Characterization of Ultrathin CaF2 Films Heteroepitaxially Grown on Si(111) Surfaces

Abstract
Ultrathin CaF2 films heteroepitaxially grown on Si(111) substrates have been characterized by low-energy electron energy loss spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. The measured specimens were transferred from the growth chamber to an analyzing chamber located at a distant facility without suffering any contamination by use of a newly developed portable vacuum chamber. It has been proved from the measurements that a CaF2 film of good quality grows even from the very initial stage of epitaxy.