Ohmic electrode and method for forming it

An ohmic electorde of the present invention comprises a contact electrode layer formed on a p-type diamond semiconductor layer formed on a substrate so as to be in ohmic contact with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer and to have low contact resistance and high heat resistance, and a lead electrode layer formed on the contact electrode layer so as to have low lead wire resistance and high heat resistance. Specifically, the contact electrode layer is made of either a carbide of at least one metal selected from a metal group comprising Ti, Zr, and Hf, or a carbide of an alloy containing at least one metal selected from the metal group. Since the carbide of the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer is stabler in respect of energy because of reduced formation enthalpy than the metal or alloy itself, it is very unlikely to diffuse. Therefore, little metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer formed on the contact electrode layer, thus improving the device performance, based on the reduced lead wire resistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an ohmic electrode with high heat 
resistance and low contact resistance, formed on a p-type diamond 
semiconductor and a method for forming it. 
2. Related Background Art 
Diamond has a large bandgap of about 5.5 eV and thus has no temperature 
range corresponding to the intrinsic region below 1400.degree. C. It is, 
therefore, excellent in heat resistance. Also, diamond has the thermal 
conductivity of 20 W/cm.multidot.K, which is ten times larger than that of 
silicon. Thus, it is also excellent in heat radiation. Because of such 
properties, semiconductor devices made of diamond can be operated at high 
temperature and can be improved in the degree of integration of circuits. 
These days, p-type diamond semiconductors formed by doping diamond with 
boron are expected to be applied to light-emitting devices to emit light 
in the range of various wavelengths from ultraviolet light to visible 
light, environmentally resistant semiconductor devices required to have 
high heat resistance and high thermal conductivity, and etc. In order to 
produce such semiconductor devices, ohmic electrodes formed on the p-type 
diamond semiconductor need to be provided with high heat resistance and 
low contact resistance. 
A conventional ohmic electrode is formed by successively building a contact 
electrode layer of Ti, a diffusion barrier layer of Mo, and a lead 
electrode layer of Au up on a p-type diamond semiconductor. Ti forming the 
contact electrode layer is a metal having a relatively high melting point, 
but has a resistivity of higher than materials such as Au, Al, etc. Thus, 
Au is layered as a lead electrode layer above the contact electrode layer 
so as to reduce lead wire resistance in order to improve device 
performance. 
However, when the lamination structure of Ti and Au is subjected to heat 
treatment at a temperature of about 300.degree. C., Ti forming the contact 
electrode layer readily diffuses into Au forming the lead electrode layer 
to precipitate over the surface of the lead electrode layer, thus 
increasing the lead wire resistance. Even in use at room temperature 
current supply to such a semiconductor device causes Joule heat generated 
to induce mutual diffusion of Ti and Au, which results in precipitation of 
Ti over the surface of the lead electrode layer. To prevent the diffusion 
of Ti, Mo is interposed as a diffusion barrier layer between the contact 
electrode layer and the lead electrode layer. 
The above prior art technology is described in detail in Japanese Laid-open 
Patent Applications No. 1-246867 and No. 2-260470. 
In the above conventional ohmic electrode the thickness of Ti forming the 
contact electrode layer is, however, relatively large, i.e., about 300 to 
500 nm. Then, the interposition of Mo as the diffusion barrier layer 
between the contact electrode layer and the lead electrode layer cannot 
fully prevent Ti from diffusing from the contact electrode layer toward 
the lead electrode layer. As a result, Ti precipitates over the surface of 
the lead electrode layer of Au, which raised a problem of degrading the 
device performance because of an increase in lead wire resistance. 
The present invention has been accomplished to solve the above problem. It 
is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an ohmic 
electrode formed on a p-type diamond semiconductor, which can improve the 
device performance, based on reduced lead wire resistance, and a method 
for forming the ohmic electrode. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Achieving the above object, an ohmic electrode of the present invention 
comprises a contact electrode layer formed on a p-type diamond 
semiconductor layer formed on a substrate so as to be in ohmic contact 
with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer and to have low contact 
resistance and high heat resistance, and a lead electrode layer formed on 
the contact electrode layer so as to have low lead wire resistance and 
high heat resistance, in which the contact electrode layer is made of 
either a carbide of at least one metal selected from a metal group 
comprising Ti, Zr, and Hf, or a carbide of an alloy containing at least 
one metal selected from the metal group. 
Achieving the above object, another ohmic electrode of the present 
invention comprises a contact electrode layer formed on a p-type diamond 
semiconductor layer formed on a substrate so as to be in ohmic contact 
with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer and to have low contact 
resistance and high heat resistance, a diffusion barrier layer formed on 
the contact electrode layer, and a lead electrode layer formed on the 
diffusion barrier layer so as to have low lead wire resistance and high 
heat resistance, in which the contact electrode layer is so formed as to 
have a thickness in the range of 3 to 200 nm and in which the diffusion 
barrier layer is made of either at least one metal selected from a metal 
group comprising W, Mo, Ta, Os, Re, Rh, and Pt, or an alloy containing at 
least one metal selected from the metal group. 
Here, the above contact electrode layer may be made of either a carbide of 
at least one metal selected from a metal group comprising Ti, Zr, and Hf, 
or a carbide of an alloy containing at least one metal selected from the 
said metal group. 
Achieving the above object, a method for forming an ohmic electrode of the 
present invention comprises a first step of vapor-depositing either at 
least one metal selected from a metal group comprising Ti, Zr, and Hf or a 
carbide thereof, or an alloy containing at least one metal selected from 
the said metal group or a carbide thereof on a p-type diamond 
semiconductor layer formed on a substrate to form a contact electrode 
layer being in ohmic contact with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer 
and having low contact resistance and high heat resistance, and a second 
step of forming by vapor deposition a lead electrode layer having low lead 
wire resistance and high heat resistance on the contact electrode layer 
formed in the first step, in which the first step comprises a heat 
treatment of the contact electrode layer at a temperature of not lower 
than 300.degree. C. 
