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Diffusion: Hardened-That Is, Its Outer Surface Layer Was Selectively Hardened by
Diffusion: Hardened-That Is, Its Outer Surface Layer Was Selectively Hardened by
T he first photograph on this page is of a steel gear that has been case
hardened—that is, its outer surface layer was selectively hardened by
a high-temperature heat treatment during which carbon from the sur-
rounding atmosphere diffused into the surface. The “case” appears as the
dark outer rim of that segment of the gear that has been sectioned. This
Courtesy of Surface Division Midland-Ross
increase in the carbon content raises the surface hardness (as explained
in Section 10.7), which in turn leads to an improvement of wear resist-
ance of the gear. In addition, residual compressive stresses are introduced
within the case region; these give rise to an enhancement of the gear’s
resistance to failure by fatigue while in service (Chapter 8).
Case-hardened steel gears are used in automobile transmissions,
similar to the one shown in the photograph directly below the gear.
Courtesy Ford Motor Company
© iStockphoto
140 •
WHY STUDY Diffusion?
Materials of all types are often heat-treated to improve can often be predicted by using the mathematics of
their properties. The phenomena that occur during a diffusion and appropriate diffusion constants. The steel
heat treatment almost always involve atomic diffusion. gear shown on page 140 (top) has been case hardened
Often, an enhancement of diffusion rate is desired; (Section 8.10)—that is, its hardness and resistance to
on occasion, measures are taken to reduce it. Heat- failure by fatigue have been enhanced by diffusing ex-
treating temperatures and times and/or cooling rates cess carbon or nitrogen into the outer surface layer.
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Name and describe the two atomic mechanisms 4. Write the solution to Fick’s second law for diffu-
of diffusion. sion into a semi-infinite solid when the concen-
2. Distinguish between steady-state and nonsteady- tration of diffusing species at the surface is held
state diffusion. constant. Define all parameters in this equation.
3. (a) Write Fick’s first and second laws in equa- 5. Calculate the diffusion coefficient for a material
tion form and define all parameters. at a specified temperature, given the appropri-
(b) Note the kind of diffusion for which each of ate diffusion constants.
these equations is normally applied.
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Many reactions and processes that are important in the treatment of materials rely on the
transfer of mass either within a specific solid (ordinarily on a microscopic level) or from
diffusion a liquid, a gas, or another solid phase. This is necessarily accomplished by diffusion, the
phenomenon of material transport by atomic motion. This chapter discusses the atomic
mechanisms by which diffusion occurs, the mathematics of diffusion, and the influence of
temperature and diffusing species on the rate of diffusion.
The phenomenon of diffusion may be demonstrated with the use of a diffusion couple,
which is formed by joining bars of two different metals together so that there is intimate
Tutorial Video:
contact between the two faces; this is illustrated for copper and nickel in Figure 5.1, which
Diffusion
includes schematic representations of atom positions and composition across the interface.
What is Diffusion?
This couple is heated for an extended period at an elevated temperature (but below the
melting temperature of both metals) and cooled to room temperature. Chemical analysis
reveals a condition similar to that represented in Figure 5.2—namely, pure copper and
100
Concentration of Ni, Cu
Cu Ni
Cu Ni
0
Position
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 5.1 (a) A copper–nickel diffusion couple before a high-temperature heat treatment. (b) Schematic repre-
sentations of Cu (red circles) and Ni (blue circles) atom locations within the diffusion couple. (c) Concentrations of
copper and nickel as a function of position across the couple.
• 141
142 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
100
Concentration of Ni, Cu
Cu Ni
Diffusion of Cu atoms
Cu Cu–Ni alloy Ni
Diffusion of Ni atoms 0
Position
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 5.2 (a) A copper–nickel diffusion couple after a high-temperature heat treatment, showing the alloyed dif-
fusion zone. (b) Schematic representations of Cu (red circles) and Ni (blue circles) atom locations within the couple.
(c) Concentrations of copper and nickel as a function of position across the couple.
nickel at the two extremities of the couple, separated by an alloyed region. Concentrations
of both metals vary with position as shown in Figure 5.2c. This result indicates that copper
atoms have migrated or diffused into the nickel, and that nickel has diffused into copper.
interdiffusion The process by which atoms of one metal diffuse into another is termed interdiffusion, or
impurity diffusion impurity diffusion.
Interdiffusion may be discerned from a macroscopic perspective by changes in con-
centration that occur over time, as in the example for the Cu–Ni diffusion couple. There
is a net drift or transport of atoms from high- to low-concentration regions. Diffusion
also occurs for pure metals, but all atoms exchanging positions are of the same type; this
self-diffusion is termed self-diffusion. Of course, self-diffusion is not normally subject to observation
by noting compositional changes.
Vacancy Diffusion
One mechanism involves the interchange of an atom from a normal lattice position to an
adjacent vacant lattice site or vacancy, as represented schematically in Figure 5.3a. This
vacancy diffusion mechanism is aptly termed vacancy diffusion. Of course, this process necessitates the
presence of vacancies, and the extent to which vacancy diffusion can occur is a function
of the number of these defects that are present; significant concentrations of vacancies
may exist in metals at elevated temperatures (Section 4.2). Because diffusing atoms and
vacancies exchange positions, the diffusion of atoms in one direction corresponds to the
motion of vacancies in the opposite direction. Both self-diffusion and interdiffusion oc-
cur by this mechanism; for the latter, the impurity atoms must substitute for host atoms.
