide semiconductor layer over the first metal oxide layer; a
second metal oxide layer over the oxide semiconductor layer; a
source electrode and a drain electrode each electrically connected
to the oxide semiconductor layer; a gate electrode; an insulating
film between the gate electrode and a stack of the first metal
oxide layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, and the second metal
oxide layer; a first low-resistance region between the source
electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer; and a second
low-resistance region between the drain electrode and the oxide
semiconductor layer, wherein the oxide semiconductor layer
comprises indium, wherein the first low-resistance region is in
contact with the source electrode, wherein the second
low-resistance region is in contact with the drain electrode,
wherein the first low-resistance region has a resistance lower than
a region between the first low-resistance region and the second
low-resistance region, and wherein the second low-resistance region
has a resistance lower than the region between the first
low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region.
2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the first
low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region are
located in the second metal oxide layer.
3. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the first
low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region are
located in the oxide semiconductor layer.
4. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein each of
the first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance
region is lower in resistance than the second metal oxide
layer.
5. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the
source electrode and the drain electrode comprise a conductive
material that has a higher oxygen affinity than metal element in
the first metal oxide layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, or the
second metal oxide layer.
6. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the
source electrode and the drain electrode comprise at least any one
of aluminum, chromium, copper, tantalum, molybdenum, and
tungsten.
7. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the first
metal oxide layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, and the second
metal oxide layer each comprise indium, gallium, and zinc, and
wherein the first metal oxide layer and the second metal oxide
layer comprises gallium more than the oxide semiconductor
layer.
8. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the oxide
semiconductor layer has a bottom of a conduction band lower than
the first metal oxide layer and the second metal oxide layer.
9. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the gate
electrode is located over the second metal oxide layer.
10. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the
first metal oxide layer is located over the gate electrode.
11. A semiconductor device comprising: a first metal oxide layer;
an oxide semiconductor layer over the first metal oxide layer; a
second metal oxide layer over the oxide semiconductor layer; a
source electrode and a drain electrode each over the second metal
oxide layer; a gate electrode; an insulating film between the gate
electrode and a stack of the first metal oxide layer, the oxide
semiconductor layer, and the second metal oxide layer; a first
low-resistance region between the source electrode and the oxide
semiconductor layer; and a second low-resistance region between the
drain electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer, wherein the
oxide semiconductor layer comprises indium, wherein the source
electrode and the drain electrode are electrically connected to the
oxide semiconductor layer, wherein the first low-resistance region
is in contact with the source electrode, wherein the second
low-resistance region is in contact with the drain electrode,
wherein the first low-resistance region has a resistance lower than
a region between the first low-resistance region and the second
low-resistance region, and wherein the second low-resistance region
has a resistance lower than the region between the first
low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region.
12. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region
are located in the second metal oxide layer.
13. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region
are located in the oxide semiconductor layer.
14. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein each of
the first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance
region is lower in resistance than the second metal oxide
layer.
15. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
source electrode and the drain electrode comprise a conductive
material that has a higher oxygen affinity than metal element in
the first metal oxide layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, or the
second metal oxide layer.
16. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
source electrode and the drain electrode comprise at least any one
of aluminum, chromium, copper, tantalum, molybdenum, and
tungsten.
17. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
first metal oxide layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, and the
second metal oxide layer each comprise indium, gallium, and zinc,
and wherein the first metal oxide layer and the second metal oxide
layer comprises gallium more than the oxide semiconductor
layer.
18. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
oxide semiconductor layer has a bottom of a conduction band lower
than the first metal oxide layer and the second metal oxide
layer.
19. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
gate electrode is located over the second metal oxide layer.
20. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein the
first metal oxide layer is located over the gate electrode.
21. A semiconductor device comprising: a first metal oxide layer;
an oxide semiconductor layer over the first metal oxide layer; a
source electrode and a drain electrode over the oxide semiconductor
layer; a second metal oxide layer over the source electrode and the
drain electrode; a gate electrode; an insulating film between the
gate electrode and a stack of the first metal oxide layer, the
oxide semiconductor layer, and the second metal oxide layer; a
first low-resistance region between the source electrode and the
oxide semiconductor layer; and a second low-resistance region
between the drain electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer,
wherein the oxide semiconductor layer comprises indium, wherein the
source electrode and the drain electrode are electrically connected
to the oxide semiconductor layer, wherein the first low-resistance
region is in contact with the source electrode, wherein the second
low-resistance region is in contact with the drain electrode,
wherein the first low-resistance region has a resistance lower than
a region between the first low-resistance region and the second
low-resistance region, and wherein the second low-resistance region
has a resistance lower than the region between the first
low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region.
22. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region
are located in the second metal oxide layer.
23. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region
are located in the oxide semiconductor layer.
24. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein each of
the first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance
region is lower in resistance than the second metal oxide
layer.
25. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
source electrode and the drain electrode comprise a conductive
material that has a higher oxygen affinity than metal element in
the first metal oxide layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, or the
second metal oxide layer.
26. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
source electrode and the drain electrode comprise at least any one
of aluminum, chromium, copper, tantalum, molybdenum, and
tungsten.
27. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
first metal oxide layer, the oxide semiconductor layer, and the
second metal oxide layer each comprise indium, gallium, and zinc,
and wherein the first metal oxide layer and the second metal oxide
layer comprises gallium more than the oxide semiconductor
layer.
28. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
oxide semiconductor layer has a bottom of a conduction band lower
than the first metal oxide layer and the second metal oxide
layer.
29. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
gate electrode is located over the second metal oxide layer.
30. The semiconductor device according to claim 21, wherein the
first metal oxide layer is located over the gate electrode.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a product (including a
machine, a manufacture, and a composition of matter) and a process
(including a simple process and a production process). In
particular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to, a
semiconductor device, a display device, a light-emitting device, a
power storage device, a driving method thereof, or a manufacturing
method thereof. In particular, one embodiment of the present
invention relates to a semiconductor device including an oxide
semiconductor, a display device including an oxide semiconductor,
or a light-emitting device including an oxide semiconductor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Transistors used for most flat panel displays typified by a
liquid crystal display device and a light-emitting display device
are formed using silicon semiconductors such as amorphous silicon,
single crystal silicon, and polycrystalline silicon provided over
glass substrates. Further, transistors formed using such silicon
semiconductors are used in integrated circuits (ICs) and the
like.
[0003] In recent years, attention has been drawn to a technique in
which, instead of a silicon semiconductor, a metal oxide exhibiting
semiconductor characteristics is used for transistors. Note that in
this specification, a metal oxide exhibiting semiconductor
characteristics is referred to as an oxide semiconductor.
[0004] For example, a technique by which a transistor is formed
using zinc oxide or an In--Ga--Zn-based oxide semiconductor as an
oxide semiconductor is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).
REFERENCE
Patent Document
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Published Patent Application
No. 2006-165528
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0006] In the case where a material of a conductive film to be a
source electrode and a drain electrode formed over an oxide
semiconductor film in a transistor including an oxide semiconductor
is a conductive material which is more likely to be bonded to
oxygen than to a metal element contained in the oxide semiconductor
film, oxygen in the oxide semiconductor film is bonded to the
conductive material. The bonding causes oxygen vacancy in a region
of the oxide semiconductor film in the vicinity of an interface
with the conductive film. Alternatively, damage (oxygen vacancy) to
the top surface of the oxide semiconductor film is caused when the
conductive film to be the source electrode and the drain electrode
is formed over the oxide semiconductor film. A low-resistance
region is formed owing to the oxygen vacancy and hydrogen, so that
contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor film and the
source electrode or the drain electrode is reduced. Accordingly,
conductivity is improved, whereby high speed operation of the
transistor can be achieved. Also in the case where the material of
the conductive film is a conductive material which is easily
diffused into the oxide semiconductor film by heat treatment, the
low-resistance region is formed. However, the conductive film is
also in contact with a channel formation region in the oxide
semiconductor film, and thus oxygen vacancy is also caused in a
region of the channel formation region in the vicinity of the
interface with the conductive film; as a result, a defect of
electrical characteristics of the transistor might occur.
[0007] Thus, an object of one embodiment of the present invention
is to provide a semiconductor device or the like in which a channel
formation region of an oxide semiconductor has a small amount of
oxygen vacancy. Another object of one embodiment of the present
invention is to provide a semiconductor device which includes an
oxide semiconductor and has improved electrical characteristics.
Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to
provide a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device or the
like. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is
to provide a semiconductor device or the like with low off-state
current. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention
is to provide a semiconductor device or the like in which leakage
current through an insulating film is small. Another object of one
embodiment of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor
device or the like with high mobility. Another object of one
embodiment of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor
device or the like with high switching characteristics. Another
object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a
semiconductor device or the like with low power consumption.
Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to
provide a semiconductor device or the like including a transparent
semiconductor film. Another object of one embodiment of the present
invention is to provide a semiconductor device or the like using a
highly reliable semiconductor film. Another object of one
embodiment of the present invention is to provide a novel
semiconductor device. Note that the descriptions of these problems
do not disturb the existence of other problems. Note that in one
embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to achieve
all the objects. Other objects will be apparent from and can be
derived from the description of the specification, the drawings,
the claims, and the like.
[0008] Although the conductive film to be the source electrode and
the drain electrode formed over the oxide semiconductor film also
reduces the resistance of the channel formation region, the
resistance of the channel formation region is increased by supply
of oxygen using the source electrode and the drain electrode as
masks.
[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a semiconductor
device including an oxide semiconductor film: a source electrode
and a drain electrode over the oxide semiconductor film; a first
low-resistance region between the oxide semiconductor film and the
source electrode; a second low-resistance region between the oxide
semiconductor film and the drain electrode; and a channel formation
region positioned in the oxide semiconductor film and between the
first low-resistance region and the second low-resistance region.
The first low-resistance region is positioned in a region of the
oxide semiconductor film at a depth of greater than 0 nm and less
than or equal to 15 nm from an interface between the oxide
semiconductor film and the source electrode, and the second
low-resistance region is positioned in a region of the oxide
semiconductor film at a depth of greater than 0 nm and less than or
equal to 15 nm from an interface between the oxide semiconductor
film and the drain electrode.
[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention is a
semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor film; a
source electrode and a drain electrode over the oxide semiconductor
film; a first low-resistance region between the oxide semiconductor
film and the source electrode; a second low-resistance region
between the oxide semiconductor film and the drain electrode; a
channel formation region positioned in the oxide semiconductor film
and between the first low-resistance region and the second
low-resistance region; a gate insulating film over the oxide
semiconductor film, the source electrode, and the drain electrode;
and a gate electrode over the gate insulating film to overlap with
the oxide semiconductor film. The first low-resistance region is
positioned in a region of the oxide semiconductor film at a depth
of greater than 0 nm and less than or equal to 15 nm from an
interface between the oxide semiconductor film and the source
electrode, and the second low-resistance region is positioned in a
region of the oxide semiconductor film at a depth of greater than 0
nm and less than or equal to 15 nm from an interface between the
oxide semiconductor film and the drain electrode.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is a
semiconductor device including a gate electrode; a gate insulating
film over the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film over the
gate insulating film; a source electrode and a drain electrode over
the oxide semiconductor film; a first low-resistance region between
the oxide semiconductor film and the source electrode; a second
low-resistance region between the oxide semiconductor film and the
drain electrode; a channel formation region positioned in the oxide
semiconductor film and between the first low-resistance region and
the second low-resistance region; and an insulating film over the
oxide semiconductor film, the source electrode, and the drain
electrode. The first low-resistance region is positioned in a
region of the oxide semiconductor film at a depth of greater than 0
nm and less than or equal to 15 nm from an interface between the
oxide semiconductor film and the source electrode, and the second
low-resistance region is positioned in a region of the oxide
semiconductor film at a depth of greater than 0 nm and less than or
equal to 15 nm from an interface between the oxide semiconductor
film and the drain electrode.
[0012] In the above structure, a first oxide film and a second
oxide film between which the oxide semiconductor film is positioned
are provided. The energy of the bottom of the conduction band in
each of the first oxide film and the second oxide film is closer to
a vacuum level than the energy of the bottom of the conduction band
in the oxide semiconductor film by 0.05 eV or higher and 2 eV or
lower.
[0013] In the above structure, a difference between a length
between the source electrode and the drain electrode and a length
between the first low-resistance region and the second
low-resistance region is less than 30% of the length between the
source electrode and the drain electrode.
[0014] In the above structure, a region in which an oxygen content
is sequentially increased from a surface of the channel formation
region toward a depth direction of the oxide semiconductor film is
provided.
[0015] In the above structure, the gate insulating film contains
aluminum oxide.
[0016] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for
manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the steps of
forming an oxide semiconductor film; forming a conductive film over
the oxide semiconductor film at the same step as forming a
low-resistance region between the oxide semiconductor film and the
conductive film; processing the conductive film to form a source
electrode and a drain electrode; and adding oxygen to the
low-resistance region that overlaps with neither the source
electrode nor the drain electrode, so that a channel formation
region having a higher resistance than the low-resistance region is
formed and a first low-resistance region and a second
low-resistance region between which the channel formation region is
positioned are formed.
[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for
manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the steps of
forming an oxide semiconductor film; forming a conductive film over
the oxide semiconductor film at the same step as forming a
low-resistance region between the oxide semiconductor film and the
conductive film; processing the conductive film to form a source
electrode and a drain electrode; forming a gate insulating film
over the oxide semiconductor film, the source electrode, and the
drain electrode; adding oxygen to the low-resistance region that
overlaps with neither the source electrode nor the drain electrode,
so that a channel formation region having a higher resistance than
the low-resistance region is formed and a first low-resistance
region and a second low-resistance region between which the channel
formation region is positioned are formed; and forming a gate
electrode over the gate insulating film to overlap with the oxide
semiconductor film.
[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for
manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the steps of
forming a gate electrode; forming a gate insulating film over the
gate electrode; forming an oxide semiconductor film over the gate
insulating film; forming a conductive film over the oxide
semiconductor film at the same step as forming a low-resistance
region between the oxide semiconductor film and the conductive
film; processing the conductive film to form a source electrode and
a drain electrode; adding oxygen to the low-resistance region that
overlaps with neither the source electrode nor the drain electrode,
so that a channel formation region having a higher resistance than
the low-resistance region is formed and a first low-resistance
region and a second low-resistance region between which the channel
formation region is positioned are formed; and forming an
insulating film over the oxide semiconductor film, the source
electrode, and the drain electrode.
[0019] In the above manufacturing method, the addition of oxygen is
performed by an ion doping method or an ion implantation
method.
[0020] By the manufacturing method of one embodiment of the present
invention, the amount of oxygen vacancy in the channel formation
region in the oxide semiconductor can be reduced. In addition,
electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device including the
oxide semiconductor can be improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] FIGS. 1A to 1C are a top view and cross-sectional views
illustrating a transistor.
[0022] FIGS. 2A and 2B each illustrate the band structure of an
oxide semiconductor film.
[0023] FIGS. 3A and 3B are each an enlarged cross-sectional view of
a transistor.
[0024] FIG. 4A is a top view and a cross-sectional view
illustrating a transistor, and
[0025] FIG. 4B illustrates the band structure of an oxide
semiconductor film.
[0026] FIGS. 5A to 5C are each a cross-sectional view illustrating
a transistor.
[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B are each a cross-sectional view illustrating
a transistor.
[0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B are each a cross-sectional view illustrating
a transistor.
[0029] FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate a method for manufacturing a
transistor.
[0030] FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate a method for manufacturing a
transistor.
[0031] FIGS. 10A to 10C are a top view and cross-sectional views
illustrating a transistor.
[0032] FIGS. 11A to 11C are each a cross-sectional view
illustrating a transistor.
[0033] FIGS. 12A and 12B are each a cross-sectional view
illustrating a transistor.
[0034] FIGS. 13A and 13B are each a cross-sectional view
illustrating a transistor.
[0035] FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate a method for manufacturing a
transistor.
[0036] FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrate a method for manufacturing a
transistor.
[0037] FIGS. 16A to 16C are a cross-sectional view and a circuit
diagram of a semiconductor device.
[0038] FIGS. 17A and 17B are a circuit diagram and a perspective
view of a semiconductor device.
[0039] FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic views illustrating sputtered
particles separated from a sputtering target.
[0040] FIGS. 19A, 19B1 and 19B2, and 19C are diagrams for
describing a discharge state when sputtering is performed using an
AC power source.
[0041] FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic views illustrating a
situation where sputtered particles which are not charged reach a
deposition surface.
[0042] FIGS. 21A and 21B are flow charts showing an example of a
method for manufacturing a sputtering target.
[0043] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device.
[0044] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor
device.
[0045] FIGS. 24A to 24C are block diagrams of a semiconductor
device.
[0046] FIGS. 25A to 25C illustrate electronic appliances to which
semiconductor devices can be applied.
[0047] FIG. 26A illustrates a semiconductor device and FIGS. 26B
and 26C are each a circuit diagram illustrating a pixel.
[0048] FIG. 27 is a top view illustrating the semiconductor
device.
[0049] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a
semiconductor device.
[0050] FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional STEM image of a sample
formed in an example.
[0051] FIG. 30 shows TDS measurement results of a sample formed in
an example.
[0052] FIG. 31 shows TDS measurement results of a sample formed in
an example.
[0053] FIGS. 32A to 32F show measurement results of XRD spectra of
samples formed in an example.
[0054] FIG. 33 shows measurement results of an XRD spectra of a
sample formed in an example.
[0055] FIG. 34 shows measurement results of sheet resistances of
samples formed in an example.
[0056] FIG. 35 shows measurement results of sheet resistances of
samples formed in an example.
[0057] FIG. 36 shows SIMS analysis results of samples formed in an
example.
[0058] FIGS. 37A and 37B each show evaluation results of electric
characteristics of transistors formed in an example.
[0059] FIG. 38 illustrates the structure of a transistor formed in
an example.
[0060] FIG. 39 shows calculation results of electrical
characteristics of a transistor formed in an example.
[0061] FIG. 40 shows a band structure of a transistor including an
oxide semiconductor film.
[0062] FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-sectional structure of a
calculation model.
[0063] FIG. 42 shows band structures of calculation models.
[0064] FIGS. 43A and 43B each show CPM measurement results of an
oxide semiconductor film.
[0065] FIG. 44 shows CPM measurement results of an oxide
semiconductor film.
[0066] FIG. 45 shows a cross-sectional TEM image of a CAAC-OS
film.
[0067] FIGS. 46A to 46D each show a nanobeam electron diffraction
patterns of a CAAC-OS film.
[0068] FIG. 47 shows a cross-sectional TEM image of a CAAC-OS
film.
[0069] FIGS. 48A and 48B are a cross-sectional TEM image and an
X-ray diffraction spectrum of a CAAC-OS film.
[0070] FIGS. 49A to 49D each show an electron diffraction pattern
of a CAAC-OS film.
[0071] FIGS. 50A and 50B are a cross-sectional TEM image and an
X-ray diffraction spectrum of a CAAC-OS film.
[0072] FIGS. 51A to 51D each show an electron diffraction pattern
of a CAAC-OS film.
[0073] FIGS. 52A and 52B are a cross-sectional TEM image and an
X-ray diffraction spectrum of a CAAC-OS film.
[0074] FIGS. 53A to 53D each show an electron diffraction pattern
of a CAAC-OS film.
[0075] FIGS. 54A to 54D show a cross-sectional TEM image and
electron diffraction patterns of a nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film.
[0076] FIGS. 55A and 55B are a TEM image and electron diffraction
patterns of a nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
[0077] FIGS. 56A to 56C are conceptual diagrams of electron
diffraction intensity distribution.
[0078] FIG. 57 shows a nanobeam electron diffraction pattern of a
quartz glass substrate.
[0079] FIG. 58 shows an electron diffraction pattern of a
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
[0080] FIGS. 59A and 59B each show a cross-sectional TEM image of a
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
[0081] FIG. 60 shows X-ray diffraction analysis results of a metal
oxide film of a nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0082] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to
the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the
following description and it will be readily appreciated by those
skilled in the art that modes and details can be modified in
various ways without departing from the spirit and the scope of the
present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be
limited to the descriptions of the embodiment modes and the
embodiment below. Note that, in the structures of the invention
described below, in some cases, the same portions or portions
having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals
in different drawings, and the descriptions of such portions are
not repeated.
Embodiment 1
[0083] In this embodiment, a semiconductor device of one embodiment
of the present invention is described with reference to
drawings.
[0084] FIGS. 1A to 1C are a top view and cross-sectional views
illustrating a transistor of one embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 1A is the top view, and a cross section taken along
a dashed-dotted line A1-A2 and a dashed-dotted line A3-A4 in FIG.
1A corresponds to FIG. 1B. FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of a region
surrounded by a circle of a dotted line in FIG. 1B. Note that some
components in the top view in FIG. 1A are not illustrated for
simplification of the drawing.
[0085] A transistor 150 illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C includes a
base insulating film 102 over a substrate 100; a multilayer film
104 including an oxide semiconductor film over the base insulating
film 102; a low-resistance region 105a and a low-resistance region
105b over the multilayer film 104; a source electrode 106a over the
low-resistance region 105a; a drain electrode 106b over the
low-resistance region 105b; a gate insulating film 108 over the
multilayer film 104, the source electrode 106a, and the drain
electrode 106b; and a gate electrode 110 over the gate insulating
film 108. Further, an oxide insulating film 112 may be provided
over the gate insulating film 108 and the gate electrode 110. The
oxide insulating film 112 may be formed as necessary, and another
insulating film (e.g., a nitride insulating film 114) may be
provided thereover.
[0086] Note that functions of a source and a drain of a transistor
may be switched in the case where transistors of different
polarities are employed or in the case where the direction of a
current flow changes in a circuit operation. Therefore, the terms
"source" and "drain" can be replaced with each other in this
specification.
[0087] The substrate 100 is not limited to a simple supporting
substrate, and may be a substrate where a device such as a
transistor is formed. In this case, at least one of the gate
electrode 110, the source electrode 106a, and the drain electrode
106b of the transistor 150 may be electrically connected to the
device.
[0088] The base insulating film 102 can have a function of
supplying oxygen to the oxide semiconductor film of the multilayer
film 104 as well as a function of preventing diffusion of an
impurity from the substrate 100; thus, the base insulating film 102
is preferably an insulating film containing oxygen, further
preferably an insulating film containing excess oxygen. Note that
in the case where the substrate 100 is a substrate where another
device is formed as described above, the base insulating film 102
has also a function as an interlayer insulating film. In that case,
the base insulating film 102 is preferably subjected to
planarization treatment such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP)
treatment so as to have a flat surface.
[0089] The multilayer film 104 has a structure in which an oxide
film 104a, an oxide semiconductor film 104b, and an oxide film 104c
are stacked from the substrate 100 side. An oxide semiconductor
whose electron affinity (an energy from the vacuum level to the
bottom of the conduction band) is higher than those of the oxide
film 104a and the oxide film 104c is used as the oxide
semiconductor film 104b. The electron affinity can be obtained by
subtracting an energy difference between the bottom of the
conduction band and the top of the valence band (what is called a
band gap) from an energy difference between the vacuum level and
the top of the valence band (what is called an ionization
potential).
[0090] Depending on materials used for the oxide film 104a, the
oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c, boundaries
between the oxide film 104a and the oxide semiconductor film 104b
and between the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film
104c in the multilayer film 104 cannot be clearly recognized in
some cases. Thus, the boundaries of the oxide film 104a, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c are denoted by
dotted lines in the drawings.
[0091] Although the case where the multilayer film 104 is a stack
of three layers is described in this embodiment, the multilayer
film 104 may be a single layer or a stack of two layers or four or
more layers. In the case of a single layer, a layer corresponding
to the oxide semiconductor film 104b is used. In the case of two
layers, a layer corresponding to the oxide semiconductor film 104b
is used on the substrate 100 side and a layer corresponding to the
oxide film 104a or the oxide film 104c is used on the gate
insulating film 108 side. In the case of four or more layers, as in
the description of this embodiment, a structure in which the oxide
semiconductor film 104b is sandwiched between layers corresponding
to the oxide film 104a and the oxide film 104c is used.
[0092] It is preferable that each of the oxide film 104a and the
oxide film 104c contains one or more kinds of metal elements
forming the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and is formed using an
oxide whose energy of the bottom of the conduction band is closer
to the vacuum level than that of the oxide semiconductor film 104b
by 0.05 eV or more, 0.07 eV or more, 0.1 eV or more, or 0.15 eV or
more and 2 eV or less, 1 eV or less, 0.5 eV or less, or 0.4 eV or
less.
[0093] When a voltage is applied to the gate electrode 110 in such
a structure, a channel is formed in the oxide semiconductor film
104b of the multilayer film 104, because the oxide semiconductor
film 104b has the lowest energy at the bottom of the conduction
band. In other words, the oxide film 104c is formed between the
oxide semiconductor film 104b and the gate insulating film 108,
whereby a structure in which the channel of the transistor is not
in contact with the gate insulating film can be obtained.
[0094] Further, the oxide film 104a contains one or more metal
elements which are contained in the oxide semiconductor film 104b;
therefore, an interface state is not easily formed at the interface
between the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film 104a.
The interface state sometimes forms a channel; therefore, a second
transistor which has a different threshold voltage is formed and
accordingly the apparent threshold voltage of the transistor is
changed in some cases. Thus, with the oxide film 104a, variation in
electrical characteristics of the transistor, such as a threshold
voltage, can be reduced.
[0095] Further, since the oxide film 104c contains one or more
metal elements which are contained in the oxide semiconductor film
104b, carrier scattering is not likely to occur at the interface
between the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film 104c.
Therefore, with the oxide film 104c, the field-effect mobility of
the transistor can be increased.
[0096] Note that when each of the oxide film 104a, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c is an In-M-Zn
oxide containing at least indium, zinc, and M (M is a metal such as
Al, Ti, Ga, Ge, Y, Zr, Sn, La, Ce, or Hf), and the oxide film 104a
has an atomic ratio of In:M:Zn=x.sub.1:y.sub.1:z.sub.1, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b has an atomic ratio of
In:M:Zn=x.sub.2:y.sub.2:z.sub.2, and the oxide film 104c has an
atomic ratio of In:M:Zn=x.sub.3:y.sub.3:z.sub.3, each of
y.sub.1/x.sub.1 and y.sub.3/x.sub.3 is preferably larger than
y.sub.2/x.sub.2. Each of y.sub.1/x.sub.1 and y.sub.3/x.sub.3 is one
and a half times or more as large as y.sub.2/x.sub.2, preferably
twice or more as large as y.sub.2/x.sub.2, more preferably three
times or more as large as y.sub.2/x.sub.2. At this time, when
y.sub.2 is greater than or equal to x.sub.2 in the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, a transistor can have stable electrical
characteristics. However, when y.sub.2 is three times or more as
great as x.sub.2, the field-effect mobility of the transistor is
reduced; accordingly, y.sub.2 is preferably less than three times
x.sub.2.
[0097] The atomic ratio of In to M in each of the oxide film 104a
and the oxide film 104c in the case where Zn and O are not taken
into consideration is preferably as follows: the proportion of In
is lower than 50 atomic % and the proportion of M is higher than or
equal to 50 atomic %; and it is further preferably as follows: the
proportion of In be lower than 25 atomic % and the proportion of M
is higher than or equal to 75 atomic %. The atomic ratio of In to M
in the oxide semiconductor film 104b in the case where Zn and O are
not taken into consideration is preferably as follows: the
proportion of In is higher than or equal to 25 atomic % and the
proportion of M is lower than 75 atomic %; and it is further
preferably as follows: the proportion of In is higher than or equal
to 34 atomic % and the proportion of M is lower than 66 atomic
%.
[0098] The thickness of each of the oxide film 104a and the oxide
film 104c is greater than or equal to 3 nm and less than or equal
to 100 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 3 nm and less than
or equal to 50 nm. The thickness of the oxide semiconductor film
104b is greater than or equal to 3 nm and less than or equal to 200
nm, preferably greater than or equal to 3 nm and less than or equal
to 100 nm, further preferably greater than or equal to 3 nm and
less than or equal to 50 nm.
[0099] For each of the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor
film 104b, and the oxide film 104c, for example, an oxide
semiconductor containing indium, zinc, and gallium can be used.
Note that the oxide semiconductor film 104b preferably contains
indium because carrier mobility can be increased.
[0100] In order to obtain a transistor having stable electrical
characteristics, where a channel is the oxide semiconductor film,
it is effective to make the oxide semiconductor film intrinsic or
substantially intrinsic by reducing the concentration of impurities
in the oxide semiconductor film. The term "substantially intrinsic"
refers to the state where an oxide semiconductor film has a carrier
density lower than 1.times.10.sup.17/cm.sup.3, preferably lower
than 1.times.10.sup.15/cm.sup.3, further preferably lower than
1.times.10.sup.13/cm.sup.3.
[0101] Further, in the oxide semiconductor film, hydrogen,
nitrogen, carbon, silicon, and a metal element other than main
components are impurities. For example, hydrogen and nitrogen form
donor levels to increase the carrier density. Silicon forms
impurity states in an oxide semiconductor film. The impurity state
becomes a trap, which might deteriorate the electric
characteristics of the transistor. Therefore, it is effective to
reduce the impurity concentrations in the oxide film 104a, the
oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c, and the
impurity concentrations at interfaces thereof.
[0102] In order that the oxide semiconductor film is intrinsic or
substantially intrinsic, the concentration of silicon in the oxide
semiconductor film, which is measured by secondary ion mass
spectrometry (SIMS) analysis, is set lower than 1.times.10.sup.19
atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than 5.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3, further preferably lower than 1.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3. The concentration of hydrogen in the oxide
semiconductor film is set lower than or equal to 1.times.10.sup.19
atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than or equal to 5.times.10.sup.17
atoms/cm.sup.3, further preferably lower than or equal to
1.times.10.sup.17 atoms/cm.sup.3. The concentration of nitrogen in
the oxide semiconductor film is set lower than 5.times.10.sup.19
atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than or equal to 5.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3, further preferably lower than or equal to
1.times.10.sup.18 atoms/cm.sup.3, still further preferably lower
than or equal to 5.times.10.sup.17 atoms/cm.sup.3.
[0103] In addition, in a case where the oxide semiconductor film
includes a crystal, the crystallinity of the oxide semiconductor
film might be decreased if silicon or carbon is included at high
concentration. In order not to lower the crystallinity of the oxide
semiconductor film, the concentration of silicon in the oxide
semiconductor film is preferably set lower than 1.times.10.sup.19
atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than 5.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3, further preferably lower than 1.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3. Moreover, the concentration of carbon in the oxide
semiconductor film is set lower than 1.times.10.sup.19
atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than 5.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3, more preferably lower than 1.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3.
