Real-Time ESR Observation During Film Growth of a-Si:H

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn-situ electron-spin-resonance (ESR) measurements of film growth of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) using a remote hydrogen plasma technique have been performed. The Si dangling-bond signal in a-Si:H during and after deposition has been detected, in addition to the gas-phase ESR signals both of atomic hydrogen and photo-excited SiHx molecules. Dynamic changes of the Si dangling-bond signal intensity were observed when the deposition started and stopped, which has suggested the existence of a subsurface region with higher spin density than that in the bulk region.