Network of Conductive Clusters in Copper-doped Diamond-like Carbon

Modification of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) properties by the introduction of copper nanoclusters is reported. Evidence is presented for the existence of various kinds of copper-based clusters in a DLC matrix. Clusters are shown to form a network. Their structure, size and size-distribution function are discussed. Their properties are discussed in the frame of the fluctuation theory of clusters nucleation.