Achieving the above object, another method for forming an ohmic electrode 
of the present invention comprises a first step of forming by vapor 
deposition a contact electrode layer having a thickness in the range of 3 
to 200 nm, on a p-type diamond semiconductor layer formed on a substrate 
so as to make the contact electrode layer in ohmic contact with the p-type 
diamond semiconductor layer, a second step of vapor-depositing either at 
least one metal selected from a metal group comprising W, Mo, Ta, Os, Re, 
Rh, and Pt, or an alloy containing at least one metal selected from the 
metal group on the contact electrode layer formed in the first step so as 
to form a diffusion barrier layer, and a third step of forming by vapor 
deposition a lead electrode layer having low lead wire resistance and high 
heat resistance on the diffusion barrier layer formed in the second step, 
in which the first step comprises a heat treatment of the contact 
electrode layer at a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. 
Here, the above heat treatment may be to heat the substrate at a 
temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. when the contact electrode 
layer is formed by vapor deposition on the p-type diamond semiconductor 
layer. Also, the above heat treatment may be to heat the contact electrode 
layer in an environment having a temperature of not lower that 300.degree. 
C. after the contact electrode layer has been formed by vapor deposition 
on the p-type diamond semiconductor layer. 
In the ohmic electrode of the present invention, the contact electrode 
layer made of either the carbide of at least one metal selected from the 
metal group comprising Ti, Zr, and Hf, or the carbide of an alloy 
containing at least one metal selected from the metal group is formed on 
the p-type diamond semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, as being 
in ohmic contact therewith. 
The inventors of the present application have verified that the contact 
resistance was low between the contact electrode layer and the p-type 
diamond semiconductor layer. Further, the inventors of the present 
application presumed that the diffusion was very unlikely to occur, 
because the carbide of the metal or the alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer was stabler in respect of energy because of reduced 
formation enthalpy than the metal or alloy itself. The Inventors also have 
verified that the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 
sometimes precipitated, though in a small amount, on the surface of the 
lead electrode layer in actuality, which was because the metal or alloy 
remained without forming the carbide in some portions of the contact 
electrode layer caused mutual diffusion with a substance, such as Au, 
forming the lead electrode layer and that the precipitation was not due to 
diffusion of the carbide of the metal or alloy. 
Accordingly, the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer rarely 
precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer formed on the 
contact electrode layer, thus enhancing the device performance, based on 
the reduced lead wire resistance. 
In another ohmic electrode of the present invention, the contact electrode 
layer is formed in the thickness of 3 to 200 nm on the p-type diamond 
semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, as being in ohmic contact 
therewith. Further, on the contact electrode layer the diffusion barrier 
layer is formed of either at least one metal selected from the metal group 
comprising W, Mo, Ta, Os, Re, Rh, and Pt, or an alloy containing at least 
one metal selected from the metal group. 
When the ohmic electrode is used under an environment of high temperature, 
the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer starts diffusing to 
become ready for mutual diffusion with the substance, such as Au, forming 
the lead electrode layer, which is effectively restricted by the diffusion 
barrier layer formed on the contact electrode layer. As soon as the metal 
or alloy forming the contact electrode layer starts diffusing, it comes to 
react with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer. Thus, most of the metal 
or alloy becomes a carbide thereof because the layer is thin. Thus, the 
diffusion is further suppressed, because the carbide of the metal or alloy 
forming the contact electrode layer is stable in respect of energy. 
Therefore, the device performance is enhanced based on the reduced lead 
wire resistance, because the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode 
layer rarely precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer 
formed above the contact electrode layer. 
Actually, there could remain a trace of the metal or alloy forming the 
contact electrode layer without forming the carbide thereof. Although this 
trace of the metal or alloy could cause the mutual diffusion with the 
substance, such as Au, forming the lead electrode layer so as to 
precipitate on the surface of the lead electrode layer, the amount of 
precipitates would be very small, which would rarely increase the lead 
wire resistance so much. 
Preferably, the contact electrode layer is made of the carbide of at least 
one metal selected from the metal group comprising Ti, Zr, and Hf, or a 
carbide of an alloy containing at least one metal selected from the said 
metal group. This further prevents the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer from precipitating on the surface of the lead electrode 
layer formed on the diffusion barrier layer, thus further reducing the 
lead wire resistance. 
According to the method for forming the ohmic electrode of the present 
invention, the first step comprises the heat treatment to heat the 
substrate at a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. in forming the 
contact electrode layer by vapor-depositing either at least one metal 
selected from the metal group comprising Ti, Zr, and Hf or a carbide 
thereof, or an alloy containing at least one metal selected from the metal 
group or a carbide thereof. In another embodiment, such a contact 
electrode layer is first formed and thereafter the heating treatment is 
carried out by heat the contact electrode layer in an environment having a 
temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. 
According to another method for forming the ohmic electrode of the present 
invention, the first step comprises the heat treatment to heat the 
substrate at a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. in forming the 
contact electrode layer by vapor deposition in the thickness of 3 to 200 
nm on the p-type diamond semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, such 
a contact electrode layer is first formed and thereafter the heat 
treatment is carried out by heating the contact electrode layer in an 
environment having a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. 
The heating causes the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 
to thermally diffuse into the p-type diamond semiconductor layer, and vice 
versa, reacting with diamond to form its carbide. Comparing with the 
method for directly forming the carbide of the metal or alloy forming the 
contact electrode layer on the p-type diamond semiconductor layer, the 
contact resistance to the p-type diamond semiconductor layer is reduced, 
because a superior interface with less defects is formed between the 
p-type diamond semiconductor layer and the contact electrode layer. 
The metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer becomes stabilized 
in respect of energy by the formation of carbide, so that the metal or 
alloy is unlikely to diffuse and, therefore, it rarely precipitates on the 
surface of the lead electrode, lowering the lead wire resistance. Since 
the carbide of the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer is 
stabler up to near the melting point higher than that of the metal or 
alloy itself, it is excellent in heat resistance. 
Accordingly, the ohmic contact with high heat resistance and low contact 
resistance can be formed with excellent reproducibility on the p-type 
diamond semiconductor layer. 
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed 
description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are 
given by way of illustration only, and thus are not to be considered as 
limiting the present invention. 
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become 
apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it 
should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, 
while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way 
of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the 
spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in 
the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The structure and operation of embodiments according to the present 
invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6. In the 
description with the drawings, identical elements will be denoted by same 
reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted. It should be 
noted that the ratio of the dimensions in the drawings does not always 
coincide with that in the description. 
In the following description, a IVA-group metal or a IVA-group alloy means 
at least one metal selected from a metal group consisting of Ti, Zr, and 
Hf, or an alloy containing at least one metal selected from the said metal 
group, respectively. 
FIG. 1 shows the structure of the first embodiment associated with an ohmic 
electrode of the present invention. 
A contact electrode layer 30 and a lead electrode layer 50 are successively 
layered on a p-type diamond layer 20 formed on a substrate 10. The contact 
electrode layer 30 is made of a carbide of a IVA-group metal or alloy with 
high heat resistance, which is in ohmic contact with the p-type diamond 
layer 20. The lead electrode layer 50 is made mainly of a substance, such 
as Au. 
The operation of the first embodiment is next described. 
Since the carbide of the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 
30 is much stabler in energy because of the reduced formation enthalpy 
than the metal or alloy itself, it is very unlikely to diffuse. Thus, the 
metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 rarely precipitates 
on the surface of the lead electrode layer 50 formed on the contact 
electrode layer 30, thereby improving the device performance, based on the 
reduced lead wire resistance. 
In fact, a trace of the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 
30 precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer 50, which is 
because the metal or alloy remained without forming the carbide in some 
portions of the contact electrode layer 30 is subject to the mutual 
diffusion with the substance, such as Au, or other components forming the 
lead electrode layer 50. That is, the precipitation is not caused by the 
diffusion of the carbide of the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer 30. 
Next described is a method for forming the above ohmic electrode in the 
first embodiment. 
First, a IVA-group metal or alloy, or a carbide thereof is vapor-deposited 
on the p-type diamond layer 20 formed on the substrate 10 to form the 
contact electrode layer 30. Then, the substance, such as Au, is 
vapor-deposited on the contact electrode layer 30 to form the lead 
electrode layer 50. 
The vapor deposition method may be selected from various techniques 
including the ion plating method, the arc ion plating method, the sputter 
deposition method, the vacuum vapor deposition method, and the electron 
beam evaporation method. 
Also, the contact electrode layer 30 may be formed in such a manner that 
the substrate is first set at a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. 
C. by heating an electrode portion of the substrate 10 and then the 
IVA-group metal or alloy is vapor-deposited on the p-type diamond layer 
20. 
Further, the heat treatment of the contact electrode layer 30 may be such 
that after the IVA-group metal or alloy has been vapor-deposited on the 
p-type diamond layer 20, the resultant is annealed in an environment of 
vacuum or Ar gas as heated at a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. 
C. 
Further, after the formation of the contact electrode layer 30 and before 
the formation of the lead electrode layer 50, the contact electrode layer 
30 may be washed with an acid solution, such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) or 
hydrofluoric acid/nitric acid (HF/HNO.sub.3). 
Moreover, if the thickness of the contact electrode layer 30 is not more 
than 200 nm, a heat treatment may be conducted in forming the lead 
electrode layer 50 in the same manner as in the formation of the contact 
electrode layer 30. 
Next described are the operational effects of the method for forming the 
ohmic electrode in the first embodiment. 
Since the carbide of the IVA-group metal or alloy has the reduced formation 
enthalpy as compared with the metal or alloy itself, the vapor deposition 
of the carbide of the IVA-group metal or alloy on the p-type diamond layer 
20 can keep the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 
stabler in energy whereby the metal or alloy is very unlikely to diffuse. 
When the IVA-group metal or alloy is vapor-deposited on the p-type diamond 
layer 20 and then the heat treatment is conducted at a temperature of not 
lower than 300.degree. C., the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer 30 thermally diffuses toward the p-type diamond layer 20 
and vice versa, reacting with diamond to form the carbide thereof. 
Comparing with the case where the carbide of the metal or alloy forming 
the contact electrode layer 30 is directly formed on the p-type diamond 
layer 20, an excellent interface with less defects is formed between the 
p-type diamond layer 20 and the contact electrode layer 30, thus reducing 
the contact resistance to the p-type diamond layer 20. 
As described, the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 is 
stabilized in respect of energy by the formation of the carbide thereof, 
which hardly diffuses. Also, the carbide of the metal or alloy forming the 
contact electrode layer 30 is move stable up to near the melting point 
higher than that of the metal or alloy itself and, therefore, it is 
excellent in heat resistance. 
Accordingly, little metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 
precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer 50, thus lowering 
the lead wire resistance. Therefore, the ohmic contacts with high heat 
resistance and low contact resistance can be formed with excellent 
reproducibility on the p-type diamond layer 20. 
