Defects and Their Control in SiO2 Films Prepared by D2 –Lamp Photochemical Vapor Deposition

Abstract

ABSTRACTAmorphous silica films deposited from the mixture of gases (Si2 H6 and Si2F6) by deutrium-lamp CVD were studied by IR, vacuum UV, EPR and Auger electron (AE) spectrometries. The F-doping enhanced the film growth and removed defects in the film such as -H, -OH, and E' centers. A model on deposition and defect formation mechanisms was proposed based on the thermodynamic Stabilities of resultant HF in the reactions. The AES study showed that the film surface modified by activated oxygen had an increased hardness against electron beams.