InGaAs surface pretreatment prior to metal solid-state reactions for low resistance contacts

We have investigated the impact of various plasma treatments on InGaAs layers. Argon- and helium-based direct plasmas are more efficient than remote plasmas for the removal of InGaAs native oxides. We have demonstrated that the nature of direct plasma influences the InGaAs oxides removal efficiency. Indeed, both types of plasma seem to be efficient for removing arsenic oxides whereas the elimination of In oxides is more effective with Ar plasma. Hydrogen addition in He plasma impacts the removal of InGaAs oxides and appears to have a reducing effect on indium atoms. Whatever the nature of the pretreatment, the surface morphology and roughness of InGaAs layers were not significantly impacted.