Washing the contact electrodes layer 30 with the acid solution after the 
formation of the contact electrode layer 30 and before the formation of 
the lead electrode layer 50, the metal or alloy remained without forming 
the carbide can be removed from the contact electrode layer 30. 
Further, adhesion is improved between the layered contact electrode layer 
30 and lead electrode layer 50 by forming the lead electrode layer 50 
heated similarly as the contact electrode layer 30 in case of the 
thickness of the contact electrode layer 30 being not more than 200 nm. 
The following describes experiments as to the first embodiment. 
First, FIG. 2 shows formation conditions and performance evaluation results 
for the above first embodiment. Samples No. A1 through A7 were prepared in 
such a manner that while the substrate 10 and the atmosphere were held at 
the room temperature, a carbide of a IVA-group metal or alloy was 
vapor-deposited as the contact electrode layer 30 and, subsequently, the 
substance, such as Au, was vapor-deposited in the thickness of about 200 
nm as the lead electrode layer 50. 
Also, samples No. A8 through A12 were prepared as follows. The substrate 10 
was first heated up to a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. and 
then a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30. Next, the temperature of the substrate 10 was reduced 
down to the room temperature, and then substance, such as Au, was 
vapor-deposited in the thickness of about 200 nm as the lead electrode 
layer 50. 
Further, samples No. A13 through A15 were prepared as follows. The 
substrate 10 was first heated up to a temperature of not lower than 
300.degree. C. and then a carbide of a IVA-group metal or alloy was 
vapor-deposited as the contact electrode layer 30. Next, the temperature 
of the substrate 10 was reduced down to the room temperature and the 
substance, such as Au, was vapor-deposited in the thickness of about 200 
nm as the lead electrode layer 50. 
Additionally, samples No. A16 through A19 were prepared as follows. While 
the temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere was held at the 
room temperature, a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the 
contact electrode layer 30, and thereafter the resultant was subjected to 
an annealing treatment to heat it at a temperature of not lower than 
300.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10 Torr, preferably below 5 Torr for 
thirty minutes. Next, the temperature of the environment was reduced down 
to the room temperature and then the substance, such as Au, was 
vapor-deposited in the thickness of about 200 nm as the lead electrode 
layer 50. 
Moreover, samples No. A20 through A22 were prepared as follows. While the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere was held at the room 
temperature, a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30, and thereafter the resultant was subjected to an 
annealing treatment to heat it at a temperature of not lower than 
300.degree. C. in an environment of Ar gas under the pressure of below 1 
Torr for thirty minutes. Next, the temperature of the environment was 
reduced down to the room temperature and then the substance, such as Au, 
was vapor-deposited in the thickness of about 200 nm as the lead electrode 
layer 50. 
Further, samples No. A23 through A25 were prepared as follows. While the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere was held at the room 
temperature, a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30, and thereafter the resultant was subjected to an 
annealing treatment to heat it at a temperature of not lower than 
300.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10 Torr, preferably below 5 Torr for 
thirty minutes. Next, the contact electrode layer 30 was washed with an 
acid solution, such as hydrofluoric acid or hydrofluoric acid/nitric acid, 
to remove the metal or alloy remained without forming the carbide. 
Subsequently, the temperature of the environment was reduced down to the 
room temperature and then the substance, such as Au, was vapor-deposited 
in the thickness of about 200 nm as the lead electrode layer 50. 
The thus formed samples No. A1 through A25 were subjected to a heat 
treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10.sup.-5 
Torr for thirty minutes. The resistivity of the lead wire resistance was 
measured by the four-probe method before and after the treatment to 
evaluate the heat resistance, based on a change in the resistivity. 
The results of the measurement demonstrated that the lead wire resistance 
of each sample was nearly equal to a resistance value of Au normally 
formed in bulk before and after the heat treatment and that a change rate 
of the wire resistance of each sample was small. It was also observed that 
the surface of the lead electrode layer 30 had a color after the heat 
treatment, nearly identical with its original color. It is thus understood 
that high heat resistance was well achieved. 
In another experiment, samples No. A1 through A25 were subjected to a heat 
treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10.sup.-5 
Torr for thirty minutes. The contact resistance was measured by the TLM 
method before and after this treatment to evaluate the ohmic property to 
the p-type diamond layer 20, based on a change in the contact resistance. 
The results of the measurement demonstrated that the contact resistance of 
each sample was kept nearly unchanged before and after the heat treatment 
as to be a value below 1.times.10.sup.-3 .OMEGA..multidot.cm.sup.2. It is 
thus understood that excellent ohmic property was achieved. 
Next, FIG. 3 shows formation conditions and performance evaluation results 
of comparative examples to the above first embodiment. Samples No. B1 
through B6 were prepared as follows. While the temperature of the 
substrate 10 and the atmosphere was held at the room temperature or at a 
temperature of lower than 300.degree. C., a IVA-group metal or alloy was 
vapor-deposited as the contact electrode layer 30. Next, while the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere was kept at the room 
temperature, the substance, such as Au, was vapor-deposited in the 
thickness of about 200 nm as the lead electrode layer 50. (These samples 
correspond to the samples No. A1 through A15.) 
Also, samples No. B7 through B8 were prepared as follows. While keeping the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere at the room 
temperature, a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30. Then, the resultant was subjected to an annealing 
treatment to heat it at a temperature of lower than 300.degree. C. in 
vacuum of below 5 Torr for thirty minutes. Next, the temperature of the 
environment was reduced down to the room temperature and then the 
substance, such as Au, was vapor-deposited in the thickness of about 200 
nm as the lead electrode layer 50. (These samples correspond to the 
samples No. A16 through A19.) 
