The formation of Ni silicides on Si(1 - y)C(y) (y=0.01 and 0.018) epilayers grown on Si(001) has been investigated. The presence of C atoms was found to significantly retard the growth kinetics of NiSi and enhances the thermal stability of thin NiSi films. For Ni(11 nm)/Si(0.982)C(0.018) samples, the process window of NiSi was shifted and extended to 450-700 degrees C. Moreover, there was an additional strain introduced into the Si(1 - y)C(y) epilayers during Ni silicidation. This work shows the potential of Ni silicidation on Si(1y)C(y) for device applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
