Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
Infrared reflectance spectroscopy is employed to obtain hydrogen depth profiles in boron-doped silicon, hydrogenated under various plasma conditions. From the obtained profiles, H-diffusion coefficients are calculated for different temperatures and dopant concentrations. Our results are interpreted by assuming that diffusion in the bulk is limited by trapping at the acceptor sites. A binding energy of 0.6 eV is deduced for B-H pairs. We also analyze the influence of a bias applied to the sample on the hydrogenation process. This sample bias can favor or completely hinder the diffusion of hydrogen into the silicon bulk. Also, a surface oxide layer can drastically inhibit the hydrogen in-diffusion.