The effect of hard nitridation on Al(2)O(3) using a radio frequency operated plasma cell

• We report on an atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigation of hard nitridation of sapphire (alpha.-Al(2)O(3)) substrate, using an Epi UNI-Bulb RF plasma cell at substrate temperatures ranging from 250 to 600 degrees C. Our results show that an AlN(1-x)O(x) layer forms on sapphire after extended nitridation at all temperatures, following a Stranski-Krastanov growth mode, with less islands forming at higher temperatures. We also observe a layer-dependent charging shift in XPS, separating smooth AlN(1-x)O(x) layers from rough AlN(1-x)O(x) islands due to their different electronic coupling to the substrate. Although the island growth is suppressed at higher temperatures, the surface roughness increases at higher temperatures as seen by AFM. We also observe sputtering effects with protrusions and pits.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Nitridation

Sapphire

Al(2)O(3)

Radio-frequency plasma

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Atomic force microscopy

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