Vacancy
Vacancy
(a)
(b)
such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, which have atoms that are small enough
to fit into the interstitial positions. Host or substitutional impurity atoms rarely form inter-
stitials and do not normally diffuse via this mechanism. This phenomenon is appropriately
interstitial diffusion termed interstitial diffusion (Figure 5.3b).
In most metal alloys, interstitial diffusion occurs much more rapidly than diffusion
by the vacancy mode, because the interstitial atoms are smaller and thus more mobile.
Furthermore, there are more empty interstitial positions than vacancies; hence, the prob-
ability of interstitial atomic movement is greater than for vacancy diffusion.
Definition of M
diffusion flux J = (5.1)
At
where A denotes the area across which diffusion is occurring and t is the elapsed diffusion
time. The units for J are kilograms or atoms per meter squared per second (kg/m2 # s or
atoms/m2 # s).
The mathematics of steady-state diffusion in a single (x) direction is relatively simple,
dC
Fick’s first law— in that the flux is proportional to the concentration gradient, through the expression
diffusion flux for dx
steady-state diffusion dC
(in one direction) J = -D (5.2)
dx
144 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
xA xB
Position, x
(b)
Area, A
(a)
Fick’s first law This equation is sometimes called Fick’s first law. The constant of proportionality D
diffusion coefficient is called the diffusion coefficient, which is expressed in square meters per second. The
negative sign in this expression indicates that the direction of diffusion is down the con-
centration gradient, from a high to a low concentration.
Fick’s first law may be applied to the diffusion of atoms of a gas through a thin
metal plate for which the concentrations (or pressures) of the diffusing species on both
surfaces of the plate are held constant, a situation represented schematically in Figure
5.4a. This diffusion process eventually reaches a state wherein the diffusion flux does
not change with time—that is, the mass of diffusing species entering the plate on the
high-pressure side is equal to the mass exiting from the low-pressure surface—such that
there is no net accumulation of diffusing species in the plate. This is an example of what
steady-state diffusion is termed steady-state diffusion.
When concentration C is plotted versus position (or distance) within the solid x, the
concentration profile resulting curve is termed the concentration profile; furthermore, concentration gradient
concentration is the slope at a particular point on this curve. In the present treatment, the concentration
gradient profile is assumed to be linear, as depicted in Figure 5.4b, and
dC C CA - CB
concentration gradient = = = (5.3)
dx x xA - xB
For diffusion problems, it is sometimes convenient to express concentration in terms of
mass of diffusing species per unit volume of solid (kg/m3 or g/cm3).1
driving force Sometimes the term driving force is used in the context of what compels a reaction
to occur. For diffusion reactions, several such forces are possible; but when diffusion is
according to Equation 5.2, the concentration gradient is the driving force.2
One practical example of steady-state diffusion is found in the purification of hy-
Tutorial Video: drogen gas. One side of a thin sheet of palladium metal is exposed to the impure gas
Steady-State and composed of hydrogen and other gaseous species such as nitrogen, oxygen, and water
Nonsteady-State vapor. The hydrogen selectively diffuses through the sheet to the opposite side, which is
Diffusion maintained at a constant and lower hydrogen pressure.
1
Conversion of concentration from weight percent to mass per unit volume (kg/m3) is possible using Equation 4.9.
2
Another driving force is responsible for phase transformations. Phase transformations are topics of discussion in
Chapters 9 and 10.
5.4 Fick’s Second Law—Nonsteady-State Diffusion • 145
Solution
Fick’s first law, Equation 5.2, is used to determine the diffusion flux. Substitution of the values
just given into this expression yields
CA - CB (1.2 - 0.8) kg/m3
J = -D = -(3 * 10-11 m2/s)
xA - xB (5 * 10-3 - 10-2) m
= 2.4 * 10 - 9 kg/m2 # s
t3
t2
t1
Distance
146 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
C1 - C0
= constant
Cs - C0
3
A bar of solid is considered to be semi-infinite if none of the diffusing atoms reaches the bar end during the time
over which diffusion takes place. A bar of length l is considered to be semi-infinite when l 7 10 1Dt.
4
This Gaussian error function is defined by
z
2 -y2
erf (z) = 3 e dy
1p 0
where x/2 1Dt has been replaced by the variable z.
5.4 Fick’s Second Law—Nonsteady-State Diffusion • 147
This being the case, the right-hand side of Equation 5.5 is also a constant, and subsequently
x
= constant (5.6a)
21Dt
or
x2
= constant (5.6b)
Dt
Some diffusion computations are facilitated on the basis of this relationship, as
demonstrated in Example Problem 5.3.
Nonsteady-State
Diffusion Cs – C0
How do I Decide
Cx
Which Equation to
Use for a Specific Cx – C0
Nonsteady-State C0
Diffusion Situation?
x
Distance from interface
0.80 wt% at a position 0.5 mm below the surface? The diffusion coefficient for carbon in iron
at this temperature is 1.6 1011 m2/s; assume that the steel piece is semi-infinite.
