We formed ideal Ti Ohmic contacts on an n-type 6H-SiC epitaxial layer
by reducing Schottky barrier heights. The ideal contacts were realized
by utilizing ideal SiC surfaces formed under processes that intend to
lower the density of surface states. As the first process to form the
ideal surfaces, SiC surfaces were flattened by oxidation followed by
HF etching. Further, the ideal SiC surfaces in terms of passivation of
surface states were formed by immersing the flat SiC surfaces in boil
ing water. Ti electrodes thus formed had Ohmic properties with excelle
nt I-V characteristic linearity without the use of heavy doping and hi
gh-temperature annealing. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.