A study on the reaction of Ni and amorphous Si0.68Ge0.32 film on SiO2
is reported. The reaction was performed at 520 degrees C in a conventi
onal furnace. The resulting film was characterized using X-ray photoel
ectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman scattering spectroscopy. Ni induce
d crystallization of SiGe was confirmed by the Raman spectra. XPS resu
lts indicate Ni piled up at or near the interface of the crystallized
SiGe and the SiO2 substrate. The small amount of Ni inside the SiGe la
yer exists in more of a silicide-or germanide-like form. Ni enhanced o
xidation of SiGe was found during the reaction and the oxidized layer
was found to be a mixture of oxides of Si and Ge, with Ge piling up at
the surface.