Evolution of microstructure in polycrystalline silicon thin films upon excimer laser crystallization

Abstract

Polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) films fabricated by pulsed excimer laser crystallization (ELC) have been investigated using time-resolved optical measurements, scanning-electron microscopy, and cross-sectional transmission-electron microscopy. Detailed crystallization mechanisms are proposed to interpret the microstructure evolution of poly-Si films for both frontside and backside ELC. It is found that the backside ELC is a good candidate for the manufacturing of low-temperature polycrystalline silicon because of the high laser efficiency and low surface roughness of the poly-Si films.