Project Details

Organisation:	Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR
Mentor:	Dr Dennis Tan
Members:	GV, Vanessa
Project Title:	Characterisation of reaction between Ge and Pt up to 500°C

A. Brief Description of Project
The basic aim of this experiment is to characterize the reaction between Germanium (The Semiconductor) and Platinum (Metal) up to 500°C. Basically, we ahadto find out the range of temperatures in which the reaction between germanium and platinum would most likely occur and determine the resultant compound.

We used methods such as Plasma Enhanced Physical Vapour Deposition (PE PVD), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA).

Experimental procedure
Phase 1: Preparing Germanium. Step 1: Cut out required amount of Germanium from a single Crystal. Step 2: Prepare 0.1% Hydrofluoric Acid Solution with Deionised water. Step 3: Dip cut Germanium crystal into HF solution to clean it for about 60 seconds. Step 4: Immediately dip crystal into beaker with Deionised water to get rid of any remaining HF.
Phase 2: Depositing Platinum. Step 1: Load Platinum target into Sputterer. Step 2: Place Germanium crystal into machine. Step 3: The process takes approximately half an hour.
Phase 3: Annealing Step 1: Place sample into Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) Machine. Step 2: Wait

B. Results
The results we obtained consist of five graphs depicting the reactions between Ge and Pt at 100°C intervals, from 200°C to 600°C. It is found out that the reaction between Ge and Pt only occurs between 400°C to 500°C.


C. Reflection

Three content knowledge/skills that we have learnt

1. We have learnt more about semi-conductors and the theory behind the use of semi-conductors in electronics.
2. We have learnt how to operate machines such as the Differential Scanning Calirometer and X-ray diffraction to aid us in our experiment.
3. We have learnt more about how researchers in these research institutes work and how they carry out their various experiments and research in the laboratories.

Two interesting aspects about our learning

1. We get to apply the things we have learnt in the laboratory, which is something we do not get to do very often.
2. We get to follow our mentor around as he carries out his experiments so that we are exposed to different kinds of experiences we cannot get out of the laboratory.

One take-away for life

1. The importance of teamwork and learning to listen to our mentor.

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