Further, samples No. B9 and B10 were prepared as follows. While keeping the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere at the room 
temperature, a IVA-group metal was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30. Then, the resultant was subjected to an annealing 
treatment to heat it at a temperature of lower than 300.degree. C. in 
vacuum of below 5 Torr for thirty minutes. Next, the contact electrode 
layer 30 was washed with an acid solution, such as hydrofluoric acid or 
hydrofluoric acid/nitric acid, to remove the metal or alloy remained 
without forming the carbide. Subsequently, the temperature of the 
environment was reduced down to the room temperature and then the 
substance, such as Au, was vapor-deposited in the thickness of about 200 
nm as the lead electrode layer 50. (These samples correspond to the 
samples No. A23 through A25.) 
The thus formed samples No. B1 through B10 were subjected to a heat 
treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10.sup.-5 
Torr for thirty minutes. The resistivity of the lead wire resistance was 
measured by the four-probe method before and after the heat treatment to 
evaluate the heat resistance, based on a change in the resistivity. 
The results of the measurement demonstrated that samples No. B1 through B8 
before the heat treatment had the lead wire resistance approximately equal 
to the resistance value of Au normally formed in bulk, but the samples 
after the heat treatment had increased resistance. Change rates of the 
resistance were considerably large, over ten times. Also, the surface of 
the lead electrode layer 50 showed completely different colors before and 
after the heat treatment. Analysis of composition was conducted for the 
surface of the lead electrode layer 50, which showed that the metal or 
alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 precipitated and no Au 
remained. It is thus understood that satisfactory heat resistance was not 
achieved. 
On the other hand, samples No. B9 and B10 before the heat treatment showed 
the lead wire resistance approximately equal to the resistance value of Au 
normally formed in bulk, but the samples after the heat treatment 
increased the resistance. Change rates of the resistance were large, i.e., 
several times. It is thus understood that satisfactory heat resistance was 
not achieved. 
In another experiment, the samples No. B1 through B10 were subjected to a 
heat treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 
10.sup.-5 Torr for thirty minutes. The contact resistance was measured by 
the TLM method before and after this heat treatment to evaluate the ohmic 
property to the p-type diamond layer 20, based on a change in the contact 
resistance. 
The results of the measurement demonstrated that the samples No. B9 and B10 
showed large values of the contact resistance before and after the heat 
treatment. For these electrodes, element analysis was conducted in the 
direction of the thickness. The results of the analysis showed that little 
element forming the contact electrode layer 30 was detected near the 
interface to the p-type diamond layer 20. This indicates that because the 
temperature of the annealing treatment after the formation of the contact 
electrode layer 30 was low, i.e., below 300.degree. C., the metal or alloy 
forming the contact electrode layer 30 did not form the carbide thereof 
well near the interface to the p-type diamond layer 20 whereby the metal 
or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 was removed when washed 
with the acid solution. It is thus understood that satisfactory ohmic 
property was not achieved. 
On the other hand, the samples No. B1 through B8 showed small values of the 
contact resistance before and after the heat treatment similarly. It is 
thus understood that satisfactory ohmic property was achieved. 
FIG. 4 shows the structure of the second embodiment associated with another 
ohmic electrode of the present invention. 
A contact electrode layer 30, a diffusion barrier layer 40, and a lead 
electrode layer 50 are successively layered on a p-type diamond layer 20 
formed on a substrate 10. The contact electrode layer 30 is made of a 
IVA-group metal or alloy, which has a thickness in the range of 3 to 200 
nm, preferably in the range of 3 to 50 nm, and which is in ohmic contact 
with the p-type diamond layer 20. The diffusion barrier layer 40 is made 
of either at least one metal selected from a metal group consisting of W, 
Mo, Ta, Os, Re, Rh, and Pt, or an alloy containing at least one metal 
selected from the metal group. The lead electrode layer 50 is made mainly 
of the substance, such as Au. Preferably, the contact electrode layer 30 
is made of a carbide of a IVA-group metal or alloy. 
The operation of the second embodiment is next described. 
When the ohmic electrode of the second embodiment is used under an 
environment at a high temperature, the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer 30 starts diffusing. Thus, mutual diffusion would occur 
between the metal or alloy and the substance, such as Au and other 
components forming the lead electrode layer 50. However, the diffusion 
barrier layer 40 formed on the contact electrode layer 30 suppresses the 
diffusion of the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30. 
As soon as the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 starts 
diffusing, it starts reacting with the p-type diamond layer 20. Since the 
contact electrode layer 30 is thin, most of the metal or alloy forming the 
contact electrode layer 30 forms a carbide thereof to become stabilized in 
respect of energy. This results in further suppressing the diffusion of 
the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30. 
Accordingly, little metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 
precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer 50 formed above 
the contact electrode layer 30, thus improving the device performance, 
based on the reduced lead wire resistance. 
Here, if the thickness of the contact electrode layer 30 exceeds 200 nm, or 
if the thickness of the contact electrode layer 30 exceeds 50 nm in the 
case that a further reduction of the lead wire resistance is to be 
desired, the diffusion barrier layer 40 cannot fully suppress the 
diffusion of the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30. On 
the other hand, if the thickness of the contact electrode layer 30 is less 
than 3 nm, a satisfactory ohmic contact cannot be attained with small 
contact resistance to the p-type diamond layer 20. 
If the thickness of the diffusion barrier layer 40 is less than 10 nm, the 
diffusion barrier layer 40 cannot fully suppress the diffusion of the 
metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30. On the other hand, 
if the thickness of the diffusion barrier layer 40 exceeds 2000 nm, the 
resistance as an electrode becomes so huge as to fail to obtain practical 
conductivity. 
Actually, a small amount of the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer 30 could remain without forming the carbide thereof. 
