Three-mask polycrystalline silicon TFT with metallic gate and junctions

Polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors (TFTs) with metallic gates and junctions realized using a three-mask metal-replaced junction (MERJ) technology have been fabricated and characterized. Compared to those of a conventional TFT, the process of making a MERJ TFT is simplified, and the resistance of the junctions and gate is reduced. The low resistance of the metallic junctions allows a greater recovery of the intrinsic characteristics of a MERJ TFT, and the reduced signal delay on a low-resistance metallic gate line makes the TFT particularly suitable for realizing large-area active-matrix flat-panel displays.