Abstract
The activation energy of (Co, Mo, W)-containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with different metal concentrations was investigated. The films were deposited onto silicon substrates by radio frequency discharged methane plasma and a co-sputtering of the metal target. The structure of the films was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and using a transmission electron microscope. The results indicated that crystalline metal clusters are dispersed in amorphous carbon insulating matrix, and hence the metal-containing DLC films investigated can be classified as granular films. The temperature dependence of the resistance was also measured. From the temperature dependence, the activation energy was calculated numerically using σ = σ0exp(- E / kT). The calculated activation energy rapidly decreases as the metal concentration increases. This is because of the increase in the average size of the metal clusters. A detailed discussion is presented in terms of the radius of the metal clusters inside the films.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1669-1673 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Diamond and Related Materials |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 7-10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 Jul |
Keywords
- Activation energy
- DLC
- Metal
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Chemistry(all)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Chemistry
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering