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Abstract
The near-surface region in perovskite bulk crystals is known to be subject to segregation processes at elevated temperatures which can lead to the formation of non-perovskite phases. We have addressed the question whether analogue phenomena may occur in thin films. Thin films of BaTiO3 prepared by different methods (PLD, CSD) and heat-treated in the temperature range of 700°C-1000°C are characterised by surface analytical methods and microanalysis (AFM, SIMS, XPS). Our studies reveals dramatic changes in the surface morphology and in-depth elemental distribution suggesting a chemical restructuring comparable to the effects known for single crystalline BaTiO3. Possible driving forces for the observed segregation phenomena are discussed taking into account specific properties of the thin films.