In addition to its similarity to genuine diamond film, diamond-like carbon (DLC) film has many advantages, including its wide band gap and variable refractive index. In this study, DLC films were prepared by the RF PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapo...
In addition to its similarity to genuine diamond film, diamond-like carbon (DLC) film has many advantages, including its wide band gap and variable refractive index. In this study, DLC films were prepared by the RF PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) method on silicon substrates using methane $(CH_4)$ and hydrogen $(H_2)$ gas. We examined the effects of the post annealing temperature on the structural variation of the DLC films. The films were annealed at temperatures ranging from 300 to $900^{\circ}C$ in steps of $200^{\circ}C$ using RTA equipment in nitrogen ambient. The thickness of the film and interface between film and substrate were observed by surface profiler, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), respectively. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis showed that DLC films were graphitized ($I_D/I_G$, G-peak position and $sp^2/sp^3$ increased) ratio at higher annealing temperature. The variation of surface as a function of annealing treatment was verified by a AFM and contact angle method.