In situ transmission electron microscopy studies of silicide-mediated crystallization of amorphous silicon

The silicide-mediated phase transformation of amorphous to crystalline silicon was observed in situ in the transmission electron microscope. Crystallization of nickel-implanted amorphous silicon occurred at ∼500°C. Nickel disilicide precipitates were observed to migrate through an amorphous Si film leaving a trail of crystalline Si. Growth occurred parallel to 〈111〉 directions. High resolution electron microscopy revealed an epitaxial NiSi2/Si(111) interface which was Type A. A diffusion-controlled mechanism for the enhanced crystallization rate was determined.