A Comparative Study of Iron-Based Film Deposition from Iron Pentacarbonyl at 248 nm and 488 nm

Thin film deposition by laser irradiation of Fe(CO) 5 at two radiation wavelengths (248 nm and 488 nm) was performed. A perpendicular geometry of irradiation was used. Maximum deposition rates of 14 A/s at λ = 248 nm and 1.5 A/s at λ = 488 nm were obtained, indicating a diffusion limited process. SEM analysis of film morphologies showed significant differencies in the nucleation and growth of films deposited at 248 nm and 488 nm. XPS surface analysis revealed a higher carbon content and carbidic phases in the surface of films deposited at 488 nm on SiO 2 (quartz) substrates. Oxidized surface Fe phases were found in films, with increasing the exposure time to laser radiation. The film properties are discussed in connection with irradiation conditions and specific mechanisms involved.