Effect of annealing temperature on microstructure of chemically deposited calcium modified lead titanate thin films

Thin ferroelectric films of calcium modified lead titanate Pb1-xCaxTiO3(PCT) have been prepared by chemical deposition process. The as deposited amorphous films were thermally treated for crystallization and formation of perovskite structure. Characterization of these films by X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been carried out for various amounts of calcium (Ca)-doping (0.20, 0.24, and 0.28) on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated coming glass substrates. For a better understanding of the crystallization mechanism, the investigations were carried out at various annealing temperatures (450, 550, and 650 degreesC). Characterization of these films by XRD shows that the films exhibit tetragonal phase with perovskite structure. Atomic force microscope images (AFM) are characterized by slight surface roughness with a uniform crack-free, densely-packed structure. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) of the as deposited film and annealed thin films (x = 0.24) at 650 degreesC on silicon (Si) substrates were taken to get more information about the film formation. Dielectric studies of the films were carried out and reported. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.