Mutual diffusion occurs between the small amount of the metal or alloy and 
the substance, such as Au, forming the lead electrode layer 50, so that 
the remaining metal or alloy precipitates on the surface of the lead 
electrode layer 50. However, an amount of the precipitates is very fine, 
thus not increasing the lead wire resistance greatly. 
If the contact electrode layer 30 is made of a carbide of a IVA-group metal 
or alloy, which is stable in energy, the diffusion of the metal or alloy 
is much more unlikely to occur, thus further reducing the lead wire 
resistance similarly. 
Next described is a method for forming the ohmic electrode in the second 
embodiment. 
First, the IVA-group metal or alloy is vapor-deposited in the thickness in 
the range of 3 to 200 nm, preferably in the range of 3 to 50 nm, on the 
p-type diamond layer 20 formed on the substrate 10 to form the contact 
electrode layer 30. 
Next, the diffusion barrier layer 40 is formed by vapor-depositing either 
at least one metal selected from a metal group consisting of W, Mo, Ta, 
Os, Re, Rh, and Pt, or an alloy containing at least one metal selected 
from the metal group in the thickness in the range of 10 to 2000 nm on the 
contact electrode layer 30. 
Next, the substance, such as Au, is vapor-deposited on the diffusion 
barrier layer 40 to form the lead electrode layer 50. 
Here, the vapor deposition method may be selected from the various 
techniques as listed in the first embodiment. 
Also, the contact electrode layer 30 may be formed in such a manner that 
the substrate is first set to a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. 
C. by heating an electrode portion of the substrate 10 and then the IVA 
metal or alloy is vapor-deposited on the p-type diamond layer 20. 
Further, the heat treatment of the contact electrode layer 30 may be an 
annealing treatment in an environment of vacuum or Ar gas as heated at a 
temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. after the vapor deposition of 
the IVA-group metal or alloy on the p-type diamond layer 20. 
Also, the contact electrode layer 30 may be washed with an acid solution, 
such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) or hydrofluoric acid/nitric acid 
(HF/HNO.sub.3), after the formation of the contact electrode layer 30 and 
before the formation of the diffusion barrier layer 40. 
Further, a heat treatment may be applied in forming the diffusion barrier 
layer 40 and the lead electrode layer 50, similarly as in forming the 
contact electrode layer 30. 
As for the formation of the contact electrode layer 30, a preferable 
arrangement is such that the carbide of the IVA-group metal or alloy is 
vapor-deposited on the p-type diamond layer 20. 
Next described are the operational effects of the method for forming the 
ohmic electrode in the second embodiment. 
When the IVA-group metal or alloy is vapor-deposited on the p-type diamond 
layer 20 and the heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of not 
lower than 300.degree. C., the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer 30 thermally diffuses into the p-type diamond layer 20 and 
vice versa, reacting with diamond to form a carbide thereof. As a result, 
comparing with the case where the carbide of the metal or alloy forming 
the contact electrode layer 30 is directly formed on the p-type diamond 
layer 20, a superior interface with less defects is formed between the 
p-type diamond layer 20 and the contact electrode layer 30, thus lowering 
the contact resistance to the p-type diamond layer 20. 
The metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 thus becomes 
stabilized in respect of energy by forming the carbide, so as to become 
unlikely to diffuse. Since the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer 30 is stable up to a temperature near the melting point 
thereof higher than that of the metal or alloy itself, it is superior in 
heat resistance. 
Accordingly, little metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 
precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer 50, thus lowering 
the lead wire resistance. Therefore, the ohmic contacts with high heat 
resistance and low contact resistance can be formed with excellent 
reproducibility on the p-type diamond layer 20. 
Washing the contact electrode layer 30 with the acid solution after the 
formation of the contact electrode layer 30 and before the formation of 
the diffusion barrier layer 40, the metal or alloy not forming the carbide 
thereof can be removed from the contact electrode layer 30. 
Further, forming the diffusion barrier layer 40 and lead electrode layer 50 
by the heat treatment, similarly as in the formation of the contact 
electrode layer 30, adhesion can be improved between the layers of 
laminated contact electrode layer 30, diffusion barrier layer 40, and lead 
electrode layer 50. 
Forming the contact electrode layer 30 by vapor-depositing the carbide of 
the IVA-group metal or alloy on the p-type diamond layer 20, the metal or 
alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 is stabler in energy because 
of the reduced formation enthalpy than the metal or alloy itself, so that 
it is very unlikely to diffuse. 
Next described are experiments as to the second embodiment. 
First, FIG. 5 shows formation conditions and performance evaluation results 
as to the second embodiment. Samples No. A1 through A14 were prepared as 
follows. While keeping the temperature of the substrate 10 and the 
atmosphere at the room temperature, a IVA-group metal or alloy, or a 
carbide thereof was vapor-deposited in the thickness of not more than 200 
nm as the contact electrode layer 30. Subsequently, the diffusion barrier 
layer 40 and lead electrode layer 50 were successively vapor-deposited on 
the contact electrode layer 30. The materials for the contact electrode 
layer 30 were V, Nb, TaSi, and TiB.sub.2 in addition to IVA-group metals 
and alloys. Also, the thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 
200 nm. 
Also, samples No. A15 through A17 were prepared as follows. The substrate 
10 was first heated up to a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. 
and then a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30 in the thickness of not more than 200 nm. Next, the 
temperature of the substrate 10 was lowered down to the room temperature, 
and the diffusion barrier layer 40 and lead electrode layer 50 were 
successively vapor-deposited on the contact electrode layer 30. The 
thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 200 nm. 
