Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of embodiments of the present application to provide a method of manufacturing a photodetection device to provide a device suitable for detecting photons of longer wavelength.
In order to solve the above technical problem, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a photodetecting device, which may include:
growing an epitaxial layer on the prepared first substrate, wherein the epitaxial layer and the first substrate are both in a first conductive type;
forming a first doped region and a second doped region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type and a third doped region of the first conductivity type on one side of the epitaxial layer far away from the first substrate, wherein the second doped region is located between the first doped region and the third doped region, the first doped region and a first region, corresponding to the first doped region, in the first substrate and the epitaxial layer form a first photosensitive element, and the second doped region and a second region, corresponding to the second doped region, in the first substrate and the epitaxial layer form a second photosensitive element;
forming a reflective structure corresponding to the first photosensitive element over the one side of the epitaxial layer;
processing the first substrate to expose the other side, opposite to the one side, of the epitaxial layer;
doping the other side of the epitaxial layer to form a fourth doped region of the first conductivity type;
and preparing a first bonding pad, a second bonding pad and a third bonding pad which are respectively connected with the first doping area, the second doping area and the third doping area below the fourth doping area, wherein the first bonding pad forms a first electrode of the photoelectric detection device used as an output end, the second bonding pad forms a second electrode of the photoelectric detection device, and the third bonding pad forms a third electrode of the photoelectric detection device.
Optionally, the step of forming the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region includes:
determining a first active region, a second active region and a third active region on the outer surface of the epitaxial layer far away from the first substrate, wherein the second active region is located between the first active region and the third active region;
and doping a second dopant into the epitaxial layer from the first active region and the second active region by using a preset process to form the first doped region and the second doped region, and doping a first dopant into the epitaxial layer from the third active region by using the preset process to form the third doped region.
Optionally, the preset process includes an ion implantation process or a diffusion doping process.
Optionally, the step of forming the reflective structure comprises:
depositing a first passivation layer on the one side of the epitaxial layer;
forming a reflective region on the first passivation layer at a position corresponding to the first doping region;
depositing a second passivation layer on the first passivation layer after forming the reflective region, wherein the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer on which the reflective region is formed constitute the reflective structure.
Optionally, before forming the reflective region, the method further comprises:
forming a plurality of first metal interconnection lines respectively connected with the first doped regions and the second doped regions in the first passivation layer, and forming first through holes filled with a first metal penetrating through the first passivation layer and the epitaxial layer below the plurality of first metal interconnection lines.
Optionally, the step of preparing the first pad, the second pad and the third pad includes:
depositing a third passivation layer under the fourth doped region, and forming a second via filled with the first metal in the third passivation layer at a position corresponding to the first doped region and the first via, respectively, wherein the second via formed at the position corresponding to the first via is in communication with the first via;
forming a second metal interconnection line below the formed second via;
depositing a fourth passivation layer under the third passivation layer on which the second metal interconnection line is formed, and etching the fourth passivation layer to expose a portion of the first metal interconnection line, wherein the second metal interconnection line exposed at positions corresponding to the first, second, and third doped regions forms the first, second, and third pads, respectively.
Optionally, the method further comprises:
and preparing quenching elements respectively connected with the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element above the one side of the epitaxial layer.
Optionally, the step of preparing the quenching element comprises:
depositing polysilicon on a specific region on the one side of the epitaxial layer, and performing etching and doping treatment on the polysilicon to obtain the quenching element;
forming a third via filled with the first metal over the quenching element to connect with the first metal interconnect.
Optionally, the method further comprises:
and forming an isolation region in the epitaxial layer on the side far away from the substrate, wherein the isolation region separates the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region.
Optionally, the step of forming the isolation region includes:
etching a passive region on the outer surface of the epitaxial layer far away from the first substrate to form a groove, wherein the passive region is positioned between a plurality of active regions for forming the first doped region to the third doped region;
and filling a specific material into the groove to form the isolation region.
Optionally, before forming the first to third doped regions, the method further comprises:
forming a buried layer of the first conductivity type within the first region and/or the second region.
Optionally, before forming the first to third doped regions, the method further comprises:
and forming a first well region, a second well region and/or a third well region corresponding to the first doped region, the second doped region and/or the third doped region in the epitaxial layer respectively.
Optionally, before processing the first substrate, the method further comprises:
and bonding the reflecting structure with the prepared second substrate.
Optionally, the method further comprises:
and preparing a convex lens at a position below the fourth doped region and corresponding to the first photosensitive element and/or the second photosensitive element.
