Low voltage stability of a-Si:H TFTs with $SiN_x$ dielectric films prepared by PECVD using Taguchi methods

The high stability of a-Si:H TFTs device is studied with different deposited conditions of $SiN_x$ films by PECVD. The process parameters of $N_2$, $NH_3$ gas flow rate, RF power, and pressure s of hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride are taken into account and analyzed by Taguchi experimental design method. The $NH_3$ gas flow rate and RF power are two major factors on the average threshold voltage and the a-SiNx:H film's structure. The hydrogen contents in $SiN_x$ films were measured by FTIR using the related Si-H/N-H bonds ratio in $a-SiN_x:H$ films. After the 330,000 sec gate bias stress is applied, the threshold voltages ($V_th$) shift less than 10%. This result indicates that the highly stable a-Si:H TFTs device can be fabricated with optimum gate $SiN_x$ insulator.