Factorial Experiment Study on Deposition Parameter Dependence of the Energy Bandgap of a-SiGe: H Thin Film Prepared by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

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The energy bandgap (Eg) of a-SiGe:H thin film prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is greatly dependent on the deposition conditions. By controlling the flow rates of the supplied gas sources, the total gas pressure, the plasma power, the substrate temperature and so on, Eg can be adjusted. Although the influence of the above deposition factors has been investigated individually, which factor is the most important is still not clear. Here, a 6-factor 5-level factorial experiment was designed to investigate the influence of the deposition factors comprehensively. By making the main effect analysis to Eg, not only the influence of each deposition factor was deduced, but also the most critical factors were selected out. It was found that the flow rates of SiH4 and GeH4, and the total gas pressure played the important roles for the Eg adjustment of a-SiGe:H thin film. So much attention can be only paid to optimize such critical factors with other factors as some default values according to the experience. Thus, the work load can be reduced greatly.

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Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 457-458)

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663-667

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January 2012

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© 2012 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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