Neural network based modeling of PL intensity in PLD-grown ZnO thin films

The process modeling of ZnO thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was investigated using neural networks based on radial basis function networks (RBFN) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). Two input factors were examined with respect to the response factor, photoluminescence (PL), which is one of the main factors to determine the optical characteristic of the structure. In order to minimize the joint confidence region of fabrication process with varying the conditions, D-optimal experimental design technique was performed and PL intensity was characterized by neural networks. The statistical results were then used to verify the fitness of the nonlinear process model. Based on the results, this modeling methodology can optimize the process conditions for semiconductor manufacturing.