Grishin I., Kolosov O.V.
Lancaster University, UK
Keywords: BEXP, Ion Beam, phase-change materials, SPM, ultrasonic force microscopy
DC magnetron sputter-deposited Ge-Sb-Te and Ge-Te based phase change thin films were investigated via a variety of Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques. Micron and sub-micron crystalline and amorphous bit patterns were induced with laser heating and conductive probe microscopy. Due to the probe-sample surface contact constriction a novel Beam Exit X-Section Polishing Technique, or BEXP, was implemented to produce atomically flat sections of the different phase films in order to enable sub-surface, or 3D, profiling and property mapping of these bits. A PMMA Ion Beam masking concept allowed for 2-5 nm in-depth resolution to be achieved for the studied films. The geometric arrangement of the processed sample surface and section prevents any damage to be dealt to the bits, thus allowing for simultaneous surface and sub-surface investigation of the same area. Results on local nanomechanical elasticity and morphology are provided by sub-sequent Ultrasonic Force Microscopy (UFM) imaging.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2012: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites (Volume 1)
Published: June 18, 2012
Pages: 75 - 78
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 978-1-4665-6274-5