Ferroelectric PbZrxTi1-xO3 (PZT) thin films have been deposited on Pt-
coated Si substrates by using r.f. magnetron sputtering. The optimized
processing condition to obtain proper stoichiometric PZT, the desired
ferroelectric perovskite phase, and better dielectric properties was
demonstrated using a PZT target with Pb/(Zr + Ti) ratio of 1.2 and di
positing at 350 degrees C, followed bq thermal treatment at 620 degree
s C for 30 min. The structural and electrical properties of the PZT la
yer were further improved by fabricating a novel multilayer structure
which combined the PZT with the nanolayer BaTiO3. The leakage current
density was reduced front 2 x 10(-7) A cm(-2) for the single layer str
ucture to 2 x 10(-9) A cm(-2) for the multilayer structure at a field
of 4 x 10(5) V cm(-1), while maintaining the high relative effective d
ielectric constant of 442. The relative dielectric constant of the PZT
film in the multilayer structure was calculated to be about 880. (C)
1997 Elsevier Science S.A.