In2O3 deposited by reactive evaporation of indium in oxygen atmosphere — influence of post-annealing treatment on optical and electrical properties

Transparent and conductive indium oxide films have been obtained by reactive evaporation of indium in partial oxygen pressure. The oxygen partial pressure, the substrate temperature and the deposition rate have been used as variable parameters. Post-deposition annealing treatment in air or argon ambient have also been used. During the deposition process, different mechanisms with opposite effects are in competition. Thus, oxygen vacancy density which is proportional to the carrier density decreases when the oxygen partial pressure increases, while the crystalline quality of the films improve. Therefore, an experimental domain can be defined where the films have more or less similar properties: a transmittance higher than 90% and a conductivity of 10+3–3×10+3(Ω cm)−1.