The Journal of
the Korean Journal of Metals and Materials

The Journal of
the Korean Journal of Metals and Materials

Monthly
  • pISSN : 1738-8228
  • eISSN : 2288-8241

Editorial Office

Title Effects of Nitrogen Partial Pressures During RF Magnetron Sputtering on the Crystal Structure and Growth Rate of c-BN Films
Authors (Sehoon Jeong); (Joonhang Lee); (Kwangmin Lee)
DOI https://doi.org/10.3365/KJMM.2014.52.6.439
Page pp.439-443
ISSN 1738-8228(ISSN), 2288-8241(eISSN)
Keywords Thin films; Sputtering; Crystal Structure; Scanning Electron Microscopy; SEM; Cubic boron nitride; c-BN
Abstract The types of atmospheric gases used in sputtering deposition are crucial in the formation of cubic boron nitride (c-BN) films. c-BN films were deposited on an Si wafer using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering with a B4C target at N2/Ar+N2 ratios of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0. The characteristics of the c BN layer were significantly enhanced at a nitrogen partial pressure ratio of 0.6. The highest growth rate and the lowest surface roughness were observed at this condition. The c-BN phase structure was clearly identified by the binding energy of the B1s and N1s along with X-ray diffraction patterns of the coated layer. These results indicate that the growth rate and crystal structure of the c-BN films are significantly affected under certain atmospheric gas conditions. (Received August 8, 2013)