Laser-Assisted Low Temperature Processing of PZT Thin Films

Abstract

ABSTRACTA novel method for lowering processing temperature of ferroelectric Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT) thin films was developed utilizing a laser-assisted two-step process. In the first step, perovskite phase was initiated in the PZT films by subjecting the films to a fornace anneal at low temperatures in the range of 470 °C to 550 °C depending on the Zr/Ti ratio. Later, the films were laser-annealed (using krF excimer laser) at room temperature to grow the perovskite phase, and to improve microstructure and ferroelectric properties. It was found that this two-step process was very effective in producing excellent quality ferroelectric PZT films at low temperatures. It should be noted that although laser annealing of amorphous and/or pyrochlore films directly (one-step process) produces perovskite phase, the ferroelectric properties of these films, irrespective of the composition, were rather unattractive. Some possible reasons for the ineffectiveness of the one-step process were discussed.