Microstructure Analysis of Agglomerated Epitaxial Columns of Si/PtSi/Si(111) Double Heterostructure

Abstract

ABSTRACTMicro structures and interface structures of epitaxially grown PtSi and over-capping Si films on Si(111) substrates prepared by MBE were studied by RHEED, HREM, SEM and XRD. An epitaxially grown Si layer on the PtSi layer, which was fabricated by coevaporation of Pt and Si with the stoichiometric ratio (Pt/Si=l/1), was obtained as a Si(111)/PtSi(010)/Si(111) double heterostructure at the substrate temperature of 400°C. On the other hand, it was found that the PtSi layer transformed into epitaxial columns and/or walls when a Si over-capping layer was grown on the PtSi layer at a substrate temperature of 600°C or higher. These columns and/or walls were surrounded by a Si matrix which showed epitaxial relations to the Si substrate with stacking faults.