Solution
Because this is a nonsteady-state diffusion problem in which the surface composition is held
constant, Equation 5.5 is used. Values for all the parameters in this expression except time t are
specified in the problem as follows:
C0 = 0.25 wt% C
Cs = 1.20 wt% C
Cx = 0.80 wt% C
x = 0.50 mm = 5 * 10 - 4 m
D = 1.6 * 10 - 11 m2 >s
Thus,
Cx - C0 0.80 - 0.25 (5 * 10-4 m)
= = 1 - erf £ §
Cs - C0 1.20 - 0.25 22(1.6 * 10-11 m2/s)(t)
62.5 s1/2
0.4210 = erf a b
1t
Tutorial Video
We must now determine from Table 5.1 the value of z for which the error function is 0.4210.
An interpolation is necessary, as
z erf(z)
0.35 0.3794
z 0.4210
0.40 0.4284
Solution
This is a diffusion problem in which Equation 5.6b may be employed. Because at both 500C
and 600C the composition remains the same at some position, say x0, Equation 5.6b may be
written as
x20 x20
=
D500 t500 D600 t600
with the result that5
D500t500 = D600t600
or
D600 t600 (5.3 * 10 - 13 m2/s)(10 h)
t500 = = = 110.4 h
D500 4.8 * 10 - 14 m2/s
Temperature
Temperature has a profound influence on the coefficients and diffusion rates. For exam-
ple, for the self-diffusion of Fe in a-Fe, the diffusion coefficient increases approximately
six orders of magnitude (from 3.0 1021 to 1.8 1015 m2/s) in rising temperature from
500C to 900C. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients is
Dependence of the
diffusion coefficient Qd
D = D0 exp a - b (5.8)
on temperature RT
where
D0 a temperature-independent preexponential (m2/s)
activation energy Qd the activation energy for diffusion (J/mol or eV/atom)
R the gas constant, 8.31 J/mol # K or 8.62 105 eV/atom # K
T absolute temperature (K)
The activation energy may be thought of as that energy required to produce
the diffusive motion of one mole of atoms. A large activation energy results in a
5
For diffusion situations wherein time and temperature are variables and in which composition remains constant at
some value of x, Equation 5.6b takes the form
Dt = constant (5.7)
150 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
relatively small diffusion coefficient. Table 5.2 lists D0 and Qd values for several
diffusion systems.
Taking natural logarithms of Equation 5.8 yields
Qd 1
ln D = ln D0 - a b (5.9a)
R T
or, in terms of logarithms to the base 10,
Qd 1
log D = log D0 - a b (5.9b)
2.3R T
Because D0, Qd, and R are all constants, Equation 5.9b takes on the form of an equation
of a straight line:
y = b + mx
5.5 Factors that Influence Diffusion • 151
C in ␥ -Fe C in ␣ -Fe
Diffusion coefficient (m2/s)
10–12
Zn in Cu
10–14
Fe in ␥ -Fe Al in Al
–16
10 Fe in ␣ -Fe Cu in Cu
10–18
10–20
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
Reciprocal temperature (1000/K)
where y and x are analogous, respectively, to the variables log D and 1/T. Thus, if log D
is plotted versus the reciprocal of the absolute temperature, a straight line should result,
having slope and intercept of Qd/2.3R and log D0, respectively. This is, in fact, the
manner in which the values of Qd and D0 are determined experimentally. From such a
plot for several alloy systems (Figure 5.7), it may be noted that linear relationships exist
for all cases shown.
Concept Check 5.1 Rank the magnitudes of the diffusion coefficients from greatest to
least for the following systems:
N in Fe at 700C
Cr in Fe at 700C
N in Fe at 900C
Cr in Fe at 900C
Now justify this ranking. (Note: Both Fe and Cr have the BCC crystal structure, and the atomic
radii for Fe, Cr, and N are 0.124, 0.125, and 0.065 nm, respectively. You may also want to refer
to Section 4.3.)
[The answer may be found at www.wiley.com/college/callister (Student Companion Site).]
Concept Check 5.2 Consider the self-diffusion of two hypothetical metals A and B. On
a schematic graph of ln D versus 1/T, plot (and label) lines for both metals, given that D0(A)
D0(B) and Qd(A) Qd(B).
[The answer may be found at www.wiley.com/college/callister (Student Companion Site).]
152 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
Solution
This diffusion coefficient may be determined by applying Equation 5.8; the values of D0 and Qd
from Table 5.2 are 1.2 104 m2/s and 130 kJ/mol, respectively. Thus,
(130,000 J/mol)
D = (1.2 * 10 - 4 m2/s) expc -
(8.31 J/mol # K)(550 + 273 K)
d
= 6.7 * 10 - 13 m2/s
10–13
may now read the corresponding log D1
and log D2 values from the line segment
in Figure 5.8. 10–14
[Before this is done, however, a
note of caution is offered: The vertical 10–15
axis in Figure 5.8 is scaled logarithmi-
cally (to the base 10); however, the
10–16
actual diffusion coefficient values are
noted on this axis. For example, for
D 1014 m2/s, the logarithm of D 10–17
0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2
is 14.0, not 1014. Furthermore, this
Reciprocal temperature (1000/K)
logarithmic scaling affects the readings
between decade values; for example, at Figure 5.8 Plot of the logarithm of the diffusion
a location midway between 1014 and coefficient versus the reciprocal of absolute
1015, the value is not 5 1015 but, temperature for the diffusion of copper in gold.
rather, 1014.5 3.2 1015.]