[0104] Further, the concentration of alkali metal or alkaline earth
metal of the oxide semiconductor film, which is measured by SIMS
analysis, is set lower than or equal to 1.times.10.sup.18
atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than or equal to 2.times.10.sup.16
atoms/cm.sup.3. This is because an alkali metal and an alkaline
earth metal might generate carriers when bonded to an oxide
semiconductor, in which case the off-state current of the
transistor might be increased.
[0105] A transistor in which a highly purified oxide semiconductor
film is used for a channel formation region as described above has
an extremely low off-state current, and the off-state current
normalized on the channel width of the transistor can be as low as
several yoktoamperes per micrometer to several zeptoamperes per
micrometer.
[0106] Note that as the gate insulating film of the transistor, an
insulating film containing silicon is used in many cases;
therefore, it is preferable that a region of the oxide
semiconductor film, which serves as a channel, be not in contact
with the gate insulating film for the above-described reason. In
the case where a channel is formed at the interface between a gate
insulating film and an oxide semiconductor film, scattering of
carriers occurs at the interface, whereby the field-effect mobility
of a transistor is reduced in some cases. Also from the view of the
above, it is preferable that a region of the oxide semiconductor
film, which serves as a channel, be distant from the gate
insulating film.
[0107] Therefore, when the multilayer film 104 has the
stacked-layer structure of the oxide film 104a, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b in which a channel of the transistor is
formed can be distant from the gate insulating film, so that the
transistor can have high field-effect mobility and stable
electrical characteristics.
[0108] Here, the localized level in the oxide semiconductor film is
described. Here, measurement results of the oxide semiconductor
film obtained by a constant photocurrent method (CPM) are
described.
[0109] First, the structures of measurement samples are
described.
[0110] The measurement samples each include an oxide semiconductor
film provided over a glass substrate, a pair of electrodes in
contact with the oxide semiconductor film, and an insulating film
covering the oxide semiconductor film and the pair of
electrodes.
[0111] Next, methods for forming the oxide semiconductor films
included in the measurement samples are described.
[0112] A first oxide semiconductor film was formed by a sputtering
method under the following conditions: an In--Ga--Zn-oxide target
(having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1) was used; argon with a
flow rate of 30 sccm and oxygen with a flow rate of 15 sccm were
used as a sputtering gas; the pressure was 0.4 Pa; the substrate
temperature was room temperature; and a DC power of 0.5 kW was
applied. Note that the first oxide semiconductor film is a
microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
[0113] In addition, the first oxide semiconductor film was heated
at 450.degree. C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for one hour and then
heated at 450.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere for one hour,
whereby hydrogen contained in the first oxide semiconductor film
was released and oxygen was supplied to the first oxide
semiconductor film; as a result, a second oxide semiconductor film
was formed. The second oxide semiconductor film is a
microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
[0114] Next, the measurement sample including the first oxide
semiconductor film and the measurement sample including the second
oxide semiconductor film were subjected to CPM measurement.
Specifically, the amount of light with which a surface of the
measurement sample between the pair of electrodes was irradiated
was adjusted so that a photocurrent value was kept constant in the
state where voltage was applied between the electrodes provided in
contact with the oxide semiconductor film, and then an absorption
coefficient was derived from the amount of the irradiation light in
an intended wavelength range.
[0115] Absorption coefficients shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B were each
obtained by removing an absorption coefficient due to the band tail
from the absorption coefficient obtained by CPM measurement of the
measurement sample. That is, absorption coefficients due to defects
are shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B. In FIGS. 43A and 43B, the
horizontal axis indicates the absorption coefficient, and the
vertical axis indicates the photon energy. On the vertical axis in
each of FIGS. 43A and 43B, the bottom of the conduction band of the
oxide semiconductor film is set to 0 eV, and the top of the valence
band is set to 3.15 eV. Each curve in FIGS. 43A and 43B represents
a relation between the absorption coefficient and photon energy,
which corresponds to a defect level.
[0116] FIG. 43A shows measurement results of the measurement sample
including the first oxide semiconductor film, in which an
absorption coefficient due to a defect level is
5.28.times.10.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1. FIG. 43B shows measurement results
of the measurement sample including the second oxide semiconductor
film, in which an absorption coefficient due to a defect level is
1.75.times.10.sup.-2 cm.sup.-1.
[0117] These results show that defects in the oxide semiconductor
film can be reduced by heat treatment.
[0118] Note that film densities of the first oxide semiconductor
film and the second oxide semiconductor film were measured by X-ray
reflectometry (XRR). The film density of the first oxide
semiconductor film was 5.9 g/cm.sup.3 and the film density of the
second oxide semiconductor film was 6.1 g/cm.sup.3.
[0119] These results indicate that the film density of an oxide
semiconductor film can be increased by heat treatment.
[0120] That is, it is found that as the film density of an oxide
semiconductor film becomes higher, the number of defects in the
oxide semiconductor film is reduced.
[0121] Next, a measurement result of another measurement sample
prepared in a condition different from the above measurement sample
obtained by a constant photocurrent method (CPM) is described
[0122] First, the structure of a sample subjected to CPM
measurement are described.
[0123] The measurement sample includes an oxide semiconductor film
provided over a glass substrate, a pair of electrodes in contact
with the oxide semiconductor film, and an insulating film covering
the oxide semiconductor film and the pair of electrodes.
[0124] Next, a method for forming the oxide semiconductor film
included in the measurement sample is described.
[0125] The oxide semiconductor film was formed by a sputtering
method under the following conditions: an In--Ga--Zn-oxide target
(having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1) was used; argon with a
flow rate of 30 sccm and oxygen with a flow rate of 15 sccm were
used as a sputtering gas; the pressure was 0.4 Pa; the substrate
temperature was 400.degree. C.; and a DC power of 0.5 kW was
applied. Next, the oxide semiconductor film was heated at
450.degree. C. in a nitrogen atmosphere for one hour and then
heated at 450.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere for one hour,
whereby hydrogen contained in the oxide semiconductor film was
released and oxygen was supplied to the oxide semiconductor film.
Note that the oxide semiconductor film is a CAAC-OS (c-axis-aligned
crystalline oxide semiconductor) film.
[0126] Next, the measurement sample including the oxide
semiconductor film was subjected to CPM measurement. Specifically,
the amount of light with which a surface of the sample between the
pair of electrodes was irradiated was adjusted so that a
photocurrent value was kept constant in the state where voltage was
applied between the electrodes provided in contact with the oxide
semiconductor film, and then an absorption coefficient is derived
from the amount of the irradiation light in an intended wavelength
range.
[0127] An absorption coefficient shown in FIG. 44 was obtained by
removing an absorption coefficient due to the band tail from the
absorption coefficient obtained by CPM measurement of the
measurement sample. That is, an absorption coefficient due to
defects is shown in FIG. 44. In FIG. 44, the horizontal axis
indicates the absorption coefficient, and the vertical axis
indicates the photon energy. The bottom of the conduction band and
the top of the valence band of the oxide semiconductor film are set
to 0 eV and 3.15 eV, respectively, on the vertical axis in FIG. 44.
The curve in FIG. 44 represents a relation between the absorption
coefficient and photon energy, which corresponds to a defect
level.
[0128] In a curve shown in FIG. 44, an absorption coefficient due
to a defect level is 5.86.times.10.sup.-4 cm.sup.-1. That is, the
CAAC-OS film has an absorption coefficient due to a defect level of
less than 1.times.10.sup.-3 cm.sup.-1, preferably less than
1.times.10.sup.-4 cm.sup.-1 and is a film which has a low density
of a defect level.
[0129] The film density of the oxide semiconductor film was
measured by X-ray reflectometry (XRR). The film density of the
oxide semiconductor film was 6.3 g/cm.sup.3. That is, the CAAC-OS
film is a film with a high film density.
[0130] Next, deterioration caused by the application of positive
voltage to the drain electrode of the transistor is described.
[0131] FIG. 40 shows a band structure in the channel length
direction. Note that an oxide semiconductor film (OS) is shown as
an i-layer (denoted by "i") in FIG. 40 to be distinguished from the
n-layer.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 40, the Fermi energy of the oxide
semiconductor film is higher than the mid gap. This is because when
the distance between the source electrode and the drain electrode
is sufficiently short, the energy (Ec) of the bottom of the
conduction band is lowered by the effect of the source electrode
and the drain electrode and thus, the energy of the bottom of the
conduction band and the Fermi energy come close to each other. This
phenomenon is called a conduction band lowering (CBL) effect. The
CBL effect is an effect specific to an oxide semiconductor, which
is due to an extremely large depletion layer of the oxide
semiconductor film.
[0133] Here, the CBL effect is described in detail.
[0134] It seems intuitively that in the case where an intrinsic or
substantially intrinsic oxide semiconductor film is used as the
oxide semiconductor film, a barrier that is about half the energy
gap of the oxide semiconductor film is formed between the source
and drain electrodes and the oxide semiconductor film. However, the
transistor including the oxide semiconductor film actually has such
Vg-Id characteristics that drain current starts to flow when gate
voltage is about 0 V.
[0135] In view of the above, the following structure illustrated in
FIG. 41 is assumed: an oxide semiconductor film (OS) is provided; a
source electrode (S) and a drain electrode (D) are provided over
the oxide semiconductor film; and a gate insulating film (GI) is
provided over the oxide semiconductor film, the source electrode,
and the drain electrode. Then, a band structure along dashed-dotted
line E1-E2 of the case where the channel length (L) is changed is
calculated. In FIG. 41, n-layers are provided in regions of the
oxide semiconductor film, which are in contact with the source
electrode and the drain electrode.
[0136] From an estimate of the curve width of the band obtained by
solving the Poisson's equation, the curve width of the band is
found to be characterized by the Debye shielding length
.lamda..sub.D in the following formula. Note that in the following
equation, k.sub.B represents a Boltzmann constant.
the curve width of the band - 0 k B T e 2 n i - the Debye shielding
length .lamda. D [ Formula 1 ] ##EQU00001##
[0137] By substituting 6.6.times.10.sup.-9 cm.sup.-3 for the
intrinsic carrier density ni of the oxide semiconductor film, 15
for the relative permittivity c of the oxide semiconductor film,
and 300 K for temperature T in the above formula, the Debye
shielding length .lamda..sub.D is found to be as long as
5.7.times.10.sup.10 .mu.m. This indicates that when the channel
length is greater than 1.14.times.10.sup.11 .mu.m, which is twice
as large as the Debye shielding length .lamda..sub.D, the height of
a barrier between the n-layer and the i-layer is half the energy
gap of the oxide semiconductor film.
[0138] FIG. 42 shows calculation results of band structures with
channel lengths of 0.03 .mu.m, 0.3 .mu.m, 1 .mu.m, 10 .mu.m, 100
.mu.m, and 1.times.10.sup.12 .mu.m. Note that in FIG. 42, "n"
denotes the n-layer and "i" denotes a region of an oxide
semiconductor film (i-layer) which is sandwiched between the
n-layers, and a dashed-dotted line represents the Fermi energy of
the oxide semiconductor film and a dashed line indicates the mid
gap of the oxide semiconductor film.
[0139] According to FIG. 42, in the case where a channel length is
as large as 1.times.10.sup.12 .mu.m, the difference in electron
energy between the i-layer and the n-layer is half the energy gap
of the oxide semiconductor film. However, the difference in
electron energy between the i-layer and the n-layer gradually
becomes smaller as the channel length becomes smaller, and there is
almost no barrier when the channel length is 1 .mu.m or less. Note
that the electron energy of the n-layer is fixed by the source
electrode and the drain electrode.
[0140] As described above, the barrier between the n-layer and the
i-layer is sufficiently small when the channel length is small.
[0141] Owing to the CBL effect, the subthreshold value of the
transistor including the oxide semiconductor film is reduced to
near the theoretical limit even when there is a barrier between the
source and drain electrodes and the oxide semiconductor film; thus,
favorable switching characteristics are obtained.
[0142] In a channel having n-type conductivity, an electron can
easily pass from the source to the drain and a path is formed
between the source and the drain. As a result, the switching
characteristics are hard to be obtained. To avoid this, the channel
needs to be completely prevented from having n-type conductivity
and needs to be necessarily intrinsic (i-type).
[0143] A material of a conductive film to be the source electrode
and the drain electrode is a conductive material which is more
likely to be bonded to oxygen than to a metal element included in
the oxide semiconductor film; therefore, oxygen in the multilayer
film 104 is bonded to the conductive material. The bonding causes
oxygen vacancy in a region of the multilayer film 104 in the
vicinity of an interface with the conductive film. Alternatively,
damage (oxygen vacancy) to the top surface of the multilayer film
104 is caused when the conductive film to be formed over the
multilayer film 104 is formed. Regions whose resistances are
reduced owing to the oxygen vacancy and hydrogen, i.e., the
low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b are
formed, so that contact resistance between the multilayer film and
the source electrode or the drain electrode is reduced. Also in the
case where the material of the conductive film is a conductive
material which is easily diffused into the oxide semiconductor film
by heat treatment, the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b are formed. Although boundaries between
the multilayer film 104 and each of the low-resistance region 105a
and the low-resistance region 105b exist in the oxide film 104c,
this embodiment is not limited thereto; the boundaries may exist in
the oxide film 104a, in the oxide semiconductor film 104b, at the
interface between the oxide film 104a and the oxide semiconductor
film 104b, or at the interface between the oxide semiconductor film
104b and the oxide film 104c. A low-resistance region is, for
example, a region that has a sheet resistance lower than or equal
to 1.0.times.10.sup.6 .OMEGA./square, preferably lower than or
equal to 1.0.times.10.sup.5 .OMEGA./square, further preferably
lower than or equal to 1.0.times.10.sup.4 .OMEGA./square.
[0144] The source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are
formed so as to have a step-like edge portion. The end portions can
be formed in such a manner that a step of making a resist mask
recede by ashing and an etching step are alternately performed
plural times. Therefore, the edge portions of the source electrode
106a and the drain electrode 106b are provided over the
low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b,
respectively.
[0145] Accordingly, a channel formation region of the transistor
150 corresponds to a region 105c of the multilayer film 104 between
the low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b,
a region of the low-resistance region 105a which is not in contact
with the source electrode 106a, and a region of the low-resistance
region 105b which is not in contact with the drain electrode 106b.
The resistance of the channel formation region of the transistor
150 is reduced (the channel formation region is made to be an
n-type); therefore, it is necessary that the impurity concentration
of the oxide semiconductor film in the multilayer film 104 is
reduced so that the oxide semiconductor film is highly purified to
be intrinsic. Obtaining a highly purified intrinsic oxide
semiconductor film refers to making the oxide semiconductor film be
an intrinsic or substantially intrinsic oxide semiconductor film.
The term "substantially intrinsic" refers to the state where an
oxide semiconductor film has a carrier density lower than
1.times.10.sup.17/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than
1.times.10.sup.15/cm.sup.3, further preferably lower than
1.times.10.sup.13/cm.sup.3.
[0146] In order that the channel formation region of the transistor
150 is highly purified to be intrinsic, oxygen is added to the
region 105c of the multilayer film 104. The addition of oxygen can
reduces the amount of oxygen vacancy, so that a highly purified
intrinsic region can be formed. Accordingly, the highly purified
intrinsic region and the low resistance regions can be formed
separately at one time.
[0147] Further, excess oxygen can be easily released from the base
insulating film 102, the gate insulating film 108, and the oxide
insulating film 112 by heat treatment, so that the oxygen vacancy
in the multilayer film 104 can be reduced. Thus, the amount of
oxygen vacancy in the channel formation region of the multilayer
film 104 is further reduced, so that the channel formation region
is highly purified intrinsic.
[0148] Next, the band structure of the multilayer film 104 is
described. A stack corresponding to the multilayer film 104 is
formed, and in the stack, an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an energy gap
of 3.15 eV is used as a layer corresponding to each of the oxide
film 104a and the oxide film 104c and an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an
energy gap of 2.8 eV is used as a layer corresponding to the oxide
semiconductor film 104b. The band structure thereof is analyzed.
Note that the stack is referred to as the multilayer film 104 and
the layers included in the stack are referred to as the oxide film
104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c,
for convenience.
[0149] The thickness of each of the oxide film 104a, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c was 10 nm. The
energy gap was measured with use of a spectroscopic ellipsometer
(UT-300 manufactured by HORIBA Jobin Yvon). Further, the energy gap
in the vicinity of the interface between the oxide film 104a and
the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the energy gap in the
vicinity of the interface between the oxide film 104c and the oxide
semiconductor film 104b were each 3 eV.
[0150] FIG. 2A schematically shows part of a band structure of a
difference in energy (electron affinity) between the vacuum level
and the bottom of the conduction band of each layer, which is
calculated by subtracting the energy gap of each layer from the
difference in energy between the vacuum level and the top of the
valence band. With reference to FIG. 2A, a case is described in
which silicon oxide films are provided in contact with the oxide
film 104a and the oxide film 104c. Here, Evac represents energy of
the vacuum level, EcI1 and EcI2 each represent the energy of the
bottom of the conduction band in the silicon oxide film, EcS1
represents the energy of the bottom of the conduction band in the
oxide film 104a, EcS2 represents the energy of the bottom of the
conduction band in the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and EcS3
represents the energy of the bottom of the conduction band in the
oxide film 104c. Further, in forming a transistor, a gate electrode
(the gate electrode 110 in the transistor 150) is to be in contact
with a silicon oxide film having EcI2.
[0151] As shown in FIG. 2A, the energies of the bottoms of the
conduction band in the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor
film 104b, and the oxide film 104c are changed continuously. This
can be understood also from the fact that the compositions of the
oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide
film 104c are close to each other and oxygen is easily diffused
among them. Thus, the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film
104b, and the oxide film 104c have a continuous physical property
although they are a stack of layers having different compositions.
In the drawings in this specification, interfaces between the
layers of the stack are indicated by dotted lines.
[0152] The multilayer film 104 in which layers containing the same
main components are stacked is formed to have not only a simple
stacked-layer structure of the layers but also a continuous energy
band (here, in particular, a well structure having a U-shape in
which energies of the bottoms of the conduction band are changed
continuously between layers). That is, a stacked structure is
formed so that impurities that cause defect levels such as a trap
center and a recombination center for the oxide semiconductor or a
barrier impeding carrier flow do not exist at the interfaces
between the layers. If impurities are mixed between the oxide
semiconductor film and the oxide film stacked, the continuity of
the energy band is lost and carriers disappear by a trap or
recombination.
[0153] In order to form continuous junction, the layers need to be
stacked successively without being exposed to the air by using a
multi-chamber deposition system (sputtering apparatus) provided
with a load lock chamber. It is preferable that each chamber of the
sputtering apparatus be able to be evacuated to a high vacuum (to
about 1.times.10.sup.-4 Pa to 5.times.10.sup.-7 Pa) by an
adsorption vacuum pump such as a cryopump and that the chamber be
able to heat a substrate over which a film is to be deposited to
100.degree. C. or higher so that water and the like acting as
impurities of the oxide semiconductor are removed as much as
possible. Alternatively, a combination of a turbo molecular pump
and a cold trap is preferably used to prevent back-flow of a gas
containing a carbon component, moisture, or the like from an
exhaust system into a chamber.
[0154] Not only high vacuum evaporation in a chamber but also high
purity of a sputtering gas is necessary to obtain a high-purity
intrinsic oxide semiconductor. As an oxygen gas or an argon gas
used for a sputtering gas, a gas which is highly purified to have a
dew point of -80.degree. C. or lower, preferably -100.degree. C. or
lower, further preferably -120.degree. C. or lower is used, whereby
entry of moisture or the like into the oxide semiconductor film can
be prevented as much as possible.
[0155] Note that FIG. 2A shows the case where EcI1 and EcI3 are
similar to each other; however, EcI1 and EcI3 may be different from
each other. For example, in the case where EcS1 is higher than
EcS3, the structure of FIG. 2B is more favorable than the structure
of FIG. 2A. This is because current flows mainly through EcS2 near
EcS3 on the gate electrode side.
[0156] When the oxide film 104c and the gate electrode are provided
so that a silicon oxide film is sandwiched therebetween, the
silicon oxide film functions as a gate insulating film, and the
oxide film 104c can prevent indium contained in the oxide
semiconductor film 104b from diffusing into the gate insulating
film. To prevent indium diffusion by the oxide film 104c, the
indium content of the oxide film 104c is preferably lower than that
of the oxide semiconductor film 104b.
[0157] For example, when EcI1 is equal to EcI3, an In--Ga--Zn oxide
having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 can be used for the oxide
film 104a and the oxide film 104c and an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an
atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 can be used for the oxide
semiconductor film 104b. Further, when EcI1 is higher than EcI3, an
In--Ga--Zn oxide having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:6:4 or 1:9:6
can be used for the oxide film 104a, an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an
atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn is 1:1:1 or 3:1:2 can be used for the
oxide semiconductor film 104b, and an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an
atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 can be used for the oxide film
104c.
[0158] According to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the oxide semiconductor film
104b of the multilayer film 104 serves as a well and a channel of
the transistor including the multilayer film 104 is formed in the
oxide semiconductor film 104b. Since the energy of the bottom of
the conduction band is continuously changed, the multilayer film
104 can also be referred to as a U-shaped well. Further, a channel
formed to have such a structure can also be referred to as a buried
channel.
[0159] Note that trap levels resulting from impurities or defects
can be formed in the vicinity of the interfaces between the oxide
film 104a and an insulating film such as the silicon oxide film and
between the oxide film 104c and an insulating film. The oxide films
104a and 104c enables the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the
trap levels to be distant from each other. However, when the energy
difference between EcS1 and EcS2 and the energy difference between
EcS3 and EcS2 is small, an electron in the oxide semiconductor film
104b might reach the trap level by passing over the energy
difference. When the electrons are captured by the trap levels,
negative fixed charges are generated, so that the threshold voltage
of the transistor is shifted in the positive direction.
[0160] Thus, the energy gap between EcS1 and EcS2 and the energy
gap between EcS3 and EcS2 are each preferably 0.1 eV or larger,
further preferably 0.15 eV or larger, because the variation amount
of the threshold voltage of the transistor is reduced and the
transistor can have stable electrical characteristics.
[0161] Note that one or more of the oxide film 104a, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c preferably contain
crystal parts. For example, the oxide film 104a is amorphous, and
the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film 104c are
layers containing crystal parts. Since the oxide semiconductor film
104b where a channel is formed includes crystal parts, the
transistor can have stable electrical characteristics.
[0162] In particular, crystal parts included in the oxide
semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film 104c are preferably
crystals whose c-axes are aligned in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the surfaces of the oxide semiconductor film 104b
and the oxide film 104c.
[0163] In the transistor having the structure in FIGS. 1A to 1C,
the oxide film 104c is in contact with the source electrode 106a
and the drain electrode 106b, and it is preferable that the energy
gap of the oxide film 104c be not large like an insulator and the
film thickness be small in order that current can be extracted
efficiently. Further, in the case where an In--Ga--Zn oxide is used
for the multilayer film 104, it is preferable that the oxide film
104c contain less In than the oxide semiconductor film 104b so that
diffusion of In to the gate insulating film can be prevented.
[0164] As illustrated in a cross-sectional enlarged view of the
transistor in FIG. 3A, a region 104d having a curved surface may be
provided at an end portion of the multilayer film 104. In the case
where the multilayer film 104 is formed using an In-M-Zn oxide (M
is Al, Ti, Ga, Y, Zr, La, Ce, Nd, or Hf), the amount of M (MS4)
contained in the region 104d is preferably larger than that of M
(M52) contained in the oxide semiconductor film 104b. Further
preferably, the amount of MS4 is the same as that of M (MS1)
contained in the oxide film 104a.
[0165] The region 104d at the end portion of the multilayer film
104 can be formed by utilizing a so-called rabbit ear, in which a
composition of the oxide film 104a is reattached by a dry-etching
method. Further, when the etching gas component attached at the
formation of the rabbit ear is removed and the M component is
oxidized by oxidation treatment, the insulating property of the
region 104d can be improved.
[0166] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the base insulating film
102 is partly etched when the multilayer film is subjected to dry
etching. Therefore, a region of the base insulating film 102 which
is in contact with the multilayer film has a larger thickness than
a region of the base insulating film 102 which is not in contact
with the multilayer film. With such a structure, the adhesion
between the multilayer film and the source electrode or the drain
electrode can be improved.
[0167] FIG. 4A is a top view of the transistor illustrated in FIGS.
1A to 1C and a cross-sectional view of the multilayer film 104. The
region 104d of the multilayer film 104 overlapping with the gate
electrode is likely to be changed to an n-type because impurities
due to an external factor are mixed therein or oxygen vacancy is
generated; thus, the region 104d acts as a parasitic channel in
some cases. It is particularly noticeable that the oxide
semiconductor film 104b having a small energy gap is likely to be
changed to an n-type; therefore, the region 104d covering the oxide
semiconductor film 104b has an effect of suppressing generation of
a parasitic channel.
[0168] When the main components of the oxide film 104a are the same
as those of the region 104d, the effect of suppressing generation
of a parasitic channel can be more enhanced as a difference (4E)
between energy (EcS1) of the bottom of the conduction band in the
oxide film 104a and energy (EcS4) at the bottom of the conduction
band in the region 104d gets larger. Further, the 104d is
preferably thicker than the oxide film 104a or the oxide film 104c,
and generation of a parasitic channel due to change of an end
portion of the oxide semiconductor film 104b to an n-type can be
suppressed as the region 104d gets thicker.
[0169] The composition of the region 104d approximates the
compositions of the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film
104b, and the oxide film 104c, whereby the energy of the bottom of
the conduction band continuously changes as illustrated in FIG. 4B
showing part of the band structure of the multilayer film. That is,
the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b, the oxide
film 104c, and the region 104d make a continuous junction. Note
that the direction of D1-D2 and the direction of E1-E2 in FIG. 4B
corresponds to the direction of a dashed-dotted line D1-D2 and the
direction of a dashed-dotted line E1-E2 in the cross-sectional view
of the multilayer film 104 in FIG. 4A, respectively.
[0170] The source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b can
be formed using a conductive material which is more likely to be
bonded to oxygen than a metal element contained in the oxide film
and the oxide semiconductor film (hereinafter the phrase "than a
metal element contained in the oxide film and the oxide
semiconductor film" is omitted and the phrase "be bonded easily to
oxygen" may be used without a comparison object). For example, Al,
Cr, Cu, Ta, Mo, or W can be used. W (tungsten) having a high
melting point is especially preferred because a relatively high
process temperature can be employed in a later step. Note that the
conductive material which is likely to be bonded to oxygen includes
a material in which oxygen is more easily diffused than the oxide
film and the oxide semiconductor film (hereinafter the phrase "than
the oxide film and the oxide semiconductor film" is omitted and the
phrase "oxygen is easily diffused" may be used without a
comparative object). Further, a conductive material which is easily
diffused into the oxide semiconductor film by heat treatment can be
used. For example, Ti can be used. Alternatively, a plurality of
above materials may be stacked. For example, Cu may be stacked over
W; Cu may be stacked over Ti.
[0171] A contact between the conductive material which is likely to
be bonded to oxygen and the multilayer film causes a phenomenon in
which oxygen in the multilayer film is bonded to the conductive
material.
[0172] Some heating steps are included in the manufacturing process
of the transistor, and thus owing to the phenomenon, oxygen vacancy
is generated in and around the region of the multilayer film which
is in contact with the source electrode and the drain electrode, so
that the region becomes an n-type. When a conductive material which
is easily diffused into the oxide semiconductor film is used as the
material of the conductive film, the conductive material is
diffused into the oxide semiconductor film by some heating steps,
so that the region becomes an n-type. Accordingly, the n-type
regions can serve as a source or a drain region of the transistor.
Therefore, contact resistance between the multilayer film and the
source electrode or the drain electrode is reduced to improve
conductivity. As a result, high speed operation of the transistor
can be achieved.
[0173] End portions of the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b in FIGS. 1A to 1C each preferably have a shape
having a plurality of steps. With such a shape including a
plurality of steps, coverage with a film formed over the source
electrode and the drain electrode can be improved, whereby the
electrical characteristics and long-term reliability of the
transistor can be improved.
[0174] The gate insulating film 108 can be formed using an
insulating film containing one or more of aluminum oxide, magnesium
oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, silicon nitride oxide,
silicon nitride, gallium oxide, germanium oxide, yttrium oxide,
zirconium oxide, lanthanum oxide, neodymium oxide, hafnium oxide,
and tantalum oxide. The gate insulating film 108 may be a stack of
any of the above materials.
[0175] It is preferable that the gate insulating film 108 contain
aluminum oxide because gettering of hydrogen contained in the
multilayer film is performed owing to the aluminum oxide so that
the hydrogen in the multilayer film is reduced. Further, it is
preferable that an oxide insulating film containing excess oxygen
be formed over the gate insulating film 108 containing the aluminum
oxide. With such a structure, the hydrogen in the multilayer film
is reduced owing to the aluminum oxide and oxygen can be supplied
to the multilayer film by the oxide insulating film.
[0176] Further, the gate insulating film 108 may be a stack of an
oxide insulating film containing excess oxygen and a barrier film.
Silicon nitride or aluminum oxide can be used for the barrier
film.
[0177] It is preferable that the gate insulating film 108 contain
highly pure hafnium oxide because leakage current can be
reduced.
[0178] For the gate electrode 110, a conductive film of Al, Ti, Cr,
Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr, Mo, Ru, Ag, Ta, W, or the like can be used. The
gate electrode 110 may be a stack of any of the above
materials.
[0179] The oxide insulating film 112 may be formed over the gate
insulating film 108 and the gate electrode 110. The oxide
insulating film can be formed using an insulating film containing
one or more of aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon oxide,
silicon oxynitride, gallium oxide, germanium oxide, yttrium oxide,
zirconium oxide, lanthanum oxide, neodymium oxide, hafnium oxide,
and tantalum oxide. The oxide insulating film may be a stack of any
of the above materials.
[0180] Here, the oxide insulating film 112 preferably contains
excess oxygen. An oxide insulating film containing excess oxygen
refers to an oxide insulating film which can release oxygen by heat
treatment or the like. Preferably, the amount of oxygen released
from the insulating film, which is converted into oxygen atoms in
thermal desorption spectroscopy, is preferably 1.0.times.10.sup.19
atoms/cm.sup.3 or higher. Oxygen released from the oxide insulating
film can be diffused to a channel formation region of the oxide
semiconductor film 104b of the multilayer film 104 through the gate
insulating film 108, so that oxygen vacancy which is undesirably
formed can be filled with the oxygen. Accordingly, stable electric
characteristics of the transistor can be provided.
[0181] Further, the nitride insulating film 114 may be provided
over the oxide insulating film 112. The nitride insulating film 114
can prevent oxygen in the oxide insulating film 112 from diffusing
to the outside at the time of heat treatment and functions as a
barrier film which prevents hydrogen or a compound containing
hydrogen (e.g., water) from entering the multilayer film 104 from
the outside. Accordingly, the reliability of the transistor can be
improved.
