THIN AG FILMS - INFLUENCE OF SUBSTRATE AND POSTDEPOSITION TREATMENT ON MORPHOLOGY AND OPTICAL-PROPERTIES

In an effort to understand the experimental parameters that influence thin metal film morphology and optical characteristics, thin Ag films are examined with a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical absorption, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The morphology of 5 nm of Ag vapor deposited onto glass, derivatized glass, Formvar-coated glass, and mica is explored. The substrate is found to have a large effect on both Ag film surface morphology and optical properties. In addition, micrographs of a Ag film before and after exposure to solvent suggest solvent-induced morphological changes.