Surface characterization of oxide growth on porous germanium films oxidized in air

A time iterative surface analytical study of as-deposited and chlorinated nanoporous germanium (PGe) films oxidized in Class 1000 cleanroom air at room temperature is reported. Deconvolution of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) Ge 3d core level spectra for as-deposited films showed stable levels of Ge 2O, GeO, and Ge 2O 3 with air exposure duration, while growth of GeO 2 was observed with logarithmic rate dependence, characteristic of low temperature oxide growth on fully dense Ge films. In contrast, chlorinated PGe showed an initially reduced surface and growth of all GeO x phases for up to 10 h of air exposure, after which only GeO 2 was observed to grow with similar kinetics to that observed on the as-deposited films. Deconvolution of the XPS Cl 2p core level spectra showed continual loss of chlorine for up to ∼ 10 h of air exposure after which no ClGe components could be resolved. The results reported herein reveal logarithmic growth of each of the GeO x phases on chlorinated PGe during displacement of chlorine with oxygen. Once chlorine is removed from the surface, the percentages of Ge 2O, GeO, and Ge 2O 3 suboxides remain constant with only GeO 2 growth with further air exposure. These results offer insight into the early stages of oxide growth on porous germanium indicating the formation of a suboxide transition layer onto which GeO 2 grows. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Duke Scholars

Author Nan Marie Jokerst Electrical and Computer Engineering