Steady-state and transient forward current-voltage characteristics of 4H-silicon carbide 5.5 kV diodes at high and superhigh current densities

Steady-state and transient forward current-voltage I-V characteristics have been measured in 5.5 kV p⁺-n-n⁺ 4H-SiC rectifier diodes up to a current density j≈5.5×10 ⁴ A/cm². The steady-state data are compared with calculations in the framework of a model, in which the emitter injection coefficient decreases with increasing current density. To compare correctly the experimental and theoretical results, the lifetime of minority carriers for high injection level, τ_ph, has been estimated from transient characteristics. At low injection level, the hole diffusion length L_pl has been measured by photoresponse technique. For a low-doped n-base, the hole diffusion lengths are L_pl≈2 μm and L_ph≈6-10 μm at low and high injection levels respectively. Hole lifetimes for low and high injection levels are τ_pl≈15 ns and τ_ph≈140-400 ns. The calculated and experimental results agree well within the wide range of current densities 10 A/cm ²<j< 4×10³ A/cm². At j>5 kA/cm², the experimental values of residual voltage drop V is lower than the calculated ones. In the range of current densities 5×10³ A/cm²<j<2×10⁴ A/cm², the minimal value of differential resistance R_d =dV/dj is 1.5×10^-4 Ω cm². At j>25 kA/cm², R_d increases with increasing current density manifesting the contribution of other nonlinear mechanisms to the formation steady-state current-voltage characteristic. The possible role of Auger recombination is also discussed