[0182] FIG. 5A illustrates another transistor structure. A
transistor 190 illustrated in FIG. 5A includes: the base insulating
film 102 over the substrate 100; the oxide film 104a over the base
insulating film 102; the oxide semiconductor film 104b over the
oxide film 104a; the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode
106b over the oxide semiconductor film 104b; the oxide film 104c
over the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b; the
low-resistance region 105a which is formed in such a manner that
oxygen is extracted from the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the
oxide film 104c which are in contact with the source electrode
106a; the low-resistance region 105b which is formed in such a
manner that oxygen is extracted from the oxide semiconductor film
104b and the oxide film 104c which are in contact with the drain
electrode 106b; the gate insulating film 108 over the oxide film
104c, the source electrode 106a, and the drain electrode 106b; and
the gate electrode 110 over the gate insulating film 108. Further,
the oxide insulating film 112 may be formed over the gate
insulating film 108 and the gate electrode 110. The oxide
insulating film 112 may be provided as necessary, and another
insulating film (e.g., the nitride insulating film 114) may be
formed thereover.
[0183] The transistor 190 in FIG. 5A is the same as the transistor
150 in FIGS. 1A to 1C except that the oxide film 104c is formed
over the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b. Like
the transistor 150, the transistor 190 includes the low-resistance
region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b.
[0184] An In--Ga--Zn oxide having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2
can be used for the oxide film 104a, an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an
atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 can be used for the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an atomic
ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 can be used for the oxide film 104c.
[0185] In the transistor 190, the oxide semiconductor film 104b in
which the channel is formed is in contact with the source electrode
106a and the drain electrode 106b, so that oxygen vacancy is
generated at a high density in the oxide semiconductor film 104b
and n-type regions (the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b) are formed. Therefore, there is a few
resistance component in a carrier path and carriers can be
transported efficiently.
[0186] Further, the oxide film 104c is formed after the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are formed; therefore,
overetching of the oxide film 104c does not occur at the time of
forming the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b.
Therefore, the oxide semiconductor film 104b where the channel is
formed can be sufficiently distant from the gate insulating film
108, and the effect of suppressing influence of diffusion of
impurities from the interface can be enhanced.
[0187] Further, the oxide film 104c functions as a barrier film
which suppresses entry of hydrogen or a compound containing
hydrogen (e.g., water) from the outside to the oxide semiconductor
film 104b; thus, the reliability of the transistor can be improved.
Therefore, the nitride insulating film 114 is not necessarily
provided.
[0188] Further, when the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b are formed using a conductive material which is
likely to be bonded to oxygen, as in a transistor 195 illustrated
in FIG. 5B, low-resistance regions are also formed in the oxide
film 104c in contact with the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b.
[0189] Further, as in a transistor 200 illustrated in FIG. 5C, a
structure in which the end portion of the oxide film 104a and the
end portion of the oxide semiconductor film 104b are not continuous
may be employed. The shapes of the edge portions are formed in such
a manner that a stack of the oxide film 104a and the oxide
semiconductor film 104b is wet-etched using 85% phosphoric acid, an
aluminum etchant (phosphoric acid (72%), nitric acid (2%), acetic
acid (9%)), or the like under conditions where the etching rate of
the oxide semiconductor film 104b is higher than that of the oxide
film 104a.
[0190] The end portions of the oxide film 104a and the oxide
semiconductor film 104b each have a taper shape. An inclination
angle which is formed by the side surface and bottom surface of a
layer having a taper shape (e.g., the oxide film 104a) when the
layer is seen from a direction perpendicular to a cross section
thereof (a plane orthogonal to the surface of the substrate) is
referred to as a taper angle. A taper angle .theta..sub.1 of the
oxide film 104a is preferably greater than 30.degree. and less than
or equal to 70.degree., a taper angle .theta..sub.2 of the oxide
semiconductor film 104b is larger than the taper angle
.theta..sub.1 of the oxide film 104a and is preferably less than
90.degree., further preferably greater than 45.degree. and less
than 80.degree..
[0191] The contact area of the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b can be large when the multilayer film 104 has such a
tapered shape. Accordingly, the contact resistance between the
multilayer film 104 and the source and drain electrodes 106a and
106b is reduced, whereby on-state current of the transistor can be
increased.
[0192] Like in a transistor 210 illustrated in FIG. 6A, after the
oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide
film 104c are formed in this order over the base insulating film
102, the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b may be
formed and then an oxide film 104e may be formed over the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b. An In--Ga--Zn oxide
having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 can be used for the oxide
film 104e.
[0193] Further, FIG. 6B illustrates another transistor structure. A
transistor 220 illustrated in FIG. 6B is the same as the transistor
150 in FIGS. 1A to 1C except that a conductive film 107a and a
conductive film 107b are formed over the source electrode 106a and
the drain electrode 106b. Like the transistor 150 described in
Embodiment 1, the transistor 220 includes the low-resistance region
105a and the low-resistance region 105b.
[0194] Note that the conductive film 107a and the conductive film
107b function as part of the source electrode and part of the drain
electrode. Thus, in the transistor 220 in FIG. 6B, a channel length
corresponds to a distance between the conductive film 107a and the
conductive film 107b.
[0195] Further, in the transistor 220 in FIG. 6B, a channel
corresponds to a region of the oxide semiconductor film 104b which
does not overlap with the conductive film 107a and the conductive
film 107b.
[0196] Furthermore, in the transistor 220 in FIG. 6B, a channel
formation region corresponds to regions of the oxide film 104a, the
oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c which do not
overlap with the conductive film 107a and the conductive film
107b.
[0197] After the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b
are formed, oxygen is added to the region 105c of the multilayer
film 104, whereby the amount of oxygen vacancy in the channel
formation region can be reduced and a highly purified intrinsic
region can be formed. Accordingly, the highly purified intrinsic
region and the low-resistance regions can be formed separately at
one time.
[0198] When the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b
are formed using a conductive material which is less likely to be
bonded to oxygen than to a metal element included in the oxide
semiconductor film, formation of oxygen vacancy in the channel
formation region formed in the oxide semiconductor film can be
prevented, so that change of the channel to an n-type can be
prevented. Accordingly, even a transistor with an extremely short
channel length can have favorable electrical characteristics.
[0199] When the source electrode and the drain electrode are formed
using only the conductive material which is less likely to be
bonded to oxygen, contact resistance with the multilayer film 104
becomes too high. Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B
and the like, the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b
are preferably formed to cover the source electrode 106a and the
drain electrode 106b.
[0200] Tantalum nitride, titanium nitride, ruthenium, or an alloy
material containing these substances as main components can be used
for the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b. For
example, a 20-nm-thick tantalum nitride film is formed by a
sputtering method or the like.
[0201] When the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b
are formed in such a manner that a conductive film is processed by
light exposure with an electron beam, ArF immersion, or extreme
ultraviolet (EUV), with the use of a resist mask with a small
pattern width, the channel length can be greater than or equal to 1
nm and less than or equal to 30 nm. Here, in an electron beam
writing apparatus capable of electron beam irradiation, the
acceleration voltage is preferably in the range from 5 kV to 50 kV
at the time of light exposure using an electron beam, for example.
The current intensity is preferably in the range from
5.times.10.sup.-12 A to 1.times.10.sup.-11 A. The minimum beam size
is preferably 2 nm or less. The minimum possible pattern line width
is preferably 8 nm or less.
[0202] The channel length of the transistor is preferably equal in
any part of the transistor. In the case where the shape of the
channel formation region of the transistor includes a curved line,
it is preferable to form the curved line by exposure to an electron
beam so as to be smooth and so as to have an equal the line
width.
[0203] In order to form a smooth curved line with an equal line
width by exposure to an electron beam, there is a method for
exposure of a curved line by rotating a stage overlapping with a
substrate thereon, for example. With a linearly movable stage, a
resist mask can also be patterned so that the channel length of the
transistor becomes equal, by using a method in which the size or
direction of a figure for dividing electron beam writing regions is
optimized in accordance with the pattern of the electron beam, a
multi-pass writing method in which a figure is shifted by a uniform
width and writing is performed with an overlap so that the amount
of light exposure of a pattern becomes equal, or the like. It is
preferable to use the above method or the like to form a resist
mask with an equal line width so that the channel length of the
transistor becomes equal.
[0204] FIG. 7A illustrates another transistor structure. A
transistor 230 has a structure of the transistor 190 in FIG. 5A
which further includes the conductive film 107a and the conductive
film 107b over the oxide film 104c.
[0205] FIG. 7B illustrates another transistor structure. A
transistor 240 is formed by a formation process of the transistor
230 in FIG. 7A in which the formation process of the oxide film
104c and the formation process of the conductive film 107a and the
conductive film 107b are reversed.
[0206] The above is the description of the transistors of one
embodiment of the present invention. The amount of oxygen vacancy
in the channel formation region of the oxide semiconductor in the
multilayer film in any of the transistors can be reduced and the
electrical characteristics of any of the transistors are favorable;
therefore, it is possible to provide a highly reliable
semiconductor device.
[0207] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 2
[0208] In this embodiment, a method for manufacturing the
transistor 150 described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 1A
to 1C is described.
[0209] First, the base insulating film 102 is formed over the
substrate 100.
[0210] A glass substrate, a ceramic substrate, a quartz substrate,
a sapphire substrate, or the like can be used as the substrate 100.
Alternatively, a single crystal semiconductor substrate or a
polycrystalline semiconductor substrate made of silicon, silicon
carbide, or the like, a compound semiconductor substrate made of
silicon germanium or the like, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI)
substrate, or the like may be used. Still alternatively, any of
these substrates further provided with a semiconductor element may
be used.
[0211] The base insulating film 102 can be formed by a plasma
chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, a sputtering method, or the
like using an oxide insulating film of aluminum oxide, magnesium
oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, gallium oxide, germanium
oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide, lanthanum oxide, neodymium
oxide, hafnium oxide, tantalum oxide, or the like; a nitride
insulating film of silicon nitride, silicon nitride oxide, aluminum
nitride, aluminum nitride oxide, or the like; or a mixed material
of any of these. Further, a stack of any of the above materials may
be used, and at least an upper layer of the base insulating film
102, which is in contact with the multilayer film 104, is
preferably formed using a material containing oxygen that might
serve as a supply source of oxygen to the multilayer film 104.
[0212] In the case where the surface of the substrate 100 is made
of an insulator and there is no influence of impurity diffusion to
the multilayer film 104 to be formed later, the base insulating
film 102 is not necessarily provided.
[0213] Next, the multilayer film 104 is formed in such a manner
that the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and
the oxide film 104c are formed over the base insulating film 102 in
this order from the substrate 100 side by a sputtering method, a
chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, a molecular beam epitaxy
(MBE) method, an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method, or a pulsed
laser deposition (PLD) method and are etched selectively (see FIG.
8A). Note that heating may be performed before the etching.
[0214] For the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b,
and the oxide film 104c, any of the materials described in the
above embodiment can be used. For example, the oxide film 104a can
be formed using an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an atomic ratio of
In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2, the oxide semiconductor film 104b can be formed
using an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1,
and the oxide film 104c can be formed using an In--Ga--Zn oxide
having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2.
[0215] The multilayer film including the oxide film 104a, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c preferably
contains at least indium (In) or zinc (Zn). Alternatively, the
multilayer film preferably contains both In and Zn. In order to
reduce variation in electrical characteristics of the transistors
including the multilayer film, the multilayer film preferably
contains a stabilizer in addition to In and Zn.
[0216] As a stabilizer, gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), hafnium (Hf),
aluminum (Al), zirconium (Zr), and the like can be given. As
another stabilizer, lanthanoid such as lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce),
praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu),
gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho),
erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), or lutetium (Lu) can be
given.
[0217] As the oxide films and the oxide semiconductor film, for
example, any of the following can be used: indium oxide, tin oxide,
zinc oxide, an In--Zn oxide, a Sn--Zn oxide, an Al--Zn oxide, a
Zn--Mg oxide, a Sn--Mg oxide, an In--Mg oxide, an In--Ga oxide, an
In--Ga--Zn oxide, an In--Al--Zn oxide, an In--Sn--Zn oxide, a
Sn--Ga--Zn oxide, an AL-Ga--Zn oxide, an Sn--Al--Zn oxide, an
In--Hf--Zn oxide, an In--La--Zn oxide, an In--Ce--Zn oxide, an
In--Pr--Zn oxide, an In--Nd--Zn oxide, an In--Sm--Zn oxide, an
In--Eu--Zn oxide, an In--Gd--Zn oxide, an In--Tb--Zn oxide, an
In--Dy--Zn oxide, an In--Ho--Zn oxide, an In--Er--Zn oxide, an
In--Tm--Zn oxide, an In--Yb--Zn oxide, an In--Lu--Zn oxide, an
In--Sn--Ga--Zn oxide, an In--Hf--Ga--Zn oxide, an In--Al--Ga--Zn
oxide, an In--Sn--Al--Zn oxide, an In--Sn--Hf--Zn oxide, or an
In--Hf-AL-Zn oxide.
[0218] Note that, for example, an In--Ga--Zn oxide means an oxide
containing In, Ga, and Zn as its main components and there is no
particular limitation on the ratio of In, Ga, and Zn. The
In--Ga--Zn oxide may contain a metal element other than the In, Ga,
and Zn. Further, in this specification, a film formed using an
In--Ga--Zn oxide is also referred to as an IGZO film.
[0219] Alternatively, a material represented by
InMO.sub.3(ZnO).sub.m (m>0 is satisfied, and m is not an
integer) may be used as an oxide semiconductor. Note that M
represents one or more metal elements selected from Ga, Fe, Mn, and
Co. Alternatively, as the oxide semiconductor, a material
represented by a chemical formula, In.sub.2SnO.sub.5(ZnO).sub.n
(n>0, n is a natural number) may be used.
[0220] Note that as described in Embodiment 1 in detail, a material
of each of the oxide film 104a and the oxide film 104c is selected
so that the oxide film 104a and the oxide film 104c have higher
electron affinities than that of the oxide semiconductor film
104b.
[0221] Note that the oxide films and the oxide semiconductor film
are preferably formed by a sputtering method. As a sputtering
method, an RF sputtering method, a DC sputtering method, an AC
sputtering method, or the like can be used. In particular, a DC
sputtering method is preferably used because dust generated in the
deposition can be reduced and the film thickness can be
uniform.
[0222] In the case where an In--Ga--Zn oxide is used for the oxide
film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film
104c, a target which has an atomic ratio of, for example,
In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1, 2:2:1, 3:1:2, 1:3:2, 1:3:4, 1:4:3, 1:5:4, 1:6:2,
1:6:6, 1:6:10, 2:1:3, 1:6:2, 1:6:4, 1:6:10, 1:9:6, 1:1:4, or 1:1:2
can be used so that the electron affinity of each of the oxide film
104a and the oxide film 104c is larger than that of the oxide
semiconductor film 104b. Alternatively, a Ga--Zn oxide may be used
for each of the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b,
and the oxide film 104c.
[0223] The indium content in the oxide semiconductor film 104b is
preferably higher than those in the oxide film 104a and the oxide
film 104c. In an oxide semiconductor, the s orbital of heavy metal
mainly contributes to carrier transfer, and when the proportion of
In in the oxide semiconductor is increased, overlap of the s
orbitals is likely to be increased. Therefore, an oxide having a
composition in which the proportion of In is higher than that of Ga
has higher mobility than an oxide having a composition in which the
proportion of In is equal to or lower than that of Ga. Thus, with
use of an oxide having a high indium content for the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, a transistor having high mobility can be
achieved.
[0224] A structure of an oxide semiconductor film is described
below.
[0225] An oxide semiconductor film is classified roughly into a
single-crystal oxide semiconductor film and a non-single-crystal
oxide semiconductor film. The non-single-crystal oxide
semiconductor film includes any of an amorphous oxide semiconductor
film, a microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film, a
polycrystalline oxide semiconductor film, a c-axis aligned
crystalline oxide semiconductor (CAAC-OS) film, and the like.
[0226] The amorphous oxide semiconductor film has disordered atomic
arrangement and no crystalline component. A typical example thereof
is an oxide semiconductor film in which no crystal part exists even
in a microscopic region, and the whole of the film is
amorphous.
[0227] The microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film includes a
microcrystal (also referred to as nanocrystal) with a size greater
than or equal to 1 nm and less than 10 nm, for example. Thus, the
microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film has a higher degree of
atomic order than the amorphous oxide semiconductor film. Hence,
the density of defect states of the microcrystalline oxide
semiconductor film is lower than that of the amorphous oxide
semiconductor film.
[0228] The CAAC-OS film is one of oxide semiconductor films
including a plurality of crystal parts, and most of crystal parts
each fit inside a cube whose one side is less than 100 nm. Thus,
there is a case where a crystal part included in the CAAC-OS film
fits a cube whose one side is less than 10 nm, less than 5 nm, or
less than 3 nm. The density of defect states of the CAAC-OS film is
lower than that of the microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
The CAAC-OS film is described in detail below.
[0229] In a transmission electron microscope (TEM) image of the
CAAC-OS film, a boundary between crystal parts, that is, a grain
boundary is not clearly observed. Thus, in the CAAC-OS film, a
reduction in electron mobility due to the grain boundary is less
likely to occur.
[0230] According to the TEM image of the CAAC-OS film observed in a
direction substantially parallel to a sample surface
(cross-sectional TEM image), metal atoms are arranged in a layered
manner in the crystal parts. Each metal atom layer has a morphology
reflected by a surface over which the CAAC-OS film is formed
(hereinafter, a surface over which the CAAC-OS film is formed is
referred to as a formation surface) or a top surface of the CAAC-OS
film, and is arranged in parallel to the formation surface or the
top surface of the CAAC-OS film.
[0231] On the other hand, according to the TEM image of the CAAC-OS
film observed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
sample surface (plan TEM image), metal atoms are arranged in a
triangular or hexagonal configuration in the crystal parts.
However, there is no regularity of arrangement of metal atoms
between different crystal parts.
[0232] From the results of the cross-sectional TEM image and the
plan TEM image, alignment is found in the crystal parts in the
CAAC-OS film.
[0233] A CAAC-OS film is subjected to structural analysis with an
X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus. For example, when the CAAC-OS
film including an InGaZnO.sub.4 crystal is analyzed by an
out-of-plane method, a peak appears frequently when the diffraction
angle (2.theta.) is around 31.degree.. This peak is derived from
the (009) plane of the InGaZnO.sub.4 crystal, which indicates that
crystals in the CAAC-OS film have c-axis alignment, and that the
c-axes are aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the formation surface or the top surface of the CAAC-OS film.
[0234] On the other hand, when the CAAC-OS film is analyzed by an
in-plane method in which an X-ray enters a sample in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the c-axis, a peak appears
frequently when 2.theta. is around 56.degree.. This peak is derived
from the (110) plane of the InGaZnO.sub.4 crystal. Here, analysis
(.phi. scan) is performed under conditions where the sample is
rotated around a normal vector of a sample surface as an axis
(.phi. axis) with 2.theta. fixed at around 56.degree.. In the case
where the sample is a single-crystal oxide semiconductor film of
InGaZnO.sub.4, six peaks appear. The six peaks are derived from
crystal planes equivalent to the (110) plane. On the other hand, in
the case of a CAAC-OS film, a peak is not clearly observed even
when 0 scan is performed with 2.theta. fixed at around
56.degree..
[0235] According to the above results, in the CAAC-OS film having
c-axis alignment, while the directions of a-axes and b-axes are
different between crystal parts, the c-axes are aligned in a
direction parallel to a normal vector of a formation surface or a
normal vector of a top surface. Thus, each metal atom layer
arranged in a layered manner observed in the cross-sectional TEM
image corresponds to a plane parallel to the a-b plane of the
crystal.
[0236] Note that the crystal part is formed concurrently with
deposition of the CAAC-OS film or is formed through crystallization
treatment such as heat treatment. As described above, the c-axis of
the crystal is aligned with a direction parallel to a normal vector
of a formation surface or a normal vector of a top surface. Thus,
for example, in the case where a shape of the CAAC-OS film is
changed by etching or the like, the c-axis might not be necessarily
parallel to a normal vector of a formation surface or a normal
vector of a top surface of the CAAC-OS film.
[0237] Further, the degree of crystallinity in the CAAC-OS film is
not necessarily uniform. For example, in the case where crystal
growth leading to the CAAC-OS film occurs from the vicinity of the
top surface of the film, the degree of the crystallinity in the
vicinity of the top surface is higher than that in the vicinity of
the formation surface in some cases. Further, when an impurity is
added to the CAAC-OS film, the crystallinity in a region to which
the impurity is added is changed, and the degree of crystallinity
in the CAAC-OS film varies depends on regions.
[0238] Note that when the CAAC-OS film with an InGaZnO.sub.4
crystal is analyzed by an out-of-plane method, a peak of 2.theta.
may also be observed at around 36.degree., in addition to the peak
of 2.theta. at around 31.degree.. The peak of 2.theta. at around
36.degree. indicates that a crystal having no c-axis alignment is
included in part of the CAAC-OS film. It is preferable that in the
CAAC-OS film, a peak of 2.theta. appear at around 31.degree. and a
peak of 2.theta. do not appear at around 36.degree..
[0239] With the use of the CAAC-OS film in a transistor, change in
electric characteristics of the transistor due to irradiation with
visible light or ultraviolet light is small. Thus, the transistor
has high reliability.
[0240] Note that an oxide semiconductor film may be a stacked film
including two or more films of an amorphous oxide semiconductor
film, a microcrystalline oxide semiconductor film, and a CAAC-OS
film, for example.
[0241] In this specification, a term "parallel" indicates that the
angle formed between two straight lines is greater than or equal to
-10.degree. and less than or equal to 10.degree., and accordingly
also includes the case where the angle is greater than or equal to
-5.degree. and less than or equal to 5.degree.. In addition, a term
"perpendicular" indicates that the angle formed between two
straight lines is greater than or equal to 80.degree. and less than
or equal to 100.degree., and accordingly includes the case where
the angle is greater than or equal to 85.degree. and less than or
equal to 95.degree..
[0242] In this specification, the trigonal and rhombohedral crystal
systems are included in the hexagonal crystal system.
[0243] A CAAC-OS film can be deposited by a sputtering method using
a polycrystalline oxide semiconductor sputtering target, for
example. When ions collide with the sputtering target, a crystal
region included in the sputtering target might be separated from
the target along an a-b plane; in other words, a sputtered particle
having a plane parallel to an a-b plane (flat-plate-like sputtered
particle or pellet-like sputtered particle) might be separated from
the sputtering target. In that case, the flat-plate-like sputtered
particle reaches a substrate while maintaining their crystal state,
whereby the CAAC-OS film can be formed.
[0244] For the deposition of the CAAC-OS film, the following
conditions are preferably used.
[0245] By reducing the amount of impurities entering the CAAC-OS
film during the deposition, the crystal state can be prevented from
being broken by the impurities. For example, impurities (e.g.,
hydrogen, water, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen) which exist in the
deposition chamber may be reduced. Furthermore, impurities in a
deposition gas may be reduced. Specifically, a deposition gas whose
dew point is -80.degree. C. or lower, preferably -100.degree. C. or
lower is used.
[0246] By increasing the substrate heating temperature during the
deposition, migration of a sputtered particle is likely to occur
after the sputtered particle reaches a substrate surface.
Specifically, the substrate heating temperature during the
deposition is higher than or equal to 100.degree. C. and lower than
or equal to 740.degree. C., preferably higher than or equal to
200.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 500.degree. C. By
increasing the substrate heating temperature during the deposition,
when the flat-plate-like sputtered particle reaches the substrate,
migration occurs on the substrate surface, so that a flat plane of
the flat-plate-like sputtered particle is attached to the
substrate.
[0247] Furthermore, it is preferable that the proportion of oxygen
in the deposition gas be increased and the power be optimized in
order to reduce plasma damage at the deposition. The proportion of
oxygen in the deposition gas is 30 vol % or higher, preferably 100
vol %.
[0248] As an example of the sputtering target, an In--Ga--Zn--O
compound target is described below.
[0249] The In--Ga--Zn--O compound target, which is polycrystalline,
is made by mixing InO.sub.X powder, GaO.sub.Y powder, and ZnO.sub.Z
powder in a predetermined molar ratio, applying pressure, and
performing heat treatment at a temperature higher than or equal to
1000.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 1500.degree. C. Note
that X, Y, and Z are each a given positive number. The kinds of
powder and the molar ratio for mixing powder may be determined as
appropriate depending on the desired sputtering target.
[0250] Here, Table 1 shows comparison between oxide semiconductors
(represented by OS) having crystal structures and silicon
semiconductors (represented by Si) having crystal structures.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 amorphous microcrystal polycrystal
continuous crystal single crystal OS a-OS nc-OS polycrystalline OS
CAAC-OS single crystal OS a-OS:H .mu.c-OS nanobeam halo spot spot
spot spot electron and/or diffraction ring crystal part -- nm~.mu.m
discontinuous continuous -- DOS high relatively low -- low
extremely low density low middle -- high -- Si a-Si nc-Si
polycrystalline Si continuous grain silicon single crystal Si
a-Si:H .mu.c-Si
[0251] As shown in Table 1, examples of crystal states of oxide
semiconductors include an amorphous oxide semiconductor (a-OS and
a-OS:H), a microcrystalline oxide semiconductor (nc-OS and pc-OS),
a polycrystalline oxide semiconductor (polycrystalline OS), a
continuous crystal oxide semiconductor (CAAC-OS), and a single
crystal oxide semiconductor (single crystal OS). Note that examples
of the crystal state of silicon include, as shown in Table 1,
amorphous silicon (a-Si and a-Si:H), microcrystalline silicon
(nc-Si and pc-Si), polycrystalline silicon (polycrystalline Si),
continuous crystal silicon (continuous grain (CG) silicon), and
single crystal silicon (single crystal Si).
[0252] When the oxide semiconductors in the above crystal states
are subjected to electron diffraction (nanobeam electron
diffraction) using an electron beam whose diameter is reduced to
less than or equal to 10 nm.phi., the following electron
diffraction patterns (nanobeam electron diffraction patterns) can
be observed. A halo pattern (also referred to as a halo ring or a
halo) is observed in the amorphous oxide semiconductor. Spots
and/or a ring pattern are/is observed in the microcrystalline oxide
semiconductor. Spots are observed in the polycrystalline oxide
semiconductor. Spots are observed in the continuous crystal oxide
semiconductor. Spots are observed in the single crystal oxide
semiconductor.
[0253] According to the nanobeam electron diffraction pattern, a
crystal part in the microcrystalline oxide semiconductor has a
diameter of nanometer order (nm) to micrometer order (.mu.m). The
polycrystalline oxide semiconductor has discontinuous grain
boundaries between crystal parts. No boundary is observed between
crystal parts in the continuous crystal oxide semiconductor and the
crystal parts are connected continuously.
[0254] The density of the oxide semiconductor in each crystal state
is described. The amorphous oxide semiconductor has a low density.
The microcrystalline oxide semiconductor has a medium density. The
continuous crystal oxide semiconductor has a high density. That is,
the density of the continuous crystal oxide semiconductor is higher
than that of the microcrystalline oxide semiconductor, and the
density of the microcrystalline oxide semiconductor is higher than
that of the amorphous oxide semiconductor.
[0255] A feature of density of states (DOS) existing in the oxide
semiconductor in each crystal state is described. The DOS of the
amorphous oxide semiconductor is high. The DOS of the
microcrystalline oxide semiconductor is relatively low. The DOS of
the continuous crystal oxide semiconductor is low. The DOS of the
single crystal oxide semiconductor is extremely low. That is, the
DOS of the single crystal oxide semiconductor is lower than that of
the continuous crystal oxide semiconductor, the DOS of the
continuous crystal oxide semiconductor is lower than that of the
microcrystalline oxide semiconductor, and the DOS of the
microcrystalline oxide semiconductor is lower than that of the
amorphous oxide semiconductor.
[0256] Next, first heat treatment is preferably performed. The
first heat treatment may be performed at a temperature higher than
or equal to 250.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 650.degree.
C., preferably higher than or equal to 300.degree. C. and lower
than or equal to 500.degree. C., in an inert gas atmosphere, an
atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas at 10 ppm or more, or a
reduced pressure state. Alternatively, the first heat treatment may
be performed in such a manner that heat treatment is performed in
an inert gas atmosphere, and then another heat treatment is
performed in an atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas at 10 ppm or
more in order to compensate desorbed oxygen. The first heat
treatment can increase the crystallinity of the oxide semiconductor
film 104b and remove impurities such as water and hydrogen from the
base insulating film 102, the oxide film 104a, and the oxide film
104c. Note that the first heat treatment may be performed before
the etching for forming the multilayer film 104.
[0257] Next, a conductive film 106 to be the source electrode and
the drain electrode is formed over the multilayer film 104. In this
embodiment, a conductive material which is more likely to be bonded
to oxygen than to a metal element contained in the oxide
semiconductor film is used as a material of the conductive film
106. Since the material of the conductive film 106 is the
conductive material which is likely to be bonded to oxygen, oxygen
in the multilayer film 104 is bonded to the conductive material
(the conductive film 106). The bonding causes oxygen vacancy in the
multilayer film 104 in the vicinity of the interface with the
conductive film 106. Further, damage (oxygen vacancy) to the top
surface of the multilayer film 104 is caused when the conductive
film 106 is formed over the multilayer film 104. By the oxygen
vacancy, a low-resistance region 105 is formed in a self-aligned
manner (see FIG. 8B). In this embodiment, the low-resistance region
105 exists in a region at a depth of greater than 0 nm and less
than or equal to 15 nm, preferably less than 10 nm, further
preferably less than 3 nm from the interface between the multilayer
film 104 including the oxide semiconductor film and the conductive
film 106 in the depth direction of the multilayer film 104.
[0258] Although the boundary between the low-resistance region 105
and the multilayer film 104 exists in the oxide film 104c in this
embodiment, this embodiment is not limited thereto; the boundary
may exist in the oxide film 104a, in the oxide semiconductor film
104b, at the interface between the oxide film 104a and the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, or at the interface between the oxide
semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film 104c.
[0259] For the conductive film 106, Al, Cr, Cu, Ta, Ti, Mo, W, or
an alloy material containing any of these as a main component can
be used. For example, a 100-nm-thick tungsten film is formed by a
sputtering method or the like.
[0260] When the low-resistance region 105 is formed, contact
resistance between the source electrode or the drain electrode to
be formed later and the multilayer film 104 can be reduced, so that
high speed operation of the transistor 150 can be achieved.
[0261] Next, the conductive film 106 is etched so as to be
separated over the multilayer film 104, so that the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are formed (see FIG.
8C). The edge portions of the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b are formed to have a step as shown in the drawings.
The end portions can be formed in such a manner that a step of
making a resist mask recede by ashing and an etching step are
alternately performed plural times.
