On the possibility of indirect measurement of the thin carbon films thickness using energy-dispersive analysis

Abstract The article describes theoretical feasibility of a technique for indirect measurement of the thin carbon films thickness using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The method is based on measuring the ratio of the characteristic radiation from the substrate material below the analyzed carbon film and from the material of the additional covering layer. The technique was compared with a well-known method based on measuring the characteristic substrate material radiation. The possibilities and limits of applicability of the energy dispersive spectroscopy for the thickness determination of thin carbon films were qualitatively determined by Monte Carlo numerical simulation method of characteristic x-ray spectra.