While Al2O3 has 3 gm/cc and Tin oxide has 7 gm/cc measured on as low as 8nm films on same substrate, so how a rarer material can provide seeding to a denser material? As it seems that in rarer (atomic density of SnO2 is ~1.57 times to Al2O3) material, atoms are far away and would hamper growth of denser material. Both films are amorphous and it seems that 8nm can grow dense so interface should also be better in denser thin film.
Dear Saurabh Gupta
Using ALD-Al2O3 as a seeding layer for tin oxide deposition by thermal Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) on a substrate involves a nuanced understanding of material properties and interface dynamics.
While it may seem counterintuitive that a rarer material like ALD-Al2O3 can effectively seed the deposition of a denser material like tin oxide, the process is more complex than just atomic density.
The key lies in the surface energy and reactivity of the ALD-Al2O3 layer. Despite its lower atomic density compared to tin oxide, ALD-Al2O3 can provide a favorable surface for nucleation and initial growth of tin oxide due to its high surface energy and reactivity.
Additionally, the atomic arrangement and bonding configuration on the surface of ALD-Al2O3 can facilitate the nucleation and growth of tin oxide atoms in a controlled manner, leading to a well-defined interface between the two materials.
While the atomic density difference between the two materials may initially raise concerns about the effectiveness of ALD-Al2O3 as a seeding layer, the overall surface properties and reactivity play a more significant role in determining the success of the deposition process.
In conclusion, the use of ALD-Al2O3 as a seeding layer for tin oxide deposition is a sophisticated engineering strategy that leverages surface energy, reactivity, and bonding configurations to achieve controlled growth and interface quality, despite the atomic density differences between the two materials.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Physical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Materials
- Inorganic Materials
- Ceramics
- Glass