Surface chemistry of HF passivated silicon: X-ray photoelectron and ion scattering spectroscopy results

Abstract
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ion scattering spectroscopy studies of HF-treated silicon surfaces are described in an effort to understand the chemical termination leading to the near ideal electrical passivation of such surfaces. Results suggest a fluorine surface density of order a monolayer chemically bonded to silicon with a partial oxygen contamination due to exposure of the HF-treated wafer to air, and a physisorbed hydrocarbon layer on top.