Semiconductor Doping: How is It Done?

In summary, doping is a process used to introduce impurities into a substrate, such as silicon or gallium arsenide. This is done to create n-type or p-type materials by using phosphorous or boron, respectively. The process takes place under the surface layer, while sputtering is used on the top layer. Doping is typically done at high vacuum pressures and involves cooling to prevent damage to the substrate. To learn more about the process, you can refer to the Wiki link provided.
  • #1
ChaseRLewis
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I'm aware that you "dope" them with phosphorous for n-type and boron for p-type (I'm aware other materials can be used and other dopants are preferred in other situations). My question is exactly how is this done? Temperature, Pressure, Sputtering, etc.A white paper or something of the exact process would be much appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Hi Chase! Doping is a process that goes on under the surface layer of the silicon or whatever substrate you are using, gallium arsenide, etc. Sputtering is what you do on the TOP of the surface layer. I work in both regimes. The pressures are high vacuum pressures of 1E-6 torr and in some cases, self focusing beams can use higher pressures. The temperature is just that which does not destroy the substrate so cooling of some kind is usually involved in higher current implants, water cooling inside the substrate housing, single wafer, batch process, etc.

This Wiki can get you started:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_implantation
 

What is semiconductor doping?

Doping is the process of intentionally introducing impurities into a semiconductor material in order to modify its electrical properties.

Why is semiconductor doping necessary?

Semiconductors in their pure form have limited electrical conductivity, making them unsuitable for many electronic applications. Doping allows for the creation of p-type and n-type semiconductors, which are essential for building electronic devices such as transistors and diodes.

How is semiconductor doping typically done?

There are two main methods of semiconductor doping: diffusion and ion implantation. Diffusion involves heating the semiconductor material in the presence of a gaseous dopant, which then diffuses into the material. Ion implantation involves bombarding the semiconductor material with high-energy ions, which become embedded in the material.

What are the most commonly used dopants in semiconductor doping?

The most commonly used dopants in semiconductor doping are boron, phosphorus, arsenic, and antimony. These elements have different numbers of valence electrons, which allows them to create either p-type or n-type semiconductors.

What are some applications of semiconductor doping?

Semiconductor doping is used in a wide range of electronic devices, including transistors, diodes, solar cells, and integrated circuits. It is also essential in the production of LEDs, lasers, and other optoelectronic devices.

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