[0262] Note that the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b exist below the source electrode 106a
and the drain electrode 106b, respectively, and an oxide
semiconductor film between the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b corresponds to the region 105c.
[0263] Further, the step of making the resist mask recede by ashing
and the etching step are alternately performed, whereby the edge
portions of the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b
are provided over the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b.
[0264] Therefore, the channel formation region of the transistor
150 corresponds to the region 105c, a region of the low-resistance
region 105a which is not in contact with the source electrode 106a,
and a region of the low-resistance region 105b which is not in
contact with the drain electrode 106b. The channel formation region
of the transistor 150 is an n-type region; therefore, it is
necessary to reduce the impurity concentration of the multilayer
film 104 so that the channel formation region is highly purified to
be intrinsic.
[0265] Note that at the time of etching the conductive film 106 to
be separated over the multilayer film 104, part of the oxide film
104c might be etched and the thickness of the multilayer film in
the channel formation region might be reduced.
[0266] Next, the gate insulating film 108 is formed over the
multilayer film 104, the source electrode 106a, and the drain
electrode 106b. After that, oxygen 120 is added to the region 105c
of the multilayer film 104 (see FIG. 9A).
[0267] The gate insulating film 108 can be formed using aluminum
oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, silicon
nitride oxide, silicon nitride, gallium oxide, germanium oxide,
yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide, lanthanum oxide, neodymium oxide,
hafnium oxide, tantalum oxide, or the like. The gate insulating
film 108 may be a stack of any of the above materials. The gate
insulating film 108 can be formed by a sputtering method, a CVD
method, an MOCVD method, an MBE method, an ALD method, a PLD
method, or the like.
[0268] It is preferable that the gate insulating film 108 contain
aluminum oxide because gettering of hydrogen contained in the
multilayer film is performed owing to the aluminum oxide so that
the hydrogen in the multilayer film is reduced. Further, it is
preferable that an oxide insulating film containing excess oxygen
be formed over the aluminum oxide. With such a structure, the
hydrogen in the multilayer film is reduced owing to the aluminum
oxide and oxygen can be supplied to the multilayer film by the
oxide insulating film.
[0269] Further, the gate insulating film 108 may be a stack of an
oxide insulating film containing excess oxygen and a barrier film.
Silicon nitride or aluminum oxide can be used for the barrier
film.
[0270] It is preferable that the gate insulating film 108 contain
highly pure hafnium oxide because leakage current can be
reduced.
[0271] Oxygen can be added to the region 105c of the multilayer
film 104 by an ion doping method or an ion implantation method.
Alternatively, as a method for adding oxygen, a plasma immersion
ion implantation method may be used. By a plasma immersion ion
implantation method, oxygen can be added efficiently even when the
region 105c has an uneven shape. Alternatively, oxygen can be added
by a method other than an ion doping method, an ion implantation
method, or the like. For example, oxygen can be added in such a
manner that plasma is generated in an oxygen atmosphere and then
the region 105c is subjected to plasma treatment in the oxygen
atmosphere. As an apparatus for generating plasma, a dry etching
apparatus, a plasma CVD apparatus, a high-density plasma CVD
apparatus, or the like can be used.
[0272] The oxygen 120 added to the region 105c is one or more of an
oxygen radial, an oxygen atom, and an oxygen ion. Further, the
oxygen 120 may be added to at least part of the region 105c,
typically any of a surface of the region 105c, the region 105c, and
the interface between the region 105c and the oxide film 104c.
[0273] In the case where oxygen is added to the region 105c by an
ion doping method or an ion implantation method, the amount of
oxygen added to the region 105c is larger than or equal to
5.times.10.sup.19/cm.sup.3 and smaller than or equal to
5.times.10.sup.21/cm.sup.3. In this case, when the oxygen 120 has
high energy, the region 105c is damaged and physical defects are
caused. Therefore, the oxygen 120 preferably has such energy which
does not cause damage on the multilayer film. The region 105c
includes a region in which an oxygen content increases from the
surface toward the depth direction of the oxide semiconductor
film.
[0274] The whole low-resistance region 105a does not necessarily
overlap with the source electrode and may include a region which
extends to the region 105c side and does not overlap with the
source electrode. Further, the whole low-resistance region 105b
does not necessarily overlap with the drain electrode and may
include a region which extends to the region 105c side and does not
overlap with the drain electrode. The low-resistance region 105a
and the low-resistance region 105b do not necessarily have uniform
thickness. For example, the end portion of the low-resistance
region 105a which does not overlap with the source electrode may
gently spread from the bottom surface toward the surface of the
low-resistance region 105a. In a similar manner, for example, the
end portion of the low-resistance region 105b which does not
overlap with the drain electrode may gently spread from the bottom
surface toward the surface of the low-resistance region 105b. A
difference between the length between the source electrode 106a and
the drain electrode 106b and the length between the low-resistance
region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b is less than 30%,
preferably less than 10%, further preferably less than 3% of the
length between the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode
106b.
[0275] In the above structure, the region 105c has higher
resistance than the low-resistance region and functions as the
channel formation region. Further, the amount of oxygen vacancy in
the region 105c can be reduced, a highly purified intrinsic region
can be formed. Accordingly, the highly purified intrinsic region
and the low-resistance regions can be formed separately at one
time. Note that the hydrogen concentration of the region 105c
functioning as the channel formation region is lower than or equal
to 5.times.10.sup.17 atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than or equal
to 1.times.10.sup.17 atoms/cm.sup.3.
[0276] Although the oxygen 120 is added to the region 105c of the
multilayer film 104 after the gate insulating film 108 is formed in
this embodiment, this embodiment is not limited thereto; the oxygen
120 may be added after the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b are formed, and then the gate insulating film 108
may be formed.
[0277] Next, second heat treatment is preferably performed. The
second heat treatment can be performed in a similar condition to
the first heat treatment. By the second heat treatment, impurities
such as hydrogen and water can be further removed from the
multilayer film 104.
[0278] Next, the gate electrode 110 is formed over the gate
insulating film 108 (see FIG. 9B).
[0279] For the gate electrode 110, Al, Ti, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr,
Mo, Ru, Ag, Ta, W, or an alloy material containing any of these as
a main component can be used. The gate electrode 110 can be formed
by a sputtering method or the like.
[0280] Through the above process, the transistor 150 illustrated in
FIGS. 1A to 1C can be manufactured.
[0281] The oxide insulating film 112 may be formed over the gate
insulating film 108 and the gate electrode 110 (see FIG. 9C).
[0282] The oxide insulating film 112 can be formed using a material
and a method which are similar to those of the base insulating film
102. The oxide insulating film 112 may be formed using aluminum
oxide, magnesium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, gallium
oxide, germanium oxide, yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide, lanthanum
oxide, neodymium oxide, hafnium oxide, tantalum oxide, or an oxide
insulating film containing nitrogen. The oxide insulating film 112
can be formed by a sputtering method, a CVD method, an MBE method,
an ALD method, or a PLD method, and is preferably formed to contain
excess oxygen so as to be able to supply oxygen to the multilayer
film 104 (the oxide semiconductor film 104b).
[0283] The oxide insulating film 112 is preferably a stack of a
first oxide insulating film and a second oxide insulating film. As
the first oxide insulating film, a first silicon oxide film is
deposited. The first silicon oxide film is preferably formed by a
plasma CVD method which is one type of CVD method. Specifically,
the first silicon oxide film may be formed by supplying
high-frequency power to an electrode under the following
conditions: the substrate temperature is higher than or equal to
180.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 400.degree. C.,
preferably higher than or equal to 200.degree. C. and lower than or
equal to 370.degree. C., a deposition gas containing silicon and an
oxidizing gas are used, and the pressure is higher than or equal to
20 Pa and lower than or equal to 250 Pa, preferably higher than or
equal to 40 Pa and lower than or equal to 200 Pa. Note that typical
examples of the deposition gas containing silicon include silane,
disilane, trisilane, and silane fluoride. Examples of the
oxidization gas include oxygen, ozone, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen
dioxide.
[0284] By setting the flow rate of the oxidation gas to 100 times
or more the flow rate of the deposition gas containing silicon, the
hydrogen content in the first silicon oxide film can be reduced and
dangling bonds can be reduced.
[0285] Next, a second silicon oxide film is deposited as the second
oxide insulating film. The second silicon oxide film is preferably
formed by a plasma CVD method.
[0286] Specifically, the second silicon oxide film may be formed by
supplying high-frequency power higher than or equal to 0.17
W/cm.sup.2 and lower than or equal to 0.5 W/cm.sup.2, preferably
higher than or equal to 0.25 W/cm.sup.2 and lower than or equal to
0.35 W/cm.sup.2, to an electrode under the following conditions:
the substrate temperature is higher than or equal to 160.degree. C.
and lower than or equal to 350.degree. C., preferably higher than
or equal to 180.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 260.degree.
C., a deposition gas containing silicon and an oxidizing gas are
used, and the pressure is higher than or equal to 100 Pa and lower
than or equal to 250 Pa, preferably higher than or equal to 100 Pa
and lower than or equal to 200 Pa.
[0287] By the above-described method, the decomposition efficiency
of the gas in plasma is enhanced, oxygen radicals are increased,
and oxidation of the gas is promoted; thus, the silicon oxide film
containing excess oxygen can be formed as the second silicon oxide
film.
[0288] Oxygen may be added to the oxide insulating film 112 by an
ion implantation method, an ion doping method, a plasma immersion
ion implantation method, or the like. By addition of oxygen, the
oxide insulating film 112 can supply oxygen much easily to the
multilayer film 104.
[0289] Further, the nitride insulating film 114 may be provided
over the oxide insulating film 112. The nitride insulating film 114
can prevent oxygen in the oxide insulating film 112 from diffusing
to the outside at the time of heat treatment and functions as a
barrier film which prevents hydrogen or a compound containing
hydrogen (e.g., water) from entering the oxide semiconductor film
104b from the outside. Accordingly, the reliability of the
transistor can be improved.
[0290] The nitride insulating film is preferably a stack of a first
nitride insulating film and a second nitride insulating film. A
silicon nitride film is deposited as the first nitride insulating
film. The first silicon nitride film is preferably formed by a
plasma CVD method. Specifically, the first silicon nitride film may
be formed by supplying high-frequency power under the following
conditions: the substrate temperature is higher than or equal to
180.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 400.degree. C.,
preferably higher than or equal to 200.degree. C. and lower than or
equal to 370.degree. C., a deposition gas containing silicon, a
nitrogen gas, and an ammonia gas are used, and the pressure is
higher than or equal to 20 Pa and lower than or equal to 250 Pa,
preferably higher than or equal to 40 Pa and lower than or equal to
200 Pa.
[0291] Note that the flow rate of the nitrogen gas is set to 5
times or more and 50 times or less, preferably 10 times or more and
50 times or less the flow rate of the ammonia gas. The use of
ammonia gas can promote decomposition of the deposition gas
containing silicon and the nitrogen gas. This is because the
ammonia gas is dissociated by plasma energy or heat energy, and
energy generated by the dissociation contributes to decomposition
of a bond of the deposition gas containing silicon and a bond of
the nitrogen gas.
[0292] Next, a second silicon nitride film is deposited as the
second nitride insulating film. The second silicon nitride film is
preferably deposited by a sputtering method. Specifically, the
second silicon nitride film may be formed under conditions where
the substrate temperature is higher than or equal to 300.degree. C.
and lower than or equal to 400.degree. C., a silicon target is used
as a sputtering target, an argon gas and a nitrogen gas are used,
the pressure in a reaction chamber is less than or equal to 0.5 Pa,
preferably greater than or equal to 0.1 Pa and less than or equal
to 0.3 Pa, and a high frequency power is supplied.
[0293] Through the above method, a silicon nitride film from which
the hydrogen gas and the ammonia gas are less likely to be released
and which can be applied to the nitride insulating film can be
formed. The silicon nitride film has low hydrogen content, and thus
is dense and does not transmit or hardly transmit hydrogen, water,
and oxygen.
[0294] Next, third heat treatment is preferably performed. The
third heat treatment can be performed under a condition similar to
that of the first heat treatment. In the case where the base
insulating film 102 and the oxide insulating film 112 contain
excess oxygen, the excess oxygen is easily released from the base
insulating film 102 and the oxide insulating film 112 by the third
heat treatment, so that oxygen vacancy in the multilayer film 104
can be reduced. Accordingly, the amount of oxygen vacancy in the
channel formation region of the multilayer film 104 can be further
reduced, so that the channel formation region becomes highly
purified intrinsic.
[0295] Further, although the treatment for adding the oxygen 120 to
the region 105c of the multilayer film 104 is performed just after
the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are formed
in this embodiment, this embodiment is not limited thereto; the
treatment may be performed after the gate insulating film 108 is
formed, whereby oxygen may be supplied from the gate insulating
film 108 to the region 105c of the multilayer film 104.
[0296] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 3
[0297] In this embodiment, a transistor having a structure
different from that of the transistor described in Embodiment 1 is
described.
[0298] FIGS. 10A to 10C are a top view and cross-sectional views of
a transistor of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A
is a top view, and a cross section taken along a dashed-dotted line
B1-B2 and a dashed-dotted line B3-B4 in FIG. 10A is illustrated in
FIG. 10B. FIG. 10C is an enlarged view of a region surrounded by a
dashed-line circle in FIG. 10B. Note that for simplification of the
drawing, some components in the top view in FIG. 10A are not
illustrated.
[0299] A transistor 250 illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10C includes:
the gate electrode 110 over the substrate 100; the gate insulating
film 108 over the gate electrode 110; the multilayer film 104 over
the gate insulating film 108; the low-resistance region 105a and
the low-resistance region 105b over the multilayer film 104; the
source electrode 106a over the low-resistance region 105a; the
drain electrode 106b over the low-resistance region 105b; and the
oxide insulating film 112 over the multilayer film 104, the source
electrode 106a, and the drain electrode 106b. Further, another
insulating film (e.g., the nitride insulating film 114) may be
provided over the oxide insulating film 112.
[0300] The transistor 250 in FIGS. 10A to 10C is the same as the
transistor 150 in FIGS. 1A to 1C except for the positions of the
gate electrode 110 and the gate insulating film 108. Further, like
the transistor 150 described in Embodiment 1, the transistor 250
includes the low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance
region 105b.
[0301] The multilayer film 104 has a structure in which an oxide
film 104a, an oxide semiconductor film 104b, and an oxide film 104c
are stacked from the substrate 100 side.
[0302] Depending on materials used for the oxide film 104a, the
oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c, boundaries
between the oxide film 104a and the oxide semiconductor film 104b
and between the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film
104c in the multilayer film 104 cannot be clearly recognized in
some cases. Thus, the boundaries of the oxide film 104a, the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c are denoted by
dotted lines in the drawings.
[0303] A material of a conductive film to be the source electrode
and the drain electrode is a conductive material which is more
likely to be bonded to oxygen than to a metal element included in
the oxide semiconductor film; therefore, oxygen in the multilayer
film 104 is bonded to the conductive material of a conductive film
to be the source electrode and the drain electrode. The bonding
causes oxygen vacancy in a region of the multilayer film 104 in the
vicinity of an interface with the conductive film. Alternatively,
damage (oxygen vacancy) to the top surface of the multilayer film
104 is caused when the conductive film to be formed over the
multilayer film 104 is formed. Regions whose resistances are
reduced owing to the oxygen vacancy and hydrogen, i.e., the
low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b are
formed, so that contact resistance between the multilayer film and
the source electrode or the drain electrode is reduced. Also in the
case where the material of the conductive film is a conductive
material which is easily diffused into the oxide semiconductor film
by heat treatment, the low-resistance regions are formed. Although
boundaries between the multilayer film 104 and each of the
low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b exist
in the oxide film 104c, this embodiment is not limited thereto; the
boundaries may exist in the oxide film 104a, in the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, at the interface between the oxide film
104a and the oxide semiconductor film 104b, or at the interface
between the oxide semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film
104c.
[0304] The source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are
formed so as to have a step-like edge portion. The end portions can
be formed in such a manner that a step of making a resist mask
recede by ashing and an etching step are alternately performed
plural times. Therefore, the edge portions of the source electrode
106a and the drain electrode 106b are provided over the
low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b,
respectively.
[0305] Accordingly, a channel formation region of the transistor
250 corresponds to a region 105c of the multilayer film 104 between
the low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b,
a region of the low-resistance region 105a which is not in contact
with the source electrode 106a, and a region of the low-resistance
region 105b which is not in contact with the drain electrode 106b.
The channel formation region of the transistor 250 is made to be an
n-type; therefore, it is necessary that the impurity concentration
of the multilayer film 104 is reduced so that the multilayer film
is highly purified to be intrinsic.
[0306] In order that the channel formation region of the transistor
250 is highly purified to be intrinsic, oxygen is added to the
region 105c of the multilayer film 104. The addition of oxygen can
reduces the amount of oxygen vacancy, so that a highly purified
intrinsic region can be formed. Accordingly, the highly purified
intrinsic region and the low resistance regions can be formed
separately at one time.
[0307] Further, excess oxygen can be easily released from the base
insulating film 102, the gate insulating film 108, and the oxide
insulating film 112 by heat treatment, so that the oxygen vacancy
in the multilayer film 104 can be reduced. Thus, the amount of
oxygen vacancy in the channel formation region of the multilayer
film 104 is further reduced, so that the channel formation region
is highly purified intrinsic.
[0308] FIG. 11A illustrates another transistor structure. A
transistor 290 illustrated in FIG. 11A includes the gate electrode
110 over the substrate 100; the gate insulating film 108 over the
gate electrode 110; the oxide film 104a over the gate insulating
film 108; the oxide semiconductor film 104b over the oxide film
104a; the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b over
the oxide semiconductor film 104b; the oxide film 104c over the
source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b; the
low-resistance region 105a which is formed in such a manner that
oxygen is extracted from the oxide semiconductor film 104b which is
in contact with the source electrode 106a; the low-resistance
region 105b which is formed in such a manner that oxygen is
extracted from the oxide semiconductor film 104b which is in
contact with the drain electrode 106b; and the oxide insulating
film 112 over the oxide film 104c, the source electrode 106a, and
the drain electrode 106b. Further, another insulating film (e.g.,
the nitride insulating film 114) may be formed over the oxide
insulating film 112.
[0309] The transistor 290 in FIG. 11A is the same as the transistor
250 in FIGS. 10A to 10C except that the oxide film 104c is provided
over the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b. Like
the transistor 150 described in Embodiment 1, the transistor 290
includes the low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance
region 105b.
[0310] An In--Ga--Zn oxide having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1
can be used for the oxide film 104a, an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an
atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 can be used for the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, and an In--Ga--Zn oxide having an atomic
ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 can be used for the oxide film 104c.
[0311] In the transistor 290, the oxide semiconductor film 104b in
which the channel is formed is in contact with the source electrode
106a and the drain electrode 106b, so that oxygen vacancy is
generated at a high density in the oxide semiconductor film 104b
and n-type regions (the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b) are formed. Therefore, there is a few
resistance component in a carrier path and carriers can be
transported efficiently.
[0312] Further, the oxide film 104c is formed after the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are formed; therefore,
overetching of the oxide film 104c does not occur at the time of
forming the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b.
Therefore, the oxide semiconductor film 104b where the channel is
formed can be sufficiently distant from the oxide insulating film
112, and the effect of suppressing influence of diffusion of
impurities from the interface can be enhanced.
[0313] Further, the oxide film 104c functions as a barrier film
which suppresses entry of hydrogen or a compound containing
hydrogen (e.g., water) from the outside to the multilayer film 104;
thus, the reliability of the transistor can be improved. Therefore,
the nitride insulating film 114 is not necessarily provided.
[0314] Further, when the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b are formed using a conductive material which is
likely to be bonded to oxygen, as in a transistor 295 illustrated
in FIG. 11B, low-resistance regions are also formed in the oxide
film 104c in contact with the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b.
[0315] Further, as in a transistor 300 illustrated in FIG. 11C, a
structure in which the end portion of the oxide film 104a and the
end portion of the oxide semiconductor film 104b are not continuous
may be employed. The shapes of the edge portions are formed in such
a manner that a stack of the oxide film 104a and the oxide
semiconductor film 104b is wet-etched under conditions where the
etching rate of the oxide semiconductor film 104b is higher than
that of the oxide film 104a.
[0316] The contact area of the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b can be large when the multilayer film 104 has such a
tapered shape. Accordingly, the contact resistance between the
multilayer film 104 and the source and drain electrodes 106a and
106b is reduced, whereby on-state current of the transistor can be
increased.
[0317] Like in a transistor 310 illustrated in FIG. 12A, after the
oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide
film 104c are formed in this order over the gate insulating film
108, the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b may be
formed and then an oxide film 104e may be formed over the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b. An In--Ga--Zn oxide
having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 can be used for the oxide
film 104e.
[0318] Further, FIG. 12B illustrates another transistor structure.
A transistor 320 illustrated in FIG. 12B is the same as the
transistor 250 in FIGS. 10A to 10C except that a conductive film
107a and a conductive film 107b are formed over the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b. Like the transistor
150 described in Embodiment 1, the transistor 320 includes the
low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b.
[0319] Note that the conductive film 107a and the conductive film
107b function as part of the source electrode and part of the drain
electrode. Thus, in the transistor 320 in FIG. 12B, a channel
length corresponds to a distance between the conductive film 107a
and the conductive film 107b.
[0320] Further, in the transistor 320 in FIG. 12B, a channel
corresponds to a region of the oxide semiconductor film 104b which
does not overlap with the conductive film 107a and the conductive
film 107b.
[0321] Furthermore, in the transistor 320 in FIG. 12B, a channel
formation region corresponds to regions of the oxide film 104a, the
oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c which do not
overlap with the conductive film 107a and the conductive film
107b.
[0322] After the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b
are formed, oxygen is added to the region 105c of the multilayer
film 104, whereby the amount of oxygen vacancy in the channel
formation region can be reduced and a highly purified intrinsic
region can be formed. Accordingly, the highly purified intrinsic
region and the low-resistance regions can be formed separately at
one time.
[0323] The above embodiment can be referred to for the conductive
film 107a and the conductive film 107b.
[0324] When the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b
are formed in such a manner that a conductive film is processed by
light exposure with an electron beam, ArF immersion, EUV, with the
use of a resist mask with a small pattern width, the channel length
can be greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 30
nm.
[0325] FIG. 13A illustrates another transistor structure. A
transistor 330 has a structure of the transistor 290 in FIG. 11A
which further includes the conductive film 107a and the conductive
film 107b over the oxide film 104c.
[0326] Alternatively, a structure of a transistor 340 illustrated
in FIG. 13B may be employed. The transistor 340 is formed by a
formation process of the transistor 330 in FIG. 13A in which the
formation process of the oxide film 104c and the formation process
of the conductive film 107a and the conductive film 107b are
reversed.
[0327] The above is the description of the transistors of one
embodiment of the present invention. The amount of oxygen vacancy
in the channel formation region of the oxide semiconductor in the
multilayer film in any of the transistors can be reduced and the
electrical characteristics of any of the transistors are favorable;
therefore, it is possible to provide a highly reliable
semiconductor device.
[0328] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 4
[0329] In this embodiment, a method for manufacturing the
transistor 250 described in Embodiment 3 with reference to FIGS.
10A to 10C is described.
[0330] First, the gate electrode 110 is formed over the substrate
100, and the gate insulating film 108 is formed to cover the gate
electrode 110 (see FIG. 14A).
[0331] The above embodiment can be referred to for the substrate
100, the gate electrode 110, and the gate insulating film 108.
[0332] The gate insulating film 108 is preferably an insulating
film containing excess oxygen.
[0333] A base insulating film may be formed over the substrate 100.
The base insulating film 102 in the above embodiment can be
referred to for the base insulating film.
[0334] Next, the multilayer film 104 including the oxide film 104a,
the oxide semiconductor film 104b, and the oxide film 104c is
formed over the gate insulating film 108 (see FIG. 14B).
[0335] The above embodiment can be referred to for the multilayer
film 104.
[0336] Next, first heat treatment is preferably performed. The
first heat treatment may be performed at a temperature higher than
or equal to 250.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 650.degree.
C., preferably higher than or equal to 300.degree. C. and lower
than or equal to 500.degree. C., in an inert gas atmosphere, an
atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas at 10 ppm or more, or a
reduced pressure state. Alternatively, the first heat treatment may
be performed in such a manner that heat treatment is performed in
an inert gas atmosphere, and then another heat treatment is
performed in an atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas at 10 ppm or
more in order to compensate desorbed oxygen. The first heat
treatment can increase the crystallinity of the oxide semiconductor
film 104b and remove impurities such as water and hydrogen from the
gate insulating film 108, the oxide film 104a, and the oxide film
104c. Note that the first heat treatment may be performed before
the etching for forming the multilayer film 104.
[0337] Next, the conductive film 106 to be the source electrode and
the drain electrode is formed over the multilayer film 104. In this
embodiment, a conductive material which is more likely to be bonded
to oxygen than to a metal element contained in the oxide
semiconductor film is used as a material of the conductive film
106. Since the material of the conductive film 106 is the
conductive material which is likely to be bonded to oxygen, oxygen
in the multilayer film 104 is bonded to the conductive material
(the conductive film 106). The bonding causes oxygen vacancy in the
multilayer film 104 in the vicinity of the interface with the
conductive film 106. Further, damage (oxygen vacancy) to the top
surface of the multilayer film 104 is caused when the conductive
film 106 is formed over the multilayer film 104. By the oxygen
vacancy, the low-resistance region 105 is formed (see FIG. 14C). In
this embodiment, the low-resistance region 105 exists in a region
at a depth of greater than 0 nm and less than or equal to 15 nm,
preferably less than 10 nm, further preferably less than 3 nm from
the interface between the multilayer film 104 including the oxide
semiconductor film and the conductive film 106 in the depth
direction of the multilayer film 104.
[0338] Although the boundary between the low-resistance region 105
and the multilayer film 104 exists in the oxide film 104c in this
embodiment, this embodiment is not limited thereto; the boundary
may exist in the oxide film 104a, in the oxide semiconductor film
104b, at the interface between the oxide film 104a and the oxide
semiconductor film 104b, or at the interface between the oxide
semiconductor film 104b and the oxide film 104c.
[0339] The above embodiment can be referred to for the conductive
film 106.
[0340] When the low-resistance region 105 is formed, contact
resistance between the source electrode or the drain electrode to
be formed later and the multilayer film 104 can be reduced, so that
high speed operation of the transistor 250 can be achieved.
[0341] Next, the conductive film 106 is etched so as to be
separated over the multilayer film 104, so that the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are formed (see FIG.
15A). The edge portions of the source electrode 106a and the drain
electrode 106b are formed to have a step as shown in the drawings.
The end portions can be formed in such a manner that a step of
making a resist mask recede by ashing and an etching step are
alternately performed plural times.
[0342] Note that the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b exist below the source electrode 106a
and the drain electrode 106b, respectively, and an oxide film
between the low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance
region 105b corresponds to the region 105c.
[0343] Further, the step of making the resist mask recede by ashing
and the etching step are alternately performed, whereby the edge
portions of the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b
are provided over the low-resistance region 105a and the
low-resistance region 105b.
[0344] Therefore, the channel formation region of the transistor
250 corresponds to the region 105c, a region of the low-resistance
region 105a which is not in contact with the source electrode 106a,
and a region of the low-resistance region 105b which is not in
contact with the drain electrode 106b. The channel formation region
of the transistor 250 is an n-type region; therefore, it is
necessary to reduce the impurity concentration of the multilayer
film 104 so that the channel formation region is highly purified to
be intrinsic.
[0345] Note that at the time of etching the conductive film 106 to
be separated over the multilayer film 104, part of the oxide film
104c might be etched and the thickness of the multilayer film in
the channel formation region might be reduced.
[0346] Next, the oxygen 120 is added to the region 105c of the
multilayer film 104 (see FIG. 15B)
[0347] The above embodiment can be referred to for a method for
adding oxygen to the region 105c of the multilayer film 104
[0348] The whole low-resistance region 105a does not necessarily
overlap with the source electrode 106a and may include a region
which extends toward the region 105c and does not overlap with the
source electrode 106a. Further, the whole low-resistance region
105b does not necessarily overlap with the drain electrode 106b and
may include a region which extends toward the region 105c and does
not overlap with the drain electrode 106b. The low-resistance
region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b do not necessarily
have uniform thickness. For example, the end portion of the
low-resistance region 105a which does not overlap with the source
electrode 106a may gently spread from the bottom surface toward the
surface of the low-resistance region 105a. In a similar manner, for
example, the end portion of the low-resistance region 105b which
does not overlap with the drain electrode 106b may gently spread
from the bottom surface toward the surface of the low-resistance
region 105b. A difference between the length between the source
electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b and the length between
the low-resistance region 105a and the low-resistance region 105b
is less than 30%, preferably less than 10%, further preferably less
than 3% of the length between the source electrode 106a and the
drain electrode 106b.
[0349] In the above structure, the region 105c has higher
resistance than the low-resistance region and functions as the
channel formation region. Further, the amount of oxygen vacancy in
the region 105c can be reduced, a highly purified intrinsic region
can be formed. Accordingly, the highly purified intrinsic region
and the low-resistance regions can be formed separately at one
time. Note that the hydrogen concentration of the region 105c
functioning as the channel formation region is lower than or equal
to 5.times.10.sup.17 atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably lower than or equal
to 1.times.10.sup.17 atoms/cm.sup.3.
[0350] Next, second heat treatment is preferably performed. The
second heat treatment can be performed in a similar condition to
the first heat treatment. By the second heat treatment, impurities
such as hydrogen and water can be further removed from the
multilayer film 104.
[0351] Next, the oxide insulating film 112 is formed over the
multilayer film 104, the source electrode 106a, and the drain
electrode 106b (see FIG. 15C).
[0352] The above embodiment can be referred to for the oxide
insulating film 112. Further, the nitride insulating film 114 may
be provided over the oxide insulating film 112. The nitride
insulating film 114 can prevent oxygen in the oxide insulating film
112 from diffusing to the outside at the time of heat treatment and
functions as a barrier film which prevents hydrogen or a compound
containing hydrogen (e.g., water) from entering the multilayer film
104 from the outside. Accordingly, the reliability of the
transistor can be improved.
[0353] Through the above process, the transistor 250 illustrated in
FIGS. 10A to 10C can be manufactured.
[0354] Next, third heat treatment is preferably performed. The
third heat treatment can be performed under a condition similar to
that of the first heat treatment. In the case where the gate
insulating film 108 and the oxide insulating film 112 contain
excess oxygen, the excess oxygen is easily released from the gate
insulating film 108 and the oxide insulating film 112 by the third
heat treatment, so that oxygen vacancy in the multilayer film 104
can be reduced. Accordingly, the amount of oxygen vacancy in the
channel formation region of the multilayer film 104 can be further
reduced, so that the channel formation region becomes highly
purified intrinsic.
