Metal-sulfur-based air-stable passivation of GaAs with very low surface-state densities

An air-stable electronic surface passivation for GaAs and other III–V compound semiconductors that employs sulfur and a suitable metal ion, e.g., Zn, and that is robust towards plasma dielectric deposition has been developed. Initial improvements in photoluminescence are twice that of S-only treatments and have been preserved for >11 months with SiOxNy dielectric encapsulation. Photoluminescence and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies indicate that the passivation consists of two major components with one being stable for >2 years in air. This process improves heterojunction bipolar transistor current gain for both large and small area devices.