Scanning probe oxidation lithography on Ta thin films

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2008 Nov;8(11):5640-5.

Abstract

A Semi-Contact Scanning Probe Lithography Technique (SC-SPL) has been applied to create nano-oxide patterns on Ta thin films grown by DC magnetron sputtering method on SiO2/Si substrates. The height and linewidth profiles of nano-oxide lines created by a conductive AFM tip on Ta film surfaces were measured as a function of applied voltage, oxidation time, humidity, and tip apex curvature. The AFM surface measurements show that the height of the oxides increases linearly with increasing voltage; but there was no oxide growth, when less than 4 V was applied even at 85% relative humidity. Electrical measurements were performed and the resistivities of the TaOx layer and Ta film were obtained as 5.76 x 10(8) and 1.4 x 10(-5) Ohm-cm, respectively.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Hot Temperature
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Microscopy, Scanning Probe / methods*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Tantalum / chemistry*

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Tantalum