DIFFUSION BARRIER Meaning and
Definition
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Diffusion barrier refers to a material or layer that hinders or restricts the movement or diffusion of atoms, ions, molecules, or any other substances across it. It is specifically designed to prevent or reduce the undesired diffusion of certain elements or impurities into a substrate or to prevent the migration of certain substances from the substrate to other parts of a system.
Diffusion barriers are commonly utilized in various fields, including materials science, chemistry, and engineering. In materials science, they are often employed in the production and manufacturing processes, particularly in semiconductor device fabrication, to control the diffusion of impurities into the material. These barriers act as a shield by physically blocking the diffusion of contaminants, preventing them from adversely affecting the performance or properties of the material.
The materials used for diffusion barriers are typically selected for their high resistance to diffusion, stability under specific conditions, and compatibility with the substrate material. Metals, metal alloys, nitrides, oxides, or other compounds are commonly employed as diffusion barrier materials.
The primary purpose of a diffusion barrier is to maintain the integrity and purity of a material or substrate by preventing unwanted reactions or contamination caused by diffusing species. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and longevity of various devices, such as integrated circuits, thin film coatings, and electronic components, where controlled diffusion is essential.
Etymology of DIFFUSION BARRIER
The word "diffusion" is derived from the Latin word "diffusio", which means "a pouring forth" or "spreading out". It comes from the verb "diffundere", which combines the prefix "dis-" (meaning "apart" or "asunder") and "fundere" (meaning "to pour").
The word "barrier" comes from the Middle English word "barere", which originally meant "obstacle" or "thing that bars". It can be traced back to the Old French word "barriere", meaning "obstacle" or "barrier", and the Late Latin word "barriera", which means "barrier" or "fence".
Therefore, when combined, the term "diffusion barrier" refers to an obstacle or barrier that prevents or slows down the spreading or pouring forth of something, particularly in the context of diffusion processes.