As can be seen from the above technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiment of the present application, the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region of the first conductivity type are formed on the side of the epitaxial layer away from the first substrate, where the second doped region is located between the first doped region and the third doped region, so that the first doped region and the third doped region are separated by the second doped region, and only the first pad connected to the first doped region is used as the output end of the photodetection device, so compared with the case where the first doped region is adjacent to the third doped region, when the manufactured photodetection device is in an operating state, the width of the depletion region in the PN junction formed inside the first photosensitive element can be increased, and the influence of the internal noise of the device on the PN junction can be reduced, so that the detection efficiency of photons with longer wavelength can be improved, and a reflection structure is formed at a position corresponding to the first doped region above the one side of the epitaxial layer, so that photons passing through the first doped region can be reflected, and the detection efficiency of the photons can be further improved.
Detailed Description
The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are only used for explaining a part of the embodiments of the present application, but not all embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application or the claims. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments given herein without making any creative effort, shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. When an element is referred to as being "connected/coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected/coupled to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. The term "connected/coupled" as used herein may include electrical and/or mechanical physical connections/couplings. The term "comprises/comprising" as used herein refers to the presence of features, steps or elements, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or elements. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms "upper" and "lower", "above" and "below" as used herein are relative concepts only, and depending on the different viewing orientations or placement positions, upper or above may also refer to lower or below, respectively, and vice versa.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.
In the description of the present application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and to distinguish similar objects, and there is no order of precedence between them or it is understood that relative importance is indicated or implied. In addition, in the description of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specified.
In the description of the present application, the first conductivity type may refer to P-type doping, which is mainly conducted by holes, the second conductivity type may refer to N-type doping, which is mainly conducted by electrons, and alternatively, the first conductivity type may refer to N-type doping and the second conductivity type may refer to P-type doping. Additionally, "P +" and "P-" may refer to relatively higher and lower doping concentrations, respectively, as compared to the doping concentration of a P-type doped region, while "N +" and "N-" may refer to relatively higher and lower doping concentrations, respectively, as compared to the doping concentration of an N-type doped region, e.g., the doping concentrations of the P + -type and N + -type doped layers/regions may be 1x1019~1x1021cm-3The doping concentration of the P-type and N-type doped layers/regions may be 1x1016~1x1018cm-3. Doped regions or doped layers having the same conductivity type may have the same or different doping concentrations, or doped regions or doped layers having different conductivity types may have the same or different doping concentrations, unless otherwise specified.
A method for manufacturing a photodetection device for photon detection provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in fig. 2 and 3, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a photodetecting device, which may include the following steps:
s1: and growing an epitaxial layer on the prepared first substrate.
After the first substrate having the first conductivity type (e.g., P-type) is prepared by using the first dopant, an epitaxial layer having the same conductivity type as the first substrate may be grown on the outer surface of the first substrate by using the first dopant, that is, the epitaxial layer and the first substrate are both of the first conductivity type, but the doping concentration in the formed epitaxial layer may be lower than the doping concentration in the first substrate. As to how to prepare the substrate and the method of growing an epitaxial layer on the outer surface of the substrate, reference may be made to the prior art and will not be described in further detail herein.
S2: a first doped region and a second doped region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type and a third doped region of the first conductivity type are formed in the epitaxial layer on a side away from the first substrate.
After the epitaxial layer is grown on the first substrate, a first doped region and a second doped region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type and a third doped region of the first conductivity type may be formed in the epitaxial layer on a side away from the first substrate. As shown in fig. 3, the first doped region formed and a first region of the first substrate and the epitaxial layer corresponding to the first doped region (i.e., a region under the first doped region) may constitute a first photosensitive element for detecting photons, and the second doped region formed and a second region of the first substrate and the epitaxial layer corresponding to the second doped region (i.e., a region under the second doped region) may constitute a second photosensitive element for detecting photons.
This step may be performed according to the following procedure:
first, a region for forming a doped region, i.e., a plurality of active regions, on an outer surface of the epitaxial layer remote from the first substrate may be determined. The plurality of active regions may include a first active region, a second active region, and a third active region. Wherein the second active region is located between the first active region and the third active region. For example, a middle portion region on the outer surface of the epitaxial layer may be defined as a first active region, both side edge regions on the outer surface of the epitaxial layer may be defined as third active regions, and a partial region between the first active region and the third active region may be defined as a second active region, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the number, size and specific location of the first active region, the second active region and the third active region may be determined according to the size of the epitaxial layer in combination with actual requirements, or may also be determined according to a well region and/or a buried layer formed within the epitaxial layer.