5.5 Factors that Influence Diffusion • 153
Thus, from Figure 5.8, at 1/T1 0.8 103 (K)1, log D1 12.40, whereas for 1/T2 1.1
10 (K)1, log D2 15.45, and the activation energy, as determined from the slope of the line
3
= -4.28
4.28
Thus, D0 10 m /s 5.2 105 m2/s.
2
Solution
Because this is a nonsteady-state diffusion situation, let us first employ Equation 5.5, using the
following values for the concentration parameters:
C0 = 0.20 wt% C
Cs = 1.00 wt% C
Cx = 0.60 wt% C
Therefore,
Cx - C0 0.60 - 0.20 x
= = 1 - erfa b
Cs - C0 1.00 - 0.20 21Dt
and thus,
x
0.5 = erfa b
21Dt
154 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
Using an interpolation technique as demonstrated in Example Problem 5.2 and the data presented
in Table 5.1, we find
x
= 0.4747 (5.10)
21Dt
The problem stipulates that x 0.75 mm 7.5 104 m. Therefore,
7.5 * 10 - 4 m
= 0.4747
21Dt
This leads to
Dt = 6.24 * 10 - 7 m2
Furthermore, the diffusion coefficient depends on temperature according to Equation 5.8, and,
from Table 5.2 for the diffusion of carbon in g-iron, D0 2.3 105 m2/s and Qd 148,000 J/mol.
Hence,
Qd
Dt = D0 expa - b (t) = 6.24 * 10 - 7 m2
RT
148,000 J/mol
(2.3 * 10 - 5 m2/s) exp c - d (t) = 6.24 * 10 - 7 m2
(8.31 J/mol # K)(T)
and, solving for the time t, we obtain
0.0271
t (in s) =
17,810
expa - b
T
Thus, the required diffusion time may be computed for some specified temperature (in K). The
following table gives t values for four different temperatures that lie within the range stipulated
in the problem.
Temperature Time
(ⴗC) s h
900 106,400 29.6
950 57,200 15.9
1000 32,300 9.0
1050 19,000 5.3
also remains constant over time, such that impurity concentration within the silicon is a
function of position and time according to Equation 5.5—that is,
Cx - C0 x
= 1 - erfa b
Cs - C0 21Dt
Predeposition treatments are normally carried out within the temperature range of
900⬚C and 1000⬚C and for times typically less than 1 h.
The second treatment, sometimes called drive-in diffusion, is used to transport im-
purity atoms farther into the silicon in order to provide a more suitable concentration
distribution without increasing the overall impurity content. This treatment is carried
out at a higher temperature than the predeposition one (up to about 1200⬚C) and also
in an oxidizing atmosphere so as to form an oxide layer on the surface. Diffusion rates
through this SiO2 layer are relatively slow, such that very few impurity atoms diffuse out
of and escape from the silicon. Schematic concentration profiles taken at three different
times for this diffusion situation are shown in Figure 5.9; these profiles may be compared
and contrasted to those in Figure 5.5 for the case in which the surface concentration
of diffusing species is held constant. In addition, Figure 5.10 compares (schematically)
concentration profiles for predeposition and drive-in treatments.
If we assume that the impurity atoms introduced during the predeposition treat-
ment are confined to a very thin layer at the surface of the silicon (which, of course,
is only an approximation), then the solution to Fick’s second law (Equation 5.4b) for
drive-in diffusion takes the form
Q0 x2
C(x, t) = expa - b (5.11)
1pDt 4Dt
Here, Q0 represents the total amount of impurities in the solid that were introduced during
the predeposition treatment (in number of impurity atoms per unit area); all other parame-
ters in this equation have the same meanings as previously. Furthermore, it can be shown that
Dptp
Q0 = 2Cs (5.12)
B p
where Cs is the surface concentration for the predeposition step (Figure 5.10), which was
held constant, Dp is the diffusion coefficient, and tp is the predeposition treatment time.
Another important diffusion parameter is junction depth, xj. It represents the
depth (i.e., value of x) at which the diffusing impurity concentration is just equal to
Concentration of diffusing species (C)
Cs
Concentration of diffusing species
After predeposition
t1 t3 > t2 > t1
t2 After drive-in
t3 CB
xj
the background concentration of that impurity in the silicon (CB) (Figure 5.10). For
drive-in diffusion xj may be computed using the following expression:
Q0 1/2
xj = c (4Dd td)ln a bd (5.13)
CB 1pDd td
Here, Dd and td represent, respectively, the diffusion coefficient and time for the drive-in
treatment.
