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One and three bilayers of HfO2(9Å)∕Al2O3(3Å) thin films were grown by atomic layer chemical-vapor deposition on Si(001) substrates whose surfaces were nitrided or oxidized. The films as-grown and postannealed in an ultrahigh vacuum were analyzed by atomic force microscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, and medium energy ion scattering. For the one- and three-bilayer films grown on the nitrided Si substrates, the HfO2 and Al2O3 layers are mixed to form Hf aluminates at temperatures above 600°C. The mixed Hf aluminate layer is partly decomposed into HfO2 and Al2O3 grains and Al2O3 segregates to the surface by postannealing at 900°C. Complete decomposition takes place at 1000°C and the surface is covered with Al2O3. The surfaces are uniform and almost flat up to 900°C but are considerably roughened at 1000°C due to the complete decomposition of the Hf aluminate layer. In contrast, for one- bilayer films stacked on the oxidized Si substrates, Hf silicate layers, including Hf aluminate, are formed by annealing at 600–800°C. At temperatures above 900°C, HfSi2 grows and Al oxide escapes from the surface.

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