Then, a second dopant may be doped into the epitaxial layer from the determined first and second active regions using a predetermined process to form first and second doped regions of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, and a first dopant may be doped into the epitaxial layer from the determined third active region using a predetermined process to form a third doped region of the first conductivity type. The doping concentrations and depths of the formed first doping region, the second doping region and the third doping region can be determined according to actual requirements, but the doping concentrations of the first doping region, the second doping region and the third doping region can be higher than the doping concentration of the epitaxial layer. The predetermined process may be an ion implantation process or a diffusion doping process, but is not limited to these two processes. The detailed description of the two processes can refer to the related description in the prior art, and will not be described redundantly.
In addition, a region between the plurality of active regions may be determined as an inactive region. That is, the outer surface of the epitaxial layer is composed of the inactive region and the active region.
S3: a reflective structure corresponding to the first photosensitive element is formed over the one side of the epitaxial layer.
After forming the first doped region, a reflective structure may be formed over the one side of the epitaxial layer. Specifically, a first passivation layer may be deposited on one side of the epitaxial layer, and then a reflective region may be formed on the first passivation layer at a position corresponding to the first doped region, for example, a reflective region may be formed by depositing a metal material having a higher reflectivity or a dielectric material of a multi-layered structure at the position, and finally a second passivation layer may be deposited on the first passivation layer, wherein the first and second passivation layers on which the reflective region is formed constitute a reflective structure.
By using the reflection structure, photons incident from the lower side of the photodetection device and passing through the first doped region can be reflected, so that the photon detection efficiency can be improved.
In addition, before forming the reflective region, the method may further include:
and forming a plurality of first metal interconnection lines respectively connected with the first doping regions and the second doping regions in the first passivation layer, and forming a plurality of first through holes which penetrate through the first passivation layer and the epitaxial layer and are filled with the first metal below the plurality of first metal interconnection lines. Specifically, etching may be performed on the first passivation layer at a position above both side edges of the first and second doped regions and/or above a gap between adjacent doped regions and below the reflective region to form a first via hole, and the first via hole may be filled with a first metal (e.g., tungsten, but not limited thereto); then forming first metal interconnection lines above the plurality of first through holes respectively; next, a first via may be formed through the first passivation layer and the epitaxial layer under each of the first metal interconnection lines, and the formed first via may be filled with a first metal. The formed first via filled with the first metal forms a connecting channel between the first and second doped regions and a corresponding pad to be formed subsequently.
S4: the first substrate is processed to expose the other side of the epitaxial layer.
After forming the first to third doped regions on the epitaxial layer, a side of the first substrate facing away from the epitaxial layer may be processed to expose another side of the epitaxial layer opposite to the side where the first to third doped regions are formed.
The specific method of how to process the first substrate to expose the other side of the epitaxial layer can refer to related processes in the prior art, and is not described herein in detail.
S5: and carrying out doping treatment on the other side of the epitaxial layer to form a fourth doped region in the first conductive type.
After the other side of the epitaxial layer is exposed, a first dopant may be implanted into the epitaxial layer from the other side by using a predetermined process such as an ion implantation process to form a fourth doped region of the first conductivity type, where a doping concentration of the fourth doped region is higher than a doping concentration of the epitaxial layer.
The fourth doped region formed may be used in place of the first substrate, where the corresponding region may become part of the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element.
S6: and forming a first bonding pad, a second bonding pad and a third bonding pad which are respectively connected with the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region below the fourth doped region.
After the first, second, and third doped regions are formed, a first pad, a second pad, and a third pad respectively connected to the first, second, and third doped regions may be formed under the fourth doped region, and metal interconnection lines between the first pad and the first doped region, between the second pad and the second doped region, and between the third pad and the third doped region may be formed. This step may be specifically performed as follows: a third passivation layer may be deposited under the fourth doping region, and second via holes may be formed in the third passivation layer at positions under the third doping region and at positions corresponding to the first via holes, respectively, wherein the first via holes penetrating the first passivation layer and the epitaxial layer communicate with corresponding second via holes formed on the third passivation layer, that is, the second via holes penetrate the third passivation layer and the fourth doping region from the formation positions thereof to communicate with the first via holes, then the formed second via holes are filled with a first metal, then a plurality of second metal interconnection lines are formed under the second via holes, then a fourth passivation layer may be deposited under the third passivation layer, and the fourth passivation layer is etched to expose a portion of each of the second metal interconnection lines, the second metal interconnection lines exposed at regions corresponding to the first doping region through the third doping region, respectively, constitute first to third pads, the first and second through holes filled with the first metal and the first and second metal interconnection lines realize connection between each doped region and the corresponding pad.
In addition, a plurality of stacked layers of the third passivation layer, the second metal interconnection line, and the fourth passivation layer may be deposited under the fourth doping region according to the number of the first doping region and the second doping region formed.