Solution
(a) The value of Q0 is calculated using Equation 5.12. However, before this is possible, it is
first necessary to determine the value of D for the predeposition treatment [Dp at T Tp
900C (1173 K)] using Equation 5.8. (Note: For the gas constant R in Equation 5.8, we use
Boltzmann’s constant k, which has a value of 8.62 105 eV/atom # K). Thus,
Qd
Dp = D0 expa - b
kTp
3.87 eV/atom
= (2.4 * 10 - 3 m2/s) exp c - d
(8.62 * 10 - 5 eV/atom # K)(1173 K)
= 5.73 * 10 - 20 m2/s
The value of Q0 may be determined as follows:
Dptp
Q0 = 2Cs
B p
(5.73 * 10 - 20 m2/s)(30 min)(60 s/min)
= (2)(3 * 1026 atoms/m3)
B p
= 3.44 * 1018 atoms/m2
(b) Computation of the junction depth requires that we use Equation 5.13. However, before
this is possible, it is necessary to calculate D at the temperature of the drive-in treatment
[Dd at 1100C (1373 K)]. Thus,
3.87 eV/atom
Dd = (2.4 * 10 - 3 m2/s)expc - d
(8.62 * 10 - 5 eV/atom # K)(1373 K)
= 1.51 * 10 - 17 m2/s
5.6 Diffusion in Semiconducting Materials • 157
= c (4)(1.51 * 10 - 17 m2/s)(7200 s) *
1/2
3.44 * 1018 atoms/m2
lnC Ss
(1 * 1020 atoms/m3) 2(p)(1.51 * 10 - 17 m2/s)(7200 s)
= 2.19 * 10 - 6 m = 2.19
m
(c) At x 1
m for the drive-in treatment, we compute the concentration of B atoms using
Equation 5.11 and values for Q0 and Dd determined previously as follows:
Q0 x2
C(x, t) = expa - b
1pDdt 4Ddt
3.44 * 1018 atoms/m2 (1 * 10 - 6 m)2
= expc - d
2(p)(1.51 * 10 - 17 m2/s)(7200 s) (4)(1.51 * 10 - 17 m2/s)(7200 s)
= 5.90 * 1023 atoms/m3
M A T E R I A L S O F I M P O R T A N C E
Aluminum for Integrated Circuit Interconnects
Interconnects
S ubsequent to the predeposition and drive-in heat
treatments just described, another important step
in the IC fabrication process is the deposition of very
4 m
(continued)
158 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
SUMMARY
Introduction • Solid-state diffusion is a means of mass transport within solid materials by stepwise
atomic motion.
• The term interdiffusion refers to the migration of impurity atoms; for host atoms, the
term self-diffusion is used.
Diffusion • Two mechanisms for diffusion are possible: vacancy and interstitial.
Mechanisms Vacancy diffusion occurs via the exchange of an atom residing on a normal lattice
site with an adjacent vacancy.
For interstitial diffusion, an atom migrates from one interstitial position to an
empty adjacent one.
• For a given host metal, interstitial atomic species generally diffuse more rapidly.
Summary • 159
Fick’s First Law • Diffusion flux is defined in terms of mass of diffusing species, cross-sectional area, and
time according to Equation 5.1.
• Diffusion flux is proportional to the negative of the concentration gradient according
to Fick’s first law, Equation 5.2.
• Concentration profile is represented as a plot of concentration versus distance into the
solid material.
• Concentration gradient is the slope of the concentration profile curve at some specific point.
• The diffusion condition for which the flux is independent of time is known as steady state.
• The driving force for steady-state diffusion is the concentration gradient (dC/dx).
Fick’s Second Law— • For nonsteady-state diffusion, there is a net accumulation or depletion of diffusing
Nonsteady-State species, and the flux is dependent on time.
Diffusion • The mathematics for nonsteady state in a single (x) direction (and when the diffusion
coefficient is independent of concentration) may be described by Fick’s second law,
Equation 5.4b.
• For a constant surface composition boundary condition, the solution to Fick’s second
law (Equation 5.4b) is Equation 5.5, which involves the Gaussian error function (erf).
Factors That • The magnitude of the diffusion coefficient is indicative of the rate of atomic motion
Influence Diffusion and depends on both host and diffusing species as well as on temperature.
• The diffusion coefficient is a function of temperature according to Equation 5.8.
Diffusion in • The two heat treatments that are used to diffuse impurities into silicon during inte-
Semiconducting grated circuit fabrication are predeposition and drive-in.
Materials During predeposition, impurity atoms are diffused into the silicon, often from a
gas phase, the partial pressure of which is maintained constant.
For the drive-in step, impurity atoms are transported deeper into the silicon so
as to provide a more suitable concentration distribution without increasing the
overall impurity content.
• Integrated circuit interconnects are normally made of aluminum—instead of metals such
as copper, silver, and gold that have higher electrical conductivities—on the basis of diffu-
sion considerations. During high-temperature heat treatments, interconnect metal atoms
diffuse into the silicon; appreciable concentrations will compromise the chip’s functionality.
