Shallow electron traps at the 4H–SiC/SiO2 interface

Low-temperature electrical measurements and photon-stimulated electron tunneling experiments reveal the presence of a high density of interface states at around 0.1 eV below the conduction band of 4H–SiC at its interface with thermally grown SiO2. These states, related to defects in the near-interfacial oxide layer, trap a considerable density of electrons from the SiC, and are likely responsible for the severe degradation of the electron mobility observed in the surface channel of 4H–SiC/SiO2 devices. The negative impact of the observed defects can be minimized by using SiC modifications (e.g., 6H, 15R, 3C) with a larger conduction band offset with the oxide than 4H–SiC leading to a largely reduced density of electrons trapped in the oxide.