Raman spectra of TiN/AlN superlattices

TiN (4.5 nm)/AIN (3, 6, 22 nm) superlattices deposited by DC magnetron sputtering on MgO(001) at a temperature of 850 degreesC exhibit Raman signals. They indicate N and Ti vacancies (as in thick TiN) in TiN1-x layers (x = 3 +/- 2%). x is higher for the sample with 3-nm thick AIN layers, which is ascribed to N diffusion from AIN (standing close to the TiN interfaces) to TiN. In comparison to Raman peaks of thick ALN, there are split signals of wurzite ALN phase, and a signal from another phase, which might be defective rocksalt AIN standing close to the TiN interfaces. The Raman signals clearly show interactions between ALN and TiN layers. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.