Investigation of post-NBT stress current instability modes in HfSiON gate dielectric pMOSFETs by measurement of individual trapped charge emissions

Abstract

Bipolar charge detrapping induced current instability in HfSiON gate dielectric pMOSFETs after negative bias and temperature stress is studied by using a fast transient measurement technique. Both single electron and single hole emissions are observed, leading to post-stress current degradation and recovery, respectively. The NBT stress voltage and temperature effect on post-stress current evolution is explored. Clear evidence of electron and hole trapping in NBT stress is demonstrated. A bipolar charge trapping/detrapping model and charge detrapping paths based on measured charge emission times are proposed.