Equation Summary
Equation Page
Number Equation Solving For Number
M
5.1 J = Diffusion flux 143
At
dC
5.2 J = -D Fick’s first law 143
dx
0C 02C
5.4b = D 2 Fick’s second law 145
0t 0x
Cx - C0 x
5.5 = 1 - erf a b Solution to Fick’s second law—for constant surface composition 146
Cs - C0 2 1Dt
Qd
5.8 D = D0 expa - b Temperature dependence of diffusion coefficient 149
RT
160 • Chapter 5 / Diffusion
List of Symbols
Symbol Meaning
A Cross-sectional area perpendicular to direction of diffusion
C Concentration of diffusing species
Initial concentration of diffusing species prior to the onset of the
C0
diffusion process
Cs Surface concentration of diffusing species
Cx Concentration at position x after diffusion time t
D Diffusion coefficient
D0 Temperature-independent constant
M Mass of material diffusing
Qd Activation energy for diffusion
R Gas constant (8.31 J/mol # K)
t Elapsed diffusion time
Processing/Structure/Properties/Performance Summary
Diffusion in semiconducting materials was discussed in Section 5.6. For both predeposi-
tion and drive-in treatments, diffusion is nonsteady-state—solutions to Fick’s second
law were provided for both. Nonsteady-state diffusion and these treatments are two of
the processing components for silicon, as noted in the following concept map:
t3 > t2 > t1
t1 t3 > t2 > t1
t3
t2
t2
t1 t3
Distance
Distance
Cx - C0 x Q0
= 1 - erf a b x2
Cs - C0 2 1Dt C(x, t) = expa - b
1pDt 4Dt
In the design of heat treatments to be used for introducing impurities into semiconduc-
tors (i.e., doping, Chapter 18) and, in the production of steel alloys (Chapter 10), an under-
standing of the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient (i.e., Equation 5.8) is
essential. The following concept maps illustrate the preceding relationships for these two
materials.
Summary • 161
After predeposition
After drive-in
CB
xj
800
A
700
A
A
600 + P
P
Temperature (°C)
500
B
A
400 +
B
A
300
M(start)
200 50%
M(50%) M+A
M(90%)
100
0
10–1 1 10 102 103 104 105
Time (s)
Isothermal transformation
diagrams
(Chapter 10)
Iron–Carbon Temperature dependence
Alloys (Steels) of diffusion coefficient
(Processing) (Chapter 5)
Tempering (tempered
Qd martensite)
D = D0 expa - b (Chapter 10)
RT
REFERENCES
Carslaw, H. S., and J. C. Jaeger, Conduction of Heat in Solids, Glicksman, M., Diffusion in Solids, Wiley-Interscience, New
2nd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1986. York, 2000.
Crank, J., The Mathematics of Diffusion, Oxford University Shewmon, P. G., Diffusion in Solids, 2nd edition, The Minerals,
Press, Oxford, 1980. Metals and Materials Society, Warrendale, PA, 1989.
Gale, W. F., and T. C. Totemeier (Editors), Smithells Metals
Reference Book, 8th edition, Elsevier Butterworth-
Heinemann, Oxford, 2004.
the diffusion flux is 7.36 109 kg/m2 # s. Hint: Use At what position will the carbon concentration be
Equation 4.9 to convert the concentrations from 0.25 wt% after a 10-h treatment? The value of D
weight percent to kilograms of carbon per cubic at 1325 K is 3.3 1011 m2/s.
meter of iron. 5.15 Nitrogen from a gaseous phase is to be diffused
5.11 When a-iron is subjected to an atmosphere of into pure iron at 675C. If the surface concentra-
nitrogen gas, the concentration of nitrogen in tion is maintained at 0.2 wt% N, what will be the
the iron, CN (in weight percent), is a function of concentration 2 mm from the surface after 25 h?
hydrogen pressure, pN2 (in MPa), and absolute The diffusion coefficient for nitrogen in iron at
temperature (T) according to 675C is 2.8 1011 m2/s.
37,600 J>mol 5.16 Consider a diffusion couple composed of two
CN = 4.90 * 10 - 3 1pN2 expa - b (5.14) semi-infinite solids of the same metal and that
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each side of the diffusion couple has a different
Furthermore, the values of D0 and Qd for this diffu- concentration of the same elemental impurity; fur-
sion system are 5.0 107 m2/s and 77,000 J/mol, re- thermore, assume each impurity level is constant
spectively. Consider a thin iron membrane 1.5-mm throughout its side of the diffusion couple. For this
thick at 300C. Compute the diffusion flux through situation, the solution to Fick’s second law (assum-
this membrane if the nitrogen pressure on one side ing that the diffusion coefficient for the impurity is
of the membrane is 0.10 MPa (0.99 atm) and on the independent of concentration) is as follows:
other side is 5.0 MPa (49.3 atm). C1 - C2 x
Cx = C2 + a b c 1 - erfa b d (5.15)
Fick’s Second Law—Nonsteady-State Diffusion 2 21Dt
5.12 Show that The schematic diffusion profile in Figure 5.13
B x2 shows these concentration parameters as well as
Cx = expa - b concentration profiles at times t 0 and t 0.
