Transport and stability studies on high band gap a-Si:H films prepared by argon dilution

Device quality hydrogenated amorphous silicon films (a-Si:H) are deposited at a high deposition rate (4–5 A/s) using a mixture of argon and hydrogen-diluted silane. The films exhibit good opto-electronic properties and show less degradation upon light soaking. Light-induced changes in conductivity could be annealed at much lower temperature. The presence of Ar* and atomic hydrogen in plasma replaces the weak Si-Si bonds, which are responsible for light-induced degradation by strong Si-Si bonds. This results in the improved stability of the films.