Electronic Resource
[S.l.]
:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)
Journal of Applied Physics
90 (2001), S. 3248-3254
ISSN:
1089-7550
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
In this study we investigate the possibility of nucleating nanocrystalline cubic boron nitride (c-BN) thin films directly onto suitable substrates without the soft turbostratic BN (t-BN) interlayer that is usually observed. This would open a path to the epitaxial growth of c-BN films which is essential particularly for practicable applications in electronic devices. Appropriate substrates are required to exhibit a lattice that matches the c-BN crystallite structure, survives the ion bombardment imperative for c-BN film formation, and is not disturbed by the development of a heterogeneous interface layer. In accordance with these criteria, monocrystalline AlN is selected and employed as a potential substrate for direct c-BN film growth using mass selected ion beam deposition. A detailed examination of the BN/AlN interface microstructure by cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals that the AlN crystallinity is indeed retained, with no amorphous layer next to the BN film as commonly observed on Si substrates. Nanocrystalline BN grains with the cubic, and, more frequently, with the wurtzitic structure are found in direct contact with certain regions of the rugged AlN substrate, covering about one-third of its entire surface with no mediating t-BN or other interface layer. The c-BN and w-BN growth areas are textured and exhibit definite preferential orientation relationships with the faceted AlN substrate surface. The consequences of these findings for the understanding of the role of the t-BN interlayer in c-BN film nucleation are discussed. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1392957
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