Critical parameters of percolation in metal-dielectric diamond-like composites of atomic scale

The stabilized atomic scale composites 'diamond-like carbon-metal' are virtually ideal metal-dielectric percolating systems. The metals may be introduced in the diamond-like dielectric during its growth in a combined plasma and molecular beam deposition process. The maximum metal concentration and temperature limiting the composite stability depend on the atom radius and metal-matrix interaction. The percolation threshold in ([Cr, Fe, Ni]-C) composites corresponds to the theoretical value X(c) = 0.25 with critical exponent t = 1.44, while in (W-C), (Hf-C), (Nb-C) composites the critical parameters of percolation are X(c) = 0.10, 1.25 less than or equal to t less than or equal to 2.0. A possible reason for this giant shift of percolation threshold is a self-organized redistribution of relatively large metallic atoms. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.