Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Si-O-F alloys have static dielectric constants (εs) significantly lower than SiO2. Infrared absorption spectra provide the basis modeling the molecular structure of these alloys. Contributions of electronic and vibrational transitions to εs are discussed in terms of an empirical chemical bonding model. Ab initio calculations are then used to identify inductive effects of Si- F bonds on the properties of Si-O-Si groups that are back-bonded to the Si atom of the Si-F group. These calculations provide a theoretical framework for understanding how relatively low concentrations of F atoms produce the significant decreases in εs reported for Si-O-F alloys.