Semi-Empirical Model for SEGR Prediction

The underlying physical mechanisms in single event gate rupture (SEGR) are not known precisely. SEGR is expected to occur when the energy deposition due to a heavy ion strike exceeds a certain threshold simultaneously with sufficient electric field across the gate dielectric. Typically the energy deposition is described by using the linear energy transfer (LET) of the given ion. Previously the LET has been demonstrated not to describe the SEGR sufficiently. The work presented here introduces a semi-empirical model for the SEGR prediction based on statistical variations in the energy deposition which are described theoretically.

Statistical Analysis of Heavy-Ion Induced Gate Rupture in Power MOSFETs—Methodology for Radiation Hardness Assurance

A methodology for power MOSFET radiation hardness assurance is proposed. It is based on the statistical analysis of destructive events, such as gate oxide rupture. Examples of failure rate calculations are performed.

SEGR in SiO<inf>2</inf>-Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> stacks

SEGR in SiO${}_2$–Si$_3$N$_4$ Stacks

Abstract. This work presents experimental Single Event Gate Rupture (SEGR) data for Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor (MIS) devices, where the gate dielectrics are made of stacked SiO2–Si3N4 structures. A semi-empirical model for predicting the critical gate voltage in these structures under heavy-ion exposure is first proposed. Then interrelationship between SEGR cross- section and heavy-ion induced energy deposition probability in thin dielectric layers is discussed. Qualitative connection between the energy deposition in the dielectric and the SEGR is proposed. peerReviewed

Heavy-Ion Induced Charge Yield in MOSFETs

The heavy-ion induced electron/hole charge yield in silicon-oxide versus electric field is presented. The heavy-ion charge yield was determined by comparing the voltage shifts of MOSFET transistors irradiated with 10-keV X-rays and several different heavy ions. The obtained charge yield for the heavy ions is in average nearly an order of magnitude lower than for the X-rays for the entire range of measured electric fields.