The aim of this work was to investigate the structural properties of (Zn,M)O layers obtained by diffusion of thin films (~ 1nm) of M (M = Mn or Co) into ZnO by annealing. The samples were characterised in-situ by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and ex-situ by time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
From the evolution of the intensity of M, Zn and O Auger lines upon annealing and thanks to modelling of the attenuation of Auger lines by matter we could estimate the diffusion depth of M into ZnO under various conditions. The results of the model were then compared to ToF-SIMS depth profiles.
In the case of Co/ZnO, annealing at a temperature higher than 945 K leads to the diffusion of Co into ZnO and to the substitution of Zn by Co. According to our results a ~3nm thick (Zn0,5Co0,5)O layer forms upon annealing. In addition ToF-SIMS depth profiles show that minute amount of Co may diffuse to a depth of 25 nm after prolonged annealing. Finally although surface reconstructions were observed by LEED, no binary phase could be evidenced by XRD.
In the case of Mn/ZnO, from 800 K, the substitution of Zn by Mn is observed and a thin ZnMnO layer forms. Diffusion of minute amount of Mn is observed 10 nm below the surface. In addition, LEED patterns show Moiré structures.
Date of Award | 2007 |
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Original language | French |
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Supervisor | Robert Sporken (Supervisor) |
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Fabrication du (Zn,M)O par recuit d'un film mince de M déposé par évaporation sur du ZnO (M = Co ou Mn, (inédit))
Mugumaoderha Cubaka, M. (Author). 2007
Student thesis: DEA types › DEA in Physics and material Chemistry