Improved parameterization of Auger recombination in silicon

Abstract

Accurate modeling of the intrinsic recombination in silicon is important for device simulation as well as for interpreting measured effective carrier lifetime data. In this contribution we study the injection-dependent effective carrier lifetime applying advanced surface passivation techniques based on Al2O3 or SiNx We show that in some cases the measured lifetime data significantly exceeds the previously accepted intrinsic lifetime limit proposed by Kerr and Cuevas [1]. To verify our measurements we independently perform lifetime measurements with different measurement techniques in two different laboratories. Based on effective lifetime measurements we develop an advanced parameterization of the intrinsic lifetime in crystalline silicon at 300 K as a function of the doping density and the injection level, which accounts for Coulomb-enhanced Auger recombination and Coulomb-enhanced radiative recombination.