1Dt 4Dt
Please note that at t 0, the x 0 position is taken
is also a solution to Equation 5.4b. The parameter as the initial diffusion couple interface, whereas C1
B is a constant, being independent of both x and t. is the impurity concentration for x 0, and C2 is
Hint: From Equation 5.4b, demonstrate that the impurity content for x 0.
Consider a diffusion couple composed of pure
B x2
0c expa - bd nickel and a 55 wt% Ni-45 wt% Cu alloy (similar
1Dt 4Dt to the couple shown in Figure 5.1). Determine
0t the time this diffusion couple must be heated at
1000C (1273 K) in order to achieve a composi-
is equal to
B x2 C1
02 c expa - bd
• 1Dt 4Dt ¶ t>0
D
Concentration
0x2 C1 – C2
Determine values for the activation energy and 5.35 (a) Calculate the diffusion coefficient for mag-
preexponential. nesium in aluminum at 450C.
(b) What time will be required at 550C to pro-
10–15
duce the same diffusion result (in terms of con-
centration at a specific point) as for 15 h at 450C?
5.36 A copper–nickel diffusion couple similar to that
shown in Figure 5.1a is fashioned. After a 500-h
heat treatment at 1000C (1273 K), the concentra-
tion of Ni is 3.0 wt% at the 1.0-mm position within
the copper. At what temperature should the dif-
10–16
Diffusion coefficient (m2/s)
0.75 wt% at a position 0.5 mm below the surface. gives a junction depth xj of 2.35
m. Compute
Estimate the diffusion time required at 900C the predeposition diffusion time at 925C if the
(1173 K) to achieve this same concentration also surface concentration is maintained at a constant
at a 0.5-mm position. Assume that the surface car- level of 2.5 1026 atoms/m3. For the diffusion of
bon content is the same for both heat treatments, In in Si, values of Qd and D0 are 3.63 eV/atom and
which is maintained constant. Use the diffusion 7.85 105 m2/s, respectively.
data in Table 5.2 for C diffusion in a-Fe.
5.41 An FCC iron–carbon alloy initially containing Spreadsheet Problems
0.10 wt% C is carburized at an elevated tempera- 5.1SS For a nonsteady-state diffusion situation (con-
ture and in an atmosphere in which the surface stant surface composition) in which the surface and
carbon concentration is maintained at 1.10 wt%. If, initial compositions are provided, as well as the
after 48 h, the concentration of carbon is 0.30 wt% value of the diffusion coefficient, develop a spread-
at a position 3.5 mm below the surface, determine sheet that allows the user to determine the diffusion
the temperature at which the treatment was car- time required to achieve a given composition at
ried out. some specified distance from the surface of the solid.
Diffusion in Semiconducting Materials 5.2SS For a nonsteady-state diffusion situation (con-
stant surface composition) in which the surface
5.42 For the predeposition heat treatment of a semi-
and initial compositions are provided, as well as the
conducting device, gallium atoms are to be dif-
value of the diffusion coefficient, develop a spread-
fused into silicon at a temperature of 1150C for
sheet that allows the user to determine the distance
2.5 h. If the required concentration of Ga at a
from the surface at which some specified composi-
position 2
m below the surface is 8 1023 atoms/m3,
tion is achieved for some specified diffusion time.
compute the required surface concentration of Ga.
Assume the following: 5.3SS For a nonsteady-state diffusion situation (con-
stant surface composition) in which the surface
(i) The surface concentration remains constant
and initial compositions are provided, as well as
(ii) The background concentration is 2 1019 Ga the value of the diffusion coefficient, develop a
atoms/m3 spreadsheet that allows the user to determine the
(iii) Preexponential and activation energy values composition at some specified distance from the
are 3.74 105 m2/s and 3.39 eV/atom, respec- surface for some specified diffusion time.
tively. 5.4SS Given a set of at least two diffusion coefficient
5.43 Antimony atoms are to be diffused into a silicon values and their corresponding temperatures,
wafer using both predeposition and drive-in heat develop a spreadsheet that will allow the user to
treatments; the background concentration of Sb calculate the following:
in this silicon material is known to be 2 1020 (a) the activation energy and
atoms/m3. The predeposition treatment is to be (b) the preexponential.
conducted at 900C for 1 h; the surface concentra-
tion of Sb is to be maintained at a constant level
of 8.0 1025 atoms/m3. Drive-in diffusion will be DESIGN PROBLEMS
carried out at 1200C for a period of 1.75 h. For Fick’s First Law
the diffusion of Sb in Si, values of Qd and D0 are
5.D1 It is desired to enrich the partial pressure of
3.65 eV/atom and 2.14 105 m2/s, respectively. hydrogen in a hydrogen–nitrogen gas mixture
(a) Calculate the value of Q0. for which the partial pressures of both gases are
(b) Determine the value of xj for the drive-in dif- 0.1013 MPa (1 atm). It has been proposed to ac-
fusion treatment. complish this by passing both gases through a thin
sheet of some metal at an elevated temperature;
(c) Also, for the drive-in treatment, compute the inasmuch as hydrogen diffuses through the plate
position x at which the concentration of Sb atoms at a higher rate than does nitrogen, the partial
is 5 1023 atoms/m3. pressure of hydrogen will be higher on the exit
5.44 Indium atoms are to be diffused into a silicon side of the sheet. The design calls for partial pres-
wafer using both predeposition and drive-in heat sures of 0.051 MPa (0.5 atm) and 0.01013 MPa
treatments; the background concentration of In (0.1 atm), respectively, for hydrogen and nitrogen.
