Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers deposited at room temperature in 27.12 MHz
radiofrequency methane plasma have been studied. The results of structural
identification and roughness characterization of the DLC films are reporte
d. AFM images and Raman spectra analysis of investigated samples revealed t
hat, in the RF PCVD technique, amorphous hard carbon film are produced. Tra
p levels in DLC films are investigated by using the thermally stimulated cu
rrent (TSC) technique. The open-circuit technique was applied for the drift
mobility measurements. Thermally activated hopping is a predominant mechan
ism of charge carrier transport in the considered range of temperature for
amorphous diamondlike carbon films. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ
ts reserved.