Interface reaction between Ni and amorphous SiC

Abstract

A Ni/amorphous SiC (a-SiC) multilayered sample was prepared by ion-beam sputtering and was used as a model system to study the stability of metal contacts with a-SiC against interface reactions. The diffusion of Ni into the a-SiC layer as well as Si and C into the Ni layer takes place concurrently during the annealing process. An intermediate NiSi phase was identified in the Ni solution layer because of diffusion of Si and C resulting from the decomposition of a-SiC. A phase selection diagram has been developed that accounts for nucleation of the NiSi phase from the Ni solution layer.