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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was used to grow microcrystalline thin films of germanium (Ge) and Ge-carbon (Ge,C) alloys on fused quartz and silicon substrates at substrate temperatures 25°C ≤ Ts ≤ 325°C. The films were analyzed structurally with x-ray diffraction (XRD), optically, electrically with four-point probe measurements, and chemically with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD results displayed a varying degree of crystallinity, with the most crystalline films obtained at Ts > 150°C. The resistivity of the Ge films decreased with increasing temperature, displaying a significant decrease for the films deposited at Ts ≥ 230°C. The growth conditions for Ge films served as a starting point for low-temperature deposition of Ge,C alloys with up to 5% C. The effects of Ts and carbon concentration on film properties are discussed.