AUTOMATICALLY PASSIVATED N-P JUNCTION AND A METHOD FOR MAKING IT

摘要

A method for forming an automatically passivated n−p junction (62, 56) comprises the steps of providing a p−type body (56) containing Group II and Group VI elements, one of which is mercury; forming a passivation layer (58) having at least one window (60) provided therein on a surface of the p−type body (56); subjecting the p−type body (56) to a reactive ion etching process using the passivant layer (58) as a mask to form the n−p junction (62); and forming ohmic contacts (66) to the n−type (62) and p−type regions (56). A semiconductor material, comprising an n−p junction (62, 56), includes a substrate (52); a layer of p−type material (56); a region of converted n−type material (62) formed on a localised portion defining an n−p junction (62, 56); a passivation layer (58) including windows (64) for disposing ohmic contacts (66) without exposing the n−p junction (62, 56).