Control of porosity in fluoride thin films prepared by vapor deposition

We have measured the porosity in thin films of lithium fluoride (LiF), magnesium fluoride (MgF₂), barium fluoride (BaF₂), and calcium fluoride (CaF₂) as a function of the substrate temperature for films deposited by thermal evaporation onto glass substrates. The amount of porosity in the thin films was measured using an atomic force microscope and a quartz crystal thickness monitor. The porosity was very sensitive to the substrate temperature and decreased as the substrate temperature increased. Consistent behavior was observed among all of the materials in this study.