N-Channel MOSFET Reliability Issue Induced by Visible/Near-Infrared Photons in Image Sensors

Image sensors such as single-photon avalanched diode (SPAD) arrays typically adopt in-pixel quenching and readout circuits, and the under-illumination first-stage readout circuits often employs high-threshold input/output (I/O) or thick-oxide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). We have observed reliability issues with high-threshold n-channel MOSFETs when they are exposed to strong visible light. The specific stress conditions have been applied to observe the drain current (I_d) variations as a function of gate voltage. The experimental results indicate that photo-induced hot electrons generate interface trap states, leading to I_d degradation including increased off-state current (I_off) and decreased on-state current (I_on). The increased I_off further activates parasitic bipolar junction transistors (BJT). This reliability issue can be avoided by forming an inversion layer in the channel under appropriate bias conditions or by reducing the incident photon energy.