Depth Profiling of Molybdenum Thin Films Using Grazing Incidence X-Ray Scattering

Abstract

ABSTRACTIt is important that inherent strains (or stresses) be controlled during thin film processing. This study used grazing incidence x-ray scattering (G1XS) to determine the strain gradient present in a ∼1700 Å sputtered molybdenum thin film. In particular, the gradient in the hydrostatic strain was Measured. This observation corresponded to assessing the average change in the lattice parameter as a function of depth throughout the thickness of the film. In addition, the strain ellipsoids, which represent the state of strain in three dimensions, were calculated as a function of film depth. It was shown that the strain varied throughout the ∼1700 Å Mo film thickness and that the principal strains were anisotropic, with one principal strain much larger than the others in Magnitude.