An XPS method for layer profiling of NbN thin films

Abstract

Layer chemical and phase profiling of niobium nitride thin films on a silicon substrate oxidized on air was performed with the help of a method designed by us. The method includes: a new method of background subtraction of multiple inelastically scattered photoelectrons considering depth inhomogeneity of electron inelastic scattering; a new method of photoelectron line decomposition into component peaks considering physical nature of different decomposition parameters; joint solution of the background subtraction and photoelectron line decomposition problems; control of line decomposition accuracy with the help of a suggested performance criterion; calculation of layer thicknesses for a multilayer target using a simple formula.