Ab initio calculations of phosphorus and arsenic clustering parameters for the improvement of process simulation models

We present the results of extensive ab initio simulations for phosphorus clusters, arsenic clusters and mixed phosphorus/arsenic clusters in silicon. The specific defects and the parameters that are investigated are selected according to the needs of state-of-the-art diffusion and activation models, taking into account the availability of experimental data, the capabilities of current ab initio methods and the requirements for advanced technology development. The calculated binding energies are used to determine a good starting point for the calibration of a new clustering model implemented in an atomistic process simulator. The defect species V, I, P, PV, PI, As, AsV, AsI and clusters containing up to four dopant atoms and up to one V or I are considered in all relevant charge states. The ab initio results are discussed as well as the challenges arising in the transfer of this information into the process simulation model.