Similarities Between Crystalline Silicon Surfaces and Amorphous Silicon Films

Abstract

The atomic structure of crystalline silicon surfaces and amorphous silicon films deviates markedly from the tetrahedral symmetry found in the bulk diamond lattice structure. Consequently, strained bonds, distorted bond angles and unsaturated bonds are present which lead to characteristic features in the electronic density of states and relate to specific interactions with hydrogen. Similar properties found for the two systems are outlined. Correlated research may help to answer still existing open questions.