Further, the first pad may constitute a first electrode of the photodetecting device serving as an output terminal, the second pad may constitute a second electrode of the photodetecting device, the polarity of which is the same as that of the first electrode, for example, both are a cathode, and the third pad may constitute a third electrode of the photodetecting device, the polarity of which is opposite to that of the first electrode and the second electrode, for example, an anode. In practical applications, the photodetection device may be caused to measure photons emitted from the target object by applying voltages to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode, and the number of photons measured by the photodetection device may be determined based on the measurement result output from the first electrode.
In another embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, before step S2, the method may further include the steps of:
s11: a buried layer of the first conductivity type is formed within the epitaxial layer corresponding to the first doped region and/or the second doped region.
Prior to forming the first doped region and/or the second doped region within the epitaxial layer, a buried layer of the first conductivity type (e.g., a P-type buried layer or an N-type buried layer) may be formed within the epitaxial layer, which may be located below the first doped region and/or the second doped region. That is, at least one buried layer may be first formed within the epitaxial layer, and then the first doped region and/or the second doped region may be formed over the buried layer. As to the specific manner of forming the buried layer within the epitaxial layer, reference may be made to the related description in the prior art, which is not described herein in detail.
By forming a buried layer below the first doped region and/or the second doped region, the width of a depletion region in a PN junction within the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element can be increased, so that the photon absorption depth range and the photon detection efficiency can be improved.
In another embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, before step S2, the method may further include the steps of:
s12: and forming a first well region, a second well region and/or a third well region corresponding to the first doped region, the second doped region and/or the third doped region respectively in the epitaxial layer.
The first well region, the second well region and/or the third well region may be formed at predetermined positions within the epitaxial layer before the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region are formed on one side of the epitaxial layer. The well regions may be located outside the first doped region, the second doped region and/or the third doped region, and may surround at least a portion of the first doped region, the second doped region and/or the third doped region, respectively. Specifically, the method comprises the following steps:
after the positions of the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region to be formed on the epitaxial layer are determined, a first preset position, a second preset position and/or a third preset position corresponding to the positions of the first doped region, the second doped region and/or the third doped region to be formed inside the epitaxial layer can be determined according to the determined positions.
Then, a first well region, a second well region and/or a third well region corresponding to the first doped region, the second doped region and/or the third doped region may be formed at the predetermined positions, respectively. Specifically, a first ion implantation may be performed from the first active region and/or the second active region to a first predetermined position and/or a second predetermined position within the epitaxial layer to form a first well region and/or a second well region, e.g., an N-well, and a second ion implantation may be performed from the third active region to a third predetermined position within the epitaxial layer to form a third well region, e.g., a P-well. The doping concentrations of the first well region and the second well region can be the same, but are lower than the doping concentrations of the first doping region and the second doping region; the doping concentration of the third well region may also be lower than the doping concentration of the third doped region.
In addition, the first preset position to the third preset position may be predetermined, corresponding well regions are respectively formed at the preset positions, and the positions of the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region are determined according to the formed well regions.
By forming the first well region and the second well region, protection of the first doped region and the second doped region can be formed, respectively, and by forming the third well region, conductivity between the third doped region and the substrate can be enhanced.
It should be noted that the step S12 may be executed before or after the step S11. Although shown in fig. 5 as a buried layer below a well region, in practice, a buried layer may be between adjacent well regions, without limitation.
In another embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, before step S2, the method may further include the steps of:
s13: isolation regions are formed in the epitaxial layer on a side thereof remote from the substrate to separate the first, second and third doped regions.
Before forming the first doped region, the second doped region and the third doped region on the one side of the epitaxial layer, inactive regions on the outer surface may first be defined and isolation regions may then be formed on these inactive regions. Specifically, the at least one inactive region may be etched to form a trench, and the trench may be filled with a specific material (e.g., oxide or nitride), so that an isolation region (e.g., STI) may be formed. The formed isolation region can be directly coupled with or separated from the corresponding doped region, so that the electrical performance can be improved or the noise can be reduced. Accordingly, in step S2, the position of the active region may be determined according to the position of the inactive region, for example, a region between a plurality of inactive regions may be determined as the active region, and then a corresponding doped region may be formed on the active region.
In another embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, before step S3, the method may further include the steps of:
s21: and preparing a quenching element connected with the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element respectively above the one side of the epitaxial layer.