in this silicon material is known to be 2 1020 The concentrations of hydrogen and nitrogen (CH
atoms/m3. The drive-in diffusion treatment is to be and CN, in mol/m3) in this metal are functions of
carried out at 1175C for a period of 2.0 h, which gas partial pressures (pH2 and pN2, in MPa) and
Questions and Problems • 167
absolute temperature and are given by the follow- Fick’s Second Law—Nonsteady-State Diffusion
ing expressions: 5.D3 The wear resistance of a steel shaft is to be im-
27,800 J>mol proved by hardening its surface by increasing the
CH = 2.5 * 103 1pH2 expa - b (5.16a) nitrogen content within an outer surface layer as a
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result of nitrogen diffusion into the steel; the nitro-
37,600 J>mol gen is to be supplied from an external nitrogen-rich
CN = 2.75 * 103 1pN2 expa - b (5.16b)
RT gas at an elevated and constant temperature. The
initial nitrogen content of the steel is 0.0025 wt%,
Furthermore, the diffusion coefficients for the dif-
whereas the surface concentration is to be main-
fusion of these gases in this metal are functions of
tained at 0.45 wt%. For this treatment to be effective,
the absolute temperature, as follows:
a nitrogen content of 0.12 wt% must be established at
13,400 J>mol a position 0.45 mm below the surface. Specify an ap-
DH(m2 >s) = 1.4 * 10 - 7 expa - b (5.17a) propriate heat treatment in terms of temperature and
RT
time for a temperature between 475C and 625C.
76,150 J>mol
DN(m2 >s) = 3.0 * 10 - 7 expa - b (5.17b) The preexponential and activation energy for the dif-
RT fusion of nitrogen in iron are 5 107 m2/s and 77,000
Is it possible to purify hydrogen gas in this manner? J/mol, respectively, over this temperature range.
If so, specify a temperature at which the process 5.D4 The wear resistance of a steel gear is to be im-
may be carried out, and also the thickness of metal proved by hardening its surface, as described in
sheet that would be required. If this procedure is Design Example 5.1. However, in this case, the
not possible, then state the reason(s) why. initial carbon content of the steel is 0.15 wt%, and a
5.D2 A gas mixture is found to contain two diatomic carbon content of 0.75 wt% is to be established at a
A and B species (A2 and B2), the partial pressures position 0.65 mm below the surface. Furthermore,
of both of which are 0.1013 MPa (1 atm). This the surface concentration is to be maintained con-
mixture is to be enriched in the partial pressure stant, but may be varied between 1.2 and 1.4 wt%
of the A species by passing both gases through a C. Specify an appropriate heat treatment in terms
thin sheet of some metal at an elevated tempera- of surface carbon concentration and time, and for a
ture. The resulting enriched mixture is to have a temperature between 1000C and 1200C.
partial pressure of 0.051 MPa (0.5 atm) for gas A
and 0.0203 MPa (0.2 atm) for gas B. The concen- Diffusion in Semiconducting Materials
trations of A and B (CA and CB, in mol/m3) are 5.D5 One integrated circuit design calls for the diffusion
functions of gas partial pressures (pA2 and pB2, in of aluminum into silicon wafers; the background
MPa) and absolute temperature according to the concentration of Al in Si is 1.75 1019 atoms/m3.
following expressions: The predeposition heat treatment is to be con-
ducted at 975C for 1.25 h, with a constant surface
20,000 J>mol concentration of 4 1026 Al atoms/m3. At a drive-in
CA = 1.5 * 103 1pA2 expa - b (5.18a)
RT treatment temperature of 1050C, determine the dif-
27,000 J>mol fusion time required for a junction depth of 1.75 m.
CB = 2.0 * 103 1pB2 expa - b (5.18b) For this system, values of Qd and D0 are 3.41 eV/atom
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and 1.38 104 m2/s, respectively.
Furthermore, the diffusion coefficients for the dif-
fusion of these gases in the metal are functions of FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING
the absolute temperature, as follows: QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS
13,000 J>mol 5.1FE Atoms of which of the following elements will
DA(m2 >s) = 5.0 * 10 - 7 expa - b (5.19a) diffuse most rapidly in iron?
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21,000 J>mol (A) Mo (B) C (C) Cr (D) W
DB(m2 >s) = 3.0 * 10 - 6 expa - b (5.19b)
RT 5.2FE Calculate the diffusion coefficient for copper
in aluminum at 600C. Preexponential and activa-
Is it possible to purify gas A in this manner? If so, tion energy values for this system are 6.5 105
specify a temperature at which the process may be m2/s and 136,000 J/mol, respectively.
carried out, and also the thickness of metal sheet
that would be required. If this procedure is not (A) 5.7 102 m2/s (C) 4.7 1013 m2/s
possible, then state the reason(s) why. (B) 9.4 1017 m2/s (D) 3.9 102 m2/s