Abstract :
By observing XRD profiles, the evolution of the crystallographic orientation of silver thin films was monitored. Sputtering
process conditions such as working pressure, deposition power and substrate temperature significantly influenced the relative
fraction of the grains with (1 1 1) orientation (lowest energy plane in FCC structure). Sputtering conditions for higher adatom
mobility such as moderate range of sputtering pressure (0.14–0.71 Pa) and higher deposition power resulted in more (1 1 1)-
preferred orientation. The Ag thin films deposited under those conditions showed lower resistivity, higher film density, and optical
reflectance. These phenomena were explained from the change of adatommobility with varied process parameters. Higher adatom
mobility could be obtained under moderate range of sputtering pressure and higher sputtering power. Higher adatom mobility
promoted the growth of (1 1 1)-oriented grains at the expense of other grains, and resulted in higher film density and improved
electrical and optical film properties.
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