The Effect of a Second Component on Thin Film Structure Development

Morphological and structural development of thin films is an open question since their production. The actuality of this question is owing to the broad application spectrum of thin film coatings and devices, utilizing newer and newer film/material properties. For reproducibly achieving one or another functional property the film structure should be controlled very thoroughly. Due to the fact, that film formation processes are taking place mainly on the growth surface, very small amount of uncontrolled additives (contaminants) or uncontrolled or unknown processes can result in failure to produce the desired properties or lifetime of functional thin films.