Quenching elements may refer to the following elements: when the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element generate a certain physical phenomenon (for example, an avalanche breakdown phenomenon) due to the detection of a large number of photons, the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element are quenched so that the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element recover normal detection capability. The quenching element may be a resistor or a field effect transistor, and may be located above the inactive region (or the isolation region) when the quenching element is a resistor, and may be located above both side edges of the first active region and the second active region when the quenching element is a field effect transistor. In this case, the first and second light sensing elements may be single photon avalanche diodes and the photo detection means may be a back-illuminated silicon photomultiplier.
After the first and second photosensitive elements are obtained by forming the first to third doped regions on one side of the epitaxial layer, quenching elements corresponding to the first and second photosensitive elements may be prepared above the one side. Specifically, polysilicon may be deposited in a specific region on one side of the epitaxial layer, and the deposited polysilicon is subjected to etching and doping treatment or the like, thereby obtaining a quenching element. The specific region may be located above both side edges of the first active region and the second active region (not shown), or may be located above an inactive region (or isolation region) on the outer surface of the epitaxial layer.
With regard to the specific process of etching and doping the polysilicon, reference may be made to the description of the related art.
Then, a third via filled with the first metal may be formed over the quenching element, through which the first metal interconnection line may be in ohmic contact, thereby achieving connection with the corresponding first or second doped region.
Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of branches formed by the quenching element, the corresponding first doping region and the first metal interconnection line for realizing connection therebetween are connected in parallel through the first metal interconnection line and connected to the first pad through the second metal interconnection line.
In another embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, before step S4, the method may further include the steps of:
s31: and bonding the reflecting structure with the prepared second substrate.
After the reflective structure is formed, the reflective structure may be bonded on another substrate (i.e., a second substrate) prepared. Specifically, a second passivation layer in the reflective structure is bonded on a second substrate, so that the second substrate can support all components including the reflective structure, the first photosensitive element, the second photosensitive element, and the like.
In another embodiment of the present application, after step S6, the method may further include the following steps (not shown in the figure):
s61: and preparing a convex lens at a position corresponding to the first photosensitive element and/or the second photosensitive element below the fourth doped region.
After the fourth doping region is formed, a convex lens may be prepared at a position corresponding to the first photosensitive element and/or the second photosensitive element below the fourth doping region to condense light, so that photon detection efficiency of the first photosensitive element and/or the second photosensitive element may be improved.
The center of the prepared convex lens can be aligned to the center of the first photosensitive element or the second photosensitive element, the optical path of the convex lens can avoid the first metal interconnection line, and when the photoelectric detection device is also provided with a quenching element, the optical path of the convex lens can also avoid the quenching element.
As to how to prepare the convex lens, reference may be made to the description in the prior art.
As can be seen from the above description, in the embodiment of the present application, the first doping region and the second doping region of the second conductivity type and the third doping region of the first conductivity type located outside the second doping region are formed in the epitaxial layer on the side away from the first substrate, so that the first doping region and the third doping region are separated by the second doping region, and only the first pad connected to the first doping region is used as the output end of the photodetection device, so compared with the case where the first doping region and the third doping region are adjacent to each other, when the obtained photodetection device is in an operating state, the width of the depletion region in the PN junction formed inside the first photosensitive element can be increased, and the influence of the internal noise of the device on the PN junction can be reduced, so that the detection efficiency of photons with longer wavelength can be improved. Moreover, by forming the reflection structure at a position corresponding to the first doped region above one side of the epitaxial layer, photons passing through the first doped region can be reflected, so that the detection efficiency of photons can be further improved.
It should be noted that only a part of the photo detection device is shown in fig. 3 and 5, another part of the photo detection device may be symmetrical to the shown part, and the number of components (e.g., the first photosensitive element and the second photosensitive element) shown in the figures is only schematic, and the photo detection device may include more first photosensitive elements and second photosensitive elements.
The systems, devices, modules, units, etc. set forth in the above embodiments may be embodied as chips and/or entities (e.g., discrete components) or as products having certain functions. For convenience of description, the above devices are described separately in terms of functional divisions into various layers. Of course, the functions of the layers may be integrated into one or more chips when the embodiments of the present application are implemented.
While the present application provides components as described in the embodiments or figures above, more or fewer components may be included in the apparatus based on conventional or non-inventive efforts.
Although the present application provides method steps as described in the above embodiments or flowcharts, additional or fewer steps may be included in the method, based on conventional or non-inventive efforts. In the case of steps where no necessary causal relationship exists logically, the order of execution of the steps is not limited to that provided by the embodiments of the present application.
The embodiments in the present specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same and similar parts among the embodiments are referred to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from the other embodiments.
The embodiments described above are described in order to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the present application. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to these embodiments may be made, and the generic principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the inventive faculty. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art should make improvements and modifications within the scope of the present application based on the disclosure of the present application.