Additionally, samples No. A18 through A20 were prepared as follows. The 
substrate 10 was first heated up to a temperature of not lower than 
300.degree. C. and then a carbide of a IVA-group metal or alloy was 
vapor-deposited as the contact electrode layer 30 in the thickness of not 
more than 200 nm. Next, the temperature of the substrate 10 was lowered 
down to the room temperature, and the diffusion barrier layer 40 and lead 
electrode layer 50 were successively vapor-deposited on the contact 
electrode layer 30. The thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 
200 nm. 
Moreover, samples No. A21 through A23 were prepared as follows. While 
keeping the temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere at the room 
temperature, a IVA metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30 in the thickness of not more than 200 nm. After that, 
the resultant was subjected to an annealing treatment to heat it at a 
temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10 Torr 
for thirty minutes. Next, the temperature of the environment was reduced 
down to the room temperature, and then the diffusion barrier layer 40 and 
lead electrode layer 50 were successively vapor-deposited on the contact 
electrode layer 30. The thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 
200 nm. 
Further, samples No. A24 through A26 were prepared as follows. Keeping the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the environment at the room 
temperature, a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30 in the thickness of not more than 200 nm. After that, 
the resultant was subjected to an annealing treatment to heat it at a 
temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10 Torr 
for thirty minutes. Next, the contact electrode layer 30 was washed with 
the acid solution, such as hydrofluoric acid or hydrofluoric acid/nitric 
acid, to remove remaining metal or alloy not forming the carbide. Then, 
the temperature of the environment was lowered down to the room 
temperature, and the diffusion barrier layer 40 and lead electrode layer 
50 were successively vapor-deposited on the contact electrode layer 30. 
The thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 200 nm. 
The thus formed samples No. A1 through A26 were subjected to a heat 
treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10.sup.-5 
Torr for thirty minutes. The resistivity of the lead wire resistance was 
measured by the four-probe method before and after the heat treatment to 
evaluate the heat resistance, based on a change in the resistivity. 
The results of the measurement demonstrated that the lead wire resistance 
of each sample was approximately equal to the resistance value of Au 
normally formed in bulk before and after the heat treatment and that a 
change rate of the resistance of each sample was small. Also, the surface 
of the lead electrode layer 50 maintained its color substantially 
unchanged after the heat treatment. It is thus understood that high heat 
resistance was well achieved. 
In another experiment, the samples No. A1 through A26 were subjected to a 
heat treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 
10.sup.-5 Torr for thirty minutes. The contact resistance was measured by 
the TLM method before and after the heat treatment to evaluate the ohmic 
property to the p-type diamond layer 20, based on a change of the contact 
resistance. 
The results of the measurement showed that the contact resistance of each 
sample was not more than 1 10.sup.-3 .OMEGA..multidot.cm.sup.2, 
substantially unchanged before and after the heat treatment. It is thus 
understood that satisfactory ohmic property was achieved. 
Next, FIG. 6 shows formation conditions and performance evaluation results 
of comparative examples to the second embodiment. Samples No. B1 through 
B4 were prepared as follows. Keeping the temperature of the substrate 10 
and the atmosphere at the room temperature or below 300.degree. C., a 
IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact electrode 
layer 30 in the thickness of not smaller than 200 nm. Then, while keeping 
the temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere at the room 
temperature, the diffusion barrier layer 40 and lead electrode layer 50 
were successively vapor-deposited on the contact electrode layer 30. The 
thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 200 nm. (These samples 
correspond to the samples No. A1 through A20.) 
Also, samples No. B5 and B6 were prepared as follows. Keeping the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere at the room 
temperature, a IVA-group metal or alloy was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30 in the thickness of not smaller than 200 nm. After 
that, the resultant was subjected to an annealing treatment to heat it at 
a temperature of lower than 300.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10 Torr for 
thirty minutes. Then, the temperature of the atmosphere was reduced down 
to the room temperature, and the diffusion barrier layer 40 and lead 
electrode layer 50 were successively vapor-deposited on the contact 
electrode layer 30. The thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 
200 nm. (These samples correspond to the samples No. A21 through A23.) 
Also, samples No. B7 and B8 were prepared as follows. Keeping the 
temperature of the substrate 10 and the atmosphere at the room 
temperature, a IVA-group metal was vapor-deposited as the contact 
electrode layer 30 in the thickness of not smaller than 200 nm. After 
that, the resultant was subjected to an annealing treatment to heat it at 
a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. in vacuum of below 5 
through 10 Torr for thirty minutes. Next, the temperature of the 
environment was reduced down to the room temperature, and the diffusion 
barrier layer 40 and lead electrode layer 50 were successively 
vapor-deposited on the contact electrode layer 30. The thickness of the 
lead electrode layer 50 was about 200 nm. (These samples correspond to the 
samples No. A21 through A23.) 
Further, sample No. B9 was prepared as follows. Keeping the temperature of 
the substrate 10 and the atmosphere at the room temperature, a IVA-group 
metal was vapor-deposited as the contact electrode layer 30 in the 
thickness of not smaller than 200 nm. After that, the resultant was 
subjected to an annealing treatment to heat it at a temperature of lower 
than 300.degree. C. in vacuum of below 5 through 10 Torr for thirty 
minutes. Next, the contact electrode layer 30 was washed with the acid 
solution, such as hydrofluoric acid or hydrofluoric acid/nitric acid, to 
remove remaining metal or alloy not forming the carbide. Subsequently, the 
temperature of the environment was lowered down to the room temperature, 
and the diffusion barrier layer 40 and lead electrode layer 50 were 
successively vapor-deposited on the contact electrode layer 30. The 
thickness of the lead electrode layer 50 was about 200 nm. (This sample 
corresponds to the samples No. A24 through A26. ) 
The thus formed samples No. B1 through B9 were subjected to a heat 
treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10.sup.-5 
Torr for thirty minutes. The resistivity of the lead wire resistance was 
measured by the four-probe method before and after this heat treatment to 
evaluate the heat resistance, based on a change of the resistivity. 
