Solid phase epitaxy of a Ge-Si alloy on [111] Si through a Pd2Si layer

Abstract
Solid phase epitaxy of a Ge70Si30 alloy on [111]Si substrates was achieved in the amorphous Ge/Pd2Si/[111]Si system. Upon annealing at temperatures above 600 °C,the Ge transported through the silicide layer and formed a Ge‐rich, Si‐Ge epitaxial layer on top of the Si substrate. At the same time the Pd silicide layer exchanged positions with the Ge, leading to the final configuration of Pd2Si/Si‐Ge/[111]Si. The crystallinity of Pd2Si had a major effect on the epitaxy of the Ge‐Si alloy. On [100]Si where the Pd2Si was polycrystalline, epitaxial Ge‐Si growth was not observed.