[0355] Further, although the treatment for adding the oxygen 120 to
the region 105c of the multilayer film 104 is performed just after
the source electrode 106a and the drain electrode 106b are formed
in this embodiment, this embodiment is not limited thereto; the
treatment may be performed after the gate insulating film 108 is
formed, whereby oxygen may be supplied from the gate insulating
film 108 to the region 105c of the multilayer film 104.
[0356] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 5
[0357] In this embodiment, an example of a semiconductor device
(memory device) which includes a transistor of one embodiment of
the present invention, which can retain stored data even when not
powered, and which has an unlimited number of write cycles is
described with reference to drawings.
[0358] FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the semiconductor
device, and FIG. 16B is a circuit diagram of the semiconductor
device.
[0359] The semiconductor device illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B
includes a transistor 400 including a first semiconductor material
in a lower portion, and a transistor 402 including a second
semiconductor material and a capacitor 404 in an upper portion. As
the transistor 402, any of the transistors described in the above
embodiment can be used, and an example in which the transistor 150
described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C is
applied to the transistor 402 is described in this embodiment. One
electrode of the capacitor 404 is formed using the same material as
a gate electrode of the transistor 402, the other electrode of the
capacitor 404 is formed using the same material as a source
electrode and a drain electrode of the transistor 402, and a
dielectric of the capacitor 404 is formed using the same material
as a gate insulating film 108 of the transistor 402; thus, the
capacitor 404 can be formed at the same time as the transistor
402.
[0360] Here, the first semiconductor material and the second
semiconductor material are preferably materials having different
band gaps. For example, the first semiconductor material may be a
semiconductor material (such as silicon) other than an oxide
semiconductor, and the second semiconductor material may be the
oxide semiconductor described in Embodiment 1. A transistor
including a material other than an oxide semiconductor can operate
at high speed easily. On the other hand, a transistor including an
oxide semiconductor enables charge to be held for a long time owing
to its electrical characteristics, that is, the low off-state
current.
[0361] Although both of the above transistors are n-channel
transistors in the following description, it is needless to say
that p-channel transistors can be used. The specific structure of
the semiconductor device, such as the material used for the
semiconductor device and the structure of the semiconductor device,
is not necessarily limited to that described here except for the
use of the transistor described in the above embodiment, which is
formed using an oxide semiconductor for storing data.
[0362] The transistor 400 in FIG. 16A includes a channel formation
region provided in a substrate 410 including a semiconductor
material (such as crystalline silicon), impurity regions provided
such that the channel formation region is provided therebetween,
intermetallic compound regions provided in contact with the
impurity regions, a gate insulating film provided over the channel
formation region, and a gate electrode provided over the gate
insulating film. Note that a transistor whose source electrode and
drain electrode are not illustrated in a drawing may also be
referred to as a transistor for the sake of convenience. Further,
in such a case, in description of a connection of a transistor, a
source region and a source electrode may be collectively referred
to as a source electrode, and a drain region and a drain electrode
may be collectively referred to as a drain electrode. That is, for
example, in this specification, the term "source electrode" might
include a source region.
[0363] Further, an element isolation insulating layer 406 is formed
on the substrate 410 so as to surround the transistor 400, and an
insulating film 420 is formed so as to cover the transistor 400.
Note that the element isolation insulating layer 406 can be formed
by an element isolation technique such as local oxidation of
silicon (LOCOS) or shallow trench isolation (STI).
[0364] For example, the transistor 400 formed using a crystalline
silicon substrate can operate at high speed. Thus, when the
transistor is used as a reading transistor, data can be read at
high speed. As treatment prior to formation of the transistor 402
and the capacitor 404, CMP treatment is performed on the insulating
film 420 covering the transistor 400, whereby the insulating film
420 is planarized and, at the same time, an upper surface of the
gate electrode of the transistor 400 is exposed.
[0365] The transistor 402 is provided over the insulating film 420,
and one of the source electrode and the drain electrode thereof is
extended so as to function as the other electrode of the capacitor
404.
[0366] The transistor 402 in FIG. 16A is a top-gate transistor in
which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor film. Since the
off-state current of the transistor 402 is low, stored data can be
retained for a long period owing to such a transistor. In other
words, refresh operation becomes unnecessary or the frequency of
the refresh operation in a semiconductor memory device can be
extremely low, which leads to a sufficient reduction in power
consumption.
[0367] In the transistor 402, low-resistance regions are formed in
regions in the vicinity of the interfaces of the multilayer film in
contact with the source electrode and the drain electrode, and the
channel formation region can be a highly purified intrinsic region
by adding oxygen to the multilayer film using the source electrode
and the drain electrode as masks. By the addition of oxygen, the
highly purified intrinsic region and the low-resistance regions can
be formed separately at one time. The amount of oxygen vacancy in
the channel formation region in the multilayer film in the
transistor can be reduced and the electrical characteristics of the
transistor are favorable; therefore, it is possible to provide a
highly reliable semiconductor device.
[0368] The transistor 400 and the transistor 402 can be formed so
as to overlap with each other as illustrated in FIG. 16A, whereby
the area occupied by them can be reduced. Accordingly, the degree
of integration of the semiconductor device can be increased.
[0369] An example of a circuit configuration corresponding to FIG.
16A is illustrated in FIG. 16B.
[0370] In FIG. 16B, a first wiring (1st Line) is electrically
connected to a source electrode of the transistor 400. A second
wiring (2nd Line) is electrically connected to a drain electrode of
the transistor 400. A third wiring (3rd Line) is electrically
connected to one of the source electrode and the drain electrode of
the transistor 402, and a fourth wiring (4th Line) is electrically
connected to the gate electrode of the transistor 402. The gate
electrode of the transistor 400 and the one of the source electrode
and the drain electrode of the transistor 402 are electrically
connected to the other electrode of the capacitor 404. A fifth
wiring (5th Line) is electrically connected to the other electrode
of the capacitor 404.
[0371] The semiconductor device in FIG. 16B utilizes a
characteristic in which the potential of the gate electrode of the
transistor 400 can be held, and thus enables writing, storing, and
reading of data as follows.
[0372] Writing and storing of data are described. First, the
potential of the fourth wiring is set to a potential at which the
transistor 402 is turned on, so that the transistor 402 is turned
on. Accordingly, the potential of the third wiring is supplied to
the gate electrode of the transistor 400 and the capacitor 404.
That is, a predetermined charge is supplied to the gate electrode
of the transistor 400 (writing). Here, one of two kinds of charges
providing different potential levels (hereinafter referred to as a
low-level charge and a high-level charge) is supplied. After that,
the potential of the fourth wiring is set to a potential at which
the transistor 402 is turned off, so that the transistor 402 is
turned off. Thus, the charge supplied to the gate electrode of the
transistor 400 is held (holding).
[0373] Since the off-state current of the transistor 402 is
extremely low, the charge of the gate electrode of the transistor
400 is held for a long time.
[0374] Next, reading of data is described. By supplying an
appropriate potential (a reading potential) to the fifth wiring
while supplying a predetermined potential (a constant potential) to
the first wiring, the potential of the second wiring varies
depending on the amount of charge held in the gate electrode of the
transistor 400. This is because in general, when the transistor 400
is an n-channel transistor, an apparent threshold voltage
V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.H in the case where the high-level charge is
given to the gate electrode of the transistor 400 is lower than an
apparent threshold voltage V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.L in the case where
the low-level charge is given to the gate electrode of the
transistor 400. Here, an apparent threshold voltage refers to the
potential of the fifth wiring which is needed to turn on the
transistor 400. Thus, the potential of the fifth wiring is set to a
potential V.sub.0 which is between V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.H and
V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.L, whereby charge supplied to the gate
electrode of the transistor 400 can be determined. For example, in
the case where the high-level charge is supplied in writing, when
the potential of the fifth wiring is V.sub.0
(>V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.H), the transistor 400 is turned on. In
the case where the low-level charge is supplied in writing, even
when the potential of the fifth wiring is V.sub.0
(<V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.L), the transistor 400 remains off.
Therefore, the data stored in the gate electrode can be read by
determining the potential of the second wiring.
[0375] Note that in the case where memory cells are arrayed, it is
necessary that only data of a desired memory cell be able to be
read. The fifth wiring in the case where data is not read may be
supplied with a potential at which the transistor 400 is turned off
regardless of the state of the gate electrode, that is, a potential
lower than V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.H. Alternatively, the fifth wiring
may be supplied with a potential at which the transistor 400 is
turned on regardless of the state of the gate electrode, that is, a
potential higher than V.sub.th.sub.--.sub.L.
[0376] When including a transistor having a channel formation
region formed using an oxide semiconductor and having an extremely
low off-state current, the semiconductor device described in this
embodiment can retain stored data for an extremely long period. In
other words, refresh operation becomes unnecessary or the frequency
of the refresh operation can be extremely low, which leads to a
sufficient reduction in power consumption. Moreover, stored data
can be retained for a long period even when power is not supplied
(note that a potential is preferably fixed).
[0377] Further, in the semiconductor device described in this
embodiment, the transistor 400 can be a transistor of various types
as well as a planer type. For example, a fin-type transistor, a
tri-gate transistor or the like can be applied. An example of the
cross-sectional view of the transistor 400 is illustrated in FIG.
16C. In FIG. 16C, a cross-sectional view along a channel length
direction is illustrated on the left side of a dashed-dotted line,
and a cross-sectional view along a channel width direction is
illustrated on the right side of the dashed-dotted line. An
insulating film 2212 is provided over a semiconductor substrate
2211. The semiconductor substrate 2211 includes a protruding
portion with a thin tip (also referred to a fin). Note that an
insulating film may be provided over the protruding portion. The
insulating film functions as a mask for preventing the
semiconductor substrate from being etched when the protruding
portion is formed. Alternatively, the protruding portion may not
have the thin tip; a protruding portion with a cuboid-like
protruding portion and a protruding portion with a thick tip are
permitted, for example. A gate insulating film 2214 is provided
over the protruding portion of the semiconductor substrate 2211,
and a gate electrode 2213 is provided over the gate insulating film
2214. Further, a sidewall is provided on a side surface of the gate
electrode 2213. Source and drain regions 2215 are formed in the
semiconductor substrate 2211. Note that here is provided an example
where the semiconductor substrate 2211 includes the protruding
portion; however, a semiconductor device according to one
embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, a semiconductor region having a protruding portion may be
formed by processing an SOI substrate.
[0378] Further, in the semiconductor device described in this
embodiment, high voltage is not needed for writing data and there
is no problem of deterioration of elements. For example, unlike a
conventional nonvolatile memory, it is not necessary to inject and
extract electrons into and from a floating gate, and thus a problem
such as deterioration of a gate insulating film does not arise at
all. That is, the semiconductor device according to the disclosed
invention does not have a limitation on the number of times data
can be rewritten, which is a problem of a conventional nonvolatile
memory, and the reliability thereof is drastically improved.
Furthermore, data is written depending on the on state and the off
state of the transistor, whereby high-speed operation can be easily
achieved.
[0379] As described above, a miniaturized and highly-integrated
semiconductor device having high electrical characteristics and a
fabrication method of the semiconductor device can be provided.
[0380] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 6
[0381] In this embodiment, a semiconductor device including a
transistor of one embodiment of the present invention, which can
retain stored data even when not powered, which does not have a
limitation on the number of write cycles, and which has a structure
different from that described in Embodiment 5, is described.
[0382] FIG. 17A illustrates an example of a circuit configuration
of the semiconductor device, and FIG. 17B is a conceptual diagram
illustrating an example of the semiconductor device. As a
transistor 562 included in the semiconductor device, any of the
transistors described in the above embodiment can be used. A
capacitor 554 can be formed through the same process and at the
same time as the transistor 562 in a manner similar to that of the
capacitor 404 described in Embodiment 5.
[0383] In the semiconductor device illustrated in FIG. 17A, a bit
line BL is electrically connected to a source electrode of the
transistor 562, a word line WL is electrically connected to a gate
electrode of the transistor 562, and a drain electrode of the
transistor 562 is electrically connected to one terminal of the
capacitor 554.
[0384] Next, writing and storing of data in the semiconductor
device (a memory cell 550) illustrated in FIG. 17A are
described.
[0385] First, the potential of the word line WL is set to a
potential at which the transistor 562 is turned on, and the
transistor 562 is turned on. Accordingly, the potential of the bit
line BL is supplied to the one terminal of the capacitor 554
(writing). After that, the potential of the word line WL is set to
a potential at which the transistor 562 is turned off, so that the
transistor 562 is turned off. Thus, the potential of the one
terminal of the capacitor 554 is held (holding).
[0386] In addition, the transistor 562 including an oxide
semiconductor has an extremely low off-state current. For that
reason, the potential of the one terminal of the capacitor 554 (or
a charge accumulated in the capacitor 554) can be held for an
extremely long time by turning off the transistor 562.
[0387] Next, reading of data is described. When the transistor 562
is turned on, the bit line BL which is in a floating state and the
capacitor 554 are electrically connected to each other, and the
charge is redistributed between the bit line BL and the capacitor
554. As a result, the potential of the bit line BL is changed. The
amount of change in potential of the bit line BL varies depending
on the potential of the one terminal of the capacitor 554 (or the
charge accumulated in the capacitor 554).
[0388] For example, the potential of the bit line BL after charge
redistribution is (C.sub.B.times.V.sub.B0+C.times.V)/(C.sub.B+C),
where V is the potential of the one terminal of the capacitor 554,
C is the capacitance of the capacitor 554, C.sub.B is the
capacitance component of the bit line BL (hereinafter also referred
to as bit line capacitance), and V.sub.BO is the potential of the
bit line BL before the charge redistribution. Therefore, it can be
found that assuming that the memory cell 550 is in either of two
states in which the potentials of the one terminal of the capacitor
554 are V.sub.1 and V.sub.0 (V.sub.1>V.sub.0), the potential of
the bit line BL in the case of holding the potential V.sub.1
(=(C.sub.B.times.V.sub.B0+C.times.V.sub.1)/(C.sub.B+C)) is higher
than the potential of the bit line BL in the case of holding the
potential V.sub.0
(=(C.sub.B.times.V.sub.BO+C.times.V.sub.0)/(C.sub.B+C)).
[0389] Then, by comparing the potential of the bit line BL with a
predetermined potential, data can be read.
[0390] As described above, the semiconductor device illustrated in
FIG. 17A can hold charge that is accumulated in the capacitor 554
for a long time because the off-state current of the transistor 562
is extremely low. In other words, refresh operation becomes
unnecessary or the frequency of the refresh operation can be
extremely low, which leads to a sufficient reduction in power
consumption. Moreover, stored data can be retained for a long
period even when power is not supplied.
[0391] Next, the semiconductor device illustrated in FIG. 17B is
described.
[0392] The semiconductor device illustrated in FIG. 17B includes a
memory cell array 551 (memory cell arrays 551a and 551b) including
the plurality of memory cells 550 illustrated in FIG. 17A as memory
circuits in the upper portion, and a peripheral circuit 553 in the
lower portion, which is necessary for operating the memory cell
array 551. Note that the peripheral circuit 553 is electrically
connected to the memory cell array 551.
[0393] It is preferable that a semiconductor material of the
transistor provided in the peripheral circuit 553 be different from
that of the transistor 562. For example, silicon, germanium,
silicon germanium, silicon carbide, or gallium arsenide can be
used, and a single crystal semiconductor is preferably used.
Alternatively, an organic semiconductor material or the like may be
used. A transistor including such a semiconductor material can
operate at sufficiently high speed. Thus, the transistor enables a
variety of circuits (e.g., a logic circuit and a driver circuit)
which need to operate at high speed to be favorably obtained.
[0394] Note that FIG. 17B illustrates, as an example, the
semiconductor device in which the memory cell array 551 has a stack
of the memory cell array 551a and the memory cell array 551b;
however, the number of stacked memory cell arrays is not limited to
two. For the memory cell array 551, a stack of three or more memory
cell arrays may be used, or only one memory cell array may be
used.
[0395] The transistor 562 is formed using an oxide semiconductor,
and any of the transistors described in the above embodiment can be
used as the transistor 562. Since the off-state current of the
transistor including an oxide semiconductor is low, stored data can
be retained for a long period. In other words, the frequency of
refresh operation can be extremely low, which leads to a sufficient
reduction in power consumption.
[0396] A semiconductor device having a novel feature can be
obtained by being provided with both a peripheral circuit which
includes the transistor including a material other than an oxide
semiconductor (in other words, a transistor capable of operating at
sufficiently high speed) and a memory circuit which includes the
transistor including an oxide semiconductor (in a broader sense, a
transistor whose off-state current is sufficiently low). In
addition, with a structure where the peripheral circuit and the
memory circuit are stacked, an increase in the degree of
integration of the semiconductor device can be achieved.
[0397] As described above, a miniaturized and highly-integrated
semiconductor device having high electric characteristics can be
provided.
[0398] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 7
[0399] In this embodiment, a model of crystal growth of a CAAC-OS
film which can be used for any of the transistors described in the
above embodiments is described with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B,
FIGS. 19A to 19C, and FIGS. 20A and 20B.
[0400] FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram showing how an ion 601
collides with a sputtering target 600 and a sputtered particle 602
is separated. Note that the sputtered particle 602 may have a
hexagonal cylinder shape whose hexagonal plane is parallel to the
a-b plane or a triangular prism shape. In such a case, a direction
perpendicular to the hexagonal plane or the triangular plane is a
c-axis direction (see FIG. 18B). The diameter (equivalent circle
diameter) of the plane parallel to the a-b plane of the sputtered
particle 602, although depending on the kind of oxide, is
approximately greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal
to 30 nm or greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to
10 nm. Note that an oxygen cation is used as the ion 601. Further,
in addition to the oxygen cation, an argon cation may be used.
Instead of the argon cation, a cation of another rare gas may be
used.
[0401] With the use of the oxygen cation as the ion 601, plasma
damage at the deposition can be alleviated. Thus, a reduction in
the crystallinity of the sputtering target 600 or a change of the
sputtering target 600 into an amorphous state, which is caused when
the ion 601 collides with the surface of the sputtering target 600,
can be suppressed.
[0402] It is preferable that the separated sputtered particle 602
be positively charged. However, there is no particular limitation
on the timing at which the sputtered particle 602 is positively
charged. Specifically, the sputtered particle 602 is in some cases
positively charged by being exposed to plasma. Alternatively, the
sputtered particle 602 is in some cases positively charged by
receiving an electric charge at the collision of the ion 601.
Further alternatively, the sputtered particle 602 is in some cases
positively charged in such a manner that the ion 601 which is an
oxygen cation is bonded to a side, top, or bottom surface of the
sputtered particle 602.
[0403] In the sputtered particle 602, the corners of the hexagonal
plane are positively charged, whereby positive charges of the
hexagonal plane repel each other. Thus, the flat-plate shape of the
sputtered particle 602 can be maintained.
[0404] It is preferable to use a direct-current (DC) power source
to positively charge the corners of the hexagonal plane of the
sputtered particle 602. Note that a radio frequency (RF) power
source or an alternating-current (AC) power source can be used.
Note that it is difficult to use an RF power source for a
sputtering apparatus which is capable of deposition to a large
substrate. In addition, a DC power source is preferred to an AC
power source from the viewpoint below.
[0405] In the case where the AC power source is used, adjacent
targets alternately have a cathode potential and an anode
potential. In a period A shown in FIG. 19A, a target 1 functions as
a cathode and a target 2 functions as an anode as illustrated in
FIG. 19B1 . In a period B shown in FIG. 19A, the target 1 functions
as an anode and the target 2 functions as a cathode as illustrated
in FIG. 19B2 . The total time of the period A and the period B is
20 .mu.sec to 50 .mu.sec and the period A and the period B are
repeated at a constant frequency.
[0406] In the case where the sputtered particle 602 is positively
charged, positive charges in the sputtered particle 602 repel each
other, whereby the flat-plate shape of the sputtered particles 602
can be maintained. However, in the case where the AC power source
is used, there is time during which an electric field is not
applied instantaneously; thus, some charges of the sputtered
particle 602 are lost and the structure of the sputtered particle
might be broken (see FIG. 19C). Thus, a DC power source is
preferred to an AC power source.
[0407] A description on how a sputtered particle is deposited on a
deposition surface is given with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B.
FIG. 20A illustrates the case where deposition is performed with
substrate heating and FIG. 20B illustrates a case where deposition
is performed without substrate heating.
[0408] As illustrated in FIG. 20A, in the case where substrate
heating is performed, one sputtered particle 602 moves to a region
of a deposition surface 603 where other sputtered particles 602
have not been deposited yet, and migration of the sputtered
particle 602 occurs, whereby the sputtered particle 602 is bonded
to the sides of the sputtered particles which are already
deposited.
[0409] The CAAC-OS film which is obtained by such a mechanism has
high crystallinity even on an amorphous surface, a surface of an
amorphous insulating film, a surface of an amorphous oxide film, or
the like.
[0410] As illustrated in FIG. 20B, in the case where substrate
heating is not performed, the sputtered particles 602 fall
irregularly to the deposition surface 603. Thus, the sputtered
particles 602 are deposited randomly also in a region where other
sputtered particles 602 are already deposited. That is, an oxide
film which is obtained by the deposition has neither a uniform
thickness nor a uniform crystal orientation. The oxide film which
is obtained in the above manner is the one which includes a crystal
part because the crystallinity of flat plate-like sputtered
particles 602 is maintained to some extent.
[0411] As described above, the diameter of the plane of the
sputtered particle 602 which is parallel to the a-b plane is, for
example, approximately greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than
or equal to 30 nm or greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or
equal to 10 nm, and a crystal part included in the formed oxide
film is smaller than the sputtered particle 602 in some cases. The
oxide film includes a crystal part with a size of, for example, 10
nm or less or 5 nm or less in some cases. The oxide film including
such a crystal part is referred to as a nanocrystalline (nc) oxide
film.
[0412] The nanocrystalline oxide film is macroscopically equivalent
to a film having disordered atomic arrangement. For this reason, in
some cases, a peak indicating an orientation is not observed in
X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis which is performed on a large area
of a measurement sample (for example, in which the beam diameter is
larger than that of the sputtered particle 602). Further, in some
cases, an electron diffraction pattern obtained by using an
electron beam with a diameter larger than that of the sputtered
particle 602 is a halo pattern. In this case, for example, a
nanocrystalline oxide film is measured with an electron beam having
a beam diameter much smaller than the sputtered particle 602,
whereby a spot (bright spot) can be observed in the obtained
nanobeam electron diffraction pattern.
[0413] Electron diffraction patterns of nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor films are described with reference to FIGS. 54A to
54D, FIGS. 55A and 55B, FIGS. 56A to 56C, FIG. 57, FIG. 58, FIGS.
59A and 59B, and FIG. 60.
[0414] An electron diffraction pattern obtained by electron
diffraction with a beam diameter of 10 nm.phi. or less (nanobeam
electron diffraction) of a nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film
is neither a halo pattern indicating an amorphous state nor a
pattern with spots having regularity indicating a crystalline state
in which crystals are aligned with a specific plane. That is, the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film is an oxide semiconductor
film whose electron diffraction pattern has spots not having
directionality.
[0415] FIG. 54A is a cross-sectional transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) image of a nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor
film. FIGS. 54B, 54C, and 54D show electron diffraction patterns
obtained by nanobeam electron diffraction performed on Points 1, 2,
3 in FIG. 54A, respectively.
[0416] A sample in which an In--Ga--Zn-based oxide film was formed,
as an example of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film in
FIGS. 54A to 54D, over a quartz glass substrate to a thickness of
50 nm was used. The nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film shown
in FIGS. 54A to 54D was formed under the following conditions: an
oxide target containing In, Ga, and Zn at an atomic ratio of 1:1:1
was used, the atmosphere was an oxygen atmosphere (flow rate of 45
sccm), the pressure was 0.4 Pa, a direct current (DC) power of 0.5
kW was applied, and the substrate temperature was room temperature.
Then, the width of the formed nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor
film was reduced to 100 nm or less (e.g., 40 nm.+-.10 nm), and a
cross-sectional TEM image and nanobeam electron diffraction
patterns were obtained.
[0417] FIG. 54A is the cross-sectional TEM image of the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film which was taken with a
transmission electron microscope ("H-9000NAR" manufactured by
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) at an acceleration voltage
of 300 kV and at a magnification of 2,000,000-fold. FIGS. 54B to
54D show the electron diffraction patterns obtained by nanobeam
electron diffraction with a beam diameter of about 1 nm.phi., with
a transmission electron microscope ("HF-2000" manufactured by
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) at an acceleration voltage
of 200 kV. Note that the measurement area of the nanobeam electron
diffraction with a beam diameter of about 1 nm.phi. is greater than
or equal to 5 nm.phi. and less than or equal to 10 nm.phi..
[0418] As shown in FIG. 54B, in the nanobeam electron diffraction
pattern of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film, a
plurality of circumferentially arranged spots (bright points) are
observed. In other words, in the pattern of the nanocrystalline
oxide semiconductor film, a plurality of circumferentially
(concentrically) distributed spots are observed, or a plurality of
circumferentially distributed spots form a plurality of concentric
circles.
[0419] In FIG. 54C showing the central portion of the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film in the thickness direction
and in FIG. 54D showing the vicinity of an interface between the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film and the quartz glass
substrate, a plurality of circumferentially distributed spots are
observed as in FIG. 54B. In FIG. 54C, the distance from a main spot
to each of the circumferentially distributed spots is in the range
from 3.88 .mu.m to 4.93 .mu.m, or from 0.203 nm to 0.257 nm when
converted into interplanar spacing.
[0420] The nanobeam electron diffraction patterns shown in FIGS.
54B to 54D indicate that the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor
film includes a plurality of crystal parts whose surface
orientations are random and whose sizes are different from each
other
[0421] FIG. 55A is a plane TEM image of a nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film. FIG. 55B shows an electron diffraction pattern
obtained by selected-area electron diffraction performed on a
region surrounded by a circle in FIG. 55A.
[0422] A sample in which an In--Ga--Zn-based oxide film was formed,
as an example of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film shown
in FIGS. 55A and 55B, over a quartz glass substrate to a thickness
of 30 nm was used. The nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film
shown in FIGS. 55A and 55B was formed under the following
conditions: an oxide target containing In, Ga, and Zn at an atomic
ratio of 1:1:1 was used, the atmosphere was an oxygen atmosphere
(flow rate of 45 sccm), the pressure was 0.4 Pa, a direct current
(DC) power of 0.5 kW was applied, and the substrate temperature was
room temperature. Then, the sample was thinned, and the plane TEM
image and the selected-area electron diffraction pattern of the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film were obtained.
[0423] FIG. 55A is the plane TEM image of the nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film which was taken with a transmission electron
microscope ("H-9000NAR" manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies
Corporation) at an acceleration voltage of 300 kV and at a
magnification of 500,000-fold. FIG. 55B is the electron diffraction
pattern obtained by electron diffraction with a selected area of
300 nm.phi.. Note that the measurement area in FIG. 55B is greater
than or equal to 300 nm.phi. in consideration of electron beam
expansion (about several nanometers).
[0424] As shown in FIG. 55B, the electron diffraction pattern of
the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film which was obtained by
selected-area electron diffraction the measurement area of which is
wider than that of the nanobeam electron diffraction is a halo
pattern, in which the plurality of spots observed by the nanobeam
electron diffraction are not observed.
[0425] FIGS. 56A to 56C conceptually show diffraction intensity
distribution in the electron diffraction patterns shown in FIGS.
54B to 54D and FIG. 55B. FIG. 56A is a conceptual diagram showing
diffraction intensity distribution in the nanobeam electron
diffraction patterns shown in FIGS. 54B to 54D. FIG. 56B is a
conceptual diagram showing diffraction intensity distribution in
the selected-area electron diffraction pattern shown in FIG. 55B.
FIG. 56C is a conceptual diagram showing diffraction intensity
distribution in an electron diffraction pattern of a single crystal
structure or a polycrystalline structure.
[0426] In each of FIGS. 56A to 56C, the vertical axis represents
the electron diffraction intensity (arbitrary unit) indicating
distribution of spots or the like and the horizontal axis
represents the distance from a main spot.
[0427] In FIG. 56C for the single crystal structure or the
polycrystalline structure, peaks are each observed at a specific
distance from the main spot, which is based on interplanar spacing
(d value) between planes with which crystal parts are aligned.
[0428] As shown in each of FIGS. 54B to 54D, a circumferential
region formed by the plurality of spots observed in the nanobeam
electron diffraction pattern of the nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film has a relatively large width. Thus, FIG. 56A
shows discrete distribution. Further, in the nanobeam electron
diffraction pattern, a region with high luminance formed by spots
which are not clear is observed in a region between concentric
circles.
[0429] Further, the electron diffraction intensity distribution in
the selected-area electron diffraction pattern of the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film is continuous as shown in
FIG. 56B. Since FIG. 56B can approximate a result obtained by
widely observing the electron diffraction intensity distribution
shown in FIG. 56A, the continuous intensity distribution can be
considered to result from the overlapping and connection of the
plurality of spots.
[0430] FIGS. 56A to 56C indicate that the nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film includes a plurality of crystal parts whose
surface orientations are random and whose sizes are different from
each other and that the crystal parts are so minute that spots are
not observed in the selected-area electron diffraction pattern.
[0431] In FIGS. 54B to 54D in which the plurality of spots are
observed, the width of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film
is 50 nm or less. Further, since the diameter of the electron beam
was reduced to 1 nm.phi., the measurement area is greater than or
equal to 5 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm. Thus, it is assumed
that the diameter of the crystal part included in the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film is 50 nm or less, for
example, 10 nm or less or 5 nm or less.
[0432] FIG. 57 shows a nanobeam electron diffraction pattern of a
quartz glass substrate. The measurement conditions for FIG. 57 were
similar to those for FIGS. 54B to 54D.
[0433] As shown in FIG. 57, the nanobeam electron diffraction
pattern of the quartz glass substrate having an amorphous structure
is a halo pattern without specific spots in which the luminance is
gradually changed form a main spot. This means that a plurality of
circumferentially distributed spots like those observed in the
pattern of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film are not
observed in the pattern of a film having an amorphous structure
even when electron diffraction is performed on a minute region.
This indicates that the plurality of circumferentially distributed
spots observed in FIGS. 54B to 54D are peculiar to the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
[0434] FIG. 58 shows an electron diffraction pattern obtained after
one-minute irradiation of Point 2 in FIG. 54A with an electron beam
whose diameter was reduced to about 1 nm.phi..
[0435] As in the electron diffraction pattern shown in FIG. 54C, a
plurality of circumferentially distributed spots are observed in
the electron diffraction pattern shown in FIG. 58, and there is no
significant difference from FIG. 54C. This means that the crystal
part observed in the electron diffraction pattern shown in FIG. 54C
existed at the time of the formation of the nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film and did not result from irradiation with the
electron beam with the reduced diameter.
