Optimizing Atomic Layer Deposition Processes with Nanowire‐Assisted TEM Analysis

Autor: Peter Schweizer, Lilian M. Vogl, Xavier Maeder, Ivo Utke, Johann Michler
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Advanced Materials Interfaces, Vol 11, Iss 13, Pp n/a-n/a (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2196-7350
DOI: 10.1002/admi.202301064
Popis: Abstract Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is one of the premier methods to synthesize ultra‐thin materials on complex surfaces. The technique allows for precise control of the thickness down to single atomic layers, while at the same time providing uniform coverage even for structures with extreme aspect ratios such as deep trenches or wires. While many materials can be readily deposited using ALD there is still a lot of research going on to make other materials more accessible. When establishing a new process or adapting an existing process to a new reactor, precise optimization of the deposition parameters is necessary. However, characterizing the parameters of deposition rate, uniformity, composition, and structure is a challenging and time‐consuming task. Here a method is presented to optimize these process parameters during ALD deposition using high‐aspect ratio nanowires and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nanowire samples are prepared directly on TEM grids that are put into the ALD reactor during deposition. Within min of the process the coated nanowires can be analyzed by TEM to obtain the thickness of the layers, chemical composition, crystallinity, and conformality of the coating. This allows for a high testing throughput and subsequently a rapid optimization of deposition parameters.
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