Variation in optical-absorption edge in SiN _x layers with silicon clusters

Abstract

Using optical methods, data on optical constants are obtained for silicon nitride films synthesized by plasma-chemical vapor deposition (PCVD). Models for calculating the permittivity in the model of inhomogeneous phase mixture of silicon and silicon nitride are considered. It is found that the optical-absorption edge (E _g) and the photoluminescence peak shift to longer wavelengths with increasing nitrogen atomic fraction x in sin _x films. When x approaches the value 4/3 characteristic for stoichiometric silicon nitride Si₃N₄, a nonlinear sharp increase in E _g is observed. Using Raman scattering, Si-Si bonds are revealed, which confirms the direct formation of silicon clusters during the film deposition. The relation between the composition of nonstoichiometric silicon nitride films, values of permittivity, and the optical-band width is established for light transmission.