[0436] FIGS. 59A and 59B are enlarged images of portions in the
cross-sectional TEM image of FIG. 54A. FIG. 59A is a
cross-sectional TEM image of the vicinity of Point 1 (the surface
of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film) in FIG. 54A, which
was observed at a magnification of 8,000,000-fold. FIG. 59B is a
cross-sectional TEM image of the vicinity of Point 2 (the central
portion of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film in the
thickness direction) in FIG. 54A, which was observed at a
magnification of 8,000,000-fold.
[0437] According to each of the TEM images of FIGS. 59A and 59B, a
crystalline structure cannot be clearly observed in the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film.
[0438] The samples in each of which the nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film of this embodiment was formed over the quartz
glass substrate, which were used for FIGS. 54A to 54D and FIGS. 55A
and 55B, were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). FIG. 60 shows an
XRD spectrum of the samples measured by an out-of-plane method.
[0439] In FIG. 60, the vertical axis represents the X-ray
diffraction intensity (arbitrary unit) and the horizontal axis
represents the diffraction angle 2.theta. (degree). Note that the
XRD spectrum was measured with an X-ray diffractometer, D8 ADVANCE
manufactured by Bruker AXS.
[0440] As shown in FIG. 60, a peak corresponding to quartz is
observed at around 2.theta.=20.degree. to 23.degree.; however, a
peak corresponding to the crystal part included in the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film cannot be observed.
[0441] The results in FIGS. 59A and 59B and FIG. 60 also indicate
that the crystal part included in the nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film is minute.
[0442] As described above, in the case of the nanocrystalline oxide
semiconductor film of this embodiment, a peak indicating an
orientation was not observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis
the measurement area of which is wide and the electron diffraction
pattern obtained by selected-area electron diffraction the
measurement area of which is wide is a halo pattern. This indicates
that the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film of this
embodiment is macroscopically equivalent to a film having
disordered atomic arrangement. However, spots (bright points) can
be observed in the nanobeam electron diffraction pattern of the
nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film which was obtained by
nanobeam electron diffraction in which the diameter of an electron
beam is sufficiently small (e.g., 10 nm.phi. or less). Thus, it can
be assumed that the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor film of
this embodiment is a film in which minute crystal parts having
random surface orientations (e.g., crystal parts each with a
diameter of 10 nm or less, 5 nm or less, or 3 nm or less) cohere. A
nanocrystal region including the minute crystal parts is included
in the entire region of the nanocrystalline oxide semiconductor
film in the thickness direction.
[0443] Note that the deposition surface 603 is preferably an
insulating surface. When the deposition surface 603 is an
insulating surface, the sputtered particles 602 which are deposited
on the deposition surface 603 are unlikely to loose positive
charges. However, in the case where the deposition rate of the
sputtered particles 602 is lower than the rate at which a positive
charge is lost, the deposition surface 603 may have conductivity.
The deposition surface 603 is preferably an amorphous surface or an
amorphous insulating surface.
[0444] With the use of a sputtering target in the way described
above, an oxide film having a uniform thickness and a uniform
crystal orientation can be formed.
[0445] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 8
[0446] In this embodiment, a sputtering target of one embodiment of
the present invention is described.
[0447] The relative density of the sputtering target is higher than
or equal to 90%, higher than or equal to 95%, or higher than or
equal to 99%.
[0448] The sputtering target includes a polycrystalline oxide
containing a plurality of crystal grains whose average grain size
is less than or equal to 3 .mu.m, preferably less than or equal to
2.5 .mu.m, further preferably less than or equal to 2 .mu.m.
[0449] Alternatively, the sputtering target includes a
polycrystalline oxide containing a plurality of crystal grains, in
which the proportion of crystal grains whose grain size is greater
than or equal to 0.4 .mu.m and less than or equal to 1 .mu.m is
higher than or equal to 8%, preferably higher than or equal to 15%,
further preferably higher than or equal to 25%.
[0450] Note that the grain size of the crystal grain can be
measured by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The grain size
of the crystal grain described here is calculated from a
cross-sectional area of one crystal grain measured from a crystal
grain map obtained by EBSD, assuming that the cross section of the
crystal grain is a perfect circle. Specifically, when the
cross-sectional area of the crystal grain is denoted by S and the
radius of the cross section of the crystal grain is denoted by r,
the radius r is calculated from a relation, S=.pi.r.sup.2 to obtain
the grain size which can be represented by 2r (twice the radius
r).
[0451] Further, the plurality of crystal grains included in the
sputtering target have cleavage planes. The cleavage plane is a
plane parallel to an a-b plane, for example.
[0452] When the plurality of crystal grains have a small gain size,
a sputtered particle is separated from the cleavage plane by
collision of an ion with the sputtering target. The separated
sputtered particle has a flat-plate-like shape with upper and lower
surfaces parallel to the cleavage plane. Further, owing to small
grain sizes of the plurality of crystal grains, distortion in
crystal is caused and a sputtered particle becomes easily separated
from the cleavage plane.
[0453] Note that when the plurality of crystal grains included in
the sputtering target are hexagonal crystals, flat-plate-like
sputtered particles each have the shape of a hexagonal cylinder
whose top and bottom surfaces are approximately equilateral
hexagons each having interior angles of 120.degree..
[0454] Although sputtered particles are ideally single crystals,
part of the sputtered particles may be changed into an amorphous
state due to the impact of ion collision.
[0455] As such a polycrystalline oxide included in the sputtering
target, an oxide containing In, M (M is Ga, Sn, Hf, Al, La, Ce, Pr,
Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or Lu), and Zn is used. The
oxide containing In, M, and Zn is also referred to as In-M-Zn
oxide.
[0456] Moreover, the atomic ratio of In to M and Zn contained in
the In-M-Zn oxide is preferably close to the stoichiometric
composition. When the atomic ratio of In, M, and Zn contained in
the In-M-Zn oxide becomes close to the stoichiometric composition
ratio, the crystallinity of the In-M-Zn oxide can be increased.
[0457] In the In-M-Zn oxide, a cleavage plane is, in many cases, a
plane parallel to an a-b plane in which M and Zn are mixed.
[0458] A method for forming the above sputtering target is
described with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B.
[0459] FIG. 21A shows formation of an oxide powder containing a
plurality of metal elements to be a sputtering target. First, the
oxide powder is weighed in Step S101.
[0460] Here, description is given on the case where an oxide powder
containing In, M, and Zn (also referred to as an In-M-Zn oxide
powder) is obtained as the oxide powder containing a plurality of
metal elements. Specifically, an InO.sub.X oxide powder, an
MO.sub.Y oxide powder, and a ZnO.sub.Z oxide powder are prepared as
a raw material. Note that X, Y, and Z are each a given positive
number; for example, X, Y, and Z are 1.5, 1.5, and 1, respectively.
It is needless to say that the above oxide powders are an example,
and oxide powders can be selected as appropriate in order to obtain
a desired composition. Note that M refers to Ga, Sn, Hf, Al, La,
Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, or Lu. Although the
case where three kinds of oxide powders are used is shown as an
example in this embodiment, one embodiment of the present invention
is not limited thereto. For example, this embodiment may be applied
to the case where four or more kinds of oxide powders are used or
the case where one or two kinds of oxide powders are used.
[0461] Next, the InO.sub.X oxide powder, the MO.sub.Y oxide powder,
and the ZnO.sub.Z oxide powder are mixed in a predetermined molar
ratio.
[0462] For example, the predetermined molar ratio of the InO.sub.X
oxide powder, the MO.sub.Y oxide powder, and the ZnO.sub.Z oxide
powder is 2:2:1, 8:4:3, 3:1:1, 1:1:1, 4:2:3, 1:1:2, 3:1:4, 1:3:2,
1:3:4, 1:3:6, 1:3:8, 1:3:10, 1:3:12, 1:6:4, 1:6:6, 1:6:8, 1:6:10,
1:6:12, 1:6:14, 1:6:16, 1:6:20, or 3:1:2. With such a molar ratio,
a sputtering target including a polycrystalline oxide with high
crystallinity can be obtained easily later.
[0463] Next, in Step S102, an In-M-Zn oxide is obtained by
performing first baking on the InO.sub.X oxide powder, the MO.sub.Y
oxide powder, and the ZnO.sub.Z oxide powder which are mixed in a
predetermined molar ratio.
[0464] Note that the first baking is performed in an inert
atmosphere, an oxidation atmosphere, or a reduced-pressure
atmosphere at a temperature higher than or equal to 400.degree. C.
and lower than or equal to 1700.degree. C., preferably higher than
or equal to 900.degree. C. and lower than or equal to 1500.degree.
C. The first baking is performed for longer than or equal to 3
minutes and shorter than or equal to 24 hours, preferably longer
than or equal to 30 minutes and shorter than or equal to 17 hours,
more preferably longer than or equal to 30 minutes and shorter than
or equal to 5 hours, for example. When the first baking is
performed under the above conditions, secondary reactions other
than the main reaction can be suppressed, and the concentration of
impurities in the In-M-Zn oxide powder can be reduced. Accordingly,
the crystallinity of the In-M-Zn oxide powder can be increased.
[0465] The first baking may be performed plural times at different
temperatures and/or in different atmospheres. For example, the
In-M-Zn oxide powder may be first held at a first temperature in a
first atmosphere and then at a second temperature in a second
atmosphere. Specifically, it is preferable that the first
atmosphere be an inert atmosphere or a reduced-pressure atmosphere
and the second atmosphere be an oxidation atmosphere. This is
because oxygen vacancy is generated in the In-M-Zn oxide when
impurities contained in the In-M-Zn oxide powder are reduced in the
first atmosphere. Therefore, it is preferable that oxygen vacancy
in the obtained In-M-Zn oxide be reduced in the second atmosphere.
The concentration of impurities contained in the In-M-Zn oxide is
decreased and oxygen vacancy is reduced, whereby the crystallinity
of the In-M-Zn oxide powder can be increased.
[0466] Next, the In-M-Zn oxide powder is obtained by grinding the
In-M-Zn oxide in Step S103.
[0467] The In-M-Zn oxide has many surface structures of planes
parallel to the a-b plane. Therefore, the obtained In-M-Zn oxide
powder includes many flat plate-like crystal grains whose top and
bottom surfaces are parallel to the a-b plane. Moreover, the
crystal of the In-M-Zn oxide is in many cases a hexagonal crystal;
therefore, in many cases, the above flat plate-like crystal grains
each have the shape of a hexagonal cylinder whose top and bottom
surfaces are approximately equilateral hexagons each having
internal angles of 120.degree..
[0468] Next, the grain size of the obtained In-M-Zn oxide powder is
checked in Step S104. Here, the average grain size of the In-M-Zn
oxide powder is checked to be less than or equal to 3 .mu.m,
preferably less than or equal to 2.5 .mu.m, further preferably less
than or equal to 2 .mu.m. Note that Step S104 may be skipped and
only the In-M-Zn oxide powder whose grain size is less than or
equal to 3 .mu.m, preferably less than or equal to 2.5 .mu.m,
further preferably less than or equal to 2 .mu.m may be sifted
using a grain size filter. The average grain size of the In-M-Zn
oxide powder can be certainly less than or equal to 3 .mu.m,
preferably less than or equal to 2.5 .mu.m, further preferably less
than or equal to 2 .mu.m by sifting the In-M-Zn oxide powder to
have the grain size which is less than or equal to 3 .mu.m,
preferably less than or equal to 2.5 .mu.m, further preferably less
than or equal to 2 .mu.m.
[0469] In the case where the average grain size of the In-M-Zn
oxide powder exceeds a predetermined size in Step S104, the
procedure returns to Step S103 and the In-M-Zn oxide powder is
ground again.
[0470] In the above manner, the In-M-Zn oxide powder whose average
grain size is less than or equal to 3 .mu.m, preferably less than
or equal to 2.5 .mu.m, further preferably less than or equal to 2
.mu.m can be obtained. Note that the average grain size of the
obtained In-M-Zn oxide powder is less than or equal to 3 .mu.m,
preferably less than or equal to 2.5 .mu.m, further preferably less
than or equal to 2 .mu.m, which enables the grain size of a crystal
grain included in a sputtering target that is to be formed later to
be reduced.
[0471] Next, FIG. 21B shows a method for manufacturing a sputtering
target using the In-M-Zn oxide powder obtained as shown in the flow
chart in FIG. 21A.
[0472] In Step S111, the In-M-Zn oxide powder is molded. Here,
molding refers to spreading powder or the like over a mold to
obtain a uniform thickness. Specifically, the In-M-Zn oxide powder
is introduced to the mold, and then vibration is externally applied
so that the In-M-Zn oxide powder is molded. Alternatively, the
In-M-Zn oxide powder is introduced to the mold, and then molding is
performed using a roller or the like so as to obtain a uniform
thickness. Note that in Step S111, slurry in which the In-M-Zn
oxide powder is mixed with water, a dispersant, and a binder may be
molded. In that case, the slurry is poured into the mold and then
molded by sucking the slurry from the bottom of the mold. After
that, drying treatment is performed on a molded body after the
slurry is sucked. The drying treatment is preferably natural drying
because the molded body is less likely to be cracked. After that,
the molded body is subjected to heat treatment at a temperature
higher than or equal to 300.degree. C. and lower than or equal to
700.degree. C., so that residual moisture or the like which cannot
be taken out by natural drying is removed.
[0473] When the In-M-Zn oxide powder including many flat plate-like
crystal grains whose top and bottom surfaces are parallel to the
a-b plane is molded, the crystal grains are arranged with the
planes which are parallel to the a-b plane thereof facing upward.
Therefore, the proportion of the surface structures of planes
parallel to the a-b plane can be increased in such a manner that
the obtained In-M-Zn oxide powder is molded. Note that the mold may
be formed of a metal or an oxide and the upper shape thereof is
rectangular or rounded.
[0474] Next, first pressure treatment is performed on the In-M-Zn
oxide powder in Step S112. After that, in Step S113, second baking
is performed to obtain a plate-like In-M-Zn oxide. The second
baking is performed under conditions similar to those of the first
baking. The crystallinity of the In-M-Zn oxide can be increased by
performing the second baking.
[0475] Note that the first pressure treatment may be performed in
any manner as long as the In-M-Zn oxide powder can be pressed. For
example, a weight which is formed of the same kind of material as
the mold can be used. Alternatively, the In-M-Zn oxide powder may
be pressed under high pressure using compressed air. Besides, the
first pressure treatment can be performed using a variety of
techniques. Note that the first pressure treatment may be performed
at the same time as the second baking.
[0476] Planarization treatment may be performed after the first
pressure treatment. As the planarization treatment, chemical
mechanical polishing (CMP) treatment or the like can be
employed.
[0477] The plate-like In-M-Zn oxide thus obtained becomes a
polycrystalline oxide with high crystallinity.
[0478] Next, the thickness of the obtained plate-like In-M-Zn oxide
is checked in Step S114. When the thickness of the plate-like
In-M-Zn oxide is less than a desired thickness, the procedure
returns to Step S111 and the In-M-Zn oxide powder is made to spread
over the plate-like In-M-Zn oxide and molded. When the plate-like
In-M-Zn oxide has a desired thickness, the plate-like In-M-Zn oxide
is used as a sputtering target. The case where the thickness of the
plate-like In-M-Zn oxide is less than a desired thickness is
described below.
[0479] Then, in Step S112, second pressure treatment is performed
on the plate-like In-M-Zn oxide and the In-M-Zn oxide powder over
the plate-like In-M-Zn oxide. After that, in Step S113, third
baking is performed, whereby a plate-like In-M-Zn oxide whose
thickness is increased by the thickness of the In-M-Zn oxide powder
is obtained. A plate-like In-M-Zn oxide with an increased thickness
is obtained through crystal growth with the use of the plate-like
In-M-Zn oxide as a seed crystal; therefore, the plate-like In-M-Zn
oxide is a polycrystalline oxide with high crystallinity.
[0480] Note that the third baking may be performed under conditions
similar to those of the second baking. The second pressure
treatment may be performed under conditions similar to those of the
first pressure treatment. The second pressure treatment may be
performed at the same time as the third baking.
[0481] The thickness of the obtained plate-like In-M-Zn oxide is
checked again in Step S114.
[0482] Through the above steps, the thickness of the plate-like
In-M-Zn oxide can be gradually increased while the crystal
alignment is improved.
[0483] By repeating these steps of increasing the thickness of the
plate-like In-M-Zn oxide n (n is a natural number) times, the
plate-like In-M-Zn oxide having a desired thickness (t), for
example, greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 20
mm, preferably greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal
to 20 mm can be obtained. The plate-like In-M-Zn oxide is used as a
sputtering target.
[0484] After that, planarization treatment may be performed.
[0485] Note that fourth baking may be performed on the obtained
sputtering target. The fourth baking is performed under conditions
similar to those of the first baking. A sputtering target including
a polycrystalline oxide with much higher crystallinity can be
obtained by performing the fourth baking.
[0486] In the above manner, the sputtering target which includes a
polycrystalline oxide containing a plurality of crystal grains
having cleavage planes parallel to the a-b plane and a small
average grain size can be formed.
[0487] Note that the sputtering target formed in such a manner can
have high density. When the density of the sputtering target is
increased, the density of a film to be deposited can also be
increased. Specifically, the relative density of the sputtering
target can be set higher than or equal to 90%, preferably higher
than or equal to 95%, further preferably higher than or equal to
99%.
[0488] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 9
[0489] In this embodiment, observation results of electron
diffraction patterns of a CAAC-OS film which can be used for one
embodiment of the present invention are described.
[0490] The CAAC-OS film used in this embodiment is an
In--Ga--Zn-based oxide film which is formed by a sputtering method
using a sputtering gas containing oxygen and a target of an
In--Ga--Zn oxide (having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1). The
above embodiment can be referred to for detailed description of a
manufacturing method and the like of the CAAC-OS film.
[0491] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) image of the CAAC-OS film. FIGS. 46A to 46D show
electron diffraction patterns which were obtained by measurement of
Points 1 to 4 in FIG. 45 using electron diffraction.
[0492] The cross-sectional TEM image shown in FIG. 45 was taken
with a transmission electron microscope ("H-9000NAR" manufactured
by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) at an acceleration
voltage of 300 kV and a magnification of 2,000,000-fold. The
electron diffraction patterns shown in FIGS. 46A to 46D were
obtained with a transmission electron microscope ("HF-2000"
manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) at an
acceleration voltage of 200 kV and beam diameters of about 1
nm.phi. and about 50 nm.phi.. Note that electron diffraction with a
beam diameter of 10 nm.phi. is particularly referred to as nanobeam
electron diffraction in some cases. Further, a measurement area of
the electron diffraction with a beam diameter of about 1 nm.phi. is
greater than or equal to 5 nm.phi. and less than or equal to 10
nm.phi..
[0493] Electron diffraction patterns of Point 1 (the surface side
of the film), Point 2 (the center of the film), and Point 3 (the
base side of the film) shown in FIG. 45 correspond to FIGS. 46A,
46B, and 46C, respectively and are obtained with an electron-beam
diameter of about 1 nm.phi.. An electron diffraction pattern in
Point 4 (the whole film) shown in FIG. 45 corresponds to FIG. 46D
and is obtained with an electron-beam diameter of about 50
nm.phi..
[0494] A pattern formed by spots (bright points) is observed in
each of the electron diffraction patterns of Point 1 (on the
surface side of the film) and Point 2 (the center of the film), and
a slightly broken pattern is observed in Point 3 (on the base side
of the film). This indicates that the crystal state varies in the
thickness direction in the CAAC-OS film. Note that a pattern formed
by spots (bright points) is observed in Point 4 (the whole film),
which indicates that the whole film is a CAAC-OS film or a film
including a CAAC-OS film.
[0495] FIG. 47 is an enlarged view of a portion in the vicinity of
Point 1 (on the surface side of the film) in FIG. 45. In FIG. 47, a
clear lattice image which shows alignment of the CAAC-OS film
extends to the interface with an SiON film that is an interlayer
insulating film.
[0496] FIGS. 48A and 48B are a cross-sectional TEM photograph and
an X-ray diffraction spectrum of a CAAC-OS film different from the
CAAC-OS film used for the cross-sectional TEM image in FIG. 45. A
CAAC-OS film may have a variety of forms, and Peak A which
indicates a crystal component appears around 2.theta.=31.degree. as
shown in FIG. 48B, but the peak does not appear clearly in some
cases.
[0497] FIGS. 49A to 49D show results of electron diffraction in
regions in the CAAC-OS film with electron-beam diameters of 1
nm.phi., 20 nm.phi., 50 nm.phi., and 70 nm.phi.. The regions are
indicated by concentric circles in FIG. 48A. In the case of an
electron-beam diameter of 1 nm.phi., a pattern formed by clear
spots (bright points) can be observed as in FIGS. 46A and 46B. As
the electron-beam diameter is increased, the spots (bright points)
become unclear but a diffraction pattern can be observed;
therefore, it can be said that the whole film is a CAAC-OS film or
a film including a CAAC-OS film.
[0498] FIGS. 50A and 50B are a cross-sectional TEM image and an
X-ray diffraction spectrum of the CAAC-OS film used for the
cross-sectional TEM observation in FIG. 48A, which are obtained
after annealing at 450.degree. C.
[0499] FIGS. 51A to 51D show results of electron diffraction in
regions in the CAAC-OS film with electron-beam diameters of 1
nm.phi., 20 nm.phi., 50 nm.phi., and 70 nm.phi.. The regions are
indicated by concentric circles in FIG. 50A. In the case of an
electron-beam diameter of 1 nm.phi., a pattern formed by clear
spots (bright points) can be observed as in the results shown in
FIGS. 49A to 49D. As the electron-beam diameter is increased, the
spots (bright points) become unclear but a diffraction pattern can
be observed; therefore, it can be said that the whole film is a
CAAC-OS film or a film including a CAAC-OS film.
[0500] FIGS. 52A and 52B are a cross-sectional TEM image and an
X-ray diffraction spectrum of a CAAC-OS film different from the
CAAC-OS film used for the cross-sectional TEM image of FIG. 45 and
the cross-sectional TEM observation of FIG. 48A. The CAAC-OS film
has a variety of forms, and as shown in FIG. 52B, as well as Peak A
indicating a crystal component around 2.theta.=31.degree., Peak B
which is derived from a spinel crystal structure appears in some
cases.
[0501] FIGS. 53A to 53D show results of electron diffraction in
regions in the CAAC-OS film with electron-beam diameters of 1
nm.phi., 20 nm.phi., 50 nm.phi., and 90 nm.phi.. The regions are
indicated by concentric circles in FIG. 52A. In the case of an
electron-beam diameter of 1 nm.phi., a pattern formed by clear
spots (bright points) can be observed. As the electron-beam
diameter is increased, the spots (bright points) become unclear but
a diffraction pattern can be observed. Further, in the case of a
beam diameter of 90 nm.phi., clearer spots (bright points) can be
observed. Accordingly, the whole film is a CAAC-OS film or a film
including a CAAC-OS film.
[0502] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 10
[0503] In this embodiment, an example of a semiconductor device
(display device) including the transistor described in the above
embodiment is described.
<Structure of Semiconductor Device>
[0504] FIG. 26A illustrates an example of a semiconductor device.
The semiconductor device in FIG. 26A includes a pixel portion 1100,
a scan line driver circuit 1104, a signal line driver circuit 1106,
m scan lines 1107 which are arranged in parallel or substantially
in parallel and whose potentials are controlled by the scan line
driver circuit 1104, and n signal lines 1109 which are arranged in
parallel or substantially in parallel and whose potentials are
controlled by the signal line driver circuit 1106. Further, the
pixel portion 1100 includes a plurality of pixels 1101 arranged in
a matrix. Furthermore, capacitor lines 1115 arranged in parallel or
substantially in parallel are provided along the scan lines 1107.
Note that the capacitor lines 1115 may be arranged in parallel or
substantially in parallel along the signal lines 1109.
[0505] Each scan line 1107 is electrically connected to the n
pixels 1101 in the corresponding row among the pixels 1101 arranged
in m rows and n columns in the pixel portion 1100. Each signal line
1109 is electrically connected to the m pixels 1101 in the
corresponding column among the pixels 1101 arranged in m rows and n
columns Note that m and n are each an integer of 1 or more. Each
capacitor line 1115 is electrically connected to the n pixels 1101
in the corresponding row among the pixels 1101 arranged in m rows
and n columns. Note that in the case where the capacitor lines 1115
are arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel along the
signal lines 1109, each capacitor line 1115 is electrically
connected to the m pixels 1101 in the corresponding column among
the pixels 1101 arranged in m rows and n columns.
[0506] FIG. 26B is an example of a circuit diagram of the pixel
1101 included in the semiconductor device illustrated in FIG. 26A.
The pixel 1101 in FIG. 26B includes a transistor 1103 which is
electrically connected to the scan line 1107 and the signal line
1109, a capacitor 1105 one electrode of which is electrically
connected to a drain electrode of the transistor 1103 and the other
electrode of which is electrically connected to the capacitor line
1115 which supplies a constant potential, and a liquid crystal
element 1108. A pixel electrode of the liquid crystal element 1108
is electrically connected to the drain electrode of the transistor
1103 and the one electrode of the capacitor 1105, and an electrode
(counter electrode) facing the pixel electrode is electrically
connected to a wiring which supplies a counter potential.
[0507] The liquid crystal element 1108 is an element which controls
transmission of light by an optical modulation action of liquid
crystal which is sandwiched between a substrate provided with the
transistor 1103 and the pixel electrode and a substrate provided
with the counter electrode. The optical modulation action of liquid
crystal is controlled by an electric field applied to the liquid
crystal (including a vertical electric field and a diagonal
electric field). Note that in the case where a counter electrode
(also referred to as a common electrode) is provided over a
substrate where a pixel electrode is provided, an electric field
applied to liquid crystal is a transverse electric field.
[0508] Next, a specific example of the pixel 1101 of the liquid
crystal display device is described. FIG. 27 is a top view of the
pixel 1101. Note that in FIG. 27, the counter electrode and the
liquid crystal element are omitted.
[0509] In FIG. 27, the scan line 1107 is provided so as to extend
in the direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to
the signal line 1109 (in the horizontal direction in the drawing).
The signal line 1109 is provided so as to extend in the direction
perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the scan line 1107
(in the vertical direction in the drawing). The capacitor line 1115
is provided so as to extend in the direction parallel to the scan
line 1107. Note that the scan line 1107 and the capacitor line 1115
are electrically connected to the scan line driver circuit 1104
(see FIG. 26A), and the signal line 1109 is electrically connected
to the signal line driver circuit 1106 (see FIG. 26A).
[0510] The transistor 1103 is provided in a region where the scan
line 1107 and the signal line 1109 cross each other. The transistor
1103 includes at least a semiconductor film 1111 including a
channel formation region, a gate electrode, a gate insulating film
(not illustrated in FIG. 27), a source electrode, and a drain
electrode. A portion of the scan line 1107 which overlaps with the
semiconductor film 1111 functions as the gate electrode of the
transistor 1103. A portion of the signal line 1109 which overlaps
with the semiconductor film 1111 functions as the source electrode
of the transistor 1103. A portion of a conductive film 1113 which
overlaps with the semiconductor film 1111 functions as the drain
electrode of the transistor 1103. Thus, the gate electrode, the
source electrode, and the drain electrode may be referred to as the
scan line 1107, the signal line 1109, and the conductive film 1113,
respectively. Further, in FIG. 27, an edge of the scan line 1107 is
on the outer side of an edge of the semiconductor film when seen
from above. Thus, the scan line 1107 functions as a light-blocking
film for blocking light from a light source such as a backlight.
For this reason, the semiconductor film 1111 included in the
transistor is not irradiated with light, so that variations in the
electrical characteristics of the transistor can be suppressed.
[0511] The conductive film 1113 is electrically connected to a
pixel electrode 1121b formed using a light-transmitting conductive
film, through an opening 1117. In FIG. 27, the hatch pattern of the
pixel electrode 1121b is not shown.
[0512] The capacitor 1105 is provided in a region which is in the
pixel 1101 and surrounded by capacitor lines 1115 and signal lines
1109. The capacitor 1105 is electrically connected to the capacitor
line 1115 through an electrode 1121a and a conductive film 1125
provided in and over an opening 1123a and an opening 1123b.
[0513] The capacitor 1105 includes light-transmitting a conductive
film 1120 formed of a light-transmitting oxide semiconductor film
with increased conductivity, the light-transmitting pixel electrode
1121b, and a light-transmitting insulating film (not illustrated in
FIG. 27) which serves as a dielectric film and is included in the
transistor 1103. In other words, the capacitor 1105 transmits
light.
[0514] Thanks to the light-transmitting property of the conductive
film 1120, the capacitor 1105 can be formed large (covers a large
area) in the pixel 1101. Thus, a semiconductor device having
increased charge capacity while improving the aperture ratio, to
typically 55% or more, preferably 60% or more can be obtained. For
example, in a semiconductor device with a high resolution such as a
liquid crystal display device, the area of a pixel is small and
thus the area of a capacitor is also small. For this reason, the
charge capacity of the capacitor is small in a semiconductor device
with a high resolution. However, since the capacitor 105 of this
embodiment transmits light, when it is provided in a pixel, enough
charge capacity can be obtained in the pixel and the aperture ratio
can be improved. Typically, the capacitor 105 can be favorably used
in a high-resolution semiconductor device with a pixel density of
200 ppi or more, or furthermore, 300 ppi or more. Further,
according to an embodiment of the present invention, the aperture
ratio can be improved even in a display device with a high
resolution, which makes it possible to use light from a light
source such as a backlight efficiently, so that power consumption
of the display device can be reduced.
[0515] Next, FIG. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a
transistor provided in the scan line driver circuit 1104 (see FIG.
26A) and cross-sectional views taken along dashed-dotted line
A1-A2, dashed-dotted line B1-B2, and dashed-dotted line C1-C2 in
FIG. 27. Here, a top view of the scan line driver circuit 1104 is
omitted, and a cross-sectional view of the scan line driver circuit
1104 corresponds to a cross section along D1-D2. The
cross-sectional view of the transistor provided in the scan line
driver circuit 1104 is illustrated here, and the transistor can be
provided in the signal line driver circuit 1106.
