The invention relates to a method for producing ohmic contacts, of type including a metal, a semiconductor and tin, including: a) forming a first layer (6), of an alloy of the semiconductor and of tin; b) then, on the first layer, forming a second layer (8), of said metal; c) laser annealing the first layer and the second layer at an energy density between 0.1 and 2 J/cm.sup.2.

A sensor may be provided, including a substrate having a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The sensor may further include a photodiode arranged in the first semiconductor layer; and a quenching resistive element electrically connected in series with the photodiode. The quenching resistive element is arranged in the second semiconductor layer, and the quenching resistive element is arranged over the photodiode but separated from the photodiode by the buried insulator layer.

A sensor may be provided, including a substrate having a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The sensor may further include a photodiode arranged in the first semiconductor layer; and a quenching resistive element electrically connected in series with the photodiode. The quenching resistive element is arranged in the second semiconductor layer, and the quenching resistive element is arranged over the photodiode but separated from the photodiode by the buried insulator layer.

A process is provided for contacting a nanostructured surface. The process may include (a) providing a substrate having a nanostructured material on a surface, (b) passivating the surface on which the nanostructured material is located, (c) screen printing onto the nanostructured surface and (d) firing the screen printing ink at a high temperature. In some embodiments, the nanostructured material compromises silicon. In some embodiments, the nanostructured material includes silicon nanowires. In some embodiments, the nanowires are around 150 nm, 250 nm, or 400 nm in length. In some embodiments, the nanowires have a diameter range between about 30 nm and about 200 nm. In some embodiments, the nanowires are tapered such that the base is larger than the tip. In some embodiments, the nanowires are tapered at an angle of about 1 degree, about 3 degrees, or about 10 degrees. In some embodiments, a high temperature can be approximately 700 C, 750 C, 800 C, or 850 C.

A process is provided for contacting a nanostructured surface. The process may include (a) providing a substrate having a nanostructured material on a surface, (b) passivating the surface on which the nanostructured material is located, (c) screen printing onto the nanostructured surface and (d) firing the screen printing ink at a high temperature. In some embodiments, the nanostructured material compromises silicon. In some embodiments, the nanostructured material includes silicon nanowires. In some embodiments, the nanowires are around 150 nm, 250 nm, or 400 nm in length. In some embodiments, the nanowires have a diameter range between about 30 nm and about 200 nm. In some embodiments, the nanowires are tapered such that the base is larger than the tip. In some embodiments, the nanowires are tapered at an angle of about 1 degree, about 3 degrees, or about 10 degrees. In some embodiments, a high temperature can be approximately 700 C, 750 C, 800 C, or 850 C.

At least one doped silicon region is formed in a silicon layer of a semiconductor substrate, and a silicon oxide layer is formed over the silicon layer. A germanium-containing material portion is formed in the semiconductor substrate to provide a p-n junction or a p-i-n junction including the germanium-containing material portion and one of the at least one doped silicon region. A capping material layer that is free of germanium is formed over the germanium-containing material portion. A first dielectric material layer is formed over the silicon oxide layer and the capping material layer. The first dielectric material layer includes a mesa region that is raised from the germanium-containing material portion by a thickness of the capping material layer. The capping material layer may be a silicon capping layer, or may be subsequently removed to form a cavity. Dark current is reduced for the germanium-containing material portion.

At least one doped silicon region is formed in a silicon layer of a semiconductor substrate, and a silicon oxide layer is formed over the silicon layer. A germanium-containing material portion is formed in the semiconductor substrate to provide a p-n junction or a p-i-n junction including the germanium-containing material portion and one of the at least one doped silicon region. A capping material layer that is free of germanium is formed over the germanium-containing material portion. A first dielectric material layer is formed over the silicon oxide layer and the capping material layer. The first dielectric material layer includes a mesa region that is raised from the germanium-containing material portion by a thickness of the capping material layer. The capping material layer may be a silicon capping layer, or may be subsequently removed to form a cavity. Dark current is reduced for the germanium-containing material portion.

Systems and methods for optical data communication in high temperatures and harsh environments are provided herein. The embodiments utilize a combination of a short wavelength light source combined with a wide bandgap detector in order to transmit optical signals. An optical data communication system may include a light source connected to a light detector via an optical fiber. The light source and the light detector may also be physically adjacent to any dielectric gap that can be spanned without having an optical fiber intermediary.

The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to photodiodes and/or PIN diode structures and methods of manufacture. The structure includes: at least one fin including substrate material, the at least one fin including sidewalls and a top surface; a trench on opposing sides of the at least one fin; a first semiconductor material lining the sidewalls and the top surface of the at least one fin, and a bottom surface of the trench; a photosensitive semiconductor material on the first semiconductor material and at least partially filling the trench; and a third semiconductor material on the photosensitive semiconductor material.

A sensor may be provided, including a substrate having a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The sensor may further include a photodiode arranged in the first semiconductor layer; and a quenching resistive element electrically connected in series with the photodiode. The quenching resistive element is arranged in the second semiconductor layer, and the quenching resistive element is arranged over the photodiode but separated from the photodiode by the buried insulator layer.