Precise Measurements of the Infrared Spectra near 9µm Obtained from RF-Sputtered Silicon Oxide (SiO_X) Films

Abstract

Optical properties of RF-sputtered silicon oxide films is studied as a function of sputtering voltage, film thickness and heat treatment conditions. The wavelength of 9-µm absorption band becomes shorter with increasing sputtering voltage and film thickness for as-sputtered films, but this is not the case for films heat-treated above 700°C in Ar. This phenomenon can be explained by oxygen deficiency in the sputtered films, the degree of which is estimated at 6% after the heat-treatment.