Deep level centers in silicon carbide: A review

Results from current studies of the parameters of deep centers in 6H-, 4H-, and 3C- SiC are analyzed. Data are presented on the ionization energy and capture cross sections of centers formed by doping SiC with different types of impurities or during irradiation, as well as of intrinsic defects. The involvement of these centers in radiative and nonradiative recombination is examined. This analysis of published data illustrates the large effect of intrinsic defects in the SiC crystal lattice both on the formation of deep centers and on the properties of the epitaxial layers themselves, such as t heir doping level and polytype homogeneity. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7826(99)00102-7].