A novel approach to characterization of progressive breakdown in high-k/metal gate stacks

Dielectric breakdown (BD) of nFETs with TiN metal gates and HfO2/interfacial layer with 1.09 nm EOT is studied. Occurrence of progressive BD at low current levels is demonstrated. A new measurement methodology for extraction of the PBD time and its dependence on gate voltage are reported. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.