[0516] First, structures of the pixel 1101 taken along
dashed-dotted line A1-A2, dashed-dotted line B1-B2, and
dashed-dotted line C1-C2 are described. The scan line 1107
including a gate electrode of the transistor 1103 and the capacitor
line 1115 on the same surface as the scan line 1107 are provided
over a substrate 1102. A gate insulating film 1127 is provided over
the scan line 1107 and the capacitor line 1115. The semiconductor
film 1111 is provided over a portion of the gate insulating film
1127 which overlaps with the scan line 1107, and the conductive
film 1120 is provided over the gate insulating film 1127. The
signal line 1109 including a source electrode of the transistor
1103 and the conductive film 1113 including a drain electrode of
the transistor 1103 are provided over the semiconductor film 1111
and the gate insulating film 1127. The conductive film 1125 is
provided over the conductive film 1120. An insulating film 1129, an
insulating film 1131, and an insulating film 1133 functioning as
protective insulating films of the transistor 1103 are provided
over the gate insulating film 1127, the signal line 1109, the
semiconductor film 1111, the conductive films 1113 and 1125, and
the conductive film 1120. The opening 1123a reaching the capacitor
line 1115 is provided in the gate insulating film 1127, the
insulating films 1129, 1131, and 1133, the opening 1123b reaching
the conductive film 1125 is provided in the insulating films 1129,
1131, and 1133, and the electrode 1121a is provided in the opening
1123a and the opening 1123b and over the capacitor line 1115, the
conductive film 1125 and the insulating film 1133. Note that the
opening 1117 (see FIG. 27) reaching the conductive film 1113 is
formed in the insulating film 1129, the insulating film 1131, and
the insulating film 1133, and the pixel electrode 1121b is provided
in the opening 1117 and over an insulating film 1133.
[0517] In the capacitor 1105 described in this embodiment, the
conductive film 1120 formed in the same process as the
semiconductor film 1111 serves as one of a pair of electrodes, the
pixel electrode 1121b serves as the other of the pair of
electrodes, and the insulating films 1129, 1131, and 1133 serve as
a dielectric film provided between the pair of electrodes.
[0518] Next, the structure of the transistor provided in the scan
line driver circuit 1104 is described. A gate electrode 1627 of a
transistor 1623 is provided over the substrate 1102. The gate
insulating film 1127 is provided over the gate electrode 1627. A
semiconductor film 1628 is provided over a region of the gate
insulating film 1127 which overlaps with the gate electrode 1627. A
source electrode 1629 and a drain electrode 1639 of the transistor
1623 are provided over the semiconductor film 1628 and the gate
insulating film 1127. Further, the insulating films 1129, 1131, and
1133 serving as protective insulating films of the transistor 1623
are provided over the gate insulating film 1127, the source
electrode 1629, the semiconductor film 1628, and the drain
electrode 1639. A conductive film 1641 is provided over the
insulating film 1133.
[0519] Note that a base insulating film may be provided between the
substrate 1102, and the scan line 1107, the capacitor line 1115,
the gate electrode 1627, and the gate insulating film 1127.
[0520] In the transistor 1623, the conductive film 1641 overlapping
with the gate electrode 1627 with the semiconductor film 1628
provided therebetween is provided, whereby variations in gate
voltage at which an on-current rises at different drain voltages
can be reduced. Further, a current flowing between the source
electrode 1629 and the drain electrode 1639 at a surface of the
semiconductor film 1628 facing the conductive film 1641 can be
controlled and thus variations in electrical characteristics
between different transistors can be reduced. Further, when the
conductive film 1641 is provided, an influence of a change in
ambient electric field on the semiconductor film 1628 can be
reduced, leading to an improvement in reliability of the
transistor. Further, when the potential of the conductive film 1641
is the same or substantially the same as the minimum potential
(Vss; for example, the potential of the source electrode 1629 in
the case where the potential of the source electrode 1629 is a
reference potential), variations in threshold voltage of the
transistor can be reduced and the reliability of the transistor can
be improved.
[0521] The insulating films 1129 and 1131 can be formed to have a
single-layer structure or a layered structure using, for example,
any of oxide insulating materials such as silicon oxide, silicon
oxynitride, aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, gallium oxide, and a
Ga--Zn-based metal oxide.
[0522] The insulating film 1129 can have a thickness of greater
than or equal to 5 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm, preferably
greater than or equal to 5 nm and less than or equal to 50 nm, more
preferably greater than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to
30 nm. The insulating film 1131 can have a thickness of greater
than or equal to 30 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm, preferably
greater than or equal to 150 nm and less than or equal to 400
nm.
[0523] Further, the insulating film 1133 can be formed using a
nitride insulating material such as silicon nitride oxide, silicon
nitride, aluminum nitride, aluminum nitride oxide, and the like to
have a single-layer structure or a stacked structure.
[0524] As the insulating film 1133, a nitride insulating film where
the hydrogen content is low may be provided. The nitride insulating
film is as follows, for example: the number of hydrogen released
from the nitride insulating film is less than 5.0.times.10.sup.21
atoms/cm.sup.3, preferably less than 3.0.times.10.sup.21
atoms/cm.sup.3, more preferably less than 1.0.times.10.sup.21
atoms/cm.sup.3 when measured by TDS spectroscopy.
[0525] The insulating film 1133 has a thickness large enough to
prevent entry of impurities such as hydrogen and water from the
outside. For example, the thickness can become greater than or
equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 200 nm, preferably greater
than or equal to 50 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm, and
further preferably greater than or equal to 50 nm and less than or
equal to 100 nm.
[0526] Next, connection of the components included in the pixel
1101 described in this embodiment is described with reference to
the circuit diagram in FIG. 26C and the cross-sectional view in
FIG. 28.
[0527] FIG. 26C is an example of a detailed circuit diagram of the
pixel 1101 included in the semiconductor device illustrated in FIG.
26A. As illustrated in FIG. 26C and FIG. 28, the transistor 1103
includes the scan line 1107 including the gate electrode, the
signal line 1109 including the source electrode, and the conductive
film 1113 including the drain electrode.
[0528] The conductive film 1120 which is electrically connected to
the capacitor line 1115 through the electrode 1121a and the
conductive film 1125 serves as one electrode of the capacitor 1105.
Further, the pixel electrode 1121b which is electrically connected
to the conductive film 1113 including the drain electrode serves as
the other electrode of the capacitor 1105. The insulating films
1129, 1131, and 1133 provided between the conductive film 1120 and
the pixel electrode 1121b serve as a dielectric film.
[0529] The liquid crystal element 1108 includes the pixel electrode
1121b, the counter electrode 1154, and the liquid crystal layer
provided between the pixel electrode 1121b and the counter
electrode 1154.
[0530] The conductive film 1120 in the capacitor 1105, which has
the same structure as the semiconductor film 1111, is doped with a
dopant to function as the electrode of the capacitor 1105. This is
because the pixel electrode 1121b can function as a gate electrode,
the insulating films 1129, 1131, and 1133 can function as gate
insulating films, and the capacitor line 1115 can function as a
source electrode or a drain electrode, so that the capacitor 1105
can be operated in a manner similar to that of a transistor and the
conductive film 1120 can be made to be in a conductive state. In
other words, the capacitor 1105 can be a metal oxide semiconductor
(MOS) capacitor. A MOS capacitor is charged when a voltage higher
than the threshold voltage (Vth) is applied to one electrode of the
MOS capacitor (the pixel electrode 1121b of the capacitor 1105).
Further, the conductive film 1120 can be made to be in a conductive
state so that the conductive film 1120 can function as one
electrode of the capacitor by controlling a potential to be
supplied to the capacitor line 1115. In this case, the potential to
be supplied to the capacitor line 1115 is set as follows. The
potential of the pixel electrode 1121b is changed in the positive
direction and the negative direction relative to the center
potential of a video signal in order to operate the liquid crystal
element 1108 (see FIG. 26C). The potential of the capacitor line
1115 needs to be constantly lower than the potential to be supplied
to the pixel electrode 1121b by the threshold voltage (Vth) of the
capacitor 1105 (MOS capacitor) or more in order that the capacitor
1105 (MOS capacitor) be constantly in a conductive state. However,
in the capacitor 1105, the conductive film 1120 serving as one
electrode is n-type and has high conductivity, so that the
threshold voltage is shifted in the negative direction. The
potential of the conductive film 1120 (in other words, the
potential of the capacitor line 1115) can be raised in accordance
with the shift amount of the threshold voltage of the capacitor
1105 in the negative direction, from the lowest potential of the
pixel electrode 1121b. Therefore, in the case where the threshold
voltage of the capacitor 1105 is a larger negative value, the
potential of the capacitor line 1115 can be higher than the
potential of the pixel electrode 1121b. In such a manner, the
conductive film 1120 can be made to be constantly in a conductive
state; thus, the capacitor 1105 (MOS capacitor) can be made to be
in a conductive state.
[0531] When an oxide insulating film that oxygen permeates and
which has a low interface state density at the interfaces with the
semiconductor films 1111 and 1628 is used as the insulating film
1129 over the semiconductor films 1111 and 1628 and an oxide
insulating film which includes an oxygen excess region or an oxide
insulating film in which the oxygen content is higher than that in
the stoichiometric composition is used as the insulating film 1131,
oxygen can be easily supplied to the oxide semiconductor films that
are the semiconductor films 1111 and 1628, the release of oxygen
from the semiconductor films can be prevented, and the oxygen
contained in the insulating film 1131 can be transferred to the
oxide semiconductor films to fill oxygen vacancies in the oxide
semiconductor films. Thus, the transistor 1103 can be prevented
from being normally on and a potential to be supplied to the
capacitor line 1115 can be controlled so that the capacitor 1105
(MOS capacitor) can be constantly in a conductive state; thus, the
semiconductor device can have favorable electrical characteristics
and high reliability.
[0532] The use of a nitride insulating film as the insulating film
1133 over the insulating film 1131 can prevent entry of impurities
such as hydrogen and water into the semiconductor film 1111 and the
conductive film 1120 from the outside. Moreover, the use of a
nitride insulating film with a low hydrogen content as the
insulating film 1133 can minimize variations in electrical
characteristics of the transistor and the capacitor 1105 (MOS
capacitor).
[0533] Further, the capacitor 1105 can be formed large (in a large
area) in the pixel 1101. For this reason, the semiconductor device
can have charge capacity increased while improving the aperture
ratio. Accordingly, the semiconductor device can have excellent
display quality.
[0534] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Embodiment 11
[0535] In this embodiment, examples of an electronic appliances
which can use any of the transistors described in the above
embodiments are described.
[0536] The transistors described in the above embodiments can be
applied to a variety of electronic appliances (including game
machines) and electric appliances. Examples of the electronic
appliances and electric appliances include display devices of
televisions, monitors, and the like, lighting devices, desktop
personal computers and laptop personal computers, word processors,
image reproduction devices which reproduce still images or moving
images stored in recording media such as digital versatile discs
(DVDs), portable compact disc (CD) players, radio receivers, tape
recorders, headphone stereos, stereos, cordless phone handsets,
transceivers, mobile phones, car phones, portable game machines,
calculators, portable information terminals, electronic notebooks,
e-book readers, electronic dictionary, electronic translators,
audio input devices, still cameras, video cameras, electric
shavers, IC chips, high-frequency heating appliances such as
microwave ovens, electric rice cookers, electric washing machines,
electric vacuum cleaners, air-conditioning systems such as air
conditioners, dishwashers, dish dryers, clothes dryers, futon
dryers, electric refrigerators, electric freezers, electric
refrigerator-freezers, freezers for preserving DNA, radiation
counters, and medical equipment such as dialyzers. In addition, the
examples include alarm devices such as smoke detectors, gas alarm
devices, and security alarm devices. Further, the examples also
include industrial equipment such as guide lights, traffic lights,
belt conveyors, elevators, escalators, industrial robots, and power
storage systems. In addition, moving objects and the like driven by
oil engines and electric motors using power from non-aqueous
secondary batteries, for example, electric vehicles (EV), hybrid
electric vehicles (HEV) which include both an internal-combustion
engine and a motor, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV),
tracked vehicles in which caterpillar tracks are substituted for
wheels of these vehicles, motorized bicycles including
motor-assisted bicycles, motorcycles, electric wheelchairs, golf
carts, boats or ships, submarines, helicopters, aircrafts, rockets,
artificial satellites, space probes, planetary probes, spacecrafts,
and the like can be given. Specific examples of these electronic
appliances are illustrated in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIGS. 24A to 24C,
and FIGS. 25A to 25C.
[0537] First, as an example of the alarm device, a structure of a
fire alarm is described. A fire alarm in this specification refers
to any device which raises an alarm over fire occurrence instantly,
and for example, a residential fire alarm, an automatic fire alarm
system, and a fire detector used for the automatic fire alarm
system are included in its category.
[0538] An alarm device illustrated in FIG. 22 includes at least a
microcomputer 700. Here, the microcomputer 700 is provided in the
alarm device. The microcomputer 700 includes a power gate
controller 703 electrically connected to a high potential power
supply line VDD, a power gate 704 electrically connected to the
high potential power supply line VDD and the power gate controller
703, a CPU (central processing unit) 705 electrically connected to
the power gate 704, and a sensor portion 709 electrically connected
to the power gate 704 and the CPU 705. Further, the CPU 705
includes a volatile memory portion 706 and a nonvolatile memory
portion 707.
[0539] The CPU 705 is electrically connected to a bus line 702
through an interface 708. The interface 708 as well as the CPU 705
is electrically connected to the power gate 704. As a bus standard
of the interface 708, an I.sup.2C bus can be used, for example. A
light-emitting element 730 electrically connected to the power gate
704 through the interface 708 is provided in the alarm device
described in this embodiment.
[0540] The light-emitting element 730 is preferably an element
which emits light with high directivity, and for example, an
organic EL element, an inorganic EL element, or a light-emitting
diode (LED) can be used.
[0541] The power gate controller 703 includes a timer and controls
the power gate 704 with the use of the timer. The power gate 704
allows or stops supply of power from the high potential power
supply line VDD to the CPU 705, the sensor portion 709, and the
interface 708, in accordance with the control by the power gate
controller 703. Here, as an example of the power gate 704, a
switching element such as a transistor can be given.
[0542] With the use of the power gate controller 703 and the power
gate 704, power is supplied to the sensor portion 709, the CPU 705,
and the interface 708 in a period during which the amount of light
is measured, and supply of power to the sensor portion 709, the CPU
705, and the interface 708 can be stopped during an interval
between measurement periods. The alarm device operates in such a
manner, whereby a reduction in power consumption of the alarm
device can be achieved compared with that of the case where power
is continuously supplied to the above structures.
[0543] In the case where a transistor is used as the power gate
704, it is preferable to use a transistor which has an extremely
low off-state current and is used for the nonvolatile memory
portion 707, for example, a transistor including an oxide
semiconductor. With the use of such a transistor, a leakage current
can be reduced when supply of power is stopped by the power gate
704, so that a reduction in power consumption of the alarm device
can be achieved.
[0544] A direct-current power source 701 may be provided in the
alarm device described in this embodiment so that power is supplied
from the direct-current power source 701 to the high potential
power supply line VDD. An electrode of the direct-current power
source 701 on a high potential side is electrically connected to
the high potential power supply line VDD, and an electrode of the
direct-current power source 701 on a low potential side is
electrically connected to a low potential power supply line VSS.
The low potential power supply line VSS is electrically connected
to the microcomputer 700. Here, the high potential power supply
line VDD is supplied with a high potential H. The low potential
power supply line VSS is supplied with a low potential L, for
example, a ground potential (GND).
[0545] In the case where a battery is used as the direct-current
power source 701, for example, a battery case including an
electrode electrically connected to the high potential power supply
line VDD, an electrode electrically connected to the low potential
power supply line VSS, and a housing which can hold the battery is
provided in a housing. Note that the alarm device described in this
embodiment does not necessarily include the direct-current power
source 701 and may have, for example, a structure in which power is
supplied from an alternate-current power source provided outside
the alarm device through a wiring.
[0546] As the above battery, a secondary battery such as a lithium
ion secondary battery (also called a lithium ion storage battery or
a lithium ion battery) can be used. Further, a solar battery is
preferably provided so that the secondary battery can be
charged.
[0547] The sensor portion 709 measures a physical quantity relating
to an abnormal situation and transmits a measurement value to the
CPU 705. A physical quantity relating to an abnormal situation
depends on the usage of the alarm device, and in an alarm device
functioning as a fire alarm, a physical quantity relating to a fire
is measured. Accordingly, the sensor portion 709 measures the
amount of light as a physical quantity relating to a fire and
senses smoke.
[0548] The sensor portion 709 includes an optical sensor 711
electrically connected to the power gate 704, an amplifier 712
electrically connected to the power gate 704, and an AD converter
713 electrically connected to the power gate 704 and the CPU 705.
The optical sensor 711, the amplifier 712, and the AD converter 713
which are provided in the sensor portion 709, and the
light-emitting element 730 operate when the power gate 704 allows
supply of power to the sensor portion 709.
[0549] FIG. 23 illustrates part of the cross section of the alarm
device. In the alarm device, element isolation regions 803 are
formed in a p-type semiconductor substrate 801, and an n-channel
transistor 870 including a gate insulating film 807, a gate
electrode 809, n-type impurity regions 811a and 811b, an insulating
film 815, and an insulating film 817 is formed. Here, the n-channel
transistor 870 is formed using a semiconductor other than an oxide
semiconductor, such as single crystal silicon, so that the
n-channel transistor 870 can operate at sufficiently high speed.
Accordingly, a volatile memory portion of a CPU that can achieve
high-speed access can be formed.
[0550] In addition, contact plugs 819a and 819b are formed in
openings which are formed by partly etching the insulating films
815 and 817, and an insulating film 821 having groove portions is
formed over the insulating film 817 and the contact plugs 819a and
819b.
[0551] Wirings 823a and 823b are formed in the groove portions of
the insulating film 821, and an insulating film 820 formed by a
sputtering method, a CVD method, or the like is provided over the
insulating film 821 and the wirings 823a and 823b. An insulating
film 822 is formed over the insulating film.
[0552] An insulating film 825 formed by a sputtering method, a CVD
method, or the like is provided over the insulating film 822, and a
second transistor 880 and a photoelectric conversion element 890
are provided over the insulating film 825.
[0553] The second transistor 880 includes an oxide film 806a; an
oxide semiconductor film 806b; an oxide film 806c; a low-resistance
region 805a and a low-resistance region 805b which are in contact
with the oxide film 806a, the oxide semiconductor film 806b, and
the oxide film 806c; a source electrode 816a and a drain electrode
816b which are in contact with the low-resistance region 805a and
the low-resistance region 805b; a gate insulating film 812; a gate
electrode 804; and an oxide insulating film 818. Moreover, an
insulating film 845 covering the photoelectric conversion element
890 and the second transistor 880 is provided, and a wiring 849 in
contact with the drain electrode 816b is formed over the insulating
film 845. The wiring 849 functions as a node which electrically
connects the drain electrode of the second transistor 880 to the
gate electrode 809 of the n-channel transistor 870. Note that a
cross section C-D in the drawing shows a cross section in the depth
direction of the transistor 870 in the cross section A-B.
[0554] Here, any of the transistors described in the above
embodiments can be used as the second transistor 880, and the oxide
film 806a, the oxide semiconductor film 806b, and the oxide film
806c correspond to the oxide film 104a, the oxide semiconductor
film 104b, and the oxide film 104c described in Embodiment 1,
respectively. Moreover, the source electrode 816a and the drain
electrode 816b correspond to the source electrode 106a and the
drain electrode 106b described in Embodiment 1, respectively.
[0555] In the transistor 880, low-resistance regions are formed in
regions in the vicinity of the interfaces of the multilayer film in
contact with the source electrode and the drain electrode in a
self-aligned manner, and the channel formation region can be a
highly purified intrinsic region by adding oxygen to the multilayer
film using the source electrode and the drain electrode as masks.
By the addition of oxygen, the highly purified intrinsic region and
the low-resistance regions can be formed in a self-aligned manner.
The amount of oxygen vacancy in the channel formation region in the
multilayer film in the transistor can be reduced and the electrical
characteristics of the transistor are favorable; therefore, it is
possible to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device.
[0556] The optical sensor 711 includes the photoelectric conversion
element 890, a capacitor, a first transistor, the second transistor
880, a third transistor, and the n-channel transistor 870. As the
photoelectric conversion element 890, a photodiode can be used
here, for example.
[0557] One of terminals of the photoelectric conversion element 890
is electrically connected to the low potential power supply line
VSS, and the other of the terminals thereof is electrically
connected to one of the source electrode 816a and the drain
electrode 816b of the second transistor 880.
[0558] The gate electrode 804 of the second transistor 880 is
supplied with an electric charge accumulation control signal Tx,
and the other of the source electrode 816a and the drain electrode
816b of the second transistor 880 is electrically connected to one
of a pair of electrodes of the capacitor, one of a source electrode
and a drain electrode of the first transistor, and the gate
electrode of the n-channel transistor 870 (hereinafter the node is
referred to as a node FD in some cases).
[0559] The other of the pair of electrodes of the capacitor is
electrically connected to the low potential power supply line VSS.
A gate electrode of the first transistor is supplied with a reset
signal Res, and the other of the source electrode and the drain
electrode thereof is electrically connected to the high potential
power supply line VDD.
[0560] One of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the
n-channel transistor 870 is electrically connected to one of a
source electrode and a drain electrode of the third transistor and
the amplifier 712. The other of the source electrode and the drain
electrode of the n-channel transistor 870 is electrically connected
to the high potential power supply line VDD. A gate electrode of
the third transistor is supplied with a bias signal Bias, and the
other of the source electrode and the drain electrode thereof is
electrically connected to the low potential power supply line
VSS.
[0561] Note that the capacitor is not necessarily provided. For
example, in the case where parasitic capacitance of the n-channel
transistor 870 or the like is sufficiently large, a structure
without the capacitor may be employed.
[0562] Further, as each of the first transistor and the second
transistor 880, a transistor having an extremely low off-state
current is preferably used. As the transistor having an extremely
low off-state current, a transistor including an oxide
semiconductor is preferably used. With such a structure, the
potential of the node FD can be held for a long time.
[0563] In the structure in FIG. 23, the photoelectric conversion
element 890 is electrically connected to the second transistor 880
and is provided over the insulating film 825.
[0564] The photoelectric conversion element 890 includes a
semiconductor film 860 provided over the insulating film 825, and
the source electrode 816a and an electrode 816c which are in
contact with a top surface of the semiconductor film 860. The
source electrode 816a is an electrode functioning as the source
electrode or the drain electrode of the second transistor 880 and
electrically connects the photoelectric conversion element 890 to
the second transistor 880.
[0565] Over the semiconductor film 860, the source electrode 816a,
and the electrode 816c, the gate insulating film 812, the oxide
insulating film 818, and the insulating film 845 are provided.
Further, a wiring 856 is formed over the insulating film 845 and is
in contact with the electrode 816c through an opening provided in
the gate insulating film 812, the oxide insulating film 818, and
the insulating film 845.
[0566] The electrode 816c can be formed in steps similar to those
of the source electrode 816a and the drain electrode 816b, and the
wiring 856 can be formed in steps similar to those of the wiring
849.
[0567] As the semiconductor film 860, a semiconductor film which
can perform photoelectric conversion is provided, and for example,
silicon or germanium can be used. In the case of using silicon, the
semiconductor film 860 functions as an optical sensor which senses
visible light. Further, there is a difference, between silicon and
germanium, in wavelengths of electromagnetic waves that can be
absorbed. When the semiconductor film 860 includes germanium, a
sensor which mainly senses an infrared ray can be obtained.
[0568] In the above manner, the sensor portion 709 including the
optical sensor 711 can be incorporated into the microcomputer 700,
so that the number of components can be reduced and the size of the
housing of the alarm device can be reduced. Note that in the case
where the place of the optical sensor or the photoelectric
conversion element needs a high degree of freedom, the optical
sensor or the photoelectric conversion element may be externally
provided so as to be electrically connected to the microcomputer
700.
[0569] In the alarm device including the above-described IC chip,
the CPU 705 in which a plurality of circuits including any of the
transistors described in the above embodiments are combined and
mounted on one IC chip is used.
[0570] FIGS. 24A to 24C are block diagrams illustrating a specific
configuration of a CPU at least partly including any of the
transistors described in the above embodiments.
[0571] The CPU illustrated in FIG. 24A includes an arithmetic logic
unit (ALU) 921, an ALU controller 922, an instruction decoder 923,
an interrupt controller 924, a timing controller 925, a register
926, a register controller 927, a bus interface (Bus I/F) 928, a
rewritable ROM 929, and an ROM interface (ROM I/F) 919 over a
substrate 920. A semiconductor substrate, an SOI substrate, a glass
substrate, or the like is used as the substrate 920. The ROM 929
and the ROM interface 919 may be provided over a separate chip.
Needless to say, the CPU in FIG. 24A is just an example in which
the configuration has been simplified, and an actual CPU may have
various configurations depending on the application.
[0572] An instruction that is input to the CPU through the bus
interface 928 is input to the instruction decoder 923 and decoded
therein, and then, input to the ALU controller 922, the interrupt
controller 924, the register controller 927, and the timing
controller 925.
[0573] The ALU controller 922, the interrupt controller 924, the
register controller 927, and the timing controller 925 conduct
various controls in accordance with the decoded instruction.
Specifically, the ALU controller 922 generates signals for
controlling the operation of the ALU 921. While the CPU is
executing a program, the interrupt controller 924 determines an
interrupt request from an external input/output device or a
peripheral circuit on the basis of its priority or a mask state,
and processes the request. The register controller 927 generates an
address of the register 926, and reads/writes data from/to the
register 926 in accordance with the state of the CPU.
[0574] The timing controller 925 generates signals for controlling
operation timings of the ALU 921, the ALU controller 922, the
instruction decoder 923, the interrupt controller 924, and the
register controller 927. For example, the timing controller 925
includes an internal clock generator for generating an internal
clock signal CLK2 based on a reference clock signal CLK1, and
supplies the internal clock signal CLK2 to the above circuits.
[0575] In the CPU illustrated in FIG. 24A, a memory cell is
provided in the register 926. As the memory cell of the register
926, any of the transistors described in the above embodiments can
be used.
[0576] In the CPU illustrated in FIG. 24A, the register controller
927 selects operation of storing data in the register 926 in
accordance with an instruction from the ALU 921. That is, the
register controller 927 selects whether data is stored by a
flip-flop or by a capacitor in the memory cell included in the
register 926. When data storing by the flip-flop is selected, a
power supply voltage is supplied to the memory cell in the register
926. When data storing by the capacitor is selected, the data is
rewritten in the capacitor, and supply of power supply voltage to
the memory cell in the register 926 can be stopped.
[0577] The power supply can be stopped by a switching element
provided between a memory cell group and a node to which a power
supply potential VDD or a power supply potential VSS is supplied,
as illustrated in FIG. 24B or FIG. 24C. Circuits illustrated in
FIGS. 24B and 24C are described below.
[0578] FIGS. 24B and 24C each illustrate an example of the
configuration of a memory circuit in which any of the transistors
described in the above embodiments is used as a switching element
which controls supply of a power supply potential to a memory
cell.
[0579] The memory device illustrated in FIG. 24B includes a
switching element 901 and a memory cell group 903 including a
plurality of memory cells 902. Specifically, as each of the memory
cells 902, any of the transistors described in the above
embodiments can be used. Each of the memory cells 902 included in
the memory cell group 903 is supplied with the high-level power
supply potential VDD via the switching element 901. Further, each
of the memory cells 902 included in the memory cell group 903 is
supplied with a potential of a signal IN and the low-level power
supply potential VSS.
[0580] In FIG. 24B, any of the transistors described in the above
embodiments is used as the switching element 901, and the switching
of the transistor is controlled by a signal SigA supplied to a gate
electrode thereof.
[0581] Note that FIG. 24B illustrates the configuration in which
the switching element 901 includes only one transistor; however,
without particular limitation thereon, the switching element 901
may include a plurality of transistors. In the case where the
switching element 901 includes a plurality of transistors which
function as switching elements, the plurality of transistors may be
connected to each other in parallel, in series, or in combination
of parallel connection and series connection.
[0582] Although the switching element 901 controls the supply of
the high-level power supply potential VDD to each of the memory
cells 902 included in the memory cell group 903 in FIG. 24B, the
switching element 901 may control the supply of the low-level power
supply potential VSS.
[0583] In FIG. 24C, an example of a memory device in which each of
the memory cells 902 included in the memory cell group 903 is
supplied with the low-level power supply potential VSS via the
switching element 901 is illustrated. The supply of the low-level
power supply potential VSS to each of the memory cells 902 included
in the memory cell group 903 can be controlled by the switching
element 901.
[0584] When a switching element is provided between a memory cell
group and a node to which the power supply potential VDD or the
power supply potential VSS is supplied, data can be stored even in
the case where an operation of a CPU is temporarily stopped and the
supply of the power supply voltage is stopped; accordingly, power
consumption can be reduced. Specifically, for example, while a user
of a personal computer does not input data to an input device such
as a keyboard, the operation of the CPU can be stopped, so that the
power consumption can be reduced.
[0585] Although the CPU is given as an example here, the transistor
can also be applied to an LSI such as a digital signal processor
(DSP), a custom LSI, or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
[0586] In FIG. 25A, a display device 1000 is an example of an
electric appliance including the CPU in which any of the
transistors described in the above embodiments is used.
Specifically, the display device 1000 corresponds to a display
device for TV broadcast reception and includes a housing 1001, a
display portion 1002, speaker portions 1003, a CPU 1004, and the
like. The CPU 1004 is provided in the housing 1001. The display
device 1000 can receive electric power from a commercial power
supply. Alternatively, the display device 1000 can use electric
power stored in a power storage device. When any of the transistors
described in the above embodiments is used as the CPU in the
display device 1000, a reduction in power consumption of the
display device 1000 can be achieved.
[0587] A semiconductor display device such as a liquid crystal
display device, a light-emitting device in which a light-emitting
element such as an organic EL element is provided in each pixel, an
electrophoresis display device, a digital micromirror device (DMD),
a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED), and
the like can be used for the display portion 1002.
[0588] Note that the display device includes, in its category, all
of information display devices for personal computers,
advertisement displays, and the like other than TV broadcast
reception.
[0589] In FIG. 25A, an alarm device 1010 is a residential fire
alarm, which includes a sensor portion and a microcomputer 1011.
Note that the microcomputer 1011 is an example of an electric
appliance including the CPU in which any of the transistors
described in the above embodiments is used.
[0590] In FIG. 25A, an air conditioner which includes an indoor
unit 1020 and an outdoor unit 1024 is an example of an electric
appliance including the CPU in which any of the transistors
described in the above embodiments is used. Specifically, the
indoor unit 1020 includes a housing 1021, an air outlet 1022, a CPU
1023, and the like. Although the CPU 1023 is provided in the indoor
unit 1020 in FIG. 25A, the CPU 1023 may be provided in the outdoor
unit 1024. Alternatively, the CPU 1023 may be provided in both the
indoor unit 1020 and the outdoor unit 1024. By using any of the
transistors described in the above embodiments for the CPU in the
air conditioner, a reduction in power consumption of the air
conditioner can be achieved.
[0591] In FIG. 25A, an electric refrigerator-freezer 1030 is an
example of an electric appliance including the CPU in which any of
the transistors described in the above embodiments is used.
