Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
Results of the interaction of 40-nm Pd films on chemically cleaned InP substrates at temperatures from 175 to 650°C are reported. Comparisons are made with previous results from studies of Pd thin-films on GaAs. For both systems, the reaction began upon deposition of the metal. Ternary phases were found after annealing at temperatures up to 250°C. At 450°C and higher, the PdIn or PdGa phase was dominant because of loss of volatile P or As. Possibilities for making ohmic contacts based on these systems are discussed.