Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
A fundamental and comprehensive approach has been taken to study Co//GaAs interfacial reactions, using phase diagram determination, bulk and thin-film diffusion couple studies, and electrical characterization. Phase formation sequences and interfacial morphologies are found to be similar in bulk and thin-film couples. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses are used to rationalize the contact formations. The electrical properties of the contacts are correlated to the phase formation sequences and phase diagram information.