The proprties of amorphous Si
xC
yF
z alloy thin films are studied, which are prepared by reactive rf sputtering of silicon in CF
4 generally used in plasma etching processes, and by co-sputtering of silicon and carbon in CF
4.
As a function of the sputtering partial pressure of CF
4, and the fractional area of carbon for co-sputtering, optical absorption coefficient, IR transmission spectra and the composition of the films are measured.
The vibrating mode of chemical bond of CF
2 and C
2F
6 are dominant for relatively lower value of CF
4 gas pressure. SiC stretching mode becomes predominantly for higher value of CF
4 gas pressure and with increasing the fractional area of carbon for co-sputtering.
The optical gap and the content of carbon and fluorine are increased with increasing CF
4 gas pressure. The composition of the films can be controlled using co-sputtering and changing CF
4 gas pressure.
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