Texture prediction of Bi2Te3 electroplated layers using Hartman's theory of crystal growth

Abstract

An experimental study of electroplated thin films of bismuth telluride, R3m crystal structure, shows that fibre textures are observed during the growth of the layers. Several orientations 〈00.1〉, 〈10.10〉, 〈11.0〉, 〈10.4〉, 〈10.8〉, 〈01.5〉 and 〈10.0〉 are developed during the deposition process, then reach a final orientation. Hartman's theory of crystal growth based on the periodic bond chain (PBC) in a crystal lattice is usually applied. This explains the equilibrium shape of a crystal defined by F faces and the faces observed during the growth (S and K faces). It also successfully predicts the orientations observed in bismuth telluride from the beginning to the end of the layer deposition. The theory may also be applied to other deposition processes.