Thickness of thin film not affect electrical properties?

In summary, the conversation discusses the deposition of a thin film on a p-type silicon substrate and the concerns regarding its thickness and its effect on electrical and structural properties. It is suggested to try to lattice match the film as closely as possible and to avoid large compressive or tensile stresses during further processing. Lattice matching is not possible in this case due to the use of spin coating. The ideal thickness for the film is also mentioned to be thinner for better structural properties but its effect on electrical properties is uncertain.
  • #1
kimmylsm
19
0
In deposition of thin film on a p-type silicon, how to make sure the thickness of the thin film will not affect or affect the least the electrical(Hall Effect) and structural properties? how to know how thick is the thin film that most suitable? can it be calculated? by the way, the thin film deposited is zinc oxide using sol-gel and spin coating(where thickness depend on speed are set)?
 
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  • #2
You'd want to try to lattice match as close as possible and make sure the fermi levels line up approximately well. Structurally, the thinner the film the better. Electrically, I'm not sure since if it doesn't affect the silicon it won't be behaving like zinc oxide.
 
  • #3
pseudophonist said:
You'd want to try to lattice match as close as possible

Lattice matching isn't possible here, even approximately. Lattice matching may occur when a crystalline film or structure is grown slowly on a substrate with (approximately) the same lattice constant. It will never occur with spin coating.

You do want to avoid large compressive or tensile stresses that can be created by further processing steps (perhaps this is what pseudophonist meant). Large film stresses can cause wafer bow, delamination, cracking, buckling, and so on.
 

1. How does the thickness of a thin film affect its electrical properties?

The thickness of a thin film has a direct impact on its electrical properties. As the film gets thinner, its electrical resistance increases due to the decrease in the number of conductive paths. This means that a thinner film will have higher resistance and lower conductivity compared to a thicker film.

2. Can the thickness of a thin film be varied without affecting its electrical properties?

No, the thickness of a thin film is a critical factor in determining its electrical properties. Any change in the thickness of the film will result in a change in its resistance and conductivity. However, other factors such as the material composition and processing techniques can also influence the electrical properties of a thin film.

3. Why is the thickness of a thin film important in determining its electrical properties?

The thickness of a thin film is important because it determines the number of conductive paths available for the flow of electrons. A thicker film will have more paths, resulting in lower resistance and higher conductivity. On the other hand, a thinner film will have fewer paths, leading to higher resistance and lower conductivity.

4. Is there an optimal thickness for a thin film to have optimal electrical properties?

Yes, there is an optimal thickness for a thin film to have the best electrical properties. This is because, at a certain thickness, the film will have an optimal balance between the number of conductive paths and the distance between them. Any deviation from this thickness will result in a decrease in the film's electrical properties.

5. Are there any other factors besides thickness that can affect the electrical properties of a thin film?

Yes, besides thickness, there are other factors that can influence the electrical properties of a thin film. These include the material composition, processing techniques, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. These factors can also interact with the film's thickness, resulting in further changes in its electrical properties.

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