Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
SrBi2Ta2O9 has attracted great interest for non-volatile memory applications due to its minimal polarization fatigue. This paper describes systematic studies, using pulsed laser deposition, on the effect of deposition conditions on the Bi-Pt reaction and on the potential for low temperature processing. Changing the deposition temperature (Ts) and oxygen gas pressure during deposition can control the Bi content in the films. At a Ts of 600°C, the films have excess Bi and do not fully crystallize to SBT, resulting in poor remnant polarization (Pr). These films consist mostly of the pyrochlore phase, plus a small amount of disordered, c-oriented layered perovskite SBT. By annealing over 750°C, the films show improved Pr, but further Pt - Bi interactions occur. At a Ts of 700°C, the as-deposited films are fully crystallized and show saturated hysteresis loops. However, Bi deficiency through alloying results in reduced remnant polarization (2Pr = 7.0μC/cm2). Films on Ir/Pt show reduced electrode reactions and improved properties.