Diffusion-reaction mechanisms of nitriding species in SiO2

W. Orellana, Antônio J.R. Da Silva, A. Fazzio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We study using first-principles total-energy calculations, diffusion-reaction processes involved in the thermal nitridation of SiO 2. We consider NO, NH, N2, and atomic N in different charge states as the nitriding species in α-quartz. Our results show that none of neutral species react with the SiO2 network remaining at interstitial sites. Therefore, they are likely to diffuse through the oxide, incorporating nitrogen at near-interface (Si-SiO2) regions. Whereas, charged species are trapped by the network, nitriding bulk SiO2. For the diffusing species, we find that NH and atomic N show increasing diffusivities with temperatures, whereas for NO and N2 they are relatively constant. This result agrees well with the finding of higher N concentrations at the Si-SiO2 interface obtained by thermal processing of SiO2 in NH3 as compared with those obtained in N2O. Finally, we discuss spin-dependent incorporation reaction mechanisms of NH and atomic N with the SiO2 network.

Original languageEnglish
Article number125206
Pages (from-to)125206-1-125206-7
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume70
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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