The properties of pulsed laser deposited YH2 films for switchable devices

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 356-357; pp. 536 - 540
• Main Authors: Lokhorst, A.C., Heijna, M.C.R., Rector, J.H., Giebels, I.A.M.E., Koeman, N.J, Dam, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 11-08-2003
• Subjects: Light absorption and reflection; Thin films; Vapour deposition; Thin films; Vapour deposition; Light absorption and reflection
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-8388(03)00118-X

In-situ deposited YH2 films ranging from epitaxial to nanocrystalline were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). PLD has the advantage that the yttrium target acts as a hydrogen source. Comparing the switching behavior to that of MBE-grown, ex-situ loaded films, the PLD-films show a reduced optical and electrical contrast in switching, which is probably due to the formation of Y(OH)3. On the other hand, we found that in the nanocrystalline PLD-films the hysteresis in switching is absent. Moreover, these films have a smoother surface morphology. Both effects are important for the implementation of switchable rare earth hydride films in all-solid-state devices.