The change in the recombination properties of individual dislocations and dislocation trails in silicon due to the diffusion of nickel and copper during chemical-mechanical polishing at room temperature is studied by the electron-beam- and light-beam-induced current techniques. It is found that the introduction of nickel results in an increase in the recombination activity of both dislocations and dislocation trails. The introduction of copper does not induce any substantial change in the contrast of extended defects.

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