The Effect of a Si Capping Layer on RF Characteristics of High-$k$ /Metal Gate SiGe Channel pMOSFETs

We present a comparative study of the effects of a Si capping layer on SiGe channel pMOSFETs used for radio-frequency (RF) applications. In Si-capped devices, the drive current increases because Si/SiGe heterojunction layers form a SiGe quantum well, which reduces carrier scattering. Conversely, SiGe samples without a Si capping layer suffer severe interface degradation, due to Ge diffusing into the gate dielectric. Devices using a Si capping layer have enhanced RF performance and reduced low-frequency noise, which is a key factor affecting phase noise. There is an increase in the RF figures of merit. These benefits indicate that a Si capping layer should be used in SiGe channel pMOSFETs.