Observation of amorphous silicon regions in silicon-rich silicon dioxide films

Raman scattering and optical transmission measurements have been made on chemically vapor-deposited Si-rich SiO2 films. The measurements show segregated regions of amorphous silicon in the as-deposited films. Annealing the films at 1150°C completely crystallizes the amorphous silicon. Annealing at lower temperatures produces films with both amorphous and crystalline regions.