Modelling of CVD reactors : thermochemical and mass transport approaches for Si1-xGex deposition

Over the years, the design of chemical vapor deposition processes has relied on accumulated empirical ability. It is now well established that the properties of films grown by this chemical process are strongly determined by both transport phenomena and homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions in the reactor. Thermodynamic calculations and mass transport modeling provide a possible approach to delineate the general features of a given process. The application of this concept to the deposition of Si1-xGex alloys has led to a better knowledge of the physicochemical phenomena involved in the growth of these materials