Asymmetric strain relaxation in patterned SiGe layers:: A means to enhance carrier mobilities in Si cap layers

Strain relaxation in patterned Si0.77Ge0.23 stripes grown on Si(001) by chemical vapour deposition was investigated after He+ ion implantation and annealing. Ion channeling measurements indicate asymmetric strain relaxation with a significantly higher residual strain parallel to the stripes than perpendicular to the stripes. These results are confirmed by plan view transmission electron microscopy showing a much higher density of misfit dislocations running along the stripes than across the stripes. Estimates based on a piezoresistivity model indicate significant enhancements of electron and hole mobilities for asymmetrically strained Si cap layers on such SiGe stripes. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.