Thin Films of GeC Deposited Using a Unique Hollow Cathode Sputtering Technique

MRS Online Proceedings Library volume 910, Article number: 703 (2005) Cite this article

Abstract

Experimental results on thin films of the new material GexC1-x, deposited by a unique dual plasma hollow cathode sputtering technique are presented here. The (Ge, C) system is extremely promising since the addition of C to Ge has reduced the lattice dimensions enough to allow a lattice match to silicon, while increasing the bandgap close to that of c-Si. The sputtering is accomplished by igniting a dc plasma of the Ar and H2 gases which are fed through Ge and C nozzles, cylindrical tubes 30 mm in length with an outside diameter of 8 mm and an inside diameter of 3 mm.

The basic material, optical, and structural properties were analyzed. Film characterization was performed using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The film properties from a variety of deposition conditions are discussed. The measurements made indicate that the films can be grown so that the C enters the material at lattice sites. In addition, the GexC1-x films absorb photons much more efficiently than either c-Si or c-Ge.

Initial results on films which include Al as an added impurity are presented.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, 209N WSEC, 68588-0511, Lincoln, USA

    James L. Huguenin-Love, Rodney J. Soukup, Natale J. Ianno & Jason S. Schrader

  2. Iowa State University, IA, 50011, Ames, USA

    Vikram L. Dalal

Authors
  1. James L. Huguenin-Love
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  2. Rodney J. Soukup
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  3. Natale J. Ianno
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  4. Jason S. Schrader
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  5. Vikram L. Dalal
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Huguenin-Love, J.L., Soukup, R.J., Ianno, N.J. et al. Thin Films of GeC Deposited Using a Unique Hollow Cathode Sputtering Technique. MRS Online Proceedings Library 910, 703 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-0910-A07-03

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