Single-step synthesis process of Ti3SiC2 ohmic contacts on 4H-SiC by sputter-deposition of Ti

We report a single-step procedure for growth of ohmic Ti3SiC2 on 4H-SiC by sputter-deposition of Ti at 960 degrees C, based on the Ti-SiC solid-state reaction during deposition. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy show the growth of interfacial Ti3SiC2. The as-deposited contacts are ohmic, in contrast to multistep processes with deposition followed by rapid thermal annealing. This procedure also offers the possibility of direct synthesis of oxygen-barrier capping layers before exposure to air, potentially improving contact stability in high-temperature and high-power devices. (C) 2014 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.