Specifically, the electric refrigerator-freezer 1030 includes a
housing 1031, a door for a refrigerator 1032, a door for a freezer
1033, a CPU 1034, and the like. In FIG. 25A, the CPU 1034 is
provided in the housing 1031. When any of the transistors described
in the above embodiments is used as the CPU 1034 of the electric
refrigerator-freezer 1030, a reduction in power consumption of the
electric refrigerator-freezer 1030 can be achieved.
[0592] FIG. 25B illustrates an example of an electric vehicle which
is an example of an electric appliance. An electric vehicle 1040 is
equipped with a secondary battery 1041. The output of the electric
power of the secondary battery 1041 is adjusted by a control
circuit 1042 and the electric power is supplied to a driving device
1043. The control circuit 1042 is controlled by a processing unit
1044 including a ROM, a RAM, a CPU, or the like which is not
illustrated. When any of the transistors described in the above
embodiments is used as the CPU in the electric vehicle 1040, a
reduction in power consumption of the electric vehicle 1040 can be
achieved.
[0593] The driving device 1043 includes a DC motor or an AC motor
either alone or in combination with an internal-combustion engine.
The processing unit 1044 outputs a control signal to the control
circuit 1042 based on input data such as data of operation (e.g.,
acceleration, deceleration, or stop) by a driver or data during
driving (e.g., data on an upgrade or a downgrade, or data on a load
on a driving wheel) of the electric vehicle 1040. The control
circuit 1042 adjusts the electric energy supplied from the
secondary battery 1041 in accordance with the control signal of the
processing unit 1044 to control the output of the driving device
1043. In the case where the AC motor is mounted, although not
illustrated, an inverter which converts a direct current into an
alternate current is also incorporated.
[0594] This embodiment can be combined as appropriate with any of
the other embodiments in this specification.
Example 1
[0595] In this example, cross-sectional observation results and
thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) analysis results of a nitride
insulating film are described. First, a method for forming a sample
used for the cross-sectional observation of the nitride insulating
film is described.
[0596] A thermal oxidation film was deposited over a silicon wafer.
The thermal oxidation film was formed to a thickness of 100 nm at
950.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere containing HCl at 3%. Next,
a 300-nm-thick silicon nitride film was deposited over the thermal
oxidation film by a sputtering method. The silicon nitride film was
deposited under the following conditions: silicon was used as a
sputtering target, argon and nitrogen were supplied to a treatment
chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at flow rates
of 5 sccm and 20 sccm, respectively, the pressure in the treatment
chamber was controlled to 0.2 Pa, and an RF power of 3.0 kW was
supplied. Note that the substrate temperature in the deposition of
the silicon nitride film was 350.degree. C.
[0597] A cross section of the example sample was observed by
scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). FIG. 29 shows a
STEM image of the example sample.
[0598] As shown in FIG. 29, generation of a void portion was not
observed in the nitride insulating film.
[0599] Next, evaluation obtained by TDS analysis of the nitride
insulating film is described.
[0600] A example sample was formed as follows. A thermal oxidation
film was formed over a silicon wafer. The thermal oxidation film
was formed to a thickness of 100 nm at 950.degree. C. in an oxygen
atmosphere containing HCl at 3%. Next, by a sputtering method, a
300-nm-thick first silicon nitride film was deposited over the
thermal oxidation film and a 50-nm-thick second silicon nitride
film was deposited over the first silicon nitride film. The first
silicon nitride film was formed by a plasma CVD method under the
following conditions: silane with a flow rate of 60 sccm, nitrogen
with a flow rate of 1000 sccm, and ammonia with a flow rate of 480
sccm were used as the source gas; the pressure in a reaction
chamber was 300 Pa; the substrate temperature was 350.degree. C.;
and a high-frequency power of 350 W was supplied to parallel plate
electrodes. The second silicon nitride film was formed under the
following conditions: silicon was used as a sputtering target,
argon and nitrogen were supplied to a treatment chamber of a
sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at flow rates of 5 sccm
and 20 sccm, respectively, the pressure in the treatment chamber
was controlled to 0.2 Pa, and an RF power of 3.0 kW was supplied.
Note that the substrate temperature in the deposition of the
silicon nitride film was 350.degree. C. For comparison, a
comparative example sample in which an thermal oxide film and the
first silicon nitride film were formed over a silicon wafer was
prepared.
[0601] Each sample was subjected to TDS analysis. FIG. 30 shows the
TDS results of M/z=2 (H.sub.2), M/z=18 (H.sub.2O), M/z=28
(N.sub.2), and M/z=32 (O.sub.2) measured in the comparative example
sample. FIG. 31 shows the TDS results of M/z=2 (H.sub.2), M/z=18
(H.sub.2O), M/z=28 (N.sub.2), and M/z=32 (O.sub.2) measured in the
example sample.
[0602] According to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, when the heating
temperature is lower than or equal to 400.degree. C., the intensity
of hydrogen (H.sub.2) is reduced owing to the second silicon
nitride film.
[0603] This results show that the second silicon nitride film
formed by a sputtering method has a high barrier property against
hydrogen.
Example 2
[0604] In this example, the crystal state of an oxide semiconductor
film was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Methods for forming
Samples 2A to 2G used for the measurement are described.
[0605] First, a thermal oxidation film was formed over a silicon
wafer. The thermal oxidation film was formed to a thickness of 100
nm at 950.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere containing HCl at 3%.
Next, a 300-nm-thick silicon oxide film was deposited over the
thermal oxidation film by a sputtering method. The silicon oxide
film was formed in the following manner: silicon oxide was used as
a sputtering target, oxygen was supplied to a treatment chamber of
a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at a flow rate of 50
sccm, the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4
Pa, and an RF power of 1.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the silicon oxide film was
100.degree. C.
[0606] Next, a multilayer film was deposited over the silicon oxide
film. The multilayer film included three layers and was formed in
the following manner. First, a 5-nm-thick In--Ga--Zn oxide film
having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was deposited as a first
oxide film over a silicon oxide film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target having
an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was used; argon and oxygen were
supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 15 sccm and 30 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and
a DC power of 0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
200.degree. C.
[0607] Next, a 15-nm-thick In--Ga--Zn oxide film having an atomic
ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 was deposited as an oxide semiconductor
film over the first oxide film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target having
an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 was used; argon and oxygen were
supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 30 sccm and 15 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and
a DC power of 0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
400.degree. C.
[0608] Next, an In--Ga--Zn oxide film having an atomic ratio of
In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was deposited as a second oxide film over the oxide
semiconductor film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was formed under the
following conditions: a sputtering target having an atomic ratio of
In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was used; argon and oxygen were supplied to a
treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at
flow rates of 30 sccm and 15 sccm, respectively; the pressure in
the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and a DC power of
0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate temperature in the
deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was set at 200.degree. C.
Note that the thickness of the third oxide semiconductor film was 5
nm, 10 nm, and 15 nm.
[0609] Next, oxygen (O.sub.2.sup.+) was added to the IGZO film by
an ion implantation method. Note that the conditions of the
addition were as follows: an acceleration voltage of 5 kV and a
dosage of 5.0.times.10.sup.15 ions/cm.sup.2.
[0610] Through the above process, Sample 2A in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 5 nm, Sample 2B in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 10 nm, and Sample 2C in which the
thickness of the second oxide film was 20 nm were formed.
[0611] Samples 2D to 2F are described. Just after the second oxide
film was formed, a 20-nm-thick silicon oxynitride film was formed
over the second oxide film. The silicon oxynitride film was formed
under the following conditions: silane and dinitrogen monoxide were
supplied to a reaction chamber of a plasma CVD apparatus at flow
rates of 1 sccm and 800 sccm, respectively, the pressure in the
reaction chamber was controlled to 40 Pa, and a power of 100 W was
supplied with the use of a 27.12 MHz high-frequency power source.
Note that the silicon oxynitride was formed at a substrate
temperature of 350.degree. C.
[0612] Next, oxygen (.sup.16O.sub.2.sup.+) was added to the silicon
oxynitride film by an ion implantation method. Note that the
conditions of the addition were as follows: an acceleration voltage
of 5 kV and a dosage of 5.0.times.10.sup.15 ions/cm.sup.2.
[0613] Through the above process, Sample 2D in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 5 nm, Sample 2E in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 10 nm, and Sample 2F in which the
thickness of the second oxide film was 20 nm were formed.
[0614] Sample 2G which is Sample 2A formed without addition of
oxygen was formed as a comparative example.
[0615] Then, FIGS. 32A to 32F and FIG. 33 show results of
measurement of XRD spectra of Sample 2A to Sample 2G by an
out-of-plane method. In FIGS. 32A to 32F and FIG. 33, the vertical
axis represents the X-ray diffraction intensity (given unit) and
the horizontal axis represents the diffraction angle 2.theta.
(deg.). Note that the XRD spectra were measured with the use of an
X-ray diffractometer D8 ADVANCE manufactured by Bruker AXS.
[0616] As shown in the XRD spectra in FIGS. 32A to 32C, in the case
where oxygen was directly added to the second oxide film, a peak
around 2.theta.=31.degree. which was derived from a crystal became
small as the thickness of the second oxide film was reduced.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 32D to 32F, in the case where oxygen was
added to the second oxide film through the silicon oxynitride film,
a peak derived from a crystal was observed around
2.theta.=31.degree. regardless of the thickness of the second oxide
film, which showed that a crystalline oxide semiconductor film was
formed. Further, there was no difference in peak around
2.theta.=31.degree. derived from a crystal between the XRD spectra
of FIGS. 32D to 32F and the XRD spectra of FIG. 33, which showed
that the crystalline oxide semiconductor film was protected by the
silicon oxynitride film.
Example 3
[0617] In this example, a conductive film was formed over an oxide
film which is formed over an oxide semiconductor film and then the
conductive film was removed. After that, the sheet resistance of
the oxide film was measured. Methods for forming Samples 3A to 3H
which were used for the measurement are described.
[0618] First, a thermal oxidation film was formed over a silicon
wafer. The thermal oxidation film was deposited to a thickness of
100 nm at 950.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere containing HCl at
3%. Next, a 300-nm-thick silicon oxide film was deposited over the
thermal oxidation film by a sputtering method. The silicon oxide
film was formed in the following manner: silicon oxide was used as
a sputtering target, oxygen was supplied to a treatment chamber of
a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at a flow rate of 50
sccm, the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4
Pa, and an RF power of 1.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the silicon oxide film was
100.degree. C.
[0619] Next, a multilayer film was deposited over the silicon oxide
film. The multilayer film included three layers and was formed in
the following manner. First, a 20-nm-thick In--Ga--Zn oxide film
having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was deposited as a first
oxide film over a silicon oxide film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target having
an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was used; argon and oxygen were
supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 15 sccm and 30 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and
a DC power of 0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
200.degree. C.
[0620] Next, a 15-nm-thick In--Ga--Zn oxide film having an atomic
ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 was deposited as an oxide semiconductor
film over the first oxide film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target having
an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 was used; argon and oxygen were
supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 30 sccm and 15 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and
a DC power of 0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
300.degree. C.
[0621] Next, an In--Ga--Zn oxide film having an atomic ratio of
In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was deposited as a second oxide film over the oxide
semiconductor film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was formed under the
following conditions: a sputtering target having an atomic ratio of
In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was used; argon and oxygen were supplied to a
treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at
flow rates of 30 sccm and 15 sccm, respectively; the pressure in
the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and a DC power of
0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate temperature in the
deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was set at 200.degree. C.
Note that the thickness of the third oxide semiconductor film was 0
nm, 5 nm, 10 nm, and 15 nm.
[0622] Next, first heat treatment was performed. The first heat
treatment was performed at 450.degree. C. in a nitrogen atmosphere
for one hour, and then performed at 450.degree. C. in an oxygen
atmosphere for one hour.
[0623] Next, a 100-nm-thick tungsten film was deposited as a
conductive film over the second oxide film. The tungsten film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target of
tungsten was used; argon and heated argon were supplied to a
treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at
flow rates of 80 sccm and 10 sccm, respectively; the pressure in
the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.8 Pa; and a DC power of
1.0 kW was supplied.
[0624] Next, second heat treatment was performed. The second
treatment was performed at 400.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere
for one hour.
[0625] Through the above process, Sample 3A in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 0 nm, Sample 3B in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 5 nm, Sample 3C in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 10 nm, and Sample 3D in which the
thickness of the second oxide film was 20 nm were formed.
[0626] For comparison, samples which was not subjected to the
second heat treatment was formed. Sample 3E in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 0 nm, Sample 3F in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 5 nm, Sample 3G in which the thickness
of the second oxide film was 10 nm, and Sample 3H in which the
thickness of the second oxide film was 20 nm were formed.
[0627] Next, the tungsten film was dry-etched. The etching was
performed under the following conditions: Cl.sub.2 with a flow rate
of 45 sccm, CH.sub.4 with a flow rate of 55 sccm, and O.sub.2 with
a flow rate of 55 sccm were used as an etching gas, the bias power
was 110 W, the power of the ICP power source was 3000 W, and the
pressure was 0.67 Pa. Note that the substrate temperature at the
time of the dry etching of the tungsten film was 40.degree. C.
[0628] Next, oxygen (.sup.18O.sub.2) was added to the second oxide
film by an ion implantation method. Note that the conditions of the
addition were as follows: an acceleration voltage of 5 kV and a
dosage of 5.0.times.10.sup.15 ions/cm.sup.2.
[0629] Further, for comparison, samples to which an oxygen ion was
not added were also formed.
[0630] Next, the second oxide film was etched and a sheet
resistance value with respect to the etching depth was measured. A
mixed solution of hydrogen peroxide water and ammonia (hydrogen
peroxide water:ammonia water:water=5:2:5) was used for the etching.
The remaining thickness of the second oxide film after the etching
was measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry before and after the
etching in order to obtain the depth to which the second oxide film
was etched.
[0631] FIG. 34 shows the sheet resistances of Sample 3A to 3D,
which were subjected to the heat treatment, and FIG. 35 shows the
sheet resistances of Samples 3E to 3H, which were not subjected to
the heat treatment. Note that dotted lines in the drawings each
denote the measurement limit value (6M .OMEGA./square).
[0632] FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 show that the sheet resistance value is
increased by addition of oxygen and the sheet resistance value is
reduced by heat treatment. Further, FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 show that
when oxygen is added in the case where the second oxide film has a
large thickness, the resistance around the surface is increased but
a low-resistance region exists in the second oxide film.
[0633] It was found that in the samples in which the tungsten film
was formed over the IGZO film (the second oxide film), the
resistance of a region of the IGZO film, which was formed to a
depth of about 15 nm from the surface of the IGZO film, was
reduced. This suggests that a low-resistant mixed layer of IGZO and
tungsten is formed in the vicinity of the surface of the second
oxide film, and that an n-type region is formed owing to oxygen
vacancies which exist in the vicinity of the surface of the IGZO
film by transfer of oxygen of the IGZO film to the tungsten film,
for example.
Example 4
[0634] In this example, evaluation results of a multilayer film
obtained by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) are
described.
[0635] The following samples were analyzed: Sample 3E, Sample 3F,
and Sample 3G which were used in Example 3, and Sample 4A which was
Sample 3F in which the thickness of the second oxide film was 15
nm. Oxygen was added to each sample by an ion implantation
method.
[0636] FIG. 36 shows .sup.18O concentration profiles of Samples 3E
to 3G and Sample 4A.
[0637] In each sample, a peak of the .sup.18O concentration was
observed at a depth of approximately 5 nm from a surface of the
multilayer film to which oxygen was added. Further, it was found
that .sup.18O was diffused to a region at a depth of approximately
20 nm from the surface of the multilayer film.
Example 5
[0638] In this example, a transistor was formed and electrical
characteristics thereof were evaluated. A method for forming a
sample used for the evaluation is described.
[0639] First, a thermal oxidation film was formed over a silicon
wafer. The thermal oxidation film was formed to a thickness of 100
nm at 950.degree. C. in an oxygen atmosphere containing HCl at 3%.
Next, a 300-nm-thick silicon oxide film was deposited over the
thermal oxidation film by a sputtering method. The silicon oxide
film was formed in the following manner: silicon oxide was used as
a sputtering target, oxygen was supplied to a treatment chamber of
a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at a flow rate of 50
sccm, the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4
Pa, and an RF power of 1.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the silicon oxide film was
100.degree. C.
[0640] Next, heat treatment was performed. The heat treatment was
performed in a vacuum (reduced pressure) atmosphere at 450.degree.
C. for one hour. After that, oxygen (.sup.16O) was added to the
silicon oxide film by an ion implantation method. Note that the
conditions of the addition were as follows: an acceleration voltage
of 60 kV and a dosage of 2.0.times.10.sup.16 ions/cm.sup.2.
[0641] Next, a multilayer film was deposited over the silicon oxide
film. The multilayer film included three layers and was formed in
the following manner. First, a 20-nm-thick In--Ga--Zn oxide film
having an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was deposited as a first
oxide film over a silicon oxide film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target having
an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was used; argon and oxygen were
supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 15 sccm and 30 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and
a DC power of 0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
200.degree. C.
[0642] Next, a 15-nm-thick In--Ga--Zn oxide film having an atomic
ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 was deposited as an oxide semiconductor
film over the first oxide film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target having
an atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:1:1 was used; argon and oxygen were
supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 30 sccm and 15 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and
a DC power of 0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was
300.degree. C.
[0643] Next, a 10-nm-thick In--Ga--Zn oxide film having an atomic
ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was deposited as a second oxide film over
the oxide semiconductor film. The In--Ga--Zn oxide film was formed
under the following conditions: a sputtering target having an
atomic ratio of In:Ga:Zn=1:3:2 was used; argon and oxygen were
supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 30 sccm and 15 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.4 Pa; and
a DC power of 0.5 kW was supplied. Note that the substrate
temperature in the deposition of the In--Ga--Zn oxide film was set
at 200.degree. C.
[0644] Next, first heat treatment was performed. The first heat
treatment was performed under a nitrogen atmosphere at 450.degree.
C. for one hour, and then performed under an oxygen atmosphere at
450.degree. C. for one hour.
[0645] Next, a 100-nm-thick tungsten film was deposited as a
conductive film over the second oxide film. The tungsten film was
formed under the following conditions: a sputtering target of
tungsten was used; argon and heated argon were supplied to a
treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at
flow rates of 80 sccm and 10 sccm, respectively; the pressure in
the treatment chamber was controlled to 0.8 Pa; and a DC power of
1.0 kW was supplied. After the formation of the tungsten film, the
tungsten film was partly etched (etching conditions: an etching gas
(CF.sub.4=55 sccm, Cl.sub.2=45 sccm, O.sub.2=55 sccm), a power of
an ICP power supply of 3000 W, a bias power of 110 W, a pressure of
0.67 Pa, and a substrate temperature of 40.degree. C.), whereby a
source electrode and a drain electrode were formed.
[0646] Then, oxygen (.sup.16O.sub.2.sup.+) was added to the
multilayer film by an ion implantation method. Note that the
conditions of the addition were as follows: an acceleration voltage
of 5 kV and a dosage of 5.0.times.10.sup.15 ions/cm.sup.2.
[0647] Next, a gate insulating film was formed. A 20-nm-thick
silicon oxide film was formed as the gate insulating film. The
silicon oxide film was formed by a CVD method in which the pressure
in a reaction chamber was controlled to 200 Pa.
[0648] Next, a gate electrode was formed. A 30-nm-thick tantalum
nitride film was formed by a sputtering method and a 135-nm-thick
tungsten film was formed over the tantalum nitride film by a
sputtering method. The tantalum nitride film was formed under the
following conditions: tantalum nitride was used as a sputtering
target; argon and nitrogen were supplied to a treatment chamber of
a sputtering apparatus as a sputtering gas at flow rates of 50 sccm
and 10 sccm, respectively; the pressure in the treatment chamber
was controlled to be 0.6 Pa; and a DC power of 1.0 kW was supplied.
The tungsten film was formed under the following conditions:
tungsten was used as a sputtering target; argon and heated argon
were supplied to a treatment chamber of a sputtering apparatus as a
sputtering gas at flow rates of 100 sccm and 10 sccm, respectively;
the pressure in the treatment chamber was controlled to be 2.0 Pa;
and a DC power of 4.0 kW was supplied. After the deposition of the
tungsten film, the tantalum nitride film and part of the tungsten
film were etched (etching conditions of the tungsten film: an
etching gas (CF.sub.4=55 sccm, Cl.sub.2=45 sccm, O.sub.2=55 sccm),
a power of an ICP power source of 3000 W, a bias power of 110 W, a
pressure of 0.67 Pa, and a substrate temperature of 40.degree. C.;
etching conditions of the tantalum nitride film: an etching gas
(Cl.sub.2=100 sccm), a power of an ICP power supply of 2000 W, a
bias power of 50 W, a pressure of 0.67 Pa, and a substrate
temperature of 40.degree. C.), so that the gate electrode was
formed.
[0649] Then, an oxide insulating film was formed. A 70-nm-thick
aluminum oxide film was formed by sputtering and then a
135-nm-thick silicon oxynitride film was formed over the aluminum
oxide film by a CVD method.
[0650] Then, openings reaching the source electrode and the drain
electrode were formed in the gate insulating film and the oxide
insulating film.
[0651] A wiring layer (a 200-nm-thick aluminum film was formed over
a 50-nm-thick titanium film and a 50-nm-thick titanium film was
formed over the 200-nm-thick aluminum film) was formed in the
openings.
[0652] A 1.5-.mu.m-polyimide film was formed over the wiring layers
and was subjected to heat treatment at 300.degree. C. in the air
for one hour.
[0653] Through the above process, an example transistor with a
channel length of 0.44 .mu.m and a channel width of 1 .mu.m was
formed. Further, a comparative example transistor to which oxygen
was not added was formed for comparison.
[0654] Next, in the formed transistors, a drain current (I.sub.d:
[A]) was measured under the conditions where a drain voltage
(V.sub.d: [V]) was set to 3 V or 0.1 V and a gate voltage (V.sub.g:
[V]) was swept from -3 V to 3 V. FIG. 37A shows measurement results
of the example transistor and FIG. 37B shows measurement results of
the comparative example transistor. FIGS. 37A and 37B show
measurement results in the cases of drain voltages (V.sub.d: [V])
of 3 V and 0.1 V, where the horizontal axis represents the gate
voltage (V.sub.g: [V]) and the vertical axis represents the drain
current (I.sub.d: [A]). Note that "drain voltage (V.sub.d: [V])"
refers to a potential difference between a drain and the source
when the potential of the source is used as a reference potential,
and "gate voltage (V.sub.g: [V])" refers to a potential difference
between a gate and a source when the potential of the source is
used as a reference potential.
[0655] It was found that electrical characteristic variation of the
transistor formed in this example shown in FIG. 37A was smaller
than that of the comparative example transistor shown in FIG.
37B.
[0656] The above results suggested that the transistor in this
example had extremely high electric characteristics.
Reference Example 1
[0657] Measurement of Vg-Id characteristics of a transistor shows
that a gate voltage (also referred to as a rising gate voltage) at
which on-state current due to a drain voltage Vd begins to flow
varies as the channel length of the transistor is reduced. Thus, a
relation between the channel length and the rising gate voltage was
examined by calculation.
[0658] FIG. 38 illustrates a structure of the transistor structure
assumed in the calculation. In FIG. 38, "OS" denotes an oxide
semiconductor film, "S" denotes a source electrode, "D" denotes a
drain electrode, "GI" denotes a gate insulating film, and "GE"
denotes a gate electrode. Note that an n-layer (denoted by "n" in
the drawings) having higher carrier density than the oxide
semiconductor film is included between the oxide semiconductor film
and the source and drain electrodes. An oxide semiconductor film
(OS) is shown as an i-layer (denoted by "i") to be distinguished
from the n-layer. Each length of regions in the channel length
direction of the n-layer which do not overlap with the source and
drain electrodes is denoted by .DELTA.L. At this time, when an
effective channel length Leff is defined as Leff=L-2.DELTA.L
(.DELTA.L.gtoreq.0), Leff is shorter than the channel length L.
[0659] The following calculation conditions were employed: L
(channel length) was 2 .mu.m; W (channel width) was 1 .mu.m; the
work function of the gate electrode was 5 eV, the gate insulating
film was a stack in which a 400-nm-thick silicon nitride film (the
dielectric constant c=7.5) and a 50-nm-thick silicon oxynitride
film (the dielectric constant c=4.1) were stacked sequentially from
the gate electrode side; and the oxide semiconductor film had a
thickness of 35 nm. An energy difference Eg between the bottom of
the conduction band and the top of the valence band in the oxide
semiconductor film was 3.2 eV. The electron affinity x of the oxide
semiconductor film was 4.8 eV. The dielectric constant c of the
oxide semiconductor film was 15. The electron mobility .mu.n of the
oxide semiconductor film was 10 cm.sup.2/Vs. The hole mobility
.mu.m of the oxide semiconductor film was 0.01 cm.sup.2/Vs. The
effective density of states Nc in the conduction band was
5.times.10.sup.18 cm.sup.-3. The effective density of states Nv in
the valence band was 5.times.10.sup.18 cm.sup.-3. The donor density
Nd was 6.6.times.10.sup.-9 cm.sup.-3. Further, the donor density of
the n-layer was 5.times.10.sup.18 cm.sup.-3. Note that four
conditions of the length .DELTA.L, i.e., 0 .mu.m, 0.1 .mu.m, 0.3
.mu.m, and 0.5 .mu.m were used for the calculation.
[0660] The calculation results are shown in FIG. 39. As shown in
FIG. 39, the rising gate voltage at a drain voltage Vd of 1 V was
the same as that at a drain voltage of 10 V in the following cases:
when the length .DELTA.L was 0 .mu.m (that is, the effective
channel length was 2.0 .mu.m), when the length .DELTA.L was 0.1
.mu.m (that is, the effective channel length was 1.8 .mu.m (10% of
the channel length was the length .DELTA.L)), and when the length
.DELTA.L was 0.3 .mu.m (that is, the effective channel length was
1.4 .mu.m (30% of the channel length was .DELTA.L)). On the other
hand, when the length .DELTA.L was 0.5 .mu.m (that is, the
effective channel length was 1.0 .mu.m), the rising gate voltage at
a drain voltage Vd of 1 V was different from that at a drain
voltage of 10 V, i.e., the rising positions, were split.
[0661] The above results show that the ring positions are split
when the effective channel length is short, and therefore, when the
n-layer is made an i-layer by addition of oxygen to the oxide
semiconductor film, the effective channel length can be increased
and the split of the rising positions can be prevented.
[0662] The length .DELTA.L is less than 30%, preferably less than
10%, further preferably less than 3% of the channel length. The
width of the split at 1 pA/.mu.m between two drain voltages which
are different by one or more digits is smaller than a larger one of
the two drain voltages. The width of the split is preferably less
than 1/3 of the larger one of the two drain voltages.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE
[0663] 100: substrate, 102: base insulating film, 104: multilayer
film, 104a: oxide film, 104b: oxide semiconductor film, 104c: oxide
film, 104d: region, 104e: oxide film, 105: low-resistance region,
105a: low-resistance region, 105b: low-resistance region, 105c:
region, 106: conductive film, 106a: source electrode, 106b: drain
electrode, 107a: conductive film, 107b: conductive film, 108: gate
insulating film, 110: gate electrode, 112: oxide insulating film,
114: nitride insulating film, 120: oxygen, 150: transistor, 190:
transistor, 195: transistor, 200: transistor, 210: transistor, 220:
transistor, 230: transistor, 240: transistor, 250: transistor, 290:
transistor, 295: transistor, 300: transistor, 310: transistor, 320:
transistor, 330: transistor, 340: transistor, 400: transistor, 402:
transistor, 404: capacitor, 406: element isolation insulating
layer, 410: substrate, 420: insulating film, 550: memory cell, 551:
memory cell array, 551a: memory cell array, 551b: memory cell
array, 553: peripheral circuit, 554: capacitor, 562: transistor,
600: sputtering target, 601: ion, 602: sputtered particle, 603:
deposition surface, 700: microcomputer, 701: direct-current power
source, 702: bus line, 703: power gate controller, 704: power gate,
705: CPU, 706: volatile memory portion, 707: nonvolatile memory
portion, 708: interface, 709: sensor portion, 711: optical sensor,
712: amplifier, 713: AD converter, 730: light-emitting element,
801: semiconductor substrate, 803: element isolation region, 804:
gate electrode, 805a: low-resistance region, 805b: low-resistance
region, 806a: oxide film, 806b: oxide semiconductor film, 806c:
oxide film, 807: gate insulating film, 809: gate electrode, 811a:
impurity region, 811b: impurity region, 812: gate insulating film,
815: insulating film, 816a: source electrode, 816b: drain
electrode, 816c: electrode, 817: insulating film, 818: oxide
insulating film, 819a: contact plug, 819b: contact plug, 820:
insulating film, 821: insulating film, 822: insulating film, 823a:
wiring, 823b: wiring, 825: insulating film, 845: insulating film,
849: wiring, 856: wiring, 860: semiconductor film, 870: transistor,
880: transistor, 890: photoelectric conversion element, 901:
switching element, 902: memory cell, 903: memory cell group, 919:
ROM interface, 920: substrate, 921: ALU, 922: ALU controller, 923:
instruction decoder, 924: interrupt controller, 925: timing
controller, 926: register, 927: register controller, 928: bus
interface, 929: ROM, 1000: display device, 1001: housing, 1002:
display portion, 1003: speaker portion, 1004: CPU, 1010: alarm
device, 1011: microcomputer, 1020: indoor unit, 1021: housing,
1022: air outlet, 1023: CPU, 1024: outdoor unit, 1030: electric
refrigerator-freezer, 1031: housing, 1032: door for a refrigerator,
1033: door for a freezer, 1034: CPU, 1040: electric vehicle, 1041:
secondary battery, 1042: control circuit, 1043: driving device,
1044: processing unit, 1100: pixel portion, 1101: pixel, 1102:
substrate, 1103: transistor, 1104: scan line driver circuit, 1105:
capacitor, 1106: signal line driver circuit, 1107: scan line, 1108:
liquid crystal element, 1109: signal line, 1111: semiconductor
film, 1113: conductive film, 1115: capacitor line, 1117: opening,
1120: conductive film, 1121a: electrode, 1121b: pixel electrode,
1123a: opening, 1123b: opening, 1125: conductive film, 1127: gate
insulating film, 1129: insulating film, 1131: insulating film,
1132: insulating film, 1133: insulating film, 1154: counter
electrode, 1623: transistor, 1627: gate electrode, 1628:
semiconductor film, 1629: source electrode, 1639: drain electrode,
1641: conductive film.
[0664] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application
serial no. 2012-281801 filed with Japan Patent Office on Dec. 25,
2012, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
* * * * *