Spatial distribution of electrical properties for Al-doped ZnO films deposited by dc magnetron sputtering using various inert gases

Spatial distribution of electrical properties of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films deposited by magnetron sputtering was investigated. To adjust the intensity of bombardment by high-energy particles, the AZO films were deposited using Ar, Kr, or Xe gas with varying plasma impedance. The spatial distribution of the electrical properties clearly depends on the sputtering gas. In the case of using Kr or Xe, the resistivity of the films in front of the target center and erosion areas was significantly enhanced, in contrast with Ar. This was attributed to an enhancement in bombardment damage due to the increased sputtering voltages required for Kr or Xe discharges. The increase in plasma impedance was due to the smaller coefficients for secondary-electron emission of the target surface by Kr or Xe impingements, which leads to the larger sputtering voltage.