AIXTRON 200/4 RF-S Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) Method

31 December 2024

The Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) technique refers to the epitaxial growth of thin films on a substrate in solid phase by using metalorganic precursors and hydrides in the vapor phase (such as compounds formed by Group V elements and hydrogen, including AsH3, NH3, PH3, etc.).

  • The AIXTRON 200/4 RF-S is an MOCVD system equipped with a horizontal flow reactor from the Aixtron brand.
  • The MOCVD system is based on N and As/P.
  • It has the capability to perform epitaxial growth at the nanoscale on 2” or 3” substrates.
  • It has the capacity to grow complex multilayer epitaxial structures with precise control over layer thickness and composition.
  • The reactor chamber is integrated with an M. Braun inert atmosphere glove box.
  • It has the ability to reach high substrate temperatures (1450 ºC).
  • It features a radio frequency (RF) heating system.
  • III-group gas sources (Metalorganic Sources):
    • Trimethyl Gallium – TMGa
    • Trimethyl Aluminum – TMAl
    • Trimethyl Indium – TMIn

V-group gas sources (Hydrides):

    • Arsine – AsH3
    • Phosphine – PH3
    • Ammonia – NH3

Doping gas sources:

    • Dimethyl Zinc – DMZn
    • Carbon Tetrabromide – CBr4
    • BisCyclopentadienemagnesium – CBr2Mg
    • Silane – SiH4

Carrier gas sources:

    • Nitrogen (N2)
    • Hydrogen (H2)
  • The system includes a LUXTRON control unit for in-situ reflection and temperature measurement.
  • It includes comprehensive safety features such as emergency shutdown, gas leak detection, and sensors for detecting ammonia, phosphine, and hydrogen gases.
  • Metalorganic sources are maintained in temperature-controlled water baths to balance vapor pressure.
  • The amount of gases sent to the reactor is regulated by mass flow control elements.
  • All mass flow controllers and pressure controllers in the MOCVD system are computer-controlled and connected to an interface unit.
  • It features user-friendly software for precise control and real-time monitoring of all process parameters.
  • Waste gases produced during chemical reactions in the growth process are exhausted outside the reactor environment.