Communication: The use of lead beta-diketonates as precursors in the C
VD of many ferroelectric, pyroelectric, and superconducting oxide film
s is attracting increasing interest. This paper reports on the vapor p
ressures, decomposition characteristics, and possible reaction mechani
sms for a number of such lead complexes, and investigates their use fo
r the CVD of lead oxide films. The Figure shows an SEM of a PbO film f
rom one of the precursors.