The results of the measurement demonstrated that the samples No. B1 through 
B8 before the heat treatment showed values of the lead wire resistance 
approximately equal to the resistance value of Au normally formed in bulk, 
but the samples after the heat treatment largely increased the lead wire 
resistance. Change rates of the resistance were considerably large, 
several to ten or more times. The surface of the lead electrode layer 50 
showed completely different colors before and after the heat treatment. 
Analysis of composition was carried out for the surface of the lead 
electrode layer 50. The results of the analysis showed that the metal or 
alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 precipitated and no Au 
remained. It is thus understood that satisfactory heat resistance was not 
achieved. 
On the other hand, the sample No. B9 showed values of the lead wire 
resistance approximately equal to the resistance value of Au normally 
formed in bulk before and after the heat treatment, and a change rate 
thereof was small. Also, the surface of the lead electrode layer 30 
maintained its color substantially unchanged after the heat treatment. It 
is thus understood that high heat resistance was well achieved. 
In another example, the samples No. B1 through B9 were subjected to a heat 
treatment at a temperature of 500.degree. C. in vacuum of below 10.sup.-5 
Torr for thirty minutes. The contact resistance was measured by the TLM 
method before and after the heat treatment to evaluate the ohmic property 
to the p-type diamond layer 20, based on a change in the contact 
resistance. 
The results of the measurement demonstrated that the sample No. B9 showed 
large values of the contact resistance before and after the heat 
treatment. Element analysis was conducted in the direction of the 
thickness for the ohmic electrode of sample No. B9. In the analysis, 
little element forming the contact electrode layer 30 was detected near 
the interface to the p-type diamond layer 20. This indicates that because 
the temperature of the annealing treatment after the formation of the 
contact electrode layer 30 was low, below 300.degree. C., the metal or 
alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 did not form the carbide 
thereof well near the interface to the p-type diamond layer 20 and, 
therefore, most metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 30 was 
removed by the washing with the acid solution. It is thus understood that 
satisfactory ohmic property was not achieved. 
On the other hand, the samples No. B1 through B8 showed small values of the 
contact resistance, substantially unchanged before and after the heat 
treatment. It is thus understood that satisfactory ohmic property was 
achieved. 
As detailed above, the ohmic electrode of the present invention is so 
arranged that the contact electrode layer is made of the carbide of at 
least one metal selected from the metal group consisting of Ti, Zr, and 
Hf, or the carbide of an alloy containing at least one metal selected from 
the metal group and the contact electrode layer is formed in ohmic contact 
with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer. 
In the arrangement, the carbide of the metal or alloy forming the contact 
electrode layer is stabler in energy than the metal or alloy itself, so 
that it is very unlikely to diffuse. Then, little metal or alloy 
precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer, thus lowering the 
lead wire resistance. 
In another ohmic electrode of the present invention, the contact electrode 
layer has the thickness in the range of 3 to 200 nm and is formed in ohmic 
contact with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer. Further formed on the 
contact electrode layer is the diffusion barrier layer made of either at 
least one metal selected from the metal group composed of W, Mo, Ta, Os, 
Re, Rh, and Pt, or an alloy containing at least one metal selected from 
the metal group. 
When the ohmic contact is used under an environment at a high temperature, 
the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer starts diffusing, 
but it is stopped by the diffusion barrier layer formed on the contact 
electrode layer. As soon as the metal or alloy starts diffusing, it also 
starts reacting with the p-type diamond semiconductor layer. Since the 
contact electrode layer is thin, most metal or alloy forms the carbide 
thereof, thus further suppressing the diffusion. Therefore, little metal 
or alloy precipitates on the surface of the lead electrode layer, lowering 
the lead wire resistance. 
In the method for forming the ohmic electrode of the present invention, the 
heat treatment is carried out to heat the substrate at a temperature of 
not lower than 300.degree. C. in forming the contact electrode layer on 
the p-type diamond semiconductor layer by the vapor deposition. In another 
aspect, the heat treatment is carried out after the formation of the 
contact electrode layer to heat the contact electrode layer in an 
environment having a temperature of not lower than 300.degree. C. 
The heat treatment causes the mutual thermal diffusion between the metal or 
alloy forming the contact electrode layer and the p-type diamond 
semiconductor layer, so that the metal or alloy reacts with diamond to 
form the carbide thereof. As a result, a superior interface with less 
defects is formed between the p-type diamond semiconductor layer and the 
contact electrode layer, thus lowering the contact resistance to the 
p-type diamond semiconductor layer. 
As described, the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 
becomes stabilized in energy because of the formation of the carbide, so 
that the metal or alloy rarely diffuses so as not to precipitate on the 
surface of the lead electrode layer, thus lowering the lead wire 
resistance. Also, the metal or alloy forming the contact electrode layer 
is stable up to near the melting point higher than that of the metal or 
alloy itself and, therefore, is excellent in heat resistance. 
Accordingly, the ohmic contacts with high heat resistance and low contact 
resistance can be formed with excellent reproducibility on the p-type 
diamond semiconductor layer. 
Therefore, the ohmic electrodes can be applied to semiconductor devices 
requiring high heat resistance and high thermal conductivity. The present 
invention can provide the ohmic electrodes and forming methods thereof 
which can improve the device performance, based on the reduced lead wire 
resistance. 
From the invention thus described, it will be obvious that the invention 
may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a 
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such 
modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended 
to be included within the scope of the following claims. 
The basic Japanese Application No. 223528/1993 filed on Sep. 8